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They can start by restricting what you can buy on a EBT card. I've had people come in to the store where I work and buy tons of junk food with EBT cards. This should not be allowed.
While caring for a mother with Alzheimer's disease and taking in a grandchild, the last thing on Donna Black's mind was what she was eating.
"You live in a state of total exhaustion," said Black, 59, of Belvedere. "There's not time to plan out a healthy meal. You just take whatever is there in front of you."
That contributed to a 60-pound gain, but since September she has whittled away more than half of that by eating sensibly, with help from University Hospital Diabetes Services.
"It's becoming my lifestyle," she said.
Unfortunately, not enough people are joining her, experts say. Though the rates of adult and childhood obesity appear to have leveled off, experts say it is too early to say whether that will continue.
The problem is still staggering. More than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and they racked up $147 billion in health care costs from heart disease, diabetes and other related diseases in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Worse, the long-term trend points to nearly half the country becoming obese by 2018 at a staggering cost of $343 billion a year, more than 21 percent of all health care spending, according to a study from Emory University.
Obesity is such a serious public health problem that it could wipe out gains in health from declining smoking rates, suggests a recent editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association .
Obesity risk increases with age, but the problem starts young. Those born between 1966 and 1975 and between 1976 and 1985 reached a 20 percent obesity rate by ages 20-29 -- younger than any previous generation, according to a study from the University of Michigan published in the International Journal of Obesity .
Obesity not only is starting young, but it also might happen in ways people don't realize, experts said. A study last year by researchers at Harvard University's School of Medicine published in Pediatrics found that rapid weight gain in the first six months of life was the biggest predictor of obesity at age 3.
"Then if you're overweight during childhood, you're more likely to be overweight as an adult," said Dr. Deborah Young-Hyman, a professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and a member of the Georgia Prevention Institute studying childhood obesity.
Overeating is habit
Our culture conspires to help people gain weight and keep it on, something the CDC calls "obesogenic." Much of it is a lack of awareness about what is eaten and how much, dietitians said.
"People aren't taking what they eat seriously," said Mary Beth Arnold, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at University.
"People do it reflexively," Young-Hyman said. "Most people don't even know what they even put in their mouths."
Or they don't know how much. Say the morning routine is a stop for a couple of glazed doughnuts and a large coffee with triple cream and sugars, she said.
"You've already eaten over half your calories for the day," Young-Hyman said. "And you haven't hit the office yet, where someone has brought in doughnuts or coffeecake or homemade cookies."
Being active helps
Elevators, escalators and cars have taken away much of the physical activity of yesteryear, said Latasha Williams, a registered dietitian at Doctors Hospital.
"I think a lot of it is environment and not being aware that we're not burning as many calories as people used to," she said. "But we are also taking in more calories because we're not aware that portion sizes are getting bigger."
Small things people aren't aware of could be adding to the problem, Williams said.
"Most people are very surprised at even the amount of calories in 16 ounces of soda," she said. "Most people are very surprised at what they're actually getting vs. what they think they are getting."
Metabolism really begins slowing down after age 50, but many people don't adjust, Arnold said.
"When you are 50, you can't eat like when you were 25," she said.
Losing weight the recommended away -- a slow drop of 1-2 pounds a week from healthy eating and improved activity -- doesn't appeal to the way Americans think now, Arnold said.
"We're used to things immediate and instant, and losing weight is hard work," she said. "Instead of taking the time to see a dietitian or get on an individualized diet that would meet their lifestyle, they're looking for an easy way out and it doesn't work. They might get the weight off, but they are going to put it back on. They're not learning healthy lifestyle changes."
Subsidized snacks
Some of the problem might not even be visible. A review of national chain restaurants done in Hawaii, for instance, found that 69 percent used corn oil, considered the least healthful of major oils because it has the highest levels of saturated fat, according to the study published last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . Oil on the fries eaten as part of a typical value meal of a burger, fries and soda would contribute 20 percent of the calories and a majority of the fat in the meal, according to the study.
The U.S. subsidizes corn and sugar production, which potentially makes foods with those ingredients cheaper, Young-Hyman said.
"Most people really aren't aware that we do subsidize cheap food," she said. "There are studies that show the more you eat sugar, the more you crave it. We get into certain food patterns and the body gets into certain physiological patterns of metabolism. Fast-acting carbohydrates are actually metabolized quickly. And you get hungry."
For Black, it was more about getting her life under control first before she could contend with her weight. She also has lupus, which attacks her joints, and she hopes losing weight will mean less strain on her joints and help her avoid knee-replacement surgery.
She knows it will not happen overnight and thinks she will hit her goal weight by February of next year -- just by doing things the right way.
"It's going to happen if it takes 10 years but I don't think it will," Black said. "It's comfortable for me. It's something I can do."
Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.
'Chronicle' series
Today's stories are part of an occasional series in The Augusta Chronicle on obesity, healthy eating, exercise and living better.
COMING MONDAY: Latasha Williams got tired of being overweight and sedentary, so she helped herself. Now a registered dietitian, she helps others get healthy.
Comments
They can start by restricting what you can buy on a EBT card. I've had people come in to the store where I work and buy tons of junk food with EBT cards. This should not be allowed.
Why don't you worry about what is in your grocery cart? I guess you want them to have weekly weigh ins? Okay genius, what is you solution for those not receiving assistance? Only some would think to single out the less fortunate.
Too many people are simply not aware of what is included in a proper diet. I suspect that those with the EBT cards are trying to stretch those food dollars by buying starchy, sugary foods to keep their kids happy. Pasta is another choice to stretch those dollars. This kind of diet exclusively is not healthy. Articles like this one bring out a better public awareness of how a poor diet can affect a person's health. Hopefully, people will select more fruits and vegetables for their families. Carrots and apples make good snacks, too.
We have solved the problem! Everytime you go to the store look at the anti-exercise helps we have legislated to help fat people. The specia; parking slot so they are closer and don't have to walk as far and oh yes, the little battery powered carts. And lets not forget the hover-round scooters that cost thousands and allow the wallowing, to go anywhere and complain if they can't.
Absolutely Diss. Are you aware there are even "FAT advocacy groups" that lobby DC for "FAT favorable" legislation? There are no positives in being FAT. FAT is a choice.
This problem has many sources: 1) Stress can cause increase in weight, high blood pressure and an onset of diabetes (there is a LOT of stress out there right now for Americans...we all know that is a fact) 2) Many of the foods that we buy are loaded with Carbohydrates (Carbs...especially COMPLEX CARBS... are the primary source of energy for the body and will store as FAT if they are not broken down and used...Meaning exercise) 3) Many Americans are trying to stay afloat, make ends meet and working well above the 40 Hours per week that used to be COMMON...It is hard to find time to Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. 4) Convenience foods suck!! A supper in a sack...the .99 Heart Attack (like Tim McGraw said)... 5) Eating healthy costs a Fortune...Organic, Low Fat, Multi Grain, etc. are all 50%-100% more than the comparable 'traditional' foods!
1) Everyone has stress. Not everyone is fat. 2) Read the label and buy healthy foods. You obviously possess the ability to do that. 3) Anyone can exercise at work by standing, pacing, using dead time physically. If an overweight person truly desires to get healthy, that person will find a way. 4) Make your own convenience foods a batch at a time and store them. You'll save money too. 5) You need not purchase the "healthy" labeled items. I agree those are stupidly overpriced, yet an educated, fat conscious person can buy low or no fat groceries at the same price as unhealthy items. These are all CHOICES people make when they don't pay attention to their weight. Eating right and staying fit is the best way 2/3 rds of Americans can help to reduce health care costs for all.
Fat starts with youth. Get your kids off the couch and active. Note I didn't say get them outside to play. Since our kids are so connected to the damn TV screen, make sure the games they play involve physical activity, not just clicking their thumbs. I cannot recommend the Wii fit more highly, though I am not advertising on it's behalf. Fit children become fit adults. Even fat parents can maintain fit children if they get involved. Feed them low fat goods. The parents will lose weight & gain years of life. Our health care system would be quite improved if we all got fit, now wouldn't it?
I agree that FAT starts with youth and many of our youth are getting FAT eating the food served to them in their school lunchrooms! The food they are being served are from all of the food groups, but the FAT content is unbelievable! Whole milk, pizza, french fries, and canned fruit (with syrup) is NOT a good food choice but many kids at my school eat that everyday! Many kids are on free or reduced lunch and many others eat a school lunch because of the convenience and low price for their parents. Our government needs to realize that a way to reduce present and future healthcare costs is to serve better quality school lunches and to educate children about good food choices. Some may say that it is the parents' responsibility to do that but many parents themselves do not know what good food choices are or, like was stated previously, they are trying to stretch their money as far as they can which means cheap, less than nutrious food.
@Ayet...very good points...however, the reality is...Exercise along with diet is the true solution. Eating Healthy is a choice...but for many who struggle financially, it is not the practical solution. Much of what is on the shelves at Grocery Stores is Carb/Fat Loaded inexpensive, processed foods...that would be fine if exercise could accompany that! As for the youth...you hit the nail on the head. Kids have become such sedentary, lethargic, technological guru's in recent years. Running from the Couch to the Refrigerator for a Coke and Twinkie does not equate to exercise...but many of them would disagree! Again, that is the responsibility of parents to keep them active...
Hey, I have an idea. Go to a 4 day school week and have kids sit for an extra two hours a day, so they can't exercise and burn calories. That'll do wonders for obesity problems.
@ Corgi...I am so glad that is was you that brought that one up!
Perhaps that should also be brought up to the Mental Giants of the RCBOE that are trying to implement this 4 day week thing?
Classic American Culture isn't it??? We take ONE step forward and then TWO steps back...Truly Sad...
Well Augusta was named the 5th fattest city in America just a few years ago.. we are probably closer to the #1 spot now. The thing is here, that being obese seems to be more acceptable. I have a 36 inch waist and am considered skinny in Augusta.
Community gardens for folks on foodstamps (healthy,not elderly & sick) cut 50% of welfare,,& use the gardens to supply that missing amount.. Everyone would have to work,,grow healthy veggies, fruits,,& maybe start a farm with some meat products..This was done during the depression by many country folks,, it can be done again. BTW it's some of the best cooking vegs. you will ever eat.
I'm astonished to see all these "certified" dietitians giving their expert advice on the forum! Of the 14 comments posted already, statistically speaking, about 9 of you are obese. Would this be the time to say "look in the mirror"?
I know a lot of poorer people have a hard time affording fresh produce... it really is expensive.. and forget organic.. it's outrageous.. I think providing space for community gardens so people can grow their own produce is a great idea.. cut ebt payments and instead provide the space and materials for people to grow it themselves.. it would get them active in their community, they will eat healthier, and lose some weight doing the work.
@ cogri and db16 - The state of Ga actually requires kids in k-3 to receive instruction for 4.5 hours per day. For 4-5 the requirement is 5 hours per day and for 6-12 it is only 5.5 hours per day. Check your school's times. Many of them provide more than the required amount of time of instruction and the rest is glorified baby sitting ... breakfast, lunch, recess, class changing, and afterschool time waiting for buses and parents to show up. The schools here in LC give at least 6 hours of instruction per day. If you take that into consideration, most schools should only have to add 1 to 1.5 hours per day. That would still have kids getting out of school at 4pm-4:30pm, Parents would then have 3 days each week to get their kids out of the house and to exercise.
LCparent...WTH are you talking about? Instruction time is based on CORE CONTENT INSTRUCTION / CONTACT HOURS. Many schools operate on 270-300 Minutes per day. That is 4 1/2 to 5 HOURS of CONTENT area...that does not include 'specials','connections','recess','lunch', etc. What are you talking about adding time to the day? I DO NOT support 4 day weeks at all. NO TIME should be added to the typical day. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS are getting between 30-60 minutes per day PE and RECESS...MIDDLE SCHOOLS get ABOUT 45 MINUTES PER DAY! HIGH SCHOOLS only get 1 Year Class of Personal Fitness and Wellness/ Health. Your last sentence is KEY! PARENTS...take responsibility for your COUCH POTATOES!!!
LC PARENT...re-read Corgi's post...she is NOT supporting the 4 day week either...it was sarcasm. Referring to added time in Class for 4 days that will seriously restrict KIDS being KIDS and playing. Not to mention that kids will end up eating 3 meals per day at school...that will be a fact!!!!
If we hook up televisions, computers, cell phones and wii systems to treadmills or stairsteppers, so the device will only work when it is receiving an electrically generated charge from the exercise equipment in motion, we will have the fittest kids in the world. Either that, or they will actually pick up a book and read to avoid physical exertion.
An added benefit is it will also work for the fat folks who want to sit all afternoon watching Dr Phil, Jerry and Oprah.
A large number of able bodied people getting food stamps would be insulted if you ask them work in a garden. Buying junk food cost more than items like dried beans/peas, cabbage or rice. They buy the junk food for at least 2 reasons; they are ignorant and too lazy to cook. Junk food should not be allowed with food stamps. They eat the junk foods then go to the doctor and hospital on Medicaid.
I kind of liked it in the old days when in place of Food Stamps or EBT cards you got commodities. You were issued dried beans, rice, sugar, flour, and the famous "gubmint cheese" along with other items. The idea was to keep you alive until you got the employment opportunities you were looking for so you could better yourself. Pork rinds, soda and cookies should not be in the mix.
i'm not sure but people who receive food stamps aren't they only fat people out there.
bushwhacker, i think you're right, with the exception of saxby chambliss and sonny perdue
I agree Jake.. that seems to be a better way to do it.
Awareness is not the word I would have used.
It isnt that much more expesive to buy healthy food. Frozen or canned veggies are just as good as the fresh. Chicken is a lean meat that is almost always on sale . I have heard some of these mothers say they dont have time to fix their child breakfast and then go buy them a $6 breakfast at Mickey D's. How much time does it take to pour a bowl of cereal and add milk?
There was a time when one who was poor worked. The money earned went to necessities. Being poor meant you didn't have extra and you certainly didn't have time to sit on your fanny and grouse about what you were missing. We certainly didn't in my home. We worked and saved and sought to achieve. This was also the time when average waist sizes in America were of normal cicumferences and the majority of our youth could pass a physical fitness test. Morality had meaning then. Morality still has meaning today but so many are working to keep it away from the populace. Yes I am saying that overconsumption to the point of obesity related health issues that tax others is immoral. Today we excuse lethargic behaviour. We do not hold people accountable to care for themselves and allow otherwise able bodied people to do nothing and reward them with more then they need. To be impoverished and overweight...obese and morbidly so? The land of entitlements is also the land of the flabby butt out of shape whiners who won't do for themselves.
I believe that those using food stamps are restricted on what they can buy. Why not those on EBT cards? BTW, there are some who have medical problems that make them obse and can't help themselves. But yhose who can should be made aware of the medical problems it causes and health insurance premiums should be increased to cover the cost.
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