The Obesity Epidemic
Over 1 billion adults are overweight
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion adults are overweight (at least 300 million classified as obese). In children, the numbers are equally, if not more, disturbing. WHO estimates that 22 million children worldwide under the age of five are overweight. According to the United States Surgeon General, in the USA the number of overweight children has doubled and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980. The prevalence of obese children and adolescents has been steadily growing since the 1960s. We all should be outraged by these statistics. The health consequences stemming from overweight and obesity include an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease, physical disability, arthritis, and premature death. This is more than a quality of life issue.
The reason for the increase in numbers of overweight and obese children and adults is multifactorial. Regardless of the so-called advances we have made in the technology realm, perhaps we have regressed when it comes to eating healthy and taking care of our bodies. Children are learning unhealthy examples either at home, at school, or on television. Physical education funding has been severely cut. School lunches leave much to be desired. And as for adults, we have forgotten to move our bodies and have succumbed to the convenience of frozen, overly processed and packaged foods (not to mention the drive-thru phenomenon). Many of us would gladly choose an extra large mocha with whipped cream over walking the dog or taking a hike. We’ve gotten lazy.
Our television and computer loving culture has turned many of us into something other than our healthiest selves. Are you what you envisioned for yourself? For your kids? Have you done your best to model healthy behavior for your children and encouraged them to make healthy food choices and move their bodies – or- and no judgment here, is it easier to just let the kids play X box several hours a day so you can just do your own thing? Ouch. These are simply questions to ask ourselves. If we are honestly content with our quality of life as is then so be it and if not, then here are some proactive steps to take:
If you are a single person, join a group of others who share similar interests whether that be in the realm of physical activity – tennis, running, biking, swimming or perhaps artistic – art or pottery class, singing group, music lessons, cooking classes. Attend local lectures around town on nutrition and how you may be able to improve your own eating habits.
If you are a family person, consider activities you can have fun participating in with your kids – skiing, hiking, sledding, tag, soccer, swimming. Schedule evenings around family story time, board games (especially those that activate the mind), art or learning something together.
Keep healthy snacks around the house and clear the pantry of those foods that are typically easy to overeat and serve little nutritional purpose such as chips, soda pop, candy, and cookies. Instead keep yogurt, string cheese, baby carrots, raw nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, cottage cheese, hummus and whole grain breads and cereals within easy reach. Have fun creating healthy habits together. Don’t blame or berate your kids if they look a little chubby. Instead, model healthy behavior, stay away from fast food and take a break from television. See how their self esteem can blossom when they are given the tools to make healthier choices.
“We are what we eat.” Most of us learned this common phrase at a young age. Take heart in your choices and make the most of this precious life.
March 23, 2010
by Optimum WellnessComments
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