The Obesity Epidemic

It is hard to escape TV news, social media articles, newspaper missives – and magazines covers when one is checking out at the grocery store – that keep addressing the obesity epidemic in our country. It’s turned into a rant that many of us are tired of. But how many really address the causes and “cures” of this self-induced epidemic and make strong recommendations for correction of the bad habits that led to this?

Statistics today reflect that anywhere from 40% to 65% of Americans are obese (the definition is a body mass index of over 30). Most ads on TV tout a cure of taking another prescription medication –  which have negative and potentially severe consequences. The usual culprits have been noted – eating too many processed foods, not participating in contact sports, too much sitting at home watching TV, social media overconsumption, etc. To make matters worse, our society has been gradually accepting this “new normal.” Mannequins in department stores and print ads in women’s magazines illustrate seriously overweight models.

And why should we be concerned? The youth are the future leaders of society. Obesity in one’s 20s or 30s, without correction, will lead to earlier heart attacks and strokes. Added weight puts too much pressure on knees and feet. This correction needs to take place sooner rather than later.

Other cultures can point us in the right direction. The Japanese have an obesity rate of 3.6% (although it has been growing in recent years). They have a cultural philosophy of eating until they are 80% full (called hara hachi bun me). Don’t most of us love eating until we are full and over-satiated? The Japanese also consume more fish as a main staple of their diet – not beef or chicken at the rate that Americans do.

The youth will have to learn to start preparing their food at home more often and eat the right kinds of foods – more fish, less red meat, vegetables on a daily basis, coupled with regular exercise. If parents haven’t taken up the baton to correct their own lifestyle and that of their children, then the education of grammar and high school children must be addressed as the Japanese already do. Department of Education, where are you?