January 2001

Epidemic Proportions

The growing obesity epidemic is threatening the health of millions of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

• Obesity is defined as 30% or more above ideal body weight.  More than 20% of all Americans are obese.
• Overweight is defined as 20-29% above ideal body weight.  More than 55%  of all Americans are overweight.

There are serious health problems related to obesity such as:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• cancer

Being overweight and physically inactive account for more than 300,000 premature deaths in the U.S. (second only to tobacco-related deaths).  Unfortunately, it is not just an adult problem.  Our children are getting fatter with an increase in some of the same chronic diseases that occur in adulthood (see this month’s FYI).

Why are we getting fatter? 

Everyone in health care has a list of reasons, but the bottom line is we are taking in more calories (food) and burning up fewer calories (less exercise).  That also leads us to an obvious solution – eat less and move more!  This is easier said than done.

Because of the seriousness of this growing epidemic, we feel compelled to provide some tools that will help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight (if you need to), become fit, and to live long and healthy lives.   Over the next several months, we plan to address issues such as:

• serving sizes and portion control

• making good choices in restaurants

• a weight-loss challenge in March (in honor of Nutrition month) 

• getting the most from exercise

You may have noticed that we haven’t used that four-letter word “diet”!  That’s because diets don’t work.  You are either on it or off, you frequently feel deprived, and it isn’t a life-long solution.  Instead we want you to focus on small changes that you can live with and are permanent. 

We hope you stick with us over the next few months and that you try to at least make some of the changes and modifications we recommend.  Hopefully, we will all be healthier and more fit six months from now!

What better way to kick of this series than with a dessert!  Remember, we said that lifestyle changes are permanent and something you can live with – and who can live without dessert?  This recipe for a delicious cake is made from a mix without additional fat.

Spray 13x9-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Preheat oven to 350º.In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, peaches with juice, and eggs until moistened. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan; bake at 350º for 30-35 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. In small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and milk. Drizzle over warm cake.