Americans Must Change Their Diet And Exercise Habits

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We are a nation on the run, but unfortunately not a nation that runs or even walks much. We are on the run in our cars to a large extent and when we are on the run we don't always eat right.

With countless single parents, or couples trying to split time between work and the demands of a heavy family schedule, fast-food restaurants can offer a quick and often cheap, filling meal. Fast-food restaurants are not entirely to blame for our nation's growing weight problem. Many offer healthy options, but studies show that most of us turn them down because of other reasons. As a result, we are facing obesity as an issue.

The combination of lack of exercise and high fat foods is causing us to be obese. Over the past thirty years the changes have been dramatic. It is crucial to try and start to make changes.