Given the recent findings of the Trust for Americas Health on Obesity (found Here), I figured personal health would be an interesting place to start with sustainability.
Many people take personal health for granted. We wake up each day, head off to complete the tasks of the day, and make time for eating where permissible. While doing all this, we expect our bodies to keep up with us. We expect this of our bodies reguardless of the fuel we give them. Recent data are beginning to show that america is developing (or has developed) an obesity problem, and while some want to place blame on one entity, the blame probably lies within many. Check this chart for worldwide comparisons
It could be the fault of the overwieght individual, as no one forced them to over eat and not exercise, it could be the fault of the city planner, for designing neighborhoods that are nearly impossible to walk in, it could be the fault of the soda and fast food companies, for hooking us on sugar, and the list goes on and on. As we continue to gain weight, our bodies have a harder time moving us around, and getting vital nutrients to our organs.
So, what how does this all relate to sustainability, you ask?
Keeping ourselves healthy is the first step to leading a longer life (who doesnt want to be around for grandkids, great grandkids or other major milestones in life?) Ensuring that we are consuming food in a way that will allow our bodies to keep working as intended so we dont miss out on the things we’ve been waiting for. Along with our children, why would we have to say no to doing something fun because we were not of sound health? Having to skip an activity such as hiking or river rafting because of poor health would not be fun.
Along with sustainability personally, healthcare is a focus of the current administration, and like it or not, I have a feeling some sort of health care reform will work through the congress before the midterm elections in 2010. Obesity has risks which can cost the system millions in unnecessary dollars, such as type two diabetes, sleep apnea and stroke (read other health problems here). Stopping these problems before they start can be beneficial to the federal deficit too!
So how can you make it so that you dont join the ranks of the obese or overwieght?
1) Move to Colorado – Colorado is currently the least obese in the nation, and has been that way for quite some time (view nifty obesity time lapse map here)
2) Eat in moderation – Overeating can cause excess foods to be broken down and stored as trigycerides to be used later. Not letting this happen in the first place will be beneficial.
3) Chew the rainbow – All marketing ploys aside, skittles has a relevant campaign. Eating colorful foods can make it easier to obtain nutrient dense food, keeping you feeling fuller and flush with energy longer in the day.
4) Find some friends – Studies show that exercise becomes easier if there’s someone to hold you accountable, a weight lifting or running buddy, for example.
5) Get your exercise in unconventional ways – by this I mean ride a bike or walk to the store, to work, or to the park.
Questions to the Readers:
1) Why do you think obesity has become a problem in the last 25 years?
2) Do you have any suggestions for weight loss not listed above?
Looking for further reading?
Stomaching the recession – Julie Flaherty of the tufts school of nutrition
The Obesity Society – Advocacy Group
I also found Michael Pollan’s Book In Defense of Food Interesting
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
As you said there are many faults the obese can turn to when saying “it is not my fault”. Genes, fast food, corporations BLAH,BLAH,BLAH. Why is it that all other insurance is bought by the consumer freely but health insurance is paid by someone else.
Economic incentives could be a part of any plan to reduce the ranks of the morbidly obese. Those who take an active role in maintinaing there health should be entitled to cheaper insurance rates thans those who knowingly and willingly abusde thier bodies. Smokers vs Non-Smokers are just one example. Why should I pay the same as the person who loads up on chips/soda and never exercises?
I saw the movie “Food Inc.” and was not to surprised to find out that the fault is with the fast food companies. I guess I should have expected that from the “Fast Food Nation” guy!
I not sure what the “limitations” are to better eating habits. Just go home and cook and stop going to Burger King. Colorado’s has a great climate but it can not make you go exercise, you have to want to do it. Education is a key place to start but you can’t blame everything on being “poor”. I have never bought into being poor means being stupid!
nice post, Jeff. I disagree with the previous comment in that there are serious limitations to eating healthy and exercising in addition to personal responsibility – things like location (heat or cold), poverty and ethnic cultures can inhibit healthy lifestyles. Education is key as was evidenced by West Virginia’s campaign a couple of years ago.
I don’t think we should all move to Colorado but rather try to make our current communities more fit to fall in line with Colorado.