Have you heard the prediction that if current trends continue, all Americans will be obese by 2050? I heard this startling statement at a health conference a few years ago, and have wondered about its truthfulness ever since. Yes, Americans are getting fatter, but is it our destiny to all become fat?
Of course many will argue that it’s impossible our entire population will become overweight. There are athletes, fashion models, and others who will not join in this trend. That’s true, but can we deny that the average size woman in the United States is 165 lbs., when in comparison, in the 1960’s the average woman was 140 lbs.? And can we deny that our children are becoming heavier at an alarming rate… with a plethora of video games and television shows to tempt them into inactivity?
Maybe it’s not destiny that everyone will become heavier than they would like, but it is important to realize that many are joining this negative trend. And it’s equally important to realize that obesity matters. The ramifications of carrying too much weight around are profound. Not only will we be less able to get around comfortably, think tiny airplane seats, we also will do our bodies damage. The negative health effects of obesity boggle the mind.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain that obesity is caused by more than just overeating. They state, there “…are a variety of factors that play a role in obesity. This makes it a complex health issue to address.†In fact, it is a combination of genetics, the environment, and individual behaviors that affect how much Americans weigh.
How, then, can we make sure we do not become a statistic? It’s easy: exercise more and eat less. Remember when you were a child and you had a seemingly endless supply of energy? Well, you can regain that energy by exercising more. Even when you are dead tired, push yourself to work out; you will be surprised by the energy rush you feel. You could also strive for walking 10,000 steps per day. This amount of walking will have a positive impact on weight control.
When it comes to eating, strive to eat more unprocessed foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables. Steer clear of heavily processed foods, including fried and sugar-laden foods. You may not know it, but those specialty drinks you love may have more calories than you could ever imagine. For example, one medium café latte (16 ounces) made with whole milk can have as many as 265 calories, and your strawberry fruit smoothie may be full of sugar.
Finally, if you’re gaining weight at a fast rate, make sure to visit your doctor. You may have polycystic ovarian syndrome or Cushing’s disease. Even steroids and some anti-depressants cause weight gain.
I don’t know if we will all be heavy in 2050. Frankly, even if this prediction is fiction, it is still a wake-up call. It lets every American know, obesity matters.
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