The epidemic of too much weight

The epidemic of too much weight: if you're overweight, you need to lose those excess pounds—now!

Let's be honest. Most of us eat too much and exercise too little. No wonder, then, that obesity in America is a major public health problem. In recent decades, obesity has increased among men, women and children, across all age groups and within all educational levels and races.

After smoking, obesity is the leading lifestyle-related cause of disease and death in the United States. And a growing number of Americans are putting themselves at risk. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1980 and 2000, the number of obese adult Americans increased more than 50 percent. The increase in the number of overweight young people has been even more dramatic, as the number of overweight children and adolescents in the United States has tripled. And among African-American adults and children, obesity is particularly rampant. What's going on here?

The simple answer is we are in the midst of an epidemic, one that threatens the well-being of millions of Americans. Obesity is a dangerous precursor to numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. In children, being overweight leads to hypertension, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease and bony abnormalities, particularly of the legs. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is now occurring in adolescents.

There is no magic bullet or simple solution to this problem. Tackling obesity--and overcoming it--requires a multitiered response. But we can start with ourselves--taking a hard look in the mirror and evaluating what we personally can do to eliminate obesity as a health problem.
We know that good nutrition and regular exercise (the recommended amount is 30 minutes a day) are vital components in the fight against obesity. Just making small changes can go a long way toward maintaining a healthier weight. For instance, instead of choosing a bag of potato chips for a snack, try some carrots. Instead of eating a candy bar, enjoy a nutritious orange. Instead of sitting in front of the TV for several hours and snacking on sugary treats, take a walk, ride a bike or jog in the park. Rather than riding the elevator, use the stairs, when possible. The cumulative effect of making these kinds of changes can help to dramatically reduce weight and enhance overall health. And the more we consciously incorporate healthier habits, the easier it becomes.
While some people are predisposed to being obese, because of their genetic make up, they can still significantly decrease their weight by making better lifestyle choices. So there is much that we all can do to become part of the solution, not the problem.

Beyond our own personal responsibility, society, too, plays a critical role in fighting obesity. Schools, community organizations and public health agencies need to work more closely in partnership to provide anti-obesity messages and activities that can be widely incorporated. We cannot afford to have the health of our children--and of our nation--further compromised. Promoting nutritious eating, exercising regularly and adopting an overall healthier lifestyle are the best weapons in our arsenal to stop the epidemic of obesity.
Our elders have said, "If you know better, you should do better." Brothers and Sisters, let's do better.