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"Logging On" Helps Consumers "Log Off" the Holiday Weight Gain
CalorieControl.org Web Site Provides Practical, "No Nonsense" Approach to Weight Loss

ATLANTA, December 19, 2002 - If you're one of those people who packed on a few extra pounds during the holidays and are now resolved to lose weight, you're not alone. With almost two-thirds of Americans overweight (according to government statistics), dieting is top of mind in 2003. And one of the latest trends in dieting is the use of Web-based resources and tools for weight loss.

Unfortunately, many people still put their faith in fad diets, pills, shakes, etc., hoping for a fast and easy way to shed the extra weight. But, based on a national survey conducted by the Calorie Control Council (a non-profit trade association that has tracked dieting trends for over 20 years), "successful losers" have shown that the secret to losing weight is not found in a quick fix. Instead, weight loss success is based on long-term changes in eating and exercise habits.

So, what are the secrets of these successful dieters? According to the national survey, the most popular methods of losing and controlling weight are:

• Regular exercise (practiced by 82% of dieters)
• Cutting down on foods high in fat or sugar (98%)
• Using reduced-fat or sugar-free foods and beverages (87%)
• Eating smaller portions of favorite foods (83%)

But who has time to think about making these changes and actually plan appropriately? With a hectic, busy lifestyle, making such changes can be daunting. However, weight-conscious people are increasingly utilizing online resources to guide and assist their weight loss efforts. One such resource is the "Calorie Control" Web site, where consumers can find sensible, practical tips and information about cutting calories and losing weight at no cost, all in one place online - www.caloriecontrol.org.

The site, www.caloriecontrol.org, has several calculators including a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator and a Weight Maintenance Calculator (which determines the number of calories needed to maintain and/or lose weight). Visitors to the site (4 million in the past year, and 12 million since the site was launched) use the "Get Moving" Calculator to determine the number of calories burned through various exercises, including household chores, jogging, cycling, swimming and more. The site also has an extensive Calorie Calculator to help consumers determine the number of calories in thousands of popular foods.

In addition to the calculators, the site contains the Council's brochure "Winning By Losing." The brochure is a practical, no-nonsense approach to losing weight and keeping it off. Written by health professionals, including obesity researcher Dr. John Foreyt, director of the Nutrition Research Clinic and Professor, Department of Medicine, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, the brochure illustrates the changes that consumers need to make to lose weight, and keep it off for life. The brochure emphasizes the importance of eating a healthy diet and being physically active. The idea of eating less and exercising more may not be glamorous, but health experts agree that it works.

"Unfortunately too many people get sucked into the 'eat all you want and still lose weight,' and 'burn fat while you sleep' advertising claims that some products make - especially at this time of year when people want to take off several pounds as quickly as possible," says Beth Hubrich, MS, RD, the Council's Manager of Food and Nutrition Communications. "Although you may lose weight with some of these 'fad diets,' pills and gimmicks, the weight will return, and possibly more of it. Consumers need to remember that calories count, and what could be easier than counting calories online?" she adds.

The site, www.caloriecontrol.org is convenient, effective and offers consumers "news you can use" on losing and maintaining a healthy weight. Simply visit the site to take advantage of the many calculators, tools, features and information. Log on today - what have you got to lose but unwanted weight?

Caloriecontrol.org is a non-commercial, free Web site sponsored by the Calorie Control Council. The Council is a non-profit association representing the low-calorie and reduced-fat food and beverage industry and has tracked dieting trends for over 20 years.

Copyright © 2007 Calorie Control Council

Permission to reprint information in whole or in part contained on this site is granted, provided customary credit is given.