"Weight gain in the American population seems to be virtually explained by eating more calories ... Changes in physical activity played a minimal role," said Boyd Swinburn, director of the World Health Organization.
Researchers calculated the actual number of calories needed every day by tracking 1,400 adults and 960 children. Then they calculated the number of calories Americans actually ate between the years 1970 and 2000, based on the amount of food produced annually, the amount thrown away, and the amount used by animals.
By comparing the figures, the researchers then predicted that adults would be 23.8 pounds heavier in 2000 than they were in 1970. The actual number was 19.6 pounds, which was close to the estimate.
The researchers explained that modern American adults would have to cut 500 calories a day, or exercise moderately for 110 minutes a day, to weigh what they did 30 years ago. For children, the statistics translate to a decrease of 350 calories per day and an increase of 150 minutes of moderate daily exercise.
As summertime approaches, children who are having trouble following a healthy diet or getting adequate amounts of exercise may benefit from participating in a science-based, professionally supervised weight-loss summer camp.
Labels: overeating, obesity_rates, exercise
Posted By: Aspen/CRC
