Do You Know The Trend?

Throughout this blog, I have tried to emphasize the fact that the obesity rate is growing at an astounding rate. According to the CDC, three states are already over 30% obese with the rate still increasing. New health promotion strategies need to be put in place if this problem is to be slowed. Our current health care system is and always has been all about fixing an existing problem, not preventing one. This philosophy has ultimately put the US on the verge of bankruptcy trying to pay for treatment of chronic disease, Medicare, and Medicaid. President Obama has promised to change the face of our health care system by implementing new policies of research and prevention. I believe that this is the only way we will stay financially ahead of the growing problem of obesity.

More and more information is out there about the prevention and treatment of obesity. From the CDC to the Obesity Society, organizations are trying to inform people about the dangers and offer encouragement for treatment and prevention. We as citizens of the United States and beyond would be wise to take these warnings seriously and be conscious of our lifestyles. By living healthier and more moderate lifestyles, we can prevent most chronic diseases, and that includes obesity. When we look ahead and prevent, we can avoid the health problems of the future. If you are not aware of these dangers, get some information from some great organizations like the World Health Organization, CDC, Obesity Society, and your local physician.

A Place For Information

I know what it is like to suffer from some sort of chronic disease and not know where to find information. I have had asthma my entire life, and it has been a constant struggle trying to find the newest and best information about how I can improve my standard of living. Through countless doctor visits and hours on the internet, I have been able to find the treatment that is right for me and I feel that I live a fairly normal life while keeping my asthma under control. There were many times when I was younger, and the internet was not available, when I would go months without getting any new information. The times have obviously changed and I can now get information minute by minute if I choose to search for it.

I feel that some people who are obese do not know what the dangers are with their condition because they either do not communicate with a physician, or they do not know where to look for reliable information. One source that I have found to be very reliable is the Obesity Society. This society's website offers current and dependable information regarding obesity treatment, while giving ideas for diet, weight loss, and physical activity. The website also offers support and a discrete way to get the information more needed by any user. Becoming a member of this site allows users to get access to peer reviewed journals and newsletters that gives the latest news and help. I recommend this site for those who are like me and desire to know all they can about something they are experiencing. By getting more knowledge, we can get the best treatment and live the best lives possible.

Lost Years

I read this article about how Sir Richard Peto and other colleagues at the University of Oxford found that living obese can shave as much as 10 years off of your lifespan. Peto says, "people who were moderately fat, with a BMI from 30 to 35, lost about three years of life. People who were morbidly fat — those with a BMI above 40 — lost about 10 years off their expected lifespan, similar to the effect of lifelong smoking." Everyone talks about how smoking is so bad for you, which it is, but people need to know the serious effects of being obese.


This study also shows that obese people are two thirds more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke, and four times more likely to have diabetes. All of these chronic diseases point morbidity and an earlier death. Dr. Arne Astrup, a professor of nutrition at the University of Copenhagen was quoted as saying, "Obesity is the new dark horse for public health officials," he said. "People need to be aware of the risks they're taking when they gain weight." Present and future Public Health workers need to be aware of how dangerous obesity is and how seriously we need to take this condition. This article has really made me more aware of the dangers of being obese and has really motivated me to work as hard as I can to get more information to people about this.

Eating Right on a Budget

I saw this video and I thought it was really relevant to the times we are having now. More and more families are having to live on strict budgets, but that doesn't mean that you have to give up the nutrition too. By finding the "cycles" that are mentioned in the video, we can find what is on sale and still buy good foods. Planning is necessary for us to be successful, so we need to take a break out of our fast paced lifestyles. Too many people do not take the time to plan for meals and end up eating something quick and unhealthy. By taking some of this advice, we can get all the right foods that we need without spending a lot of money. I think that this is one of the reasons why I don't buy as much "healthy" food at the grocery store. I just walk around and see all the expensive prices and get discouraged. I think if I take the time to look for the deals, I can be eating better. For more tips click here.

Slow and Steady...

I was looking through the obesity headlines the other day, and I saw an article about Giyen Kim, a woman who has made a New Year's resolution for herself. This isn't any ordinary resolution, it is something that we could all learn from. She has made the goal of losing about a pound or so a week, which may sound ridiculous to some, but in reality, it is a serious approach at a lifestyle change. These changes do not come overnight, even though the diet pill companies want you to think so. At this pace, Giyen can really learn what is leading her to put on weight. She can see whether that is eating bad things, living a sedentary life, or maybe a mix of both. The article explains that she participates in physical activity every day, which is the recommended amount advised by experts. She is well on her way to a better and longer life.

Some have criticized her and, I am sure, many other people for a slow progress, but I am confident that this "slow approach" will be more effective in the long run. Americans must learn what is causing them to gain weight, and then work at their own pace to change their lives. Sure, there are drastic measures that we can take (pills, liposuction, gastric bypass, etc) but the best and most lasting measure is to change one's lifestyle to take and keep the weight off. I believe that the American health care system focuses too much on "fixing the problem at hand" and not preventing the real threat to our country (obesity and other chronic disease). To Giyen, I say keep it up and don't let anyone get you down.