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You can go online to reduce your waistline
Koop's Web site gives dieting advice
May 15, 1997
Web posted at: 10:42 p.m. EDT (0242 GMT)From Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen
ATLANTA (CNN) -- Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop is going online to teach Americans how to lose weight.
About one-third of Americans are obese, and Koop hopes they'll turn to his Web site, run by his group Shapeup America.
"There is conclusive evidence that after smoking, which causes an estimated half a million deaths a year, obesity-related conditions are the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States," Koop said.
The site personalizes the idea of losing weight: Put in your height and weight, and learn how many calories you should be eating each day. It also offers specific daily menus, recipes and even shopping lists.
Koop announced results of a survey that shows Americans need this kind of hand-holding because they're confused about how to diet.
The survey found that 67 percent of overweight adults try to limit their fat intake, but just 42 percent try to limit calories.
"What we're trying to help people understand with the fat-free foods is that they're not calorie-free," said dietitian Leslie Stewart.
Koop's group also wants people to think about controlling the size of their portions, even when eating out. If a restaurant brings a large serving, eat half and take the rest home.
The bottom line of Koop's online advice: While dieting may be frustrating, it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
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