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What’s the skinny on the obesity issue?

By Jim Grattan | Thursday, May 1, 2008, 12:00 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Handout

Jim Grattan

Obesity has been in the news recently. One in three adults are considered to be obese, with eight out of 10 being overweight.

Studies have suggested, with childhood obesity rates tripling over the last 25 years in advanced societies, that longevity may start to decline, despite the counteractive impact of modern medicines.

But do such articles have an impact on our thinking, especially those who fall in the obese classification —those with a body mass index (BMI) over 30?

Obesity is an emotionally charged issue. Denial is common. Others may acknowledge obesity but seem unable to do anything about it.

Some claim obesity is irrelevant. Yet, it is well established that there is a correlation between obesity and diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Is obesity, or being overweight, simply a condition of modern life? Are there solutions?

There have been campaigns to require that physical education be mandated for all students at all grade levels. But will the effects of that extend beyond school into adulthood?

Should adults depend upon regular visits to a commercial health club?

The components of being of normal weight and good fitness are not unknown. Fundamentally, being moderately active several times a week and not consuming excessive calories are what is required. Of course, there is an assumption that the harmful activities of smoking and undue alcohol consumption are avoided.

In many ways, a sufficient level of activity can be maintained around a home, simply by pushing a lawnmower, performing maintenance, cleaning house or washing a car (now restricted in the county).

However, there are obstacles to maintaining weight and fitness. The lack of sidewalks and bike lanes can make walking and biking unpleasant, if not dangerous, activities.

To the credit of Gwinnett County, many parks are now opening with paved trails for walking and biking. But doesn’t driving to a park for exercise seem counterintuitive?

It is the unusually restrained person who can regularly eat out and not gain weight. Restaurant food is invariably laden with fats. For most, saying “no” to eating out is a first step in decreasing caloric intake.

It seems evident that combating obesity does require a change in mindset - a willingness to not accept blindly the conventions of modern life.

Do you think obesity is a problem? If so, what are you personally doing to prevent or combat it? Should the community or government be doing more to facilitate fitness activities?

Jim Grattan is a software engineer and avid bicyclist. He lives in the Grayson area with his wife Shirley and four Golden Retrievers.”

Permalink | Comments (26) | Post your comment | Categories: My View

Comments

By Jerry

May 1, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry about my smoking and drinking until your weight is under control! Companies should charge obese employees more for insurance as they do for smokers!

By geekay

May 3, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

“Fundamentally, being moderately active several times a week and not consuming excessive calories are what is required.” Fundamentally and utterly wrong, and it doesn’t work, Jim, I am absolutely convinced. Change your paradigm too, read “Good Calories, Bad Calories” by Gary Taubes. For that matter, read anything by Taubes.

By One Man's View

May 3, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

GK,

Taube is basically in the same corner as Dr. Atkins: carbohydrates are the problem. But surely no one would suggest that the American public has been on a low fat, high carbo diet over the last few decades. In fact quite the contrary. So why the quick rise of obesity and overweight? High fat, high caloric consumption has to be on the rise with the tremendous increase in eating out, especially fast food. That seems to coincide with the rise of obesity.

There have been many, many people who have solved the problem of obesity by controlling calories and adding exercise. I haven’t heard of those who are sedentary and consume as many calories as they chose regardless of whether someone labels the calories good or bad and thereby solve their excessive weight problems.

By plawler

May 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Naperville Illinois has found a solution to the childhood obesity crisis - 21st century quality PE - known as PE4life - recent results in Naperville only 3% of students were over weight or obese - breaking news - Naperville also discovered working with Dr Ratey from Harvard - we can improve test scores with exercise - help spread the word

By plawler

May 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

By plawler

May 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

By One Man's View

May 4, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

But will PE4life have a lifelong impact. When one is out of a school environment, where does the support come from if needed? I think that we as a nation need to value lifelong fitness. That would be reflected in sidewalks, bikelanes, and employers making an effort to support lunchtime activities and facilities. Many employers think such activities detract from work, but in actualiity they enhance work. I don’t think schools should bear most of the burden for fitness.

By Jim Swilley

May 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

My wife and I are in our late 30’s and do aerobics DVD’s 5 times per week, 30 minutes per session, in the comfort of our own home. We are in the best shape of our lives and we eat what we want when we want. It’s not that hard, folks. You must be willing to commit to make the lifestyle changes to stay healthy, however. Smoking + drinking + nightly visits to Outback Steakhouse - Exercise = FAT !!!

By Exador

May 13, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Diet and exercise, people. It’s not rocket science.

By Vernon Goins

May 15, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Exador’s mesage is worth repeating. Diet and exercise, people. It’s not rocket science.

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