Combating Obesity

By Jonathan Reece
                There has been little progress made concerning the obesity epidemic every since it was brought to the media’s attention in the early 2000’s through documentaries like “Supersize Me,” and various other scientific studies. Regulating the food industry has been met with much opposition, and programs such as changing school lunches have had minimal real affects on the problem. Americans have continued to gain weight at an alarming rate, as we remain the most obese country in the world. Over 36% of women and 32% of men are obese, and chronic illnesses caused by obesity have been projected to outnumber tobacco related diseases for the top preventable cause of the death in the United States in a recent study by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Not only is this epidemic affecting adults, but it is also plaguing children in this country, with nearly one third of children suffering from obesity. Adults who are obese are much more likely to have obese children, and in turn, around 80% of these children themselves grow up to be obese.  This chronic illness directly leads to more serious diseases in children, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, respiratory ailments, orthopedic problems, sleep deprivation, and depression (not to mention the overwhelming increased risk of heart disease during adulthood). These statistics are alarming and allude to a vicious cycle where obese children grow up to become obese adults, who then themselves raise obese children who follow this same pattern. But how can this cycle be broken? There must be a cooperative effort between both parents and children where both can keep track of, and motivate the other, as they both work towards a healthier lifestyle.
Studies have shown that is psychologically and physically exhausting to undergo major life changes. The reason that millions of Americans begin dieting and exercising and then quit after a week or so is because it can be extremely difficult to change one’s daily routine without immediate visible results. Realistically, studies have shown that it can take up to 12 weeks for a diet and exercise regimen to have noticeable results on the physical appearance of the body, a time period that many Americans do not have the will or patience to last until. However, there are a few motivational and effectual tools that anyone can use to help one stick to their diet.
The first of these tools is exercising and dieting with a partner. In a recent study, it was shown that 94 percent of people who worked out together stuck to their exercise plans, compared with only 57 percent of those who went at it alone. Parents and children can participate in a healthier lifestyle together, dieting and exercising together. Cook a healthy meal together, or take a walk in the park with each other instead of watching television. Participating in these activities together can greatly improve the chances that the change in lifestyle will stick. The next motivational tool is a physical list or journal that allows people to keep track of exactly what they are eating, exactly how much exercise, and what exercises are being completed. In a recent study, it was found that people who are successful at losing and maintaining their weight are good at self-monitoring, and physically keep track of their progress. Parents and children can keep track of each other’s progress in something like a health journal, logging each day how much was eaten, what was eaten, and how much exercise was done. These small steps can help both parents and children work together to make difficult lifestyle changes that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
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