News about the obesity epidemic seems to be everywhere. Yet we haven’t seen tangible results.
According to “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens American’s Future 2011,” a report from Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and did not decline in any state.
It’s astonishing to hear that twelve states now have obesity rates above 30 percent. Four years ago, only one state was above 30 percent.
I think it’s great we’ve taken the first step by identifying the problem but we need to do more! We all know we need to eat less and move more but obviously that’s easier said then done.
The authors have put forward the following recommendations for policymakers and the food and drinks industry:
- Prevention and Public Health Fund – funding should not be cut. More focus should go on preventing obesity, and it should not be used to justify or offset cuts because of other federally-funded programs.
- Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act – the USDA (US Dept. of Agriculture) should issue a final rule on school meal regulations immediately. It should become much stricter on “competitive” food and drinks (sold in school stores, vending machines, a la carte lines, and other non-school meal programs).
- The National Physical Activity Plan – all policies, programs and initiatives outlined in the Plan should be implemented fully, including a public education program, a US-wide resource center, a grassroots advocacy effort, and dissemination of best practices.
- Cuts to Vital Programs – $833 million in cuts made in 2011 should be reversed. Programs should focus on better nutrition in child care settings.
We learn next to nothing about how to be healthy and make good food choices and exercise in school, it’s no surprise to me that obesity has become and epidemic in American.
What is it going to take for our society to wake up?
Today is the last day to enter my raffle to win Cubs tickets. I’m proud to be running with DetermiNation and I’m shooting to raise $1,000. Please consider supporting me with a donation. My Fundraising Page.
About Sara
It is a serious public health issue, but when government tries to take action, there is pushback with cries of “big brother” and “personal choice.” It’s very frustrating.
I think obesity is a mental health issue as much as it is a health issue. Americans are working more hours than ever, with little time for “luxuries” like home cooked meals and fancy gyms. Moms are running home to care for their kids, neighborhoods may not be safe enough for out door play, and many people’s support systems are weak. The stigma associated with obesity is tragic, bc often times these low ses individuals are working so hard they don’t have time for self care.
I wish I knew the answer. People often choose the easy way out. It’s easier to sit on your butt then get up and workout. The say they don’t have time to workout, yet, they have time to sit on the couch?? And this relying on fast food has to stop. They THINK it’s cheaper, but it’s not. It’s not cheaper when they have to pay for it healthwise later, nor is it cheaper to go through the drive-thru all the time. What makes me most upset are the obese kids. The PARENTS are buying that crap for them. Ughh. 🙁
we need mainstream corporations to make the move and adopt healthier options both in retail and restaurants. if the healthier options are out there and made convenient (and affordable) then people will be more likely to adopt healthier habits. this is already starting, but we need more people to jump on board before we see real results.
as for exercise, i think it has a lot to do with how we’re raised nowadays. technology allows for sedentary entertainment so we see less kids getting outside and parents doing little about it. gym class requirements in schools have dropped as well.
all in all, it’s going to take an attitude change from all sides and people willing to make a change.
Came for the graph but had to say way to go on all the PRs!