Forbes - And the 2007 Top 5 Fattest Cities In America Award goes to:
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Birmingham, Alabama
- San Antonio, Texas
- Riverside, California
- Detroit, Michigan
Actually, I'm a bit surprised at a couple of states on this list, but that just goes to show that no state is immune to obesity.
About 67% of the U.S. population is overweight or obese, and the rate of obesity is steadily increasing every year. At the rate we're gaining, it is possible for every single person in the U.S. to be overweight by the year 2040! I don't know what you think, but I find this is rather alarming!
Imagine the costs involved! Think of all the places that would need to be altered to accommodate larger people, such as airplanes, ambulances, wheelchairs, surgical tables, and hospital beds. Think of the dollars spent on medical conditions related to obesity!
Why are we gaining so much so quickly?
I think the answer involves a combination of things. First, we don't move around as much. We have technology to do the moving for us. We have email, cell phones, and PDAs. We drive to work and the store instead of walking or riding a bicycle.
Technology also entertains us. We have DVDs, video games, Internet surfing, and other sedentary activities that keep us from getting up and moving.
Another reason why where gaining is due to the type and amount of foods we eat. We are exposed to many fatty, sugary, salty, preservative-laden foods everywhere we turn, from fast food joints to the supermarket to the vending machine to the school cafeteria. And most of the time, the junk foods are cheaper than the healthy stuff!
Our portion sizes are also growing. Just order something off a typical chain restaurant, and you'll get a huge plate overflowing with food. Yet, we still maintain elite status in the Clean-Your-Plate Club.
What's the antidote? Prevention is much more effective and inexpensive, in my opinion. It's easier to put a halt to the weight gain than trying to combat it once it's present. And the way to prevent or slow weight gain is to exercise more and make healthy food choices.
I would like to see more:
- Businesses invest in fitness centers and encourage and provide their employees with time to workout.
- Cities that are bicycle and pedestrian friendly with paved bike trails, bike racks, and easy and safe access to shopping centers and businesses on foot.
- Healthy and affordable food options in supermarkets.
- Healthy food options in schools and vending machines.
- Mandatory gym class in schools.
- Smaller portions in restaurants.
- People getting up and moving!
I understand that unfortunately, not all cities, business, and schools will be able to implement these ideas. However, that doesn't mean the solutions are any less important.
I also understand that some individuals have legitimate medical conditions which cause weight gain no matter what they do. However, for the majority of the population, we became overweight by our own doing.
In the end, it comes down to the individual choices we make. We have to want to put forth the effort to eat healthy and exercise regularly because if you don't want to, no amount of yelling or motivational speeches is going to change you.
Photo credits: metropost.com donkeyroc
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