By Kara Pifer
How many of your family members have always been overweight? How many of your friends keep buying new jeans because their old ones get too small? In the United States today, as well as many other areas of the world, watching television, playing a video game or working on homework has taken the lead in the normal nightly activities rather than going for a walk around the neighborhood. Activity is not the only change that American’s have made to increase their waste lines, food and the way it’s prepared has changed too. More families are eating on the go, eating more processed foods and junk foods. Obesity has become one of the most prevalent health related issues in the world today.
Although so many times obesity is associated with an increased blood pressure, an increase risk of developing diabetes and many other health issues, a new study has shown that quite an unusual effect is occurring. It seems that while the United States reached the highest level of BMI among wealthy countries, reaching a whopping average of 28, we actually are on the low end of the scale for other health issues such as cholesterol and blood pressure. Those that completed the study speculate that these strange results are the outcome of improved screening and treatment. In the blood pressure category, it was found that the highest levels of blood pressure in the world can be found in Portugal, Finland and Norway, as well as a few countries in Africa and the Baltic region. The lowest levels of blood pressure can be found in South Korea, Cambodia, Australia, Canada and surprisingly, the United States. The highest levels of cholesterol can be found in Greenland, Iceland and Germany and the lowest levels are found in Africa. Low levels of cholesterol can also be found in the United States, Canada, Greece and Sweden. This study was really a surprise for me, as I assumed that along with being one of the most obese countries in the world, that we would also be the leading country in terms of cholesterol and high blood pressure. They do say “go big or go home” right? I guess in this case, we went big, but decided to stop before we all had heart attacks.
Within the same article, I noticed at the end a very interesting paragraph; “Don’t assume there’s little we can do as individuals and nations. We are not getting heavier because our genes are changing…..Lets work on changing our food supply and environment, reducing poverty, enhancing education about health promotion, and keeping moving.” I find it interesting that there is mention of our genes. Although as a nation we seem to be expanding at an alarming rate, why are we looking for excuses? I find it unnecessary to blame our weight gain on anything other than our own decision making and lack of motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Yes, I understand there are health conditions that make it more than difficult to maintain a healthy weight, but for the majority of the nation’s population, genes and every other excuse just shouldn’t make the cut. Another article clearly states that it is bad habits, not genetics that leads to obesity in the clear majority of cases.
As I am sure everyone is aware, the rates of adulthood obesity are not the only rates on the rise. Childhood obesity has also risen to extremely high levels and although there are many programs in existence attempting to help reduce the numbers, there are still an alarming amount of overweight and obese children. Current research is showing that these numbers may be related to the number of years that the woman (or women in some cases) of the household were employed away from home during the young years of a child’s life. There has not been conclusive research as to the reasons behind this but the article “suggest[s] that less time for grocery shopping and food preparation lead[s] to eating out or pre-made processed foods may play a role.” Although this all adds up, it is still the family’s choice to be eating out more and choosing more processed foods. I do it myself. I get busy, I eat my snacks during the day and then I get home and I do not want to cook, I just am ready for dinner so I warm up a frozen meal. This could have all been avoided had I prepared a few meals on the weekend and put them in the freezer. Everyone is busy, everyone feels crunched for time at points in their lives. Making small adjustments for a healthy lifestyle such as cooking meals on the weekend that you can reheat during the week, keeping fresh chopped vegetables and cleaned fruits in the refrigerator are two great steps toward this. Although this particular study blames the mother (or mothers) who work to support their families for the nation’s obesity, it is just one factor among many that contribute to the pandemic. “About a fifth of American children are considered obese, and childhood obesity has been associated with health, behavior, and academic problems in adolescence and adulthood.” If that does not make you want to make a few changes in your lifestyle for the benefit of yourself and your family, I do not know what does. Everything in your child’s life is affected by their weight, and the quote did not even cover the emotional challenges your child would face throughout their life if they were continuously overweight.
There are many programs, support groups and choices for those that are overweight or obese to create a healthier lifestyle. Although it is a difficult journey, it can be done and in some cases it must be done in order to survive. For all those that you know that may need to make a few healthy changes, or for you yourself, there is help almost everywhere you can imagine (except maybe at McDonalds!). Every small change in your lifestyle today adds up a healthier tomorrow in America.
For information on the studies concerning cholesterol and blood pressure: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649633.html
For a brief article on the study concerning working mothers and childhood obesity: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/04/study-moms-work-schedule-making-kids-fat/
Another article about childhood obesity: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649500.html
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