Americans today face a huge health problem: diet. People around the world have found a healthy way to eat, but many Americans don't seem to have an adequate diet. Between the media, fake studies, and the distortion of massive portions, many Americans have a false view of how to eat healthily. Countless people are even willing to take diet pills and supplements just to get rid of unwanted weight and avoid exercising. The solution to being overweight is a simple, balanced diet and exercise. Dieting can be successful in losing weight, but it can lead to lowered self-esteem, dehydration, poor eating habits, and deprivation of necessary energy resources. A healthy diet requires a proper perspective, which includes exercise. A major problem when it comes to weight gain is caused by a distorted view of portion sizes. Today, portion sizes are three times larger than the recommended portion size. When people see an 8 oz. soda pop for $1 and 32 oz. for $1.50, they often want the largest size possible. According to Cheryl Havens, a registered dietitian in Oregon, "Every time we eat out, the food portions are three times what we should be eating – and yet that teaches us that this portion is the right amount." » (Havres). People often feel the need to increase their size, simply because everyone is buying the largest size available, which distorts the view of proper proportions. Today's younger generation is sensitive to the need to diet due to distorted portion sizes and the prevalence of fast food. A survey conducted by NEDA found that 91% of people on a college campus had tried dieting and 22% had dieted often. They also found that children between 1st and 3rd grade already want to be thinner and half of them have tried to...... middle of paper...... after all. » Maclean's October 1, 2012: 59. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web, April 11, 2014. Whitney, Conner. Middelmann. “A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is healthier than the standard Western diet. »Is the Western diet making the world sick? Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. In issue. Excerpted from “A low-carb, high-protein diet may reduce cancer risk.” » Psychology Today (June 23, 2011). Opposing Viewpoints in Context, April 9, 2014. , Julia. “Diets extend adult lifespan.” Can diets be harmful? Ed. Ron Lankford. Your life?" Seattle Times November 12, 2003: A1+. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. April 21, 2014. “Dieting and Eating Disorder Statistics.” Montenido.com. Monte Nido. 2011. Web May 6. 2014.