November 8, 2020: Obesity in America
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We have heard about the threat of obesity across America so much that it’s become like white noise. Time to tune back in to the threat for just a few minutes. This week, we’re going to talk about the real implications of the rise of obesity in our country and whether or not America is ready to tackle the problem head-on.
Did you know that obesity has tripled in prevalence over the past three decades? I want you to understand the distinction between being overweight and being obese:
Being overweight indicates an excess of body weight to height.
Being obese indicates a surplus of fat caused by a continued excessive consumption of food.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons that someone overeats to the point of becoming obese, including boredom, depression, stress and anxiety, or being raised in a household where this is the norm. With life-altering health issues that come from obesity, including hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and depression, it is an epidemic that needs an immediate intervention.
Our need for instant gratification in all facets of our lives has led to the fast food revolution and an increasing dependence on foods filled with high amounts of sodium, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup. We’re busy, We’re tired. We want problems - including what’s for dinner - solved now.
Since Americans want what they offer, neither fast food chains nor companies who make their money peddling sugary snacks are going anywhere.
There is a silver lining, though. In a recent survey out of Harvard, researchers found that, from 1999 through 2012, a healthier diet cumulatively prevented 1.1 million premature deaths. It’s really that simple to be healthier!
Americans are taking a stand and insisting on having healthy options on menus, regardless of where they choose to dine. By the end of 2016, the Federal Government has mandated that menus have the nutritional content listed next to food items which allows people to make educated decisions about what they choose to ingest.
And, that, right there, is the crux of the problem: education. Most people just don’t know how to choose a healthy option from an unhealthy one. Take a smoothie, for example. It’s fruit and yogurt - what’s bad about that? The extra sugar content in the mixes many companies use in their smoothies turn something that sounded healthy into a sugar-spiking beverage. It’s important to learn to distinguish between what sounds healthy and what really is healthy.
You don’t need to be a part of the sad statistics. Break the cycle. I know you can do it, because I did it myself!
Next Sunday, we’ll talk about tips for keeping yourself healthy during the holiday season if you need to travel.
Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.
Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!
I hope you have a wonderful week,
Kelly
Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.
Tsirona - www.tsirona.com
My weekly GYSTS email give you one actionable thing to do for the week that will make you life a little easier. As "they" say, "Fail to plan; plan to fail." Get these emails (and more!) delivered right to your inbox by clicking HERE.