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The Problem of Obesity

Obesity has been referred to as a dangerous epidemic and one of the most important public health challenges of the 21st century. The sharp increase in obesity has contributed to increases in related conditions, causing a sizeable economic cost burden for health providers and funding agencies. The 2002 estimated U.S. cost burden for obesity was $92.6 billion (Finkelstein, Fiebelkorn, & Wang, 2003).

It has been shown that marketplace food portions have increased in size since the 1970’s(Young & Nestle, 2002). People have been eating out more (K. Ball, Brown, & Crawford, 2002), food industry marketing has increased, and larger numbers of new products are being introduced (Gallo, 1990). Most Americans are sedentary. Technological advances have led to an increase in use of computers, cars, elevators, and televisions, with subsequent decreases in athletic activities including walking and bicycling.

Obese people also face discrimination resulting in external consequences. A recent review of the literature found evidence of obesity discrimination at every stage of the employment cycle (Roehling, 1999). Negative attitudes regarding obesity are widespread, socially acceptable, and develop as early as three years of age (Falkner et al., 1999; Puhl & Brownell, 2003a).

Well controlled, comprehensive weight loss programs often achieve substantial weight loss results with low rates of attrition. However weight maintenance has been a significant problem in the literature. Typically, half the weight lost is regained in the first year following treatment, and by 3-5 years posttreatment, 80% of patients have returned to or exceeded their pretreatment weight (Perri, 1998; Wadden et al., 1989; Wing, 1998).

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