According to July 2010, more than half of the Spanish population is overweight. The problem is most severe in Mexico, with 70%.
According to a survey by the FEC (Spanish Heart Foundation), in July 2010, around 52% of the Spanish population are overweight, of which 37% heavier than desirable, and around 15% morbid obesity. Contrary to what might be expected, this figure is higher than that of northern European neighbors. The famous “Mediterranean diet” is no guarantee of anything, as long hours at work predispose to fast food and sedentary lifestyle.
Miracle slimming products
A study published on July 14, 2010 by the International Congress on Obesity, held in Stockholm has shown that the products sold in pharmacies and stores fitness not exceed in effectiveness to placebo. products such as L-carnitine, sodium alginate, or herbal extracts, Which are available have no effect on fat loss, according to a study by Thomas Ellrot, director of the Institute of Nutrition, University of Gottingen.
Of pharmaceutical products whose effects have indeed been tested, only one, “Orlistat”Continues to be distributed, since the active ingredients used to date have had to be removed for serious side effects. According to Dr. Leticia Martinez,”the use of certain drugs can trigger cardiac disorders and hormonal alterations, which impair the quality of life and sometimes can be fatal”.
Obesity, a serious problem in Latin America
If the problem is severe in Europe and now have jumped to the front pages of data, a study conducted in Mexico found that up to 70% of people studied were above the expected weight for their age and height. The main risk to the population is suffering short-term diabetes and hypertension. It continues the study, the perception of people with “a few extra kilos” is not negative, and only practiced diets and medical checks for cosmetic purposes in the short term. According to the specialist, “we must change our concept of what is proper nutrition, as they still think it is a question of quantity and not quality”.
Healthy eating and exercise, the only solution for overweight
Despite the efforts of the pharmaceutical industry, has not found any to achieve weight loss pill. Both creams, strips gears, such as homeopathy, are, at best, unnecessary costs. The only weight loss that works is slowly coming as a result of changes in eating habits and abandonment of inactivity. Experts recommend light exercise, increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and grains and decrease dairy, meat and dairy fats. The opposite of that to what drives modern life. “We can speak of the greatest public health problem of the XXI century, “Said Celia Vera, specialized sports nutritionist.