Infographic: 10 common diet traps your patients can avoid

One researcher calls new data on obesity in America “a wake-up call.”

The past 20 years have seen a startling spike in the number of overweight and obese people in the U.S. Highlights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a dismal picture, one that can improve with the help of health care communicators, marketers and PR pros.

The CDC says around 70 percent of people age 25 and older are overweight or obese. That’s a jump from nearly 60 percent two decades ago.

The Washington Post says this marks the first time obese/overweight people outnumber those who maintain a healthy weight.

In rethinking your outreach efforts, consider the diet traps outlined in this infographic. Many of your patients probably experience these challenges as they battle the scale. You can encourage them to:

• Eat three meals a day.

• Pay attention to nutrition labels, especially calories, saturated fat and sodium.

• Listen to their bodies and avoid emotional eating.

• Exercise at least five days a week.

• Ingest vitamins and minerals to boost energy levels.

• Get back on track despite a splurge.

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