We've never seen anything like this before. We are facing an epidemic that is far greater than any virus ever discovered. And the worst part is that is an epidemic we are facing by choice. If you haven't read the statistics, here they are: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 65 percent of American adults are overweight or obese. Sixty Five percent!

From 1980 to 2002, obesity has doubled in adults and overweight prevalence has tripled in children and adolescents, according to some studies. Look around, you will see obese people practically everywhere. And what is important to understand is that for the most part, obesity is something we do to ourselves. It is not a virus we get when our defenses are low. We become obese by adding one pound at a time!

When I traveled to Spain a few months ago, I was startled to find that obesity was not an issue in the old continent! Yes, you will see many overweight people, but very few are obese. I found the same to be true in other countries, like Argentina and Mexico. That got me thinking, how is it possible that in one country there are so many obese people and in another, so few? Evidently, there has to be a cultural reason.

So I came up with what I think are the top five reasons most of the US population is overweight:

1- Our diet has changed. For the worse, that is. In the early 1980's there were few fast food places. During the last twenty years, fast food has become so commonplace that they are now found practically everywhere! Even though we know that is the worst food we could ever eat, we still eat it. (Have you seen the movie "Supersize Me"?)

Also, most of the food we eat is processed. And most nutrients are lost when the food is processed and cooked. Make it a habit to eat at least a big salad with every meal.

2- We don't exercise. We don't even walk! We drive to the store, even if it's just around the corner (and I've been guilty of this). In all other countries in the world people walk every day. Can you commit yourself to exercise more, starting this week?

3- Our kids watch more TV and play more computer games than ever before. Remember when kids used to play outside with their friends? Most likely our kids will not remember that!

4- We snack on the wrong food. Veggies are out, potato chips are in. Look at any vending machine. Do you see anything healthy at all? I didn't think so. I remember when I was a kid, my mother would give me a banana or an apple for a snack.

5- We don't drink water! We drink sodas now (and the size of soda keeps increasing) Have you seen the size of the "Big Gulp" from on of the convenience stores? You get 44 Ounces of soda! We do know for a fact that the sugar and acid in coke can dissolve enamel in tooth very rapidly. Soda does not quench your thirst.

Instead of soda, why not drink water with lemon? It tastes great, quenches your thirst and is very alkaline in your body.

We can control this epidemic with education and perseverance. Let's teach our kids how to eat right. Let's do it for their future.

About the Author

Tony Balduccio is a freelance writer and journalist. You can learn more about Tony at http://www.martialarts3000.com and http://www.GetOutOfDebt101.com/blog