Obesity Kills and We're to Blame

Summarized by Geovanni Derice BS , NASM
January 3, 2007

Geovanni Derice is owner and founder of 4everToned Fitness in Brooklyn, New York. During his 4-years as a fitness professional and life coach, he has earned a B.S. in Sports Management from St. John's University and certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) for certified personal trainers. He gives us here his views on the obesity epidemic and what we should do about it. Robert Griffith, Editor.

The news today is all about the war in Iraq, but just as serious is the battle against obesity in this great nation we live in. And we are failing to win this war, which is being fought right here in this country.

Let's look at it this way; if the rate at which our stock portfolio was rising at the same rate that obesity is rising, we'd be ecstatic and cashing in at the bank. Unfortunately, though, it's not. And we must remember that as obesity increases, life expectancy declines.

Did you know that cancer, heart disease, and many mobility complications are all tied into obesity? The chances of developing many of these increases for those who are obese.

The facts

One out of every 3 kids in the United States has a weight problem, while almost 2 out of every 3 adults are overweight, with about 30% of adults being obese. You might say to yourself that gaining weight is something you know is bad for you, but you can control it. Apparently, however, we don't seem to have much control over it. In the past 30 years the number of overweight children has more than doubled, with the biggest increase occurring in the last 10 years.

Want even more statistics? According to the American Obesity Association the highest percentage of people with obesity are men between the age of 65 to 74 and women between the ages of 55 to 64. But remember that obesity is the consequence of overweight, which itself is the consequence of gaining weight. The answer is to try to nip the process in the bud - avoid that 10-pound gain over the holidays, for instance.

Why are we where we are?

With the advances in technology that we have access to - remote controls, computers, fax machines, printers, and other modern-day appliances that make us lazier than ever - there is simply no motive to move anymore. Life is so easy, that we can practically do our shopping with a click of the mouse and just wait for our groceries to be delivered.

Combine the lack of moving with our poor eating habits (which carry over to our children and grandchildren) and you can see why this war against obesity is so serious and being lost while we think about other things.

Fight for change

What can we do, as parents and grandparents, not only to add years to our lives and those of our offspring? If nothing is done now to change the way we approach our lifestyles, the chances are your kids won't live as long as you will. In order to stand a real chance in fighting obesity we must following two simple steps.

First, we must make moving about and exercising not only a priority, but also fun. When was the last time you as a family walked round the block telling stories and cracking jokes? In old movies you can see families walking together, and working out together. Unfortunately that seems to be a thing of the past, but it's time to bring that back. Encourage kids to go out and play outside again, and, if you're able, to find a way to join them. Any movement is better than none at all.

Second, we must educate one another as well as our youth on making healthy food choices. Schools across the country are not doing their share; while kids are at school, they should have as healthy an environment as possible. But at least 60% of schools still sell sugar-sweetened sodas and soft drinks, according to the National Soft Drinks Association.

The cards seem stacked against us in the battle to stop obesity from overcoming our nation. Obesity will only continue to be a growing epidemic if we let it. Take action now to make these simple changes in your lifestyle and give yourself and your family the opportunity to truly appreciate the gift of life.

Source

• Geovanni Derice BS, NASM. Fitness director, life coach, and board member, Christian Health and Fitness.

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