Imagine this. You meet someone new every minute of the day, 24 hours per day, for 196 years. That's a lot of people! In fact, it's 103 million people. And that is the number of people projected to be obese in the United States alone, in 2018, 45% of our population! A recent report by Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D. outlines the troubling future we are headed towards if we don't change course in the growth of obesity. Some of the major findings from the report included some incredible points:
- Obesity is growing faster than any previous public health issue our nation has faced (that is worth reading twice). If current trends continue, 103 million American adults will be considered obese by 2018.
- The U.S. is expected to spend $344 billion on health care costs attributable to obesity in 2018 if rates continue to increase at their current levels (That is more money than the Gross National Income of all but the top 14 wealthiest nations!). Obesity-related direct expenditures are expected to account for more than 21 percent of the nation's direct health care spending in 2018.
- If obesity levels were held at their current rates, the U.S. could save an estimated $820 per adult in health care costs by 2018 - a savings of almost $200 billion dollars.
Even more startling statistics comes from the January 2010 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition:
A sampling of 324 4-year-old Chilean children showed that:
- 13% of 4 year-olds were obese
- 11% of 4 year-olds had central obesity (a larger risk factor than when body fat is stored elsewhere)
- More than 20% had lipid disorders
- 70% of the children had at least one cardiometabolic risk factor
The report is on children from Chile. The United States has a higher rate of obesity, so it's likely that the obesity rates for young children could be higher than the percentages above.
Making a Change
The beginning of a new year marks the start of the season of new exercise programs, new diets, and new commitments. There won't likely be a change in the food options at the grocery store in the near future. People will have to shop with a stronger resolve to choose foods that promote health, reduce hunger, support blood-sugar management, and enhance energy levels. It is not easy to get started, but it's possible with the right approach. Here are a few keys to make 2010 a success:
- Get support: Make your commitment with a friend, or get into a group program with other people facing similar challenges like eat or TEAM Weight Loss. People looking to make a lifestyle change, and are part of a social network or support community, are consistently more successful.
- Start with a plan: At the start of the new year, many people attempt to eat less, without understanding exactly what to eat, and begin exercising more, without knowing exactly how to structure their exercise program. It is critical to get support from experts in Nutrition and Exercise. At Life Time, take advantage of a free FitPoint and Nutrition Consultation.
- Start using Supplements: A high-quality multivitamin, omega-3 fish oil and protein powders are essential components of a solid nutrition and exercise plan.
- Think long-term: Changing nutrition and exercise habits is not a short-term solution. The same principles that allow someone to shed the wait are the principles that allow them to keep it off, along with maintaining health status such as cardiovascular risk factors.
- If the plan you're following isn't working, get guidance from a professional: Many people attempt the same thing they did the previous year, even though it didn't work. Every person is an individual, with a unique metabolism. If you're not seeing the changes you'd expect, talk to a Personal Trainer or Nutrition Coach for help in finding out what will work.
Changing the direction of health in our nation starts with one person at a time. Many studies have shown that as one person changes his or her lifestyle, it has a major impact on those around them. One person changing his or her life can have a significant impact on many more. This could be your year to be an inspiration for those around you.
In health,
Tom Nikkola
Resources:
Thorpe K. The Future Cost of Obesity: National and State Estimates of the Impact of Obesity on Direct Health Care Expenses. Emory Univeristy. November, 2009.
Corvalan C, Uauy R, Kain J, Martorell R. Obesity indicators and cardiometabolic status in 4-y-old children. J Clin Nutr. 2010;91:166-74
This article is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations in this and other articles is at the choice and risk of the reader.
