Obesity has become a widespread epidemic in our world today. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, from 2013-2014, more than 2 in 3 adults (70.2%) were considered to be overweight or have obesity, about 1 in 13 adults (7.7%) were considered to have extreme obesity, almost 3 in 4 men (73.7%) were considered to be overweight or have obesity, and about 2 in 3 women (66.9%) were considered to be overweight or have obesity (Ogden, 2017). These statistics show the harsh reality of obesity and how many people suffer from obesity. Obesity occurs in many different cases whether it be a sedentary individual with a poor diet, a mother who struggles to lose her weight post-baby, an individual who has bariatric surgery and doesnt have enough education regarding ways to control their obesity, a person with diabetes who cant get their diet under control, or many other situations. While obesity
is still prevalent in our society, many researchers have focused their efforts on discovering effective ways to help prevent or reduce obesity. Much of the research that has been done focuses on interventions in children because researchers believe the onset of obesity begins in childhood. In the article done by Lytle (2012), the researcher stated that most trends in treating childhood obesity include behavior treatment, reduction of sedentariness, activity, or dietary changes. These types of treatment options are used not only for childhood obesity but obesity in general. Research has shown that dietary changes as a type of treatment for obesity are effective. Researchers found that reducing energy-dense foods was an effective way to manage body weight and also control hunger (Ello-Martin, 2007). This research article along with many others proves that dietary changes are effective when controlling or preventing obesity.