Despite healthy lifestyles initiatives, improved nutrition information in schools and healthy McDonald's kids meals, the problem of obesity is growing. One-third of the nation is overweight. By 2030, half of Americans will be overweight. Obesity is fast overtaking tobacco as the number one lifestyle disease.
According to statistics, the rise in obesity will create 7.8 million cases of Type 2 diabetes, 6.8 million cases of heart disease and stroke, and 539,000 new cases of cancer in the United States by 2030.
Obesity is defined as Body Mass Index greater than 30. The BMI is calculated by a height to weight proportion. A BMI less than 18 is considered underweight. 18.5 to 24.5 BMI is normal and 25 to 20.9 BMI is overweight.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2010, 33.8 percent of adults and 17.9 percent of children and teens ages 2-19 were obese. Twelve states have obesity rates over 30 percent, including Michigan, with a 30.5 percent obesity rate. Michigan has made some improvement from 2010 to 2011. In 2010, Michigan's obesity rate was 30.9 and placed eighth in the nation. In 2011, Michigan dropped to tenth place.
There are some limitations to the BMI scale as an indicator of obesity. It does not measure what proportion of body weight is muscle and what is fat. Muscle weighs more than fat, though it takes of less space. Improving fitness and muscle tone doesn't always mean great weight loss, although the person may appear to weigh less. Conversely, a person who has lost muscle tone, may still have weight-related health problems. This occurs with sedentary and elderly people.
A better indicator of obesity is belly fat which is closely linked to Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and health-related problems. Apple-shaped women, with smaller hips and buttocks and large waists have more health related problems than pear-shaped, with wider hips and smaller waists. A waist measurement over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men, increases obesity-related health risks.
We've long debated which is more important diet or exercise in weight loss. While cutting calories and adopting better eating habits is important, these statistics demonstrate that fitness is crucial to reducing obesity-related health problems. If we are to address the growing obesity problems, we need to look beyond dieting to improved nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Michigan is addressing fitness, weight loss and nutrition in several ways:
* MDE is revamping how it serves lunch. Instead of whole milk, students get skim milk with breakfast and lunch. They are also boosting a fresh fruit and vegetable program.
* Double Up Food Bucks gives Michigan's Bridge Card (food stamps) users reward credits for using their Bridge Card on fresh Michigan produce at local farmers markets.
* The Michigan Nutrition Network incorporates nutrition and fitness programs for those eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
* Many schools in Michigan partner with the President's Challenge, a physical fitness test begun back in the 1970s to supplement physical education.
* The Michigan Surgeon General's Healthy School Environment Program outlines health objectives for schools in food service, exercise and curriculum. Schools are rewarded for participation.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben is a lifelong resident of Michigan and writes about issues important to quality-of-life in the Great Lakes State.
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