More than 35 percent of women and more than 33 percent of men in the United States weigh enough to be considered obese, according to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics. These numbers show why weight control is such an important issue in this country.

And those numbers are just for obesity. They don’t take into account the large number of U.S. residents that, while not obese, are significantly overweight.

Weighing too much – or even, weighing too little – can lead to serious health problems. Some of the diseases caused or worsened by weighing too much include coronary heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, several cancers and high blood pressure.

And that’s just the beginning. People who don’t maintain proper weight control are also at increased risk for strokes, liver and gallbladder diseases, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and, even, infertility.

These problems are often magnified after people reach the age of 45, when it becomes more difficult than ever to drop unwanted pounds. Many older U.S. residents struggle mightily with weight control.

There is hope, though. There are no secrets or fad diets that can help you control your weight. Instead, the key lies in the common sense approach: You need to eat healthy foods and remain physically active.

People gain weight when they take in too many more calories than they burn off through physical activity. People who eat a diet high in fast foods, fatty snacks and sugary sweets while living a largely sedentary lifestyle have a far more difficult time controlling their weight.

The best way to begin a weight control plan is to first visit your doctor. Your doctor can explain the fundamentals of exercise plans and healthy eating.
You should ask your doctor some important questions. First, ask your medical provider what a healthy weight would be for you. Secondly, ask your doctor for his or her recommendations for best achieving this weight.

Your doctor can create a weight control plan that, if you stick to it, will show significant results.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for losing weight and building muscle. Both of these take time. The good news, though, is that no matter your age, it’s never too late to begin living a healthier lifestyle.

Commit to a weight control plan today. It will have a positive impact on the rest of your life. You’ll feel better, and the odds are good you’ll live a longer and more enjoyable life.