Fad Diets

January 20, 2009

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Profile America — Tuesday, January 20th. A lot of attention is being focused on dieting this month, probably as a result of all the tempting goodies that surrounded us during the holidays. The thrust of many of these observances is to promote a healthy lifestyle. But today is a little different — it’s “Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day,” concentrating on the down side of the desire to lose weight — diet products that defraud, disable and even cause death. About a third of adults in the U.S. maintain a healthy weight. Another third are carrying around some extra pounds. But more ominous is the fact that almost one-third are clinically obese and at risk for diabetes and heart problems. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 93
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 199
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008/2008edition.html