by Ann Major

Created on: June 09, 2010   Last Updated: August 12, 2011

 As obesity becomes a growing problem, people seem almost powerless to control this implosion of mammoth proportions. Somehow, people are not waking up to the call.  When diagnosed with lifestyle conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, few take the initiaive to change their lifestyles or simply mask the problem by taking a pill (or many pills)?

When reality shows like "The Biggest Loser" become a television hit, it's time to realize the obesity epidemic needs to be addressed.  A war against obesity is as urgent as the war against crime. Addressing the problem requires awareness and education, especially on the basics of nutrition.  The whys and wherefores of the foods people eat, along with a focus on physical activity, would provide valuable tools to work against growing obesity.

Education:

Nutrition is a topic which should be taught at school, starting as early as first grade. Like driver's educations, it should be a requisite upon graduation, to have taken at least one course in fitness and nutrition.  It seems the only people who have some knowledge of the science of food are the people trying to lose weight.  The rest are walking around unaware. 

In reality, many do not know the difference between a protein and a carbohydrate.  Worst still, are diabetics who are convinced as long as sugary foods are not  being consumed, they are managing their condition.  It is not explained to them that excessive carbohydrates are the culprit, as this family includes starches, sugars, and fiber. They are also not aware that belly fat is a great contributor to diabetes, as are sodas, processed foods, and lack of fiber in their diets.

In some countries, physical education is no longer a compulsory course or is only taken once, throughout the course of high school.  It should be a class taken every year, as high tech gadgets make young people more and more sedentary.  A nation which is healthier would be less taxing on the health care system. This should certainly interest politicians, in their strategy for fiscal restraint.

Medication:

Americans are becoming a nation of prescription drug dependents.  Few people are aware that medications to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can actually make people gain weight, a few pounds each years. Obesity is looked upon the same way as treatment for disease;

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