How does the United States compare to its northern neighbor, Canada, in the war on obesity?

Though the number of people who are overweight in both countries is astounding, a study released by The NPD Group, a market research firm, shows that Canadians are making more of an effort to choose smarter food choices than their U.S. counterparts.

For instance, when it comes to snacking, fresh fruit is the fastest-growing food of choice in Canada. In the U.S., on the other hand, it's chocolate candy - a snack choice that's quickly declining in Canada.

But as the issue of Americans' growing waistlines gains more attention, the U.S. is making strides to curb the obesity epidemic. The government recently revamped its nutritional guidelines, and more U.S. companies are offering fitness programs and gym memberships as part of their employee health benefits packages.

Meanwhile, the U.S. diet industry rakes in more than $40 billion a year. According, to experts at Dolisos America Inc., a nutritional products company, there are many ways that Americans can snack smart and even suppress their cravings. The company offers the following tips:

* Budget snacks into your daily food intake. Eating snacks and smaller meals throughout the day will help you avoid overeating. But be aware of how much you snack and compensate by eating less during regular meals.

* Make smart purchases. Avoid frequenting the vending machine or convenience store near your office or school. Instead, pack healthier snacks to have on hand throughout the day.

* Cut cravings. When you get the urge to snack, take a walk, read a book or do something else to take your mind off of food. If this does not work, try products such as Visible Effects Appetite Control Chews, which can help curb your hankerings. These chocolate orange-flavored chews satisfy a sweet tooth while controlling hunger. Taken before meals or in-between, clinical tests show that users eat less and reduce their daily cravings.