In American culture, we have adapted many methods from the Greek and Roman empires. Our society has the laid-back lifestyle of the Greeks and the fitness of the Romans. Statistics show that 45 percent of Americans set a weight loss and fitness goal each year. Of that 45 percent, just under half of Americans still maintain their New Year's resolution (Hub Pages). The question is why is weight loss so important in America? Many answers and factors come into play to understand the equation. One of the factors is the increase in obesity in our country from year to year. Another key factor is the media's impact on our culture to appear thin and sexy, and even children's toy figures have become more masculine and unrealistic. Although our society is increasingly accepting that not everyone can be Barbie and Ken or look like the characters in our favorite action figures, the combination of these major factors helps answer the equation of why weight loss has become so prevalent in our society today. and getting in shape is not a logically simple task. According to research studies, an estimated 40 to 50 percent of U.S. households purchase supplements that cost Americans more than $40 billion annually (SNAC). There are many goals that individuals do not consider, such as proper nutrition, workout routines, and even quality sleep. Some understand the importance of combining all the elements to achieve great success while others look for the “miracle” pill. In recent years, weight loss supplements have exploded in the fitness market. Some supplements like ephedra and yohimbine have been used for weight loss and other purposes. Ephedra is a medication traditionally used in ...... middle of paper ...... and Fitness Magazine May 2009: 124+. Print.CDC - Data and statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), June 30, 2010. Web. July 26, 2010. "Dr. 'HIIT is your best choice for burning belly fat'." Health habits. Np, June 17, 2009. Web. July 26, 2010. .Eating Disorder Statistics. South Carolina Department of Mental Health, 2006. Web. July 26, 2010. .CDC – Obesity and overweight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), June 21, 2010. Web. July 26, 2010. < http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/>. Cornforth, Tracee. Is bariatric surgery the easiest way to lose weight? About.com: Women's Health, November 24, 2009. Web. July 26 2010. .