If you are one of the two thirds of adult Americans who are overweight, it may be costing you more than you realize. In data released by NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys), the country spent approximately 92.6 billion dollars in just one year alone based on the dollar's value in 2002 on health matters related directly to being overweight.

There is also a personal price you pay. You probably have experienced the tiredness that comes from carrying around those excess pounds and the disappointment from not being able to do things you really want. And even worse, being overweight can lessen your lifespan. According to WIN (Weight-Control Information Network), people who are obese—one third of adults in the US—have an increased mortality rate of 10-50%.

These statistics don't even consider the emotional cost. Lose the battle between temptation and resolve enough times and you may be harder on yourself than your own worst enemy.

It is time to step back and take a look at the whole picture, without any shame or regret. After all, you have probably tried to diet—most likely many times. And you can see that the number of overweight people has been on the increase. In fact, NHANES says that the obesity rate more than doubled between 1960 and 2004 with most of that increase occurring since 1980.

So what is going on? What is is missing from this picture? That something is education about food. Not the same information that you got in school or the latest diet book. It's time to look at some points of view that are different from those of vested interests.

One of the best places to start is a book entitled The China Study written by respected nutrition and health researcher T. Colin Campbell, Ph. D. and Thomas M. Campbell. The book's subheading sums up the scope of this book, “The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health.” This book is based on years of scientific research, yet it is so highly readable that it is difficult to put down. The data can help you take more control of your life with regard to obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and the effects of aging. By the end of the book, you will understand why so many people have weight problems.

Another source of eye-opening information is a film called Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock. This 2004 DVD takes the viewer on a project with the filmmaker—thirty straight days of McDonald's only food. The fact that this film is entertaining does not prevent it from delivering some very hard hitting facts. Spurlock gained 25 pounds in just thirty days. Moreover, he had alarming medical problems arise that not even the doctors who were monitoring him suspected would occur. You may not take fast food to this extreme, but Super Size Me can help you take an objective view of the role that fast food can play in being overweight.

When you have finished The China Study and Super Size Me, you will probably want to hit the Internet to find additional sources of information. Arming yourself with the facts is the first step in being cause over your weight.