As of 2011, 64 percent of adults and 15 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight. Since the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is a public health agency responsible for regulation food labeling, it is also involved in addressing public health related to weight. The commissioner of the FDA, Dr. Mark B. McClellan, established an Obesity Working Group, which along with other agencies such as the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration, initiates programs to address the ideal weight for individuals and ways to fight obesity.
Importance of the FDA's Involvement
The FDA's involvement in addressing obesity and recommending ways to achieve ideal weights and avoid long-term health problems that come with obesity. According to Mayoclinic.com, excess body fat can lead to cardio-vascular diseases such as heart attacks, as well as osteoarthritis, gall bladder disease, type 2 diabetes and gout. Following and teaching others the FDA's recommendations on achieving ideal weight will benefit your and their overall health.
Body Mass Index
In order to determine your ideal weight, the FDA uses a method that involves knowing your body mass index or BMI by considering your weight in proportion to your height. Weigh yourself in kilograms and divide this number by your height in meters square. You are at your ideal weight if your resulting number falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Anything over that but under 29.9 is considered overweight. Above 30 is determined to be obese.
When Overweight
Once you know if you are obese or overweight, the FDA recommends lifestyle and diet changes to lose pounds and reach your ideal weight. The most common lifestyle changes include becoming more active, incorporating at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise in your daily workout session. Dietary changes may not only incorporate high-fiber, low-fat food, such as steamed vegetables, but also eliminate food that is high in simple carbohydrates and sugar, such as candy bars and sodas. The best guide to follow is the USDA food pyramid, which gives detailed information on each food group and what portions you should eat to stay within your recommended calorie intake.
When Underweight
If you are underweight, the FDA recommends maintaining your exercise routine as you simultaneously increase your caloric intake in order to gain weight until you reach your ideal weight. Being underweight can cause anorexia and anemia, since you are not receiving enough nutrition for your body to function properly.
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