Over the past five decades, there has been a significant increase in obesity. To put this into perspective, 70% of individuals in the US are now considered overweight based on BMI standards. Furthermore, over 40% are classified as obese. But here’s the real kicker: an estimated 90% of Americans are grappling with metabolic health problems.
With the rise in obesity, many individuals have turned to weight loss programs in Sarasota and sought the expertise of a dietician for weight loss and nutritionist in Sarasota. These experts often delve into the reasons behind this epidemic.
Over the years, several theories have emerged to explain the obesity epidemic. Here are some of them:
- The Energy Balance Idea: At its core, this theory revolves around calories. Consume more than you burn, and you'll gain weight.
- The Carbohydrate-Insulin Model: This posits that excessive carb intake, especially from sources like bread and pasta, promotes fat storage, leading to weight gain.
- The Protein-Leverage Hypothesis: This suggests our body craves protein. A lack of adequate protein intake might compel us to consume more of other macronutrients, causing weight gain.
- The Seed Oil Hypothesis: Some believe certain seed oils used in cooking might be culprits behind obesity.
Introducing a newer theory, courtesy of the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine: The Fructose Survival Hypothesis. This theory highlights how fructose, a type of sugar, actually decreases our energy and motivation to move, interferes with our body’s satiety signals increasing hunger, causing overeating. Finally, fructose is unique in its ability to increase fat storage. From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes a lot of sense that high-fructose foods are prevalent in summer and fall to prepare for winter—a time marked by increased fat storage, hunger, and reduced activity. In modern times, we can consume these foods 12 months out of the year.
The problems that can arise when we do not consume foods that are seasonally available have become insurmountable with the introduction of the highly processed form: High Fructose Corn Syrup. HFCS has been implicated with the meteoric rise of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly alarming in our youth. HFCS was originally developed as a cheap and sweet alternative to sugar in the 1960s and gained popularity in the 1970s. Quickly, HFCS has found its way into numerous food products.
What you need to know!
HFCS is added to many foods you would not suspect. The following is a list of the top culprits:
- Sodas, Soft Drinks, commercial juices, energy and sports drinks.
- Crackers, cereals, and snack bars.
- Ketchup, BBQ sauce, and salad dressings.
- Cookies, cakes, pastries, and even some bread.
- Canned Fruits
- Flavored Yogurts
- Jams and Jellies
- Coffee Creamers
Also, a quick note on Agave – often believed to be
a "healthy" sweetener, but it is literally pure fructose,
so steer clear of this sweetener!
What can you do to guard against HFCS’s hidden dangers?
ALWAYS read the ingredient list and shop on the perimeter focusing on whole foods that don’t need labels!
While our food landscape has drastically changed, it’s beneficial to lean into the dietary habits that sustained our forebears. Adaptation takes time; in the meanwhile, let’s nourish our bodies with what’s proven to be beneficial. If in doubt, consulting a dietician for weight loss or nutritionist in Sarasota might guide you on the right path.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and at Sarasota weight loss programs!
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