While it’s a relatively well-known fact that the USA has the highest rate of obesity in the world, it’s still shocking to hear new statistics that confirm our worst fears. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a new study predicts that three out of four or 75 percent of Americans will be fat by 2020.

Among the 33 richest countries in the world, the US has the biggest problem with obesity. The OECD reports that the overweight have swelled to nearly 70 percent in the United States this year from well under 50 percent in 1980. Currently, a  startling 72 million Americans are obese but is this really surprising? Surely it only makes sense that the richest country with an abundance of everything have the biggest problem with weight.

There is no question that Americans overindulge, particularly when it comes to food and beverages. Dr Ian Smith, medical expert from VH1′s Celebrity Fit Club outlines several reasons for why America leads the way in this worrying trend. Smith is adamant that America knows they have an obesity epidemic on their hands but that it comes down to personal choice at the end of the day,”The question is are people willing or wanting to do something about it.”

Dr Smith’s five step plan detailed in his new book The 4 Day Diet includes the following advice:

1. Eliminate all white carbs such as white  sugar, white pasta and white breads because they are high glycemic, which means they raise blood sugar too quickly.

2. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Doing so will increase fiber and provide the right sources of carbohydrates.

3. Engage in 35 minutes of moderate physical activity at least four days a week. This doesn’t have to include going to the gym, going on a brisk walk will suffice.

4. Eat four small meals a day. By spreading out our food intake instead of eating fewer, larger meals, the body will respond more positively.

5. Allocate one hour every day to simply relax and de-stress. Studies have linked stress to weight gain.

As is the case for so many Americans, juggling everything that life throws us often results in putting ourselves last. Dr. Smith stresses that people need to figure out what is most important to them from a physical and health stand point. By making ourselves a priority and understanding that we cannot always come last, Americans can turn things around.