Look around you. We are suffering from a disease that is causing premature death and happens to be a prerequisite for other diseases. It’s not swine flu, and it’s not a sexually transmitted disease; it’s obesity.
Oklahoma is one of six states that have a prevalence - about 30 percent - of obese citizens. That is one out of every three people. One of every three people has a body mass index of 30 percent or higher, which puts them at a greater risk for life threatening diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, respiratory problems and gynecological problems.
And I am just touching the tip of the iceberg here. Not only are we at a heightened risk for health problems, we are putting ourselves at risk financially too. And this financial risk is not only burdening the patient, but the health care system as a whole. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9.1 percent of all medical expenses in the United States were associated with obesity, and half of these expenses were covered by Medicare or Medicaid, costing taxpayers almost $37 billion.
This is a horrific problem, but it’s getting worse because obesity is becoming more prevalent, and almost at an exponential rate.
We are losing the fight against obesity due to our terrible eating habits, our individualistic, North American culture and our ignorance of what is in processed food.
So how do we combat this terrible plague?
First, we need to stop consuming so much food. The more is better mentality does not work here. We eat a lot more calories a day than our body can process, so we store those extra calories as fat. Do you remember walking away from the table feeling “comfortably full?”
Second, we need to eat more fresh foods, which often don’t contain copious amounts of saturated fats or high fructose corn syrup. Remember a large corporation produces high fructose corn syrup, so it is not something natural.
Third, we need to incorporate exercise into our daily lives. I know it’s hard because we are so dependent on our gas guzzling cars and our want-it-now mentality. But if we take a few more minutes to walk, or even to ride a bike, not only would our waistlines see a difference, but maybe our stress levels would as well.
Now, I do understand that some people have genetic factors increasing their potential to become obese.
But you have to remember: in order for these genetic factors to take place, they are instigated by outside factors, such as poor eating habits, high stress levels and a minimal amount of exercise. Obviously these outside factors can be controlled.
How do we seem to be so concerned with health, yet we are the unhealthiest country on the planet?
How do we spend twice as much per person on health care than other countries, yet we still don’t have proper and full coverage for all of our citizens?
Obesity plays a large role, and it can be managed. Just take a look around your environment, analyze the problems and create solutions.
Chris Gibbons is a botany and chemistry junior.
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kdbp1213 2 years, 9 months ago
obesity is a lifestyle; a choice. one can change their eating & exercise habits. one can lose weight. i've shed pounds in my life. other folks i know have shed pounds. i have a diabetic friend. she can't lose her disease......