We’ve known for two or three decades that we’re in the middle of an obesity epidemic.

A third of the American public is obese — meaning they weigh at least 20 percent more than their ideal weight— while two-thirds are overweight.

But the obesity epidemic is not just in wealthier countries like the United States, studies show. It’s worldwide, and includes developing countries.

Being overweight can open the door to a lot of serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. Among them are high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, heart disease, and colon, prostrate and endometrial cancer. In addition, prolonged obesity can lead to infertility.

The danger of serious illness isn’t the only thing that makes obesity a scourge, however. When you’re fat, you often don’t feel good — so you can’t do your best. You move sluggishly and tire easily. Obesity also saps your self-esteem. Fat people are always aware of their weight, always wondering when someone will someone will make the next whispered crack about their appearance.

How do you go from being overweight to achieving your ideal weight? It’s simple, really, although it’s much easier said than done: You change your diet and you exercise more.

By changing your diet, we’re talking about eating less over-all and eating less of certain kinds of foods — sugars, fats and carbohydrates. A number of diets are out there — vegetarian, low-carb, raw food, ketogenic, Zone, Paleo, and more.

Talk to your doctor about what might work for you, and try a diet you agree on. Remember that the key is eating less. If you do that, you will lose weight. If you also eat less of certain kinds of foods, the weight may come off even faster.

Another tip is not trying to take weight off all at one. Getting rid of it gradually will generate the most lasting results, dietitians say.

While you’re limiting your food intake, start burning off calories by exercising. It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise — walking, running, swimming, weight lifting, whatever. Start slow so you don’t become discouraged and quit. If you stick with it, you will lose weight — and feel better.

The right diet supplement can also help you control your weight. A good choice is Schaeffer Neutraceuticals’ Viproactive® Slim Pro. It boosts your metabolism so you burn calories more productively and completely. Viproactive products are based on Nobel Prize-winning nutrient-delivery discoveries. Their patented formulation gets nutrients to the cells’ energy-creating engines quicker and more efficiently than other products.