The
World Health Organization (WHO) calls it "globesity" — a global epidemic of overweight and obese citizens. Today, nearly one of every four adults worldwide (1.6 billion) is overweight and another 400 million are obese. The
obesity problem will only get worse: as predicted by WHO, 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and another 700 million will be obese by 2015. This trend is also affecting our children. Worldwide at least 20 million children under the age of five are overweight.
In a recent estimate of the causes of preventable deaths in the U.S., overweight and obesity are the third leading cause of mortality, after tobacco smoking and high blood pressure. Obesity can also be a risk factor for
stroke,
hypertension, and some cancers, particularly endometrial, breast and
colon.
As the obesity epidemic continues to increase, food manufacturers and processors are working to develop new products to provide consumers with healthy choices. Consumers are becoming disillusioned with quick-fix "miracle" products, shifting their focus to more sensible messages and realistic expectations. Likewise, they are beginning to move away from "dieting", and embracing "weight management" as part of a broader, healthier lifestyle. Therefore, there is a growing shift among both the industry and consumers toward foods that help promote weight management, particularly those delivering "satiety" or feeling of fullness.
Soy protein has a role in weight management. Soy protein, a plant-based, high-quality protein, is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. It helps control hunger, improve heart health, preserve lean muscle mass and promote fat loss during weight loss.
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