TITLE:
Information for Weight Loss
LIBRARY:
Gallatin County Public Library
Warsaw, Kentucky

SCOPE OF AUDIENCE: This library hosts a weekly Weight Watchers meeting. Many successful members encourage new members and those considering trying weight watchers. Plus, the percentage of obese people in the country has increased at alarming rates and Gallatin County is not immune. This pathfinder is for anyone interested in losing weight.
INTRODUCTION:

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention obesity in American adults has increased 60% in the past 20 years and obesity in children has tripled in the past 30 years. Currently 33% of American adults are obese. This unhealthy state of our American population costs millions in medical expenses, and nearly 300,000 Americans die each year due to obesity or obesity related illnesses. I like many people struggle with being overweight. I am concerned for my health: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and an increased risk of a heart attack. Due to this fact, millions of Americans begin some form of weight loss each year. The weight loss business is also a billion dollar or more business a year. The number of programs and gimmicks can be overwhelming for someone beginning to search for weight loss solutions. This pathfinder will give some direction for one interested in beginning a weight loss program, but not knowing where to start.

This is a difficult topic to research due to the incredible amount of information available. One must be careful when choosing information to be certain the information is from a reputable source. Successful, documented, research proven programs do exist. There are also some programs which use questionable methods and may have questionable if not unhealthy results. One must also choose a plan that fits one’s lifestyle. Some plans are completed at a personal level. Some plans have individual meetings suggested or required. Some plans have group meetings at scheduled times. Some plans even call for life changing surgery. Weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. This guide will offer some healthy options to consider, and some ways to know if weight loss is necessary.

This library is small, but the card catalog does contain 50 or more books on obesity, weight loss, and fitness. Also available to check out are fitness videos and DVDs including: exercise, yoga, and strength training. As stated above, this library does host a Weight Watchers meeting once a week. The Weight Watchers leader is also a part-time employee of the library and a good listener. This library also offers internet access on 8 filtered computers and 2 unfiltered computers in the regular library and on 6 filtered computers in the children’s library. The reference section is small, but a World Book Encyclopedia, 2007 is available. Also this library subscribes to Men’s Health and Weight Watchers magazines. This library uses interlibrary loan with Boone County and Carroll County libraries if not others as well.

PIC OVERVIEW:

This is a large topic with a massive amount of information available both in print and online. An overview of obesity including: causes, consequences, prevention, and treatment can be obtained in the World Book Encyclopedia, 2007 in the reference section. This section on obesity also contains a chart of Body Mass Index using height and weight to establish if one is obese. The World Book encyclopedia also offers information on weight control. This explains how body weight is determined using food intake, energy expenditure, and energy balance. This section includes information on physical activity, behavior modifications, drugs, and surgery. There is also a table that shows the calories in 23 foods and the amount of energy and time required to burn off those calories. Following each of these sections is a short list of additional resources as needed. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2008 also offers guidelines for healthy adult weights, the percentage of overweight and obese people in America over through 4 1/2 decades, and an overview of dietary requirements.

There are also a few books that share information concerning the weight loss challenge as part of their introduction or throughout. The PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Family Health offers information on nutrition and how it affects one’s life and weight. It also directs one to proper nutrition to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. The book Body Intelligence by Dr. Howard Abramson, PhD. Offers information about one’s body and knowing your own needs to eat appropriately without dieting.

LITERATURE GUIDE:

Berkowitz, Sarah A. National weight control resource directory. 1988. Oakland, Ca.: Society for Nutrition Education.BIBLIOGRAPHY OF INTERNET SOURCES:

Food and Nutrition Information Center: National Agricultural Library USDA, 10301 Baltimore Ave., Room 105 Beltsville, MD. 20705-2351. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/topics/weight/consumer.html

LOCATING BOOKS:

The Gallatin County Public Library utilizes a computer based card catalog. This card catalog is accessible in the library as well as remotely online via the website www.gallatincountylibrary.org .

The title heading I used in this library under the browse heading are as follows:

Weight loss- 49 titles with call numbers from 613-641. The 641 call numbers were cook books for weight loss. These also included books for children and teens.

Obesity- 6 titles with call number 615-618. Once again, these included titles concerning children and teens.

Fitness- 12 titles with call numbers like: 613, 332, 153, 646, and 617. This topic brought up books about brain fitness, facial fitness, financial fitness, and fitness after injury.

Exercise- 4 titles with call numbers from 613-618.

The Keyword option revealed more choices in all categories.

Weight loss- 53 titles which included materials in print, audio, fiction, and DVD/video. The call numbers were the same.

Obesity- 58 titles most of which were the same as above under weight loss.

Fitness- 60 titles which included: print, audio, and DVD/video.

Exercise- 71 titles which included the many exercise videos and DVDs, materials in print in the 613-618, juvenile, and children’s section.

Abramson, Ph.D., Edward. (2006). Body Intelligence. New York: McGraw-Hill. Call Number 613.2ABR

This book asserts that we are born with “body intelligence” telling us when to eat and when we have had enough. As we grow and mature we develop a dysfunctional relationship with food. Dr. Abramson has worked with hundreds of patients with eating disorders and developed science-based strategies that allow one to be aware of their unhealthy relationship with food, develop a realistic positive body image, enjoy moving and leading an active lifestyle, and enjoying food without guilt and without dieting.

Castillo, Brooke. (2006). If I Am So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight? Tools to Get it Done! Book Surge: www.booksurge.com. Call Number 613.2 CAS

Brooke Castillo is a weight loss coach who has worked with clients to make lifestyle changes and changes in their relationship with food. She teaches individuals to assess their hunger vs. feelings eating desire. This book encourages the reader to deal with their emotional relationship with food. This book is insightful and humorous approach to developing a healthy self image and relationship with food.

Canfield, Jack., Hansen, Mark Victor., Peluso, Theresa. (2006). Chicken Soup for the Dieter’s Soul Inspiration and Humor to Help You Over the Hump. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications, Inc. Call Number 613.2 CAN

This book offers stories of individual’s success at overcoming their weight and exercise issues. Individuals discuss the causes of their being overweight, their relationships with food, reasons why they ate, and how they were able to overcome. It includes stories about exercise and daily activity. Recipes are included. This book offers motivation and a glimpse that one is not alone in their weight loss challenge.

McGraw, Phil, Dr. (2003). The Ultimate Weight Solution The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom. New York: Free Press. Call Number 613.2 MCG

Dr. Phil has spent more than 30 years working with overweight patients. This book helps to change the way individuals see themselves and food. It discusses the reasons why one eats, how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat. The action plan discussed by Dr. Phil gets one in touch with the reasons why you eat when you are not hungry, and how to resist. Dr. Phil will give you the keys to control your weight not allow your weight to control you.

Zinczenko, David, (2008). Eat This Not That! New York: Rodale. Call Number 613.2 ZIN

This book gives information that most people are confused about. This book tells appropriate serving sizes, offers healthy bedtime snacks, and states information concerning fast food. The author states that you can be in control of the food you cook or bring for lunch. You are not in control of the food offered at your job, in other’s homes, and restaurants. The author calls this book a book to use not just read; like a weight loss coach in your pocket.

Atkins, Robert C., MD., (2002). Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. Call Number 613.2 ATKI

This is an updated version on the Atkins’ Diet to reduce carbohydrates. It includes an explanation of why and how the Atkins’ diet has worked for so many people. A food and recipes section is also available.

(2001). Weight Watchers Great Cooking Every Day. New York: Hungry Minds, Inc. Call Number 613.2 WEI

This book was established by Weight Watchers and The Culinary Institute of America. There are 250 recipes using some fresh foods. Each recipe also offers Weight Watchers points values of each serving for easy calculations for those following the Weight Watchers points plan.

Bookspan, Jolie, Ph.D., (2002). Health and Fitness in Plain English. Monterey, CA: Healthy Learning. Call Number 613.7 BOO

This book was written and reviewed by medical doctors and Ph.D. doctors and contains research based information. This book offers information about exercise, nutrition, and health in an easy to understand and follow format. A glossary is available for unfamiliar terms. There are also suggested resources available.

REFERENCE SOURCES:

This library offers a small reference section.

World Book Encyclopedia, (2007). Obesity:

This section of the encyclopedia offers information on the causes, consequences, prevention, and treatment of obesity. It discusses behavior modification and surgery. This section also discusses treatment for children who suffer from childhood obesity. Additional readings are suggested.

World Book Encyclopedia, (2007). Weight Control:

This section of the encyclopedia gives information on determining body weight through the equation of food intake minus energy expenditure equals energy balance. A positive energy balance means weight gain, a negative balance will lead to weight loss, an even balance maintains one’s weight. Discussion of diet, behavior modification, drug options, and surgery for weight loss follow. Additional readings are suggested.

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2008

This source states statistics concerning obesity in America. Suggestions for adult weights and proper nutrition are given as well.

PERIODICAL ARTICLES:

The Kentucky Virtual Library is available in this library. You can ask the reference staff for a user name and password. One can search using keywords weight loss and obesity.

Brooking, Katherine. Eat More, Weigh Less. Woman’s Day 4/14/2009 Vol 72, Issue 8, p 54-61.

This article suggests food that allow one to eat more and weigh less. The author suggests some metabolism boosters like tea, ice-cold foods and beverages, lean protein and capsaicin. There are also diet tips including filling foods like eggs, oatmeal, beans, and potatoes.

Men’s Health April 2009, Volume 24, Issue 3, p38.

This article offers information on weight loss researches. This article suggests overweight people burn fat faster after a high-protein meal. Also, research has found that when one partner begins a weight loss program, the other partner also looses weight.

Brody, Barbara. Lose Weight. Woman’s Day 1/1/2009, Volume 72, Issue 3, p.52-52.

This article discusses some of the health problems of being overweight. The author answers questions about weight loss including the type of diet with the best track record. She also discusses the importance of exercise in weight loss.

Greene, Lauren A., The Real-Life Way to Lose. Prevention June 2008, Volume 60 Issue 6, p.133-136.

This article follows 5 readers who were trying to combat a sedentary lifestyle. The readers were using the Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) approach to weight loss. These 5 people incorporated activities that were not exercise like to increase activity in their lives.

Harvard Mental Health Letter; January 2008, Volume 24, Issue 7, p. 1-3.

This article discusses the psychological effects of bariatric surgery a weight loss surgical option that has had positive results. This article discusses the post-surgical psychological effects which can include depression and mood disorders.

GOVERNMENT SOURCES:

http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/weightloss_pills122908.html

This site offers information on weight loss consumer alerts. This is a good site to consult when considering any weight loss program, surgery, or pills.

http://www.fda.gov/loseweight/

This site is sponsored by the US food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Health and Human Services. This site offers a link to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. There are also links to approved obesity treatments for pills and surgery. This site makes available plans to begin an exercise program just by beginning to move no matter one’s size.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightcontrol.html
This site is a service of the U.S National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. There is a start here section with a link for choosing a safe and successful weight loss program. Also, Nutrition for Weight Loss: What it Takes to Lose Weight sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians. There are also links for related topics: diets, eating disorders, exercise and fitness, nutrition, obesity, weight loss surgery, and food and nutrition.


http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/Obesity/

This site is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This site is available in English and Spanish. There are links to an introduction, obesity trends, information for children and teens, health consequences, and economic consequences. This site also offers additional readings.

AUDIO VISUAL MATERIALS:

DVDs

· The Firm- Complete Body Sculpting

· The Firm- Fat Blasting Cardio

· The Firm- Total Muscle Shaping

VHS

· Billy Blanks 30 Power Rounds, 30 1-minute Tae Bo Power Workouts

· Billy Blanks Tae Bo Extreme

· Billy Blanks Tae Bo Cardio Circuit 1

· Billy Blanks Boot Camp 1

· Billy Blanks Tae Bo Flex

· Walk Away the Pounds with Leslie Sansone 1 Mile High Calorie Burn

· Walk Away the Pounds with Leslie Sansone Walk With Me

· Walk Away the Pounds for Abs 10 Minute Ab Buster

WEB SITES:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/

This site offers expert answers to weight loss questions. Also available is portion size suggestions, daily food plan organizer, and cooking sections. There is also a plan for fitness suggestions and video and slide shows to promote weight loss.


http://weightloss.about.com/

This site has a link for the concerns of obesity. It offers a link for weight loss on a budget as well as healthy week night meals for busy people. There are also links to browse topics on nutrition, exercise, fitness, eating out, weight loss surgery, information for children and teens, and emotional eating. For bloggers, this site has a weight loss blog.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/Index.aspx

This is a subscription site. There are links to join weight watchers online or find a meeting. Once access is gained to the site, it offers meal plans and recipes. It also provides links to restaurant nutrition information for eating out. One may even track their meal points online.

http://www.freedieting.com/

This site offers information through links to 6 top diet programs: diet.com a personality based diet, medifast, diets watch, nutrisystem, weight watchers, and glycemic impact diet. Also available are links for free diet plans and trials, calorie calculators, food plans for differing caloric levels, and exercise and fitness programs. This site also offers diet software.

http://www.weight-loss-center.net/

This site offers information on weight loss programs and weight loss tools. One may also order weight loss supplements and pills to aid in weight loss.


http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/home/index.jsp

This is a site to join the nutrisystem plan and order food. There are links to explain how the program works with plans for women and men. This site also offers a link for success stories of others who have had successful weight loss using the nutrisystem plan.

http://www.jennycraig.com/?dfa=1

This is a site for the Jenny Craig weight loss program. There are links to the program plan, success stories, and the food available. This site also offers celebrity success stories. There is a link for community tools as well. This site also offers a weight loss quiz to learn more about an individual.

http://www.tomnicoli.com/

This site offers information concerning hypnosis as a weight loss tool.

http://www.menshealth.com/cda/channelpage.do?site=MensHealth&channel=weight.loss

This site offers information for men on weight loss, nutrition, health and fitness. There are links for diet strategies, a weight loss coach, and a workout plan.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_loss

This site makes available a weight loss pyramid. Links are also available concerning weight loss industry, crash dieting, and therapeutic weight loss techniques.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/

This is a site concerning weight loss surgery. Information is available concerning surgical options and risks. This site offers message boards and chat rooms for those considering surgery and those who have had surgery.

http://www.weightlosssurgeryinfo.com/dtcf/
This is a site about weight loss surgery. Information is available concerning surgical procedures and risks. Also available are links to choosing surgery, finding a surgeon, and life after surgery. A link is also available for additional readings. There are also patient stories and a newsletter available.


http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4639

This site is sponsored by the American Heart Association. This site is also available in 4 languages. A link is available for no fad diets a personal weight loss plan. Links are also available for healthy cookbooks and FIT Kids Act.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/overweight_obesity.html

This site is available in English and Spanish. It focuses on healthy weight for children and teens. There is information for parents, children, and teens. There are links for emotions and behaviors, growth and development, nutrition and fitness, and recipes. This site also offers health lessons for teachers.

Additional Resources:

This library hosts a Weight Watchers meeting weekly on Thursday evenings. One can weigh in starting at 5:30 and the meeting begins at 6:00. The meetings usually last about 30 minutes. At the end of each meeting the leader Judy Oliver offers a Getting Started Session for those just beginning.

Judy Oliver also happens to be a part-time employee of the library and is available for questions at times other than just the Weight Watchers meeting. As a Weight Watchers leader she also sends emails to the members weekly.

Yoga is offered at this library as well. Yoga is offered Thursday evenings at 7:00 and Saturday mornings at 10:00.