U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for January 18

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18: FAD DIETS

Profile America -- Tuesday, January 18th.  A lot of attention is being focused on dieting this month, probably as a result of all the tempting goodies that surrounded us during the holidays.  The thrust of many of these observances is to promote a healthy lifestyle.  But today is a little different -- it's "Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day," concentrating on the downside of the desire to lose weight -- diet products that defraud, disable, and can even cause death.  About a third of adults in the U.S. maintain a healthy weight.  Another third are carrying around some extra pounds.  But more ominous is the fact that almost one-third are clinically obese and at risk for diabetes and heart problems.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.  

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, p. 91

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 206

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau