Commentary on F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009
This morning, NBC’s Today show ran a story commenting on a newly released report titled “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009.” This report, released today by Trust for America’s Health and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, discusses the state of obesity in the United States.
The main message is that obesity rates in 23 states have increased over last year, and childhood obesity has risen to 30 percent across the country. These numbers are consistent with the trends over the past 20 years and the problem of obesity continues to grow. What I found interesting and disappointing is that when the reporter, Meredith Viera, asked Nancy Snyderman, the medical editor, what can be done about the problem, Snyderman said she didn’t have a solution.
Many doctors, legislators, and community organizers think that to tackle the problem of obesity, there has to be a massive legislative approach. They think that someone has to come in and fix everything.
I, however, take a much different approach. Start with a simple plan that combines eating well and exercising. I just take a one person or one family at a time approach. I think this works best.
Add A New CommentWe value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New Comment2 Comments
I like your approach. I always tell my kids that they shouldn't tattle but to make sure they are doing what they should be doing and not monitor others. It's up to each person to tackle their own health issue and support of family and friends is helpful.
I also feel the government is missing a key component of this issue. There are so many xenoestrogens in our environment that we are not trying to eliminate, they come from meat pumped up with estrogen, milk, birth control contaminants not filtered out of our water system, plastics, processed foods and more. Our whole society is over estrogened (men too, they live in the same place and eat what we do) that we can't control our sugar habit because it's hormone induced.
You have inspired me to start my family walks again. Thank you.
Educating people how to have a healthy lifestyle is important. Children are taught maths and english at school etc., but maybe more time needs to be allocated to 'lifestyle' choices. Schools, clubs and church groups could all help to play a role in educating people.
We are bombarded by food manfacturer ads and messages saying 'eat this'. There needs to be another ad and message that says 'think before you eat'.