Quiz: How much do you know about weight loss?

What percentage of Americans are overweight or obese?

Answer: D. According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 2013 and 2014, the most current statistics available, 70.7 percent of Americans were either overweight or obese.

2. What percentage of Americans say they are seriously trying to lose weight?

Answer A: According to a 2015 Gallop poll, 24 percent of Americans say they are seriously trying to slim down, the lowest number since 2002.

3. Which group below is less likely to be overweight or obese?

Answer: B People who live in rural areas are more likely to be overweight or obese than those who live in urban areas, according to government statistics.

4. Which is not a proven way to lose weight?

Answer: A While an average 8 ounce soda can add 150 calories more than a diet soda, multiple studies have shown those who drink diet soft drinks are more likely to put on the pounds than lose them. This could be because people who drink diet soda tend to eat more snacks and other foods.

5. Doing regular multi-day juice cleansings helps you lose weight long-term by:

Answer: D According to the National Institutes of Health, there is no convincing evidence that Detoxes or Cleanses help people lose weight and keep it off. They may also be risky for people with kidney disease or diabetes.

6. Skipping a meal or two during the week can:

Answer: C Trying to lose weight by skipping meals simply does not work. Studies show people become so hungry when they deny themselves of breakfast, lunch or dinner that they over-eat the rest of the day.

7. Obesity raises the risk of which of these illnesses?

Answer D: Excess pounds increases the risk of many diseases such as Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, Osteoarthritis, and a variety of cancers.

8. Severe obesity can shorten your life by:

Answer: D: Being severely obese increases the risk of many other illnesses including early death. An analysis of more than 1 million people worldwide suggests severe obesity can chop 10 years off of a person’s lifespan. People who are moderately obese are likely to die three years earlier than someone of a healthy weight.

9. A weight loss of _______percent can decrease the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure?

Answer: A Losing just five percent of your body weight (8 lbs in an average size person) can make a big difference in your overall health. Plus, you’ll feel better.

10. What is a good way to start losing weight?

Answer D: Setting goals that are too extreme could increase frustration. By taking weight loss one day at a time, and engaging a professional for help, you are more likely to be successful in dropping pounds and keeping it off. Studies also show that teaming up with a friend, coworker or family member to meet weight loss goals serves as encouragement to help you stay on track.