August 30th, 2009 by 
Writer
Obesity and overweight has emerged as a major global health hazard. It has been found that people who are generally overweight are prone to such health problems as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart problems. Overweight and obesity is due to high calorie intake and low physical activity.
The problem of overweight as a general health problem is found in affluent developed countries and amongst the affluent class in the developing countries. The problem of overweight and obesity strike the not so affluent and poorer sections in the richer countries. It is now well recognized that the changed affluent lifestyle is the major cause of obesity. The food that is consumed and the low physical activity are the major culprits.
There has been a major change in the food that is available and consumed as part of the urban life style. Processed food is fast replacing fresh food. The processed food is cheaper, easily available and easy to prepare. They suit the hectic urban life. The low-cost food, often called junk food, is low in nutritional value. They have a high sugar and fat content besides additives. The poorer section in the richer nations has to resort to eating this low-cost food. Therefore, obesity in the richer nations is an indicator of wealth with good nutrition and less physical activity as well as poverty with bad nutrition. In the case of poorer countries obesity is associated with wealth with good nutrition and less physical activity. Obesity can also be due to eating disorder.
Increasing number of obese population has also led to the expanding market for weight loss program. The market is abuzz with newer and newer products and programs guaranteeing effective weight loss. But all this can be quite confusing to someone on the look out for effective weight loss program. It will help if you are able to assess the cause of your problem, may be from a specialist, and about the weight loss products and programs. The World Wide Web is indeed a major source for information. There are many books that give you information both on the weight loss programs as well as on the problems of obesity as Lose Your Belly Fat, GI Diet and HCG Diet Guide.
But in the long term it is necessary to make changes to the lifestyle. People are becoming more health conscious. Already the market for organically cultivated food is increasing. The ill effects of fast food are well known. Consumer tastes are swinging towards more nutritious food.
