For overweight men ages 45 and older, the "High Five" factors of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high
blood sugar/glucose, poor diet and low testosterone may be impacting their
energy and health, sabotaging efforts to lose weight, according to Building
Healthier America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing
the negative trends of overweight and obesity in the U.S.

Survey results of 2,000 overweight and obese men released today by Building
Healthier America found that fatigue and low energy are the most commonly
cited reasons they lack motivation to lose weight. Among these men, it was
reported that only 1 percent discussed all the High Five factors at their last
doctor visit. Diet, testosterone and blood sugar/glucose were the least likely
factors to receive talk time.

"We know that there is a connection between a man's growing waistline and
their likelihood of being impacted by one or more of the High Five factors,"
said Richard Kahn, PhD, Chief Science Advisor, for Building Healthier America.
"We also know that the High Five factors, like low testosterone, can
negatively impact energy levels, which can have an effect on men's overall
efforts to lose weight."

To elevate the awareness of the negative effects the High Five factors can
have on the energy and health of overweight men, Building Healthier America
has launched an important health initiative to empower men who are willing to
take control of their health in spite of their growing waistlines.

The High Five program offers a destination online at
www.BuildingHealthierAmerica.org that highlights the signs and symptoms of
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar/glucose, poor diet and
low testosterone. The Web site also includes a printable "High Five Check
List" that men can take with them to have informed conversations with their
physicians about overweight and obesity. Men, or their loved ones, can share
the checklist with others by sending them a "High Five" inviting them to view
the information.

"As the number on the scale creeps higher each year, men should know the High
Five factors," said Dr. Kahn. "Building Healthier America is pleased to offer
new resources to men in an effort to have a greater chance of impacting their
lives and the lives of their families.

Additional Survey Findings:
    --  Ninety-two percent of men were weighed at their last doctor visit, but
        less than 40 percent of doctors discussed weight with them
    --  The majority of men are not aware that being overweight or obese makes
        them more likely to have low testosterone; over 80 percent have not
been
        tested for the condition in the past year
    --  Nearly 70 percent of men admit they should be putting a lot or a fair
        amount of effort into losing weight but only one-third are actually
        doing so
    --  Ninety-four percent of men would rather take inches off their
waistline
        than any other part of their body, including the face
    --  Men report they are three times as likely to seek information about
        maintaining a healthy weight online than talk to their friends

    --  On average, men's weight has edged up by about five pounds per year

According to WIN - Weight Control Information Network NIDDK, approximately
133.6 million adults, age 20 and older, in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
The prevalence of overweight is higher for men (70.5 percent) than women (61.6
percent). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
number of adults who are overweight or obese has continued to increase. The
Body Mass Index (BMI), the measurement tool used to determine excess body
weight in individuals by calculating their weight and height, in an overweight
individual is defined as a BMI of 25 or more, obesity is 30 or more, and
morbid obesity is 40 or more.

About the Survey

The Building Healthier America online survey of 2,000 overweight and obese
men, ages 45-65, was conducted by Yankelovich, part of The Futures Company,
from August 6 - August 13, 2009. Results were obtained through online
interviews among overweight men defined as having a BMI of 25-29.99 and obese
men defined as having a BMI of 30-39.99.

The survey assessed men's barriers to weight loss, habits when discussing
weight with their doctor, negative impacts of weight on health, and
understanding of the link between being overweight and the High Five factors.

About Building Healthier America

Building a sustainable culture of health requires behavioral and environmental
changes in individuals and communities. Building Healthier America is a
national nonprofit dedicated to Consumer Awakening and Community Empowerment
to reverse the obesity trends facing children, families and communities.

The program and survey were funded, in part, through support from Solvay
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

For more information about the High Five factors or about overweight and
obesity, visit http://www.BuildingHealthierAmerica.org.