DR. DIETZ: Obesity may be the most frequent, chronic disease
that we have in front of us.
DR. TOHILL: It's the lifestyle that we've come --
that's become prevalent.
DR. FULTON: People all the time looking at screens,
whether it's the television or the computer or your PDA.
Obesity may be the most frequent, chronic disease
that we have in front of us.
And it's important because it's a major contributor
to other diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
It's the lifestyle that we've come -- that's become prevalent.
The lifestyle of eat quickly,
maybe not stop and look to see what you're eating,
grab something on the go.
There's technological advancements.
People all the time looking at screens,
whether it's the television or the computer or your PDA.
I know I used to eat
probably 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 calories a day.
Didn't even know I was eating it.
DR. FULTON: We're eating a lot of the wrong foods
and too much of the wrong foods.
And we're not moving as much as we should be.
DR. DIETZ: Weight is the result of caloric balance.
If we eat more calories than we use, we gain weight.
If we eat less calories than we use, we lose weight.
DR. TOHILL: We know that eating lots of fruits and vegetables,
um, is a healthy way to start.
HIGHTOWER: Whole grains, beans, lean meats, poultry, nuts.
Fat-free or low-fat dairy products --
All these together will lead you to a healthier diet.
Keeping fresh fruits and veggies available
really has changed my life.
DR. TOHILL: Read the nutrition-facts label.
This will let you know how many calories are in your food.
Planning meals a couple days in advance
can save you both time, money,
and leave you with a healthier menu overall.
DR. DIETZ: The best fluid is water.
We don't need the extra calories
that come from sugar-sweetened beverages
like soda or 10% juice.
DR. TOHILL: The prevalence of overweight and obesity
has tripled in our children.
I want to live to see her graduate and have children.
DR. HIGHTOWER: And if they see, you know, dad exercising and eating healthy,
they have a much higher chance of going that route themselves.
DR. FULTON: Well, physical activity
is really good for prevention of weight gain.
And it's also good for weight loss
if you adjust the calories that you eat accordingly.
The minimum level of physical activity
to get health benefits is 150 minutes
of at least moderate-intensity physical activity a week.
HIGHTOWER: When I started, I just added 15 minutes of walking
three times a week.
DR. FULTON: You can start low.
You can go slow to try and achieve the 150.
You don't have to achieve it all in one day.
And, in fact, as little as 5% to 10% weight loss over time
can really reduce the risk
for heart disease and high cholesterol
and high blood pressure and even diabetes as well.
HIGHTOWER: Just a renewed sense of energy
just in my day-to-day life, ability to keep up with my kids.
We think it's important to maintain a good balance.
We think it starts inside the house, so no junk food,
no TV games, electronic games in the house.
We play outside a lot.
My wife and I participate when we can.
We think it's important to set a good example.
My mind is sharper.
Every which way you can think of, my life is better.
Many Americans step on a scale daily or weekly
to see how their weight is doing,
but we also need to think about that balance
in choosing foods and activity.
And the only way you're gonna want to do it
is to feel good about yourself.
Weight loss is a decision that only individuals can make,
and the types of decisions that we hope they make
are ones which are permanent changes in lifestyle.
McGIRT: I'm feeling the difference. I'm seeing the difference.
DR. DIETZ: We need to invest in changes in our communities,
as well as changes in behaviors.