The Bellierub on…obesity and longevity
Childhood obesity is on the rise with over 15% of America's children being classified
as obese. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania conducted a study and concluded that
16% of urban students, ages 6-19 are obese, and in rural districts, 20% are obese.
The surprise here is the rural districts. It was always taken for granted that "farm" kids
were more physically active and ate better than their couch-potato urban
counterparts. This has not proved to be the case. Regardless of geographical
location, the bottom line is that kids are getting heavier and the associated health
problems that plague overweight adults, will possibly affect these kids at a younger
age. What is the unfortunate result? A shorter life span.
The New England Journal of Medicine contains a report that explores this very issue.
Here are the sobering numbers:
- 30% of U.S. children are overweight
- Childhood obesity has doubled in the last 25 years
- Childhood diabetes has increased by a factor of 10 in 20 years
It was just recently reported that the average life span in the U.S. has reached an all
time high at 77.6 years. However, a longevity researcher, S. Jay Olshansky, estimates
that this trend will reverse in the next 50 years as the consequences of the current
childhood obesity statistics take hold. The theory is that today's children will develop
obesity related health problems earlier in life and will result in premature death. This is
not good. Let's face it; we want to be around as long as possible to enjoy numerous
"supplements" with family and friends. We want to be around to see our kids and
grandkids grow. We also want to stick around to irritate whomever it is that we like to
irritate. Life is meant to be enjoyed for as long as possible. We need to make sure our
kids don't eat themselves into oblivion. So, what is the solution?
There are four solutions:
- Daily structured exercise for the children in school
- A well balanced, low-calorie meal offered at lunch time while in school
- Diet and nutrition classes at all levels throughout the school year
- Parental involvement
The state of Kentucky has recently passed a bill that would require "moderate to
vigorous" physical activity 30 minutes a day as part of the normal school day. This
activity is in addition to the constant chasing that occurs among Kentucky family
members in the spring. (Sorry, we had to do one hillbilly joke). Anyway, they also are
eliminating high-calorie soft drinks from vending machines. They intend to set nutrition
standards for all vending machines in state schools. In other words, they will regulate
the calorie content of the food choices available to youngsters. It's about time! Great
job Kentucky. Let's hope all states follow their lead and encourage children to
exercise hard for at least 30 minutes of the school day and eat a well-balanced, low-
calorie diet.
Obesity continues to be a main health concern that is preventable. With two-thirds of
adults being overweight, and over 15% of children falling into the same category, it
appears that a solution is urgently needed. The state of Kentucky is on the right track
as far as the kids are concerned. As for the adults, our book, The New Beerbellie Diet
and the Search For A Six-Pack,will show them the way. It may appear to be a laugher
on the surface, but there is no one who can argue that the plan will work if properly
followed for life. Plus, you get to enjoy a few cold ones if you like. What a deal!!
If you have any doubts about the connection between obesity and early death then I
pose this question to you. How many overweight people do you see at nursing homes
and old-folks homes?
Think about it.
That's the Bellierub on… obesity and longevity.
Childhood obesity is on the rise with over 15% of America's children being classified
as obese. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania conducted a study and concluded that
16% of urban students, ages 6-19 are obese, and in rural districts, 20% are obese.
The surprise here is the rural districts. It was always taken for granted that "farm" kids
were more physically active and ate better than their couch-potato urban
counterparts. This has not proved to be the case. Regardless of geographical
location, the bottom line is that kids are getting heavier and the associated health
problems that plague overweight adults, will possibly affect these kids at a younger
age. What is the unfortunate result? A shorter life span.
The New England Journal of Medicine contains a report that explores this very issue.
Here are the sobering numbers:
- 30% of U.S. children are overweight
- Childhood obesity has doubled in the last 25 years
- Childhood diabetes has increased by a factor of 10 in 20 years
It was just recently reported that the average life span in the U.S. has reached an all
time high at 77.6 years. However, a longevity researcher, S. Jay Olshansky, estimates
that this trend will reverse in the next 50 years as the consequences of the current
childhood obesity statistics take hold. The theory is that today's children will develop
obesity related health problems earlier in life and will result in premature death. This is
not good. Let's face it; we want to be around as long as possible to enjoy numerous
"supplements" with family and friends. We want to be around to see our kids and
grandkids grow. We also want to stick around to irritate whomever it is that we like to
irritate. Life is meant to be enjoyed for as long as possible. We need to make sure our
kids don't eat themselves into oblivion. So, what is the solution?
There are four solutions:
- Daily structured exercise for the children in school
- A well balanced, low-calorie meal offered at lunch time while in school
- Diet and nutrition classes at all levels throughout the school year
- Parental involvement
The state of Kentucky has recently passed a bill that would require "moderate to
vigorous" physical activity 30 minutes a day as part of the normal school day. This
activity is in addition to the constant chasing that occurs among Kentucky family
members in the spring. (Sorry, we had to do one hillbilly joke). Anyway, they also are
eliminating high-calorie soft drinks from vending machines. They intend to set nutrition
standards for all vending machines in state schools. In other words, they will regulate
the calorie content of the food choices available to youngsters. It's about time! Great
job Kentucky. Let's hope all states follow their lead and encourage children to
exercise hard for at least 30 minutes of the school day and eat a well-balanced, low-
calorie diet.
Obesity continues to be a main health concern that is preventable. With two-thirds of
adults being overweight, and over 15% of children falling into the same category, it
appears that a solution is urgently needed. The state of Kentucky is on the right track
as far as the kids are concerned. As for the adults, our book, The New Beerbellie Diet
and the Search For A Six-Pack,will show them the way. It may appear to be a laugher
on the surface, but there is no one who can argue that the plan will work if properly
followed for life. Plus, you get to enjoy a few cold ones if you like. What a deal!!
If you have any doubts about the connection between obesity and early death then I
pose this question to you. How many overweight people do you see at nursing homes
and old-folks homes?
Think about it.
That's the Bellierub on… obesity and longevity.
Copyright © Beerbellie Inc. 2004 All rights reserved.
