Back in 1950, one out of ten people were considered overweight. Fast forward to 2009 and eight out of ten people over the age of 25 are overweight. According to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, by the year 2030 nine out of ten people will be overweight. Clearly diets alone are not working and in some cases promote the yo-yo effect of weight gain over the years.

Americans spent $58 billion spent on weight-loss products and services in 2006. Weight Watchers collected $1.2 billion yearly in revenues, and second is Nutri-System at $568 million yearly. Yet America is in the top ten most obese countries.

Americans live in an environment that promotes obesity. Food is abundant and portion sizes have increased, while opportunities for physical activity have diminished and labor saving technology are all are part of the problem for expanding waist lines. There have been many nutritional changes that have impacted wait gain and obesity since 1950. Below are a few that might start you wondering where your extra calories are coming from.

Nutritional changes:

• Serving sizes have increased over the years. In the 1950’s and 60’s McDonald’s french fries only came in one size. By 2000 the large serving of french fries had become a medium and a new seven ounce size topped the charts at 610 calories.
• Soft drinks sizes have also grown. In 1955 a 6.5-ounce Coca-Cola was the only size available. Today 20 ounces is standard.
• Children drink more soft drinks than milk, which is the exact opposite situation of 30 years ago.
• In 1987, 18 percent of our calories came from foods eaten in restaurants. Today, eating out contributes almost 36 percent of our calories. Studies show people underestimate the caloric and fat content of the food that is ordered in restaurants by more than have.

When people are given nutritional information, this affects the food choices that they make. What different choices will you be making?

By Carolyn Phillips

Carolyn Phillips has a 20 year history as a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, teaching lifestyle management, nutrition, weight training, cardiovascular, fitness testing, and behavior modification.  Carolyn is featured on WFSB Channel 3’s, Better CT and on radio 96.5 TIC FM with Damon Scott as the fitness expert every Wednesday.

Carolyn Phillips is founder and CEO of Fit Behavior (http://www.fitbehavior.com) and. Carolyn’s Menu of Life (http://www.Caroylnsmenuoflife.com) The facility has a 13 -year history and has been awarded winner of the best place to workout and best Pilate’s studio by the Hartford Magazine and voted best by The Hartford Advocate for its nutrition and cardio program. Carolyn won the prestigious 40 Under Forty award from the Hartford Business Journal for outstanding leadership in the greater Hartford area.

Carolyn has over 25 years of combined comprehensive sports and education experience.

• ·         2000-2010 ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ·         2010 ACE Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
• ·         2007-2010 Featured on Better CT Channel 3 as a Fitness Expert
• ·         2009-2010 96.5 TIC FM's Damon Scott radio show as the weekly Fitness Expert
• ·         2007-2010 The Mary Jones Radio Show, WDRC-AM 1360 - guest Fitness Expert
• ·         2008-2010 West Hartford Community Television - Fitness Expert and Group Instructor on air
• ·         1990-2010 Guest Speaker on ESPN, WHCN, WCCC, WDRC
• ·         2002-2010  President - Board of Directors at Chrysalis Center Inc.
• ·         2009 BS in Organizational Leadership, Quinnipiac University
• ·         2007-2008 Published writer for Natural Nutmeg Magazine
• ·         2007-2008 Nutmeg Community Television - Fitness Expert and Group Instructor on air
• ·         2000 40 Under 40 Award from the Hartford Business Journal
• ·         2004 Licensed Professional Mountain Biker
• ·         1998-2004 CT State and Regional Mountain Bike Champion
• ·         1990-1997 CT State Bodybuilding Champion and National Competitor
• ·         1974-1980 VT State Gymnastic Champion and Junior Olympics Competitor
• ·         3 years coursework in Health Sciences

·         Currently studying for Master's Degree in Nutrition

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