The Growth of Our Nation

Our society routinely equates growth with success and bigger as better, but when it comes to our girth…our growth needs to stop!

A recent study conducted by the Trust for America’s Health shows that 1 in 4 American adults is obese. In fact, 31 of the 50 states have shown an increase in the percentage of obese adults just last year.

Obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) that exceeds 30. This can be calculated easily by taking your weight (kilograms) divided by your height (meters) squared. For a quicker result, feel free to use the free BMI calculator on my website under the ‘Fitness Plan’ tab.

And while obesity is a major problem, the growing number of overweight adults (BMI > 25) is also very disconcerting. It’s estimated that 2 out of 3 American adults are overweight or obese – that’s the vast majority of us, my friends!

So what seems to be our problem? I’ll tell you what it is: Being overweight is acceptable. Being overweight is not only accepted by society, but it’s endorsed by society and the way that we’re encouraged to live. We are making our lives so ‘convenient’ that we barely have to move in life. We treat ourselves daily with foods and drinks, and the normal portion sizes are continuing to grow with us. The 20-ounce soda seems to be phasing out the 12-ounce can and the popular fast food burger rarely have just one patty.

Another part of the problem is that as we all grow, society’s unofficial definition of overweight grows with us. Last Spring I lost a few pounds while training for a marathon. My BMI was 22 and I had approximately 10% body fat. At a family get-together I was berated by my friends and family as looking "unhealthy", "undernourished" and "too skinny’. Nothing flattering, I assure you This eyeball-obesity method ranks right up there with the watch-what-I-eat diet…neither one works. If you want to see if you’re carrying an unhealthy amount of fat – measure it! You’re the best judge of your health - your Aunt Edna’s comments aren’t likely to give you a fair body fat assessment.

So what’s the big deal with obesity? Obesity is driving up health care costs and driving down the quality and quantity of your life. Those extra pounds are increasing our risk of getting heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and many other illnesses. In a recent New England Health Journal article, it concluded that those that are obese have a 100% to 200% increased risk of a premature death. If you want to have a catch with your grandchildren someday or be able to spend your retirement funds on something other than medical costs than you need to make this a priority in your life.

Society is nothing more than you and me (and all those in between ;-). If you change, you may just motivate a few more to follow your lead. You may also make some friends with people like you that have the same goals. Losing weight and reversing years of bad habits can be a challenge, so use those around you to help you succeed. Most monumental accomplishments in life are made up of small steps…try taking the first one today! It will change your life.