Food and Nutrition Information Center
National Agricultural Library/USDA
10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room 304
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Weight Control and
Obesity Resource
List for Consumers
September 2002
September 2002
A. Definitions (listed alphabetically by title)
Body Mass Index and Health
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Nutrition Insights, no. 16: March 2000 (Update March 2001).
http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/Insights/Insight16b.pdf
Summary: Article defines body mass index (BMI) and discusses the
relationship
between BMI and optimal health. Includes a BMI Lookup Table.
Defining Overweight and Obesity
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
(CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm
Summary: Discusses obesity and obesity measures while detailing
dangers
and risks.
Obesity, Physical Activity, and Weight Control Glossary
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) Weight
Control Information Network.
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/glossary/glossaryintro.htm
Summary: "Defines words that are often used when people
talk or
write about obesity, physical activity, and weight control."
What is Obesity?
American Obesity Association (AOA) Fact Sheet
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_what2.shtml
Summary: This fact sheet talks about the definition of obesity
from a
Body Mass Index (BMI) point of view, and gives consumers a BMI
calculator so
they can see themselves whether or not they are technically obese.
B. Background Information (listed alphabetically by title)
Note: Most of these articles were written for professionals. They provide a good overview of the scope of overweight and obesity in the United States and throughout the world.
Articles:
The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the US obesity
epidemic
Lisa R. Young and Marion Nestle
American Journal of Public Health, 92(2):246-250.2002.
Web Version: http://www.nyu.edu/education/nutrition/PDFS/young-nestle.pdf
Summary: Study examines what role "super sized"
portions play
in the current obesity epidemic.
Epidemic of obesity expands its spread to developing countries
M.J.Friedrich
Journal of the American Medical Association, 287(11):1382-1385. 2002.
Web Version: http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v287n11/ffull/jmn0320-2.html
Summary: Discusses the spread of obesity to developing nations
and some
of the nutritional and sociological changes that account for the
increase.
Halting the obesity epidemic
Marion Nestle and Michael Jacobson
Public Health Reports, 115(1): 12-24. 2000.
Web Version: http://www.cspinet.org/reports/obesity.pdf
Summary: Article looks at obesity from a public health
perspective and
talks about ways we, as a society, can help reduce the growth of
obesity.
Web Resources:
About Obesity
International Obesity Task Force (IOTF)
http://www.obesite.chaire.ulaval.ca/iotf.htm
Summary: This report examines classifications of overweight and
obesity,
global prevalence, causes and consequences of obesity, and weight
management
strategies.
American Obesity Association Fact Sheets
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/aoafactsheets.shtml
Summary: These fact sheets are a produced by the AOA's National
Campaign
of Obesity Education, and provide current information on obesity based
on scientific
research. Titles include:
Childhood Obesity A Lifelong Threat to Health
Center on Aging Society - Georgetown University
Data Profile Number 2, March 2002
http://www.georgetown.edu/research/ihcrp/agingsociety/obesity/obesity.pdf
Summary: Provides data profiles about childhood obesity
including health
and quality of life issues.
Costs of Obesity
American Obesity Association
http://www.obesity.org/treatment/cost.shtml
Summary: An overview of research and studies that discuss the
cost of
obesity from a public health issues.
From Wallet to Waistline: The Hidden Costs of Super Sizing
National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA)
http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/final_price_study.pdf
Summary: Summarizes the true costs of super sizing portions and
focuses
on the fact that bigger is not necessarily better. Nutrient analysis
tables
are also included in this article.
Health Effects of Obesity
American Obesity Association Fact Sheet
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/Health_Effects.shtml
Summary: Talks about the various medical conditions that are
related
to obesity.
Overweight Children and Youth
Child Trends Database
http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/health/status/15OverweightChildrenYouth.htm
Summary: Provides a graphic representation of the percentage of
US children
who are overweight. Web resource also discusses prevalence, obesity
trends,
as well as differences by race and gender.
Obesity in Minority Populations
American Obesity Association Fact Sheet, 2002.
Web Version: http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/Obesity_Minority_Pop.shtml
Summary: Talks about the prevalence of overweight and obesity
within
minority populations as well as health consequences.
Research Highlights: The Health Risks of Obesity Worse than
Smoking, Drinking,
or Poverty
RAND Health Report RB4549, 2002.
http://www.rand.org/publications/RB/RB4549/
Summary: Summary of research done by RAND Health examining the
comparative
effects of obesity, smoking, heavy drinking and poverty on public
health issues.
U.S. Obesity Trends 1985-2000
Center for Disease Control (CDC) National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention
and Health Promotion
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/index.htm
Summary: A list of PowerPoint slides showing the increase in US
obesity
rates by state by year. Slides provide an excellent visual image of how
prevalent
C. General Information about Weight Control (listed alphabetically by title)
Books:
I Need to Get in Shape, Now What?!
Carol Leonetti Dannhauser & Sandra Michaelson Warren
New York, NY: Silver Lining Books, c2001. 199pp.
ISBN: 0-7607-2068-1
Summary: Excellent all-in-one resource that talks about
nutrition basics,
eating right, weight management, fitness, and maintaining a healthy
body. Engaging
graphics and tips make this book not only informative, but fun to read
as well.
Mayo Clinic on Healthy Weight
Donald D. Hensrud, MD Editor in Chief
Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic, 2000. 200pp.
ISBN: 1-893005-05-4
Summary: This book does provide the tools to get started with an
individual
weight loss and maintenance program. Topics covered include: Getting
motivated,
How to lose weight, recipes, and meal plans.
Weight Loss Kit for Dummies
Carol Rinzler
New York, NY: Hungry Minds, Inc, c.2001. 342pp. and one CD.
ISBN: 0-7645-5334-8
Summary: A practical guide to finding a weight loss plan that
will work
for you. Book reviews various weight loss plans on the market, diet
myths, and
nutrient charts. The CD contains forms and tools to help with weight
loss.
Articles:
Losing weight: more than counting calories
Linda Bren
FDA Consumer Magazine, January/February 2002.
Publication No: (FDA) 02-1231
Web Version only: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/102_fat.html
Summary: Gives an overview of components involved in weight
loss, including
a section on prescription weight loss drugs.
Web Resources (available in print where indicated):
Consumption of food group servings: people's perceptions vs.
reality
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Nutrition Insights, no. 20: October 2000.
http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/Insights/Insight20.PDF
Summary: Article discusses the fact that people's perceptions of
their
food group consumption are very different from their actual food
intakes.
A Growing National Health Problem
International Food Information Council Foundation. March 2002.
http://ific.org/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=20301
Summary: Discusses definitions of overweight and obesity, a
historical
perspective on the growth of obesity in the US, and provides
information about
healthy lifestyles and weight management.
Hints for a Healthy Weight
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), Publication E0B-HW/E80:
c. 2000.
http://aicr.org/healthyhints.htm
Summary: While this booklet was written to educate about cancer
prevention,
the principles discussed provide a useful strategy for maintaining a
healthy
weight.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
Section 1 Nutritional Disorders Chapter 5 Obesity
http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section1/chapter5/5a.htm
Summary: Discusses the definition of obesity, prevalence,
contributing
factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment options.
Paunch Lines: Weight Loss Claims Are No Joke for Dieters
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Alert
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/paunch.htm
Summary: A consumer alert that gives a "buyer beware"
overview
of what to look for in a weight loss program.
Setting Goals for Weight Loss
Partnership for Healthy Weight Management, May 31, 2000.
Web Version: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/setgoals.pdf
Print Version available by calling: 1-888-8-PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256)
Summary: Brief introduction to reasons for overweight/ obesity,
and weight
loss strategies.
Tipping the Scales: Weight Loss Ads Found Heavy on Deception
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
FTC Consumer Feature, September 2002.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/features/wgtloss.pdf
Summary: A review of 300 weight loss ads that ran from
1998-2001.
Weight Cycling
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) Weight
Control Information Network.
NIH Publication No. 01-3901. August 2001
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/wcycling.htm
Summary: Discusses the myths and realities of repeated weight
loss and
regain.
Weight-loss and Nutrition Myths: How Much Do You Really Know?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) Weight
Control Information Network.
NIH Publication No. 01-4561. October 2000.
Web Version: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/myths/index.htm
Print Copies Available from: The Weight-control Information Network:
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
Email: mailto:win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Summary: Provides information about the myths and realities of
weight
loss in an easy to follow question and answer format.
Weight Loss: Finding a Weight Loss Program that Works for You
The Partnership for Healthy Weight Management
http://ific.org/pdf/weightlossbroch.pdf
Summary: A brochure that provides help for choosing weight loss
products
and programs. Provides forms for assessing risks and weight loss
services.
Weight Loss for Life
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) Weight
Control Information Network.
NIH Publication No. 98-3700, updated May 2000.
Web Version: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/wtloss/wtloss.htm
Print Version Available from the Weight-control Information Network
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
Email: mailto:win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Summary: Gives an excellent overview of overweight, the types of
programs
available for weight loss, portion size, and other weight control
strategies.
Weight Management -- Strategies for Success
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/nfs/nfs70.html
Summary: Brief article detailing five common sense ways to
manage your
weight.
What is Obesity?
Mayo Clinic.com. May 24, 2002
http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/conditioncenters/invoke.cfm?objectid=6DA0F41C-F55D-430B-A0B267A41E791B57&
;printpage=true
Summary: Excellent overview that also discusses individual diet
programs,
medications for weight loss, over the counter supplements, and surgical
options
to weight loss.
You'll Know A Fad Diet If It Recommends ...
American Heart Association
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=509
Summary: A concise overview of many ways to recognize fad diets.
D. Weight Loss Methods (listed alphabetically by title)
Moderate approaches to long-term weight loss
Books:
Binge Breaker! Stop Out-of- Control Eating and Lose Weight
Peter M. Miller
New York, NY: Warner Books, c1999. 275 pp.
ISBN: 0-446-67441-9
Summary: Discusses a 6-step program that can help dieters
conquer binge
eating and lose weight permanently.
KISS Guide to Weight Loss
Barbara Ravage
New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, c.2001. 361pp.
ISBN: 0-7894-6139-0
Summary: A six part book that concentrates on thinking about
creating
a healthy life plan that you can live with. Areas of focus include
learning
about health and nutrition, assessing your needs, creating your own
plan, and
maintaining that healthy lifestyle. Useful appendices include activity
and food
records, and additional information contacts.
Outwit Your Weight: Fat-Proof Your Life with More than 200 Tips,
Tools,
and Techniques to Help You Defeat Your Diet Danger Zones
Cathy Nonas, RD and Julia VanTine
Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2002. 356pp.
ISBN: 1579544827
Summary: Asks the reader to evaluate what triggers are causing
them to
overeat, then provides over 200 tools to help lose weight according to
individual
needs.
Volumetrics: Feel Full on Fewer Calories.
Barbara Rolls, PhD & Robert A. Barnett.
New York, NY: Harper Collins, c2000. 314 pp.
ISBN: 0-06-019483-9
Summary: Volumetrics shows you how to eat enough food to be
satisfied,
meet your nutritional needs and still lose weight. The emphasis is on
developing
life-long healthy eating skills. Recipes and meal plans are included.
Pamphlets:
How Much Are You Eating?
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Home and Garden Bulletin No. 267-1: March 2002.
Web Version: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Pubs/Brochures/index.htm
Print Version (1-25 copies) at $ 2.25 each available from:
Federal Consumer Information Center (888) 878-3256
Summary: Talks about how to be aware of your serving sizes and
how to
choose "sensible portions" to control your weight.
Articles:
Secrets of successful dieters
Harvard Women's Health Watch, 1070910X, 9(9): 4. 2002.
Summary: Article discusses results of a USDA study comparing
popular
diets and why they achieve results.
Ten tips for staying lean
Bonnie Liebman
Nutrition Action Healthletter, 26(6): 1-7. 1999.
Web Version: http://www.cspinet.org/nah/7_99/ten_tips.htm
Summary: Author provides ten practical strategies for
controlling your
weight.
Web Resources (available in print where indicated):
Aim for a Healthy Weight - Part 2 Controlling Your Weight
National Institutes of Health's National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
(NHLBI)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/control.htm
Summary: An online guide to weight loss that talks about
physical activity,
behavior change, and shopping. Web site also includes a printable food
intake/
activity diary and a food exchange list.
The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid
MayoClinic.com
http://www.mayo.edu/comm/mcr/news_1393.html
Summary: A simple tool to help people manage their weight and
improve
their health. The pyramid emphasizes low energy dense high volume foods
and
focuses on increasing intakes of fruits and vegetables.
The New American Plate
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
Publication No. E0b-NAP/F67: c. 2000.
Web Version: http://www.aicr.org/nap2.htm
Print Copies (bulk): Call (800) 843-8114 Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to
9:00
pm ET; Friday,
9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET
Summary: Provides an easy and timely Approach to Eating for
Healthy Life
and Healthy Weight. The program gives a graphic representation of a
healthy
plate of food and then asks people to compare that to the proportion of
items
and portion sizes on their own plates. The goal is to learn about
proportion
and portion size, and how people can start putting them to work at
their very
next meal. Sample menus and recipes are also included.
Alternate Diets for Weight Loss
Articles:
Cautioning patients about extreme diets
Charlotte LoBuono
Patient Care, 15: 28-46. 2001.
Web Version:
http://www.Patientcareonline.com/be_core/p/templates/issue/internallinks.jsp?filename=
/be_core/content/journals/p/data/2001/0815/08a01danger.html
Summary: Even though this article is written for physicians, it
gives
a good review of recent popular weight loss plans and discusses areas
of concern.
High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets: do they work?
Karen Stein
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 100 (7): 760-761. 2000.
Web Version: http://findarticles.com/cf_0/m0822/7_100/63947872/print.jhtml
Summary: This article discusses high protein low carbohydrate
diets as
a fad, discusses the questionable science behind the diets, and gives a
list
of helpful hints for consumers.
Pamphlets:
Very Low Calorie Diets
NIDDK Weight Control Information Network.
NIH Publication No. 95-3894, updated February 1998.
Web Version: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/vlcd.htm
Print Version Available from the Weight-control Information Network
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
Email: mailto:win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Summary: Discusses the use and dangers of less than 800 Calorie
per day
diets to lose weight.
Web Resources:
Ask the Dietitian: High Protein Diets
Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, September 2001.
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/prevention/askdietician/ask9_01.htm
Summary: Provides answers about how high protein diets work and
the health
complications these diets can cause.
High Protein Diets
American Heart Association
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234
Summary: A warning from the American Heart Association.
Drug and Supplement Approaches to Weight Loss
Pamphlets:
Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
NIDDK Weight Control Information Network.
NIH Publication No. 97-4191, updated February 2001.
Web Version:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/presmeds.htm
Print Version Available from the Weight-control Information Network
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
Email:
mailto:win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Summary: Discusses individual medications, types of treatment
using these
medications, their benefits/risks, as well as who might benefit from
the use
of these medications. The pamphlet ends with a frequently asked
questions section.
Web Resources:
Consumer Alert
American Obesity Association, 2002.
http://www.obesity.org/subs/consumeralert/
Summary: An article detailing some of the dangers of using over the
counter
(OTC) dietary supplements as part of a weight control regimen.
Over-the-counter weight-loss products
Mayo Clinic.com. September 5, 2002
http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/healthylivingcenter/invoke.cfm?objectid=883665A9-D2B0-478E-BF448518096
AC523&printpage=true
Summary: Surveys some of the more popular OTC diet products and
discusses
what they will and won't do for you.
Surgical Approaches to Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery uses a band or staples to reduce the size of the stomach (restrictive procedure) and/or the restructuring of the digestive tract (malabsorptive procedure) to create weight loss. This surgery is only performed on people who have a long history of morbid (life threatening) obesity with a body mass index of greater than 40. People considering this surgery also usually have to prove they have been unable to lose weight using conventional weight loss methods.
Books:
The Doctor's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery: How to Make the
Decisions that
Could Save Your Life
Louis Flancbaum; Erica Manfred; Deborah Biskin
West Hurley, NY: Fredonia Communications, c.2001. 210pp.
ISBN: 0-0-9710968-0-5
Summary: Written by a doctor who performs bariatric surgery,
this book
discusses various types of weight loss surgeries including
expectations, risks,
care after surgery, and frequently asked questions. The appendix
provides additional
information and recipes geared especially for gastric bypass patients.
Web Resources (available in print where indicated):
Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity
NIDDK Weight Control Information Network.
NIH Publication No. 01-4006. December 2001
Web Version: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/gastric/gastricsurgery.htm
Print Copies Available from: The Weight-control Information Network:
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
Email: mailto:win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Summary: Reviews what the surgery entails, risks and benefits as
well
as the cost involved. It also gives additional resources.
Surgery for obesity: What is it and when is it appropriate?
Mayo Clinic.com. August 6, 2002.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/healthylivingcenter/invoke.cfm?objectid=8E539BEB-CE2C-48C7-AACED7D342AC0B
10&printpage=true
Summary: Article reviews surgery for weight loss including the
following
topics: who is a candidate, how is it done, different surgical
procedures (complete
with diagrams), and the risk/benefits.
E. Electronic Weight Management Tools (listed alphabetically by title)
Are You Ready For Weight Loss?
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
http://www.swmed.edu/naa/quizzes/wt_loss_quiz.htm
Summary: An interactive Web site questionnaire that examines
your motivations
for weight loss and helps you decide if you are ready to make healthy
lifestyle
changes.
Body Mass Index Web Calculator
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm
Summary: Easy to use body mass index calculator in both English
and Metric
measurements. A body mass index (BMI) above 25 is considered overweight
and
can be linked to increased disease risk (especially at BMI values
greater than
30).
Cyberkitchen
Shape Up America
http://www.shapeup.org/kitchen/index.htm
Summary: Shows you how to balance the food you eat with physical
activity.
Also provides a way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through
interactive
assessment, meal planning, and recipes.
Healthy Body Calculator
Joanne Larsen / Ask the Dietitian
http://www.dietitian.com/ibw/ibw.html
Summary: A free online tool that calculates body mass index
(BMI), the
nutrient composition of your diet, your body shape, and corresponding
disease
risk. This Web site also provides personalized suggested activities for
weight
loss.
Interactive Healthy Eating Index
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
http://147.208.9.133/
Summary: A free dietary assessment tool that allows you to keep
up to
a 20 day food log. This tool analyzes your diet on a daily and
cumulative basis,
provides information about your total nutrient intake, how your own
food intake
stacks up against the food guide pyramid, and gives the user a healthy
eating
index score and ideas about how to improve his or her diet.
Nutrition Analysis Tool (NAT) Energy Calculator
University of Illinois- Urbana/Champlain
http://www.nat.uiuc.edu/energy/
Summary: A free web based program that allows anyone to
determine the
amount of physical activity needed to lose weight. The 3 function
energy calculator
allows you to choose from a variety of activities, times, and desired
calorie
loss and suggests ways to reasonably accomplish your goals.
USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl
Summary: A database of over 6,000 foods that allows you to
search one
food at a time for a detailed nutrition analysis of that particular
food.
Weight Wellness Profile
American Obesity Association
http://www.obesity.org/education/profile.shtml
Summary: "Knowing your weight wellness profile can help you
take
action to modify your weight properly and improve your health."
This interactive
questionnaire is designed to profile health risks and encourage
discussion with
a medical professional.
F. Information for Special Populations (listed alphabetically by title)
Children and Adolescents
Books:
Trim Kids
Melinda S. Southern ,T. Kristian von Almen, & Heidi Schumacher
New York, NY: Harper Resource, c.2001. 392pp.
ISBN: 0-06-018815-4
Summary: A weight loss plan for children, developed by two PhDs
and a
registered dietitian, whose goal is to help children develop lifelong
healthy
habits to promote a healthy weight and good self esteem.
Articles:
Childhood globesity
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food Insight January/February 2001.
http://ific.org/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=19401
Summary: Article discusses the growing trends of childhood
overweight and
obesity around the world.
Web Resources:
Body Mass Index-for-Age (Children)
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion-
Centers
for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-for-age.htm
Summary: Body Mass Index, or BMI (wt/ht2), provides a guideline
based
on weight and height to determine underweight and overweight. The
interpretation
of BMI depends on the child's age. Additionally, girls and boys differ
in their
body fatness as they mature. This Web site indicates how to calculate
body mass
index for children and provides sex and age specific charts for body
mass index
in children.
Helping Your Overweight Child
International Food Information Council Foundation . February 1998.
http://ific.org/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=17580
Summary: Online pamphlet talks about causes of overweight and
provides
practical solutions for helping your child maintain a healthy weight.
How Can I Lose Weight Safely?
The Nemours Foundation. December 2000.
http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=207&cat_id=20143&article_set=22243
Summary: Written by a Registered Dietitian, this article discusses
9 easy
to follow steps for lifelong weight control.
Is Dieting Okay for Kids?
The Nemours Foundation. June 2002.
http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=119&article_set=22521
Summary: This information is written especially for children and
young
adults. The information addresses what a restrictive diet is, safe
methods of
weight loss, and suggests lifestyle changes for a healthy weight.
Overweight Children and Youth
Child Trends Database
http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/health/status/15OverweightChildrenYouth.htm
Summary: Provides graphic representation of the increasing
problem of
US children being overweight. Web resource also discusses prevalence,
obesity trends, as well as differences by race and gender.
You Are What You Eat
The National Women's Health Information Center
http://www.4girls.gov/eat/index.htm
Summary: Written for girls, this Web site information deals
candidly
with maintaining a healthy weight and making the best food choices for
you.
Sections entitled: "What Counts as a Serving",
"Concerned about
Your Weight", and "Making Choices" are especially
helpful.
Your Child's Weight
The Nemours Foundation. September 2001.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/childs_weight_p2.html
Summary: Written by a Physician and a Dietitian, this series of
articles
deal with Overweight Kids, Obesity and Children, Does Dieting Work? and
Making
Health Habits a Family Affair.
Your Child's Weight: Help Your Child with Successful Weight
Management
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of
Medicine
English Web Version: http://public.bcm.tmc.edu/pa/childsweight.htm
Spanish Web Version (PDF): http://public.bcm.tmc.edu/pa/cwspan.pdf
Summary: Discusses components of overweight, family strategies
to promote
healthy eating, and guidelines for lifetime weight management.
Ethnic/ Cultural Resources
Pamphlets:
¡ Cuide Su Peso! Watch Your Weight
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
NHLBI Publication No. 55-745.
Web Version: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/sp_wt.htm
Print Copies: $3.50 cost
NHLBI Health Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Phone: 301-592-8573 Fax: 301-592-8563
Email: NHLBIinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov
Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
Summary: Written especially for Latino families, these bilingual
booklets
(English and Spanish) explain steps people can take to reduce their
risk of
having a heart attack or stroke.
Embrace Your Health: Lose Weight If You are Overweight
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
NHLBI Publication No. 55-832
Web Version: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/chdblack/embrace.htm
Print Copies: $3.50 cost
NHLBI Health Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Phone: 301-592-8573 Fax: 301-592-8563
Email: NHLBIinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov
Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
Summary: This publication is part of a set of booklets,
Improving Cardiovascular
Health in African Americans. This pamphlet discusses causes of
overweight, reasons
to lose weight, reasons to avoid "quick and easy" weight loss
plans,
and how to choose lower fat, lower calorie foods.
Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better
NIDDK Weight Control Information Network
Web Versions:
Web Resources:
Cómo Alimentarse y Mantenerse Activo Durante Toda La Vida
(How to
eat and stay active throughout life)
NIDDK Weight Control Information Network
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/helpchldspn/
Summary: Discusses how eating well and physical activity can
help children
stay healthy. Online pamphlet also includes recipes and a list of
organizations
that provide information.
Obesity in Minority Populations
American Obesity Association Fact Sheet, 2002.
Web Version: http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/Obesity_Minority_Pop.shtml
Summary: Talks about the prevalence of overweight and obesity
within
minority populations as well as health consequences.
Pierda Peso sin Riesgo Para la Salud (Losing Weight Safely)
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Publication no. (FDA) 98-1247
Web Versions:
English: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/weightls.pdf
Spanish: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/sweghtls.pdf
Summary: "This brochure explains how to go about losing
weight safely,
the problems with diets that promise quick and easy weight loss and
diet pills,
and the questions to ask before signing up for a weight loss
program."
Your Child's Weight: Help Your Child with Successful Weight
Management
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of
Medicine
English Web Version: http://public.bcm.tmc.edu/pa/childsweight.htm
Spanish Web Version (PDF): http://public.bcm.tmc.edu/pa/cwspan.pdf
Summary: Reviews components of overweight, family strategies to
promote
healthy eating, and guidelines for lifetime weight management.
Resources for/about Women
Books:
Women Afraid to Eat : Breaking Free in Today's Weight-Obsessed
World
Frances M. Berg; Kendra Rosencrans, editor
Hettinger, ND: Healthy Weight Network, c2001. 380 pp.
ISBN: 0-918532-62-0
Summary: Provides a good overview of eating disorders from a
female perspective.The
book deals with weight obsession and the resulting "dysfunctional
eating."Topics
included are: eating disorders, the consequences of weight loss and
dieting,
and the effects of starvation. Part II focuses on healthy eating,
healthy body
image and self esteem issues. Excellent appendix and bibliographic
references.
Articles:
Postpartum body image and weight loss
Marie Zahorick and Valeri Webber
New Beginnings, 17(6): 156-159. 2000.
http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBSepOct00p156.html
Summary: Discusses changes that occur in a woman's body during
pregnancy
and after birth, and provides suggestions for safe gradual weight loss.
Pamphlets:
Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better
NIDDK Weight Control Information Network
Web Versions:
Web Resources:
Weight Gain as You Age
Mayo Clinic.com
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HQ01076&printpage=true
Summary: Web article discusses physical changes that occur
during menopause
and ways to maintain a healthy weight and a realistic acceptance of
inevitable
body changes.
Women and Obesity
American Obesity Association Fact Sheet
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_women.shtml
Summary: Discusses prevalence and diseases/conditions associated
with
obesity
************************************************************************
This resource list was compiled by:
Lynne Sinder, RD LD
Acknowledgment is given to the following FNIC
reviewers:
Elizabeth Hill, RD
Lora B. Wilder, ScD, RD
************************************************************************
Food and Nutrition Information Center
Agricultural Research Service, USDA
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