Back when I was a health insurance underwriter in the mid-1980s, the adult obesity rate in this country was 10 percent (according to the CDC). Some states had rates as high as 14 percent, but the average was about 10.   

Now? 

We’re looking at nearly 40 PERCENT of adults, and about one out of five children!

It’s time we started asking ourselves what in the world is going on!

First let’s start with…

The obvious

It’s no surprise that our lifestyles as compared to even a few decades ago are much more sedentary.  Video games, 500 channels on TV and computers have replaced the physical activity (such as yard games and walks) that we used to engage in.

Our food has changed too!  Processed foods (such as canned vegetables) were originally a way to ensure that nutritious food was available to people in remote areas. 

Now we are bombarded with tens of thousands of varieties of “stuff-in-a-box” that are nutrient-poor, calorie-rich and loaded with chemicals to make them not only taste good, but also make them downright addictive.

Let’s not forget fast food either.  Similar comments can be made about fast food, and heaven knows there is a McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks or Dunkin on practically every street corner in America.

Additional developments

Additional research on the obesity epidemic has also shown connections between obesity and your digestive system. 

For example, people who are obese have a different balance of gut bacteria (specifically the Bifidobacterium species) in their microbiome than thin people do.

In addition, inflammation in your gut can impair your body’s ability to properly break down food and absorb nutrients, which in turn can cause repeated feelings of hunger, overeating and weight gain.

And even food sensitivities can play a role!

When people eat foods that their bodies are sensitive to, that can create a tremendous amount of inflammation in the gut. 

A new emerging factor

A recent study published on November 1st in the journal Gut found that babies who were prescribed antibiotics before age two were more likely to become obese children.

And of course, obese children frequently grow up into obese adults!

While it might seem odd that antibiotics are tied to obesity, it really isn’t.

It’s a well-known fact that antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome, killing off friendly microbes as well as harmful bacteria. And as we saw above, changes in gut bacteria can most assuredly impair digestion and nutrient absorption, and trigger overeating.

But here’s another thing many people don’t realize.

Even if you don’t take antibiotics for an infection, you’re still getting them in your FOOD. 

As a matter of fact, agriculture accounts for about 80 percent of all antibiotics used in the US!  Over 32 million pounds of antibiotics are administered to livestock in the US every year for purposes other than treating disease!

Antibiotics are given to cows to make them grow bigger, faster.  Well, who is to say they don’t have the same effect on humans?

And even if they aren’t directly responsible for massive increases in our girth, they’re still messing up our gut microbiomes.

Help fight and prevent obesity

If you are dealing with obesity, or even if your weight is creeping up and you want to stop it, it’s important to look at the possible factors behind the obesity “explosion” and counteract them as much as you can.

Here are 4 strategies that can help make a difference for you:

Take a full-spectrum probiotic supplement

Clearly, having healthy gut bacteria is where it’s at for SO many reasons, and you can add helping to fight obesity on to the list.

That's why supplementation with a full-spectrum multi-strain probiotic formula that includes Bifidobacterium like Super Shield is such a good idea for so many people.

In addition to populating your microbiome with potent, helpful probiotic strains, Super Shield also encourages regular BMs and proper nutrient absorption, which are also both important to weight loss!

And of course, let’s not forget that Super Shield also helps support strong immune function, which will make it less likely that you will need harmful antibiotics!

Avoid processed/fast foods and refined carbs

Not only do processed/fast foods and refined carbs pack the pounds on you, but they also create inflammation in your gut which is an emerging factor behind obesity.

Stick to wholesome real foods as much as possible.  If you find you can’t do a complete 180 all at once, make small changes over time.  Every little bit counts.

The better nourished you are, the less likely you will be to crave the bad stuff or snack and overeat.

And if you want to make sure all your nutrient bases are covered, a top-notch multi-vitamin and mineral formula like Super Core can help pinch-hit where you need it.

Super Core’s complete blend of essential vitamins and minerals helps make sure your body has what it needs to support optimal health. 

Plus its additional natural anti-inflammatories can help counteract any inflammation you may be battling, and its natural antioxidants will help in the fight against disease-causing free radicals!

Work up a sweat

It’s no coincidence that our decreases in physical activity directly correlate with increases in our backsides.

In addition to burning calories, exercise also reduces stress, helps reduce inflammation and even helps enhance your digestion!

All of which counteract obesity!

Get your doctor’s OK and get moving NOW.  Even walking around your neighborhood counts! 

Reduce gut inflammation

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are Nature’s perfect anti-inflammatory…and they are one of the most common deficiencies we face.  Our food supply does not provide the naturally occurring Omega-3s that it used to. 

But supplementing with a fish oil formula like VitalMega-3 can help ensure your body has enough of these precious nutrients.

Note that fish oil is also very helpful for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, which frequently accompany obesity!

Put these strategies to good use to help prevent obesity, and get a handle on your weight before it’s too late!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

PS:  Our newest product—Optimal Turmeric Blend—will be coming soon!  We expect it will be available by Christmas time!