Obesity is fastest-growing public health concern,according to public health and nutrition industry experts

Medi-Weightloss Clinics® public health and dietetic practitioners maintain that nearly nine of every 10 Americans will be 30 pounds overweight or more by the year 2030.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death, after tobacco smoking, and two of every three Americans are currently 30 pounds or more overweight, according to recent reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Journalof the American Medical Association. Macklin E. Guzmán, MPH and Chelsey Millstone, MS, RD LD/N are at the pulse of obesity intervention and prevention in the United States through their research for Medi-Weightloss Clinics®, one of the country’s largest providersof physician-supervised weight loss programs, with over 80 U.S. locations. Guzmán and Millstone believe, in most cases, medical intervention is necessary to improve the health of individuals suffering from obesity.

According to a December 1, 2010, whitepaper report co-authored by Guzmán and Millstone, an estimated 86 percent of Americans will be 30 pounds or more overweight by the year 2030.

Guzmán and Millstone concur with the World Health Organization’s recent description of obesity as an “escalating epidemic” and “one of the greatest neglected health problems of our time.” In addition to negatively impacting health, excess body weight creates a financial burden on individuals, employers, and the country. Obesity related healthcare spending costs approximately $147 billion per year, according to an October 3, 2010, news article in ScienceDaily, one of the leading sources for healthcare research news.

“Obesity is a disease,” states Guzmán, “The medical treatment of obesity has been recognized by the American Medical Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs. One suitable intervention is the very-low-calorie-diet (VLCD) under strict medical supervision. Approximately 90 percent of persons treated with a VLCD and behavior medication will attain a weight loss of 20 pounds or more, and 50 percent a weight loss of 40 pounds or more, according to a study reported in the International Journal of Obesity.”

“A comprehensive and individualized approach to weight loss is favored for results and health benefits,” Millstone said. “While losing weight quickly can be motivation to continue healthy behavior, developing a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable for life is the ultimate goal when treating weight loss.” Medi-Weightloss Clinics® is at the forefront of obesity intervention, and its physician-supervised program is designed around five keys to wellness: nutrition, medicine, physical activity, motivation, and education, according to Millstone.

Macklin E. Guzmán, MPH, is Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Research and Development for Medi-Weightloss Clinics® and has more than ten years of experience in health care, with experience in hospital administration, health services research, and home health care. He earned his Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration degree from Yale University and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University.

Chelsey Millstone, MS, RD, LD/N, is the Corporate Dietitian for Medi-Weightloss Clinics® and is a foremost expert in weight loss counseling, ranging from hospital and clinics to private health and wellness centers. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and undergraduate and master’s degrees summa cum laude in Health Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of North Florida.