We’re Losing the War on Obesity

        There is mounting evidence that we’re losing the war on obesity in the United States despite the best efforts of the federal government to do the job that is actually the responsibility of parents and local schools.  Data released by Gallop and Healthways Lifestyle Solutions earlier this year indicate that the adult obesity rate is 27.7% this year, up from 27.1% in 2013 and 25.5% in 2008.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents in the United States were obese or overweight, a statistic that is essentially unchanged since 2003-2004.      

A Major Health Risk

        Because obesity is a major risk factor for developing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, these alarming statistics portend a looming major public health crisis.  As just one example, the CDC reported earlier this year that the number of Americans with diabetes has reached 29 million and at this rate 20% of Americans could have diabetes by 2025.  Individuals who are overweight or obese are also at greater risk of developing heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis and sleep apnea, among other serious conditions.

It’s a Family Matter

        I was recently at the Safeway grocery store in the middle of the afternoon when I observed an obese ten year old boy reach into the self-serve pastry shelf and pull out a huge chocolate covered donut about twice the size of a normal donut.  He was with both of his parents who were also obese.  Just moments later they were in front of me at the checkout stand where the lad held out an empty piece of waxed paper so the clerk could charge them accordingly.  Now why, I ask you, would parents allow their obese child to gobble down a huge donut in the middle of the afternoon!  It seems this unfortunate young man was dealt a double whammy by having an inherited tendency for obesity in addition to irresponsible parents.

Parents Are in Charge

        It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children about good eating habits, including self-control.  This can be done by modeling good eating behavior, saying ‘no’ when appropriate and monitoring their children’s weight.  Children should not have free reign over the contents of the refrigerator at home until they have demonstrated self-control.  Without proper training, unsupervised children at home cannot be expected to show restraint.  Sitting down together at the family dinner table each evening is the perfect setting for children to learn these important lessons.  In addition, setting aside time for exercise as a family activity is a great way to get children started on a lifetime program of fitness.

Schools Play a Role

        The federal government simply cannot solve the obesity epidemic.  This can only be done by parents with proper support from schools.  Schools should spend less time on social issues that affect less than 2% of the population and spend more time on critical issues that affect 100% of the population.  This includes having daily physical education, teaching students how to prepare a nutritious meal on a shoestring budget and other important matters like how to manage finances.  There is no reason why low income families should be eating fattening burgers from the dollar menu at McDonald’s when for the same amount of money they could prepare a nutritious meal at home.  Let’s say a family of four orders two $1 burgers each (a low estimate) at McDonalds…I could prepare a tasty, nutritious family meal at home for them with that same $8.  Someone in almost every household has access to the internet where a quick Google search will bring up lots of recipes for nutritious, easy to prepare meals on a budget.  Fortunately, the low income communities that I have observed in my area have a number of excellent, large, well-stocked discount supermarkets within walking distance of housing, unlike the town of Ferguson, Missouri which just lost two local grocery stores which were burned down by rioters, fulfilling the food desert narrative. 

Dr. John’s Prescription for the Obesity Epidemic

        Getting a handle on the obesity epidemic is not rocket science.  It’s just common sense!  It is much easier to maintain your ideal weight if you never allow yourself to become obese in the first place.  Invest in a good scale (like the EatSmart Precision Premium Digital Bathroom Scale which can be ordered from Amazon for less than $35) and weigh yourself every day at the same time, keeping a log of your weight.  Titrate your diet based on the trends you see in your weight.  Use smaller portions, eat slowly and exercise self-control.  Substitute water for sodas.  Get plenty of exercise, even if it’s just walking.  If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll have a good start on keeping your own weight under control, while at the same time helping your children avoid a life-long battle with obesity and all the health problems that go along with it.