CDC report: States need to step up efforts to help people maintain proper weight

Individuals who are following a low calorie diet, such as an HCG-based diet, are discouraged from physical activity during the course of the treatment. However, once they successfully lose weight, health experts say a healthy diet and daily physical activity are key to maintaining proper body mass for the long term.

Unfortunately, a new report from The Centers for Disease Control - a government agency that estimates that more than one-third of U.S adults are obese - has criticized states for insufficient efforts to ensure that citizens have public means at their disposal to keep excess weight off.

Access to parks, playgrounds, community centers, sidewalks or walking paths in neighborhoods is key to achieving this goal, but CDC data show substantial limits to the number of areas where physical activity would be convenient.

Only 20 percent of blocks have parks within a half mile of their boundaries, and only 17 percent of blocks have a fitness or recreation center within that distance, according to the report.

"An active lifestyle, combined with healthy eating, is the number one way to prevent obesity and key to preventing a host of serious obesity-related diseases," commented Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

She added that the report "shines a spotlight on the additional need for safe and convenient places for Americans to be physically active in their communities."