The prevalence of  obesity among Americans is high.  According to a study conducted by American Medical Association from 1999 to 2008, more than 30% of both men and women in the United States are suffering from the direct and indirect consequences of obesity. In fact, so many have already developed hypertension  and diabetes because of this condition.

In another study conducted by the aforementioned  association, they have also noted that obesity is positively associated with excess mortality due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Obesity is now considered a disease suffered by so many people.  This may be a result of slow metabolism, overeating, less or no physical activity, and sedentary lifestyle.  In majority of cases, many just accept obesity as a fact of life when in fact, like most of the diseases, obesity can be cured.  It can be eliminated.

If you are obese and you are battling to overcome those extra pounds, you may want to have some lifestyle modifications to stop that somewhat endless trend of gaining weight. I'm sure you have already tried using zero calorie sodas or zero-fat ice creams. Maybe you have already tried those products that say "Lose 30kg in 30days!"

If you think your fat will just go away by eating this and trying that, then think again.  That stubborn fat will not just say goodbye to you with any fad diet.  There is no magic involved in bringing down the reading in your weighing scale!

Luckily, there is safe yet effective way of getting those fats off your  body.  The road to recovery from obesity may sometime be a little frustrating. It may sometimes be tedious. But if it means having a healthier, lighter you,  will you not give it a try?

And so, here are the steps:

1. Stop munching and nibbling all those junks!  Every day, you should have three major meals, not one continuous meal that never stops day in and day out!  To help yourself from getting off from this food addiction, why not start by eating a healthy, delicious and very satisfying breakfast that can get you on the go until lunchtime?  Coffee is not enough. 

Take some time to prepare your first meal of the day.  Getting hungry before lunch?  Grab a healthy snack such as fruits, grains or nuts.  Remember, junks such as potato chips, french fries and soda can only give you empty calories, which if not metabolized to energy will only  be converted to fats, fats and more fats!

2. Consult your doctor. If you are more than 50 pounds overweight, never start a diet plan all by yourself.  In a study conducted in  John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center last June 2003, the experts noted that rapid weight reduction is strongly associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver, a condition by which liver becomes overly deposited with fat due to increased fatty acids in the blood stream, which in turn is predecessor of liver cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease which causes destruction of the liver cells.

Asking an expert is very much needed for you to avoid developing fatty liver while having your weight loss program. In fact, your doctor can also give you the best programs to help you get started. This way, you can have gradual and healthy reduction of your weight.

3.  Find a good psychologist or counsellor who can help you win the battle against your overeating disorder.  If you just can't resist the temptation of going to your kitchen to eat every now and then especially when you are depressed or stressed, chances are you having some behavioural problems.

Getting conscious about the reasons why you keep on putting your hand into you potato chip bag is the start of better self control when it comes to your food intake. And once you  have a better control of your appetite,  you are one step ahead in your journey to weight reduction and recovery.

Changing your lifestyle and having more self-discipline is the best method of fighting obesity.  It is not just a diet plan.  It is about creating a better and healthier habit.  Never, ever, accept the fact that you will be overly obese for the rest of your life.  You deserve to have a better you.  Start eliminating obesity now and say goodbye to it for the rest of your life.