BodiMojo Blog

“F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America,” a recent report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is certainly a hefty document, worthy of its weighty topic. The report calls for the creation of a National Strategy to Combat Obesity and includes state-by-state data about obesity rates as well as legislation. Experts estimate if we keep on our current course, 75 percent of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2015. That’s just six years away—a bleak prediction indeed. 

For all the policies, statistics, and recommendations in “F as in Fat,” a few stats brought these random personal thoughts to mind:

·  Get rid of the car culture.

Fact: Less than 16 percent of students between ages of 5-15 walk or bike to school, compared with 48 percent in 1969.

Here in my New England hometown, which is just four square miles, with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all very accessible, parents almost always drive their kids to school. I’ve always insisted that, when possible, my son, now 17, ride his bike or walk to school. “But other kids get a ride,” he often protested. Schools and towns need to make it safe to get to school by providing crossing guards at major intersections; parents can form “walk pool” groups instead of car pools. The days may be ending when parents will be able to say, “When I was a kid, I walked miles to school, whether it was rain, snow or sleet…

·  Daily, regular exercise requires personal commitment, which is hard to mandate.

Fact: More than 22 percent of Americans say they do not engage in any physical activity.

When I think of my friends and neighbors, there are few that I know who are engaging in any regular, consistent, aerobic exercise; and this is a circle of upper to middle class constituents. Just imagine the sedentary lifestyles of low-income residents, especially, when according to the report, these are the people struggling with lack of green spaces; grocery stores that lack fresh fruits and vegetables; limited breastfeeding habits, and other barriers that make good health difficult. Not everyone has a Whole Foods around the corner; safe places to walk or run; supportive childcare systems.

·  Baby boomers and obesity is a whole new ballgame.

Fact: The highest prevalence of obesity occurs among women in their 50’s—fitting squarely into the baby boomer population.

Although there is conflicting data about the health trends of baby boomers (some say they’re actually in good health), all agree that Medicare will be inundated with boomers, many of whom are overweight or obese.

Hmmm. It sounds like the perfect storm to me, a combination of an overburdened healthcare system, along with a population of aging people, many troubled by obesity-related chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart, disease, and hypertension.

The bottom line: take the time to read the report, which is compelling, and urgent. There is progress being made, but, as the report says, “For significant change to be made, combating obesity must be a national priority.” And, “Change will not be easy”—obesity is an issue that will require action from not just the state and federal government, but, schools, employers, agriculture, communities, insurance companies, food and beverage companies, and guess, what, families and individuals. This is one issue where “let it begin with me” really hits home. Want to get started today? Here are some places you can begin:

         For adults:  http://www.startchallengetool.com/

         For kids: http://www.empowerme2b.org/