It’s no surprise that one in three Americans are suffering from obesity. The facts, published in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, places 42% of Americans in the obesity category by 2030.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of medical experts, suggests it’s time for doctors to start applying more care towards the health of their patients. They recommend that all adults are screened for obesity. Those diagnosed will be advised to take part in intensive behavioral interventions – such as weight loss counseling sessions which could be between 12 and 26 times per year.

Women whose waist is more than 35 inches, and men whose waist is more than 40 inches are considered at higher risk for obesity. Research has proven that obesity leads to higher rates of cancer, diabetes, and other dire health problems.

A survey of obese Americans who had tried to lose weight, found that 40 percent lost 5 percent of their body weight, while 25 percent of those surveyed lost 10 percent.

According to US News and Report, “Participants who lost at least 5 percent of their body weight reported that they ate less fat, exercised more, and used prescription weight-loss medications, though the latter was used by a small number of participants. Those who lost 10 percent or more of their body weight were more likely to have joined a weight-loss program.”

Obesity has grown from an ongoing problem, to a full blown epidemic. Make sure to regularly schedule visits with your doctor and talk to him about weight loss options.