A common sale's pitch made by many manufacturers of weight loss products is, "Fight Fat with ...[insert said product]."  These companies want you to believe that you can effortlessly lose weight by using their product.  It is interesting that the word "fight" is chosen regarding weight management.  In a way, it seems to undermine their message that weight loss can be effortless.  Personally, I have always defined "fight" as a struggle or a battle - something that takes effort in order to be triumphant.

The hope of effortless weight management is all too tempting, something that, ironically, many Americans have put more time and effort into trying to achieve than if they just did the physical work needed to manage body weight in the first place.  This wish for an "easy way out" has resulted in a major public health crisis that transcends many levels.  As a society, we are now faced with a true "fight," if not an all out war, against fat.

Earlier this week, the first National Physical Activity Plan was released.  This Plan, the first of its kind, is devoted to "[creating] a national culture that supports physically active lifestyles."  That is, the nature of work and school environments, neighborhoods, and cities will be changed to encourage physical activity, allowing it to be readily incorporated throughout the day.

The goal of the Plan is to enhance quality of life by preventing disease and disability and by promoting health.  Under the Plan, 8 areas of society (Business and Industry; Education; Healthcare; Mass Media; Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports; Public Health; Transportation, Urban Design and Community Planning; and Volunteer and Non-profit Organizations) will collaborate to implement strategies for change.

The fight against fat is truly that - a fight.  There are no quick fixes where weight management is concerned.  It requires the realization that the attainment of health and well-being requires effort.  Fortunately, with the implementation of the Plan, it will be a collaborative one.

To learn more about the National Physical Activity Plan visit www.physicalactivityplan.org.

Note:  Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.