About one-third of the U.S. population is overweight. One in five people not only exceeds ideal weight, but also meets the clinical criteria for obesity. Diets that are low in total calories may not contain adequate amounts of various vitamins and minerals. For that reason, taking a multiple vitamin mineral supplement is advocated by proponents of many types of weight-loss programs, and is essential when calorie intake will be less than 1,100 calories per day.