Obesity Waging War
The Waging War Against Obesity
Mayor Bloomberg of New York City has pledged that one of the goals of his administration is to make the public aware of the problem of Obesity, which affects the health of large numbers of citizens. The Medical community largely supports his efforts. One of his strategies has been to encourage restaurants and the public to be aware of the caloric content of the food they consume. The Mayor and those who agree with this strategy, model their campaign on the campaign to reduce the consumption of tobacco. While there is a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer, the public accepts this correlation and the use of tobacco has declined dramatically; the Mayor’s campaign to encourage citizens to eat less …show more content…
and eat “healthier foods” has been less successful. Though the public accepts that taking in more calories than you burn can lead to “weight gain”, for a sizable number of people, this doesn’t apply. Many people “overeat” and gain a few pounds, some people become obese over time and others maintain a stable weight no matter what they consume. Though obesity has been studied extensively by doctors, scientists and nutritionists, they have failed to find the “magic bullet”. The public is left to struggle with weight control, developing their own strategies with various degrees of success. The problem of obesity won’t be solved until the public accepts that there is a direct cause and effect between over-eating and death. The alternative is for scientists to continue their research into why some people stay thin all their lives regardless of how much they eat and others claim they gain weight just from “looking at food”. Thus the war on obesity continues. One side is composed of nutritionists and health care providers who are convinced that “weight loss” contributes to “longevity.” Many in the general public, however, cite examples; “their grandfather who ate anything and everything he wanted and lived to be 101 and their Aunt Ella who dieted all her life and was dead at age 46.” The battle wages both in the print media and on talk shows by health care experts like Dr. Oz. In an issue of New York Time’s Magazine called, “The Dopest Vegetable”, the author claims that “Broccoli is about to get a serious makeover and maybe, just maybe be a model of how to persuade Americans to eat better”. (Moss 32) The writer concedes that consumers, at present are not choosing broccoli over cheeseburgers or French fries. “For all the evidence piling up on behalf of the benefits of eating more produce, it has become clear that neither children nor adults will do so unless they want to.” (Moss 32) I’d have to concur with Moss’s point. If there’s no will, there’s no way. Someone with no desire to meliorate or alter his eating habits will retain them. A cycle can be broken but only with willpower. Isaac Newton’s law that “every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it” is applicable to humans too. People remain stagnant in their behavior unless given the incentive to change. We could point fingers everywhere but the article places the blame for our “unhealthy food choices”, on slick and colorful advertising campaigns that promote “junk food.” We’re definitely more influenced by advertisements than we let on. Even I’ve found my mouth waters when explicit images of decadent burgers dance across my TV screen – and I’m a vegetarian. I’m aware that there are “food stylists” to endorse products. There’s a great deal of deception involved. But the companies are onto something. If something’s aesthetically pleasing, I’m more likely to eat it. I think most people are that way. A campaign that glorifies foods high in nutritive value might prove an efficacious proposal. The writer then provides an admission– “It also may be undeniable that the crunch of a piece of broccoli is never going to be as satisfying as a mouth-full of potato chips.” (Moss 32) At a White Hover Conference on health, diet and nutrition, Jeffrey Dunn, a former president of Coca-Cola, told a crowd of more than 1,000 at the Produce Marketing Association convention, “We must change the game. We can help solve the obesity crisis by stealing junk food’s playbook, by creating passion for produce, by becoming demand creators, not just growers and processors.” (Moss 33) The article concludes with Todd Putman (former colleague of Jeffrey Dunn and now works in Bolthouse Farms) predicting “We have a unique opportunity now, when the stars have aligned and public opinion is starting to shove signs of change in dietary habits” So far Putman’s optimistic prediction is based on looking into his “crystal ball”. (Moss 35)
You only have to scan the shelves of supermarkets to provide information on how the war against obesity is progressing – the shelves are stocked with products promising consumers that their product is key to successful weight loss (successful means achieving a significant, sustained weight loss.) If this approach fails, go to the paperback isle. There you will find “Diet Books” all promising that each author has found the “secret to permanent weight-loss”. Marketdata Enterprises reported that “8070 of dieters were using a self-directed program such as a book or web site). The following are best selling diet books each promising that followers of their program will emerge slim and healthy: The South Beach Diet - Dr. Arthur Agatston and The Atkins Diet – Dr. Robert Atkins. These books on successful dieting have made these authors “rich” yet the “obesity war” wages on. If you are frustrated by the complexity of diet books, turn on the T.V personality recommending Nutrisystem or Jenny Craig or L.A Weight Loss – a slim attractive spokesperson posing provocatively – will smile and claim “I lost fifty pounds just eating these delicious selections.” These claims are made by commercial weight loss programs that use meal replacements or pre-packaged meals delivered to your home/ Nutrisystem food costs about $230-$350 in a twenty eight day package. (“Commercial Weight-loss Products and Programs”) Unfortunately, low-income consumers – who have high rates of obesity, cannot afford these programs. In addition, how effective are these plans for those who can afford them? There is no data on the long-term effect of commercial diet plans.
A plan that does work if the participant adheres to the program and attends meetings faithfully is Weight Watchers which was founded in the 1960’s and offers weight loss guidance and support.
It is founded on the principle that assembling people who share the same goal – weight loss – led by a leader who participated in the program and achieved success, will motivate people to achieve significant weight reduction “When people who are working on a similar problem get together, they can support each other so they don’t feel alone in this weight-loss journey.” (“Commercial Weight-loss Products and Programs”) According to Keith Ayoob, director and nutrition clinic Rose F. Kennedy Center at the Albert Einstein of College of Medicine, “The group environment may make some participants more likely to trick through the program” (Salahi) Among non-medical commercial programs (including Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and LA weight Loss), the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine concluded that these programs resulted in a loss of 570 of member’s initial weight (about 101 pounds) in three to six months. But researchers are continuing to evaluate these programs for evidence of long-term success in the battle against …show more content…
obesity.
Scientists can document the causes of obesity “Overweight and obesity happen over time when you take in more calories than you use.” (“What Causes Overweight or Obesity?”) Other causes contributing to obesity are “an inactive lifestyle”.
Many Americans aren’t very physically active. “In fact more than 2 hours a day of regular TV viewing time has been linked to overweight and obesity.” A topic that has recently been the focus of scientific investigation of the causes of obesity is the role of genes and family history. “Studies of identical twins who have been raised apart show that genes have a strong influence on a person’s weight. Overweight and obesity tend to run in families.” (“What Causes Overweight or Obesity?”) Scientists studying the cause of obesity have concluded, “Your genes may also effect the amount of fat you store in your body.” (“What Causes Overweight or Obesity?”) Additionally, some hormone problems may cause overweight and obesity, such as an underactive thyroid. But hormonal problems can be dealt with medically with medication that increases your metabolism. There are over-the-counter and prescription diet pills that work to curb your appetite. However, these pills have side effects that make physicians reluctant to prescribe them. So where does that leave the obese person who wants to get thin and stay
thin?
The only option for those who are obese and for whom other options have failed is surgical intervention. A “Science Daily” issue reviews the effectiveness of Gastric Bypass surgery for obese patients who have failed to achieve significant weight loss after years of using traditional dieting methods. These patients are often “bed-ridden” or “incapacitated” and unable to live normal lives. Scientists evaluating the effects of “gastric bypass surgery on obese patients has concluded that these patients appear to have involvement in a quality of life and obesity related co-existing conditions. Dr. Sutter and his colleagues reported that “patients who were treated by the procedure yielded impressive results” but further evaluation of long-term effectiveness must be studied. The researchers conclude, “only large randomized studies – comparing gastric bypass surgery with other bariatric procedures, including all aspects of weight loss surgery and long-term follow-up will be able to establish whether one procedure is superior to the others. The goal of Gastric bypass surgery is to limit the amount of food and liquid a stomach can hold. “In order to achieve this result, a small stomach pouch is created by means of a by-pass around part of the small-intestine where most of the food you consume is absorbed.” This surgery limits food intake and reduces the calories your body absorbs. The patient is not required to make decisions about how many calories to consume. The surgery determines how much he can comfortably consume. “The procedure known as Gastro plasty has few long-term side effects but you must limit your food intake dramatically. Gastric bypass has more side effects. They include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) bloating, diarrhea and faintness. After gastric bypass, you may need multivitamins and minerals to prevent nutrient deficiencies.” Lifelong medical follow-up is needed after bypass surgery. Patients will probably require a program to help you with diet, physical activity and coping skills. Candidates for gastric bypass are limited to the morbidly obese patients. All others who need or want to lose weight for cosmetic or health concerns have a wealth of choices. There are many programs that promote healthy low-calorie food options. Products and programs that “get results” certainly exist. “Many join Weight Watchers, a successful ‘weight loss’ program that offers both group support and counseling as a proven record of successful members.” However, Weight Watchers must follow a regimen that includes weighing and measuring the food they consume by using a “point system” which allows the dieter to keep track of the calorie content of the choices they are offered. Many members complain about this system, which is tedious and time consuming. Even slight variations from the recommended “point values” will result in whether a weight gain or a failure to lose weight. This causes dieters to become frustrated and dropout of the program. In Order to continue losing weight, the “dropouts” must rejoin. It is not usual for dropouts to return to the program several times. Many become “lifetime members”. In fact, almost all dieters must follow the program they “join” in the remainder of their lives because any deviation causes them to re-gain the weight they lost. Few people are so dedicated to directing that they are willing or able to endure a lifetime of dieting. There is a social opponent that accompanies eating. People “dine-out” with friends and family and when they do they “indulge their appetites.”
For the morbidly obese, the prospect is impossible to achieve so they opt for weight-loss surgery that surgically restricts the food they consume but this option comes with “serious side-effects”.
The war against obesity continues and researchers, nutritionists and medical establishments have given us the tools to prevent it. The public has copious options but all of the options require that participants restrict the number of calories they consume – probably for a lifetime. Health professionals have succeeded into scaring people away from tobacco products and so that indulging in “smoking” has declined dramatically. Images of a smoker’s diseased lungs and photographs of smokers struggling to breathe, graphic pictures of moribund people (testifying from their hospital beds in cancer wards that they have only days or weeks to live) and patients with sallow, shrunken bodies speaking in whispers warn viewers of tobacco’s danger thus having an effect on the public. An aggressive campaign showing explicit images of “failing hearts, patients on dialysis whose kidneys have failed and victims of diabetes whose legs have been amputated have all fallen victim to obesity. I think the public eye would benefit from commercials that portray the effects of overeating with the severity that the effects of smoking are. It’s difficult to imagine how they’d approach such a commercial because “over-eating” is such a broad issue. Tobacco isn’t vital to human beings. It isn’t a physiologic necessity like food is. We can survive without smoking whereas we must eat to live. Moreover, this war against obesity must be sustained until the public accepts its strong correlation with death. Once this link is established in the minds of the public, they may be willing to follow one of the many options – like commercial diet programs – or more successful established ones like Weight Watchers, Inc. Perhaps one day scientists will develop the magic bullet that will make us “slim and healthy”.
Works Cited
Michael, Moss. "The Dopest Vegetable." New York Times Magazine Health (2013): 32-36. Print.
"Commercial Weight-loss." Obesityaction.org. Obesity Action Coalition, n.d. Web.
Salahi, Sarah. "Study: Weight Watchers as Successful as Clinical Weight-Loss Programs." abcnews.go.com. ABC News Network, 9 Oct. 2012. Web.
"Outcomes Of Gastric Bypass Surgery In Morbidly Obese And Superobese Patients."Sciencedaily.com. ScienceDaily, 27 Apr. 2009. Web.
"How Are Overweight and Obesity Treated?" nhlbi.nih.gov. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 13 July 2013. Web.
Mayor Bloomberg of New York City has pledged that one of the goals of his administration is to make the public aware of the problem of Obesity, which affects the health of large numbers of citizens. The Medical community largely supports his efforts. One of his strategies has been to encourage restaurants and the public to be aware of the caloric content of the food they consume. The Mayor and those who agree with this strategy, model their campaign on the campaign to reduce the consumption of tobacco. While there is a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer, the public accepts this correlation and the use of tobacco has declined dramatically; the Mayor’s campaign to encourage citizens to eat less …show more content…
and eat “healthier foods” has been less successful. Though the public accepts that taking in more calories than you burn can lead to “weight gain”, for a sizable number of people, this doesn’t apply. Many people “overeat” and gain a few pounds, some people become obese over time and others maintain a stable weight no matter what they consume. Though obesity has been studied extensively by doctors, scientists and nutritionists, they have failed to find the “magic bullet”. The public is left to struggle with weight control, developing their own strategies with various degrees of success. The problem of obesity won’t be solved until the public accepts that there is a direct cause and effect between over-eating and death. The alternative is for scientists to continue their research into why some people stay thin all their lives regardless of how much they eat and others claim they gain weight just from “looking at food”. Thus the war on obesity continues. One side is composed of nutritionists and health care providers who are convinced that “weight loss” contributes to “longevity.” Many in the general public, however, cite examples; “their grandfather who ate anything and everything he wanted and lived to be 101 and their Aunt Ella who dieted all her life and was dead at age 46.” The battle wages both in the print media and on talk shows by health care experts like Dr. Oz. In an issue of New York Time’s Magazine called, “The Dopest Vegetable”, the author claims that “Broccoli is about to get a serious makeover and maybe, just maybe be a model of how to persuade Americans to eat better”. (Moss 32) The writer concedes that consumers, at present are not choosing broccoli over cheeseburgers or French fries. “For all the evidence piling up on behalf of the benefits of eating more produce, it has become clear that neither children nor adults will do so unless they want to.” (Moss 32) I’d have to concur with Moss’s point. If there’s no will, there’s no way. Someone with no desire to meliorate or alter his eating habits will retain them. A cycle can be broken but only with willpower. Isaac Newton’s law that “every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it” is applicable to humans too. People remain stagnant in their behavior unless given the incentive to change. We could point fingers everywhere but the article places the blame for our “unhealthy food choices”, on slick and colorful advertising campaigns that promote “junk food.” We’re definitely more influenced by advertisements than we let on. Even I’ve found my mouth waters when explicit images of decadent burgers dance across my TV screen – and I’m a vegetarian. I’m aware that there are “food stylists” to endorse products. There’s a great deal of deception involved. But the companies are onto something. If something’s aesthetically pleasing, I’m more likely to eat it. I think most people are that way. A campaign that glorifies foods high in nutritive value might prove an efficacious proposal. The writer then provides an admission– “It also may be undeniable that the crunch of a piece of broccoli is never going to be as satisfying as a mouth-full of potato chips.” (Moss 32) At a White Hover Conference on health, diet and nutrition, Jeffrey Dunn, a former president of Coca-Cola, told a crowd of more than 1,000 at the Produce Marketing Association convention, “We must change the game. We can help solve the obesity crisis by stealing junk food’s playbook, by creating passion for produce, by becoming demand creators, not just growers and processors.” (Moss 33) The article concludes with Todd Putman (former colleague of Jeffrey Dunn and now works in Bolthouse Farms) predicting “We have a unique opportunity now, when the stars have aligned and public opinion is starting to shove signs of change in dietary habits” So far Putman’s optimistic prediction is based on looking into his “crystal ball”. (Moss 35)
You only have to scan the shelves of supermarkets to provide information on how the war against obesity is progressing – the shelves are stocked with products promising consumers that their product is key to successful weight loss (successful means achieving a significant, sustained weight loss.) If this approach fails, go to the paperback isle. There you will find “Diet Books” all promising that each author has found the “secret to permanent weight-loss”. Marketdata Enterprises reported that “8070 of dieters were using a self-directed program such as a book or web site). The following are best selling diet books each promising that followers of their program will emerge slim and healthy: The South Beach Diet - Dr. Arthur Agatston and The Atkins Diet – Dr. Robert Atkins. These books on successful dieting have made these authors “rich” yet the “obesity war” wages on. If you are frustrated by the complexity of diet books, turn on the T.V personality recommending Nutrisystem or Jenny Craig or L.A Weight Loss – a slim attractive spokesperson posing provocatively – will smile and claim “I lost fifty pounds just eating these delicious selections.” These claims are made by commercial weight loss programs that use meal replacements or pre-packaged meals delivered to your home/ Nutrisystem food costs about $230-$350 in a twenty eight day package. (“Commercial Weight-loss Products and Programs”) Unfortunately, low-income consumers – who have high rates of obesity, cannot afford these programs. In addition, how effective are these plans for those who can afford them? There is no data on the long-term effect of commercial diet plans.
A plan that does work if the participant adheres to the program and attends meetings faithfully is Weight Watchers which was founded in the 1960’s and offers weight loss guidance and support.
It is founded on the principle that assembling people who share the same goal – weight loss – led by a leader who participated in the program and achieved success, will motivate people to achieve significant weight reduction “When people who are working on a similar problem get together, they can support each other so they don’t feel alone in this weight-loss journey.” (“Commercial Weight-loss Products and Programs”) According to Keith Ayoob, director and nutrition clinic Rose F. Kennedy Center at the Albert Einstein of College of Medicine, “The group environment may make some participants more likely to trick through the program” (Salahi) Among non-medical commercial programs (including Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and LA weight Loss), the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine concluded that these programs resulted in a loss of 570 of member’s initial weight (about 101 pounds) in three to six months. But researchers are continuing to evaluate these programs for evidence of long-term success in the battle against …show more content…
obesity.
Scientists can document the causes of obesity “Overweight and obesity happen over time when you take in more calories than you use.” (“What Causes Overweight or Obesity?”) Other causes contributing to obesity are “an inactive lifestyle”.
Many Americans aren’t very physically active. “In fact more than 2 hours a day of regular TV viewing time has been linked to overweight and obesity.” A topic that has recently been the focus of scientific investigation of the causes of obesity is the role of genes and family history. “Studies of identical twins who have been raised apart show that genes have a strong influence on a person’s weight. Overweight and obesity tend to run in families.” (“What Causes Overweight or Obesity?”) Scientists studying the cause of obesity have concluded, “Your genes may also effect the amount of fat you store in your body.” (“What Causes Overweight or Obesity?”) Additionally, some hormone problems may cause overweight and obesity, such as an underactive thyroid. But hormonal problems can be dealt with medically with medication that increases your metabolism. There are over-the-counter and prescription diet pills that work to curb your appetite. However, these pills have side effects that make physicians reluctant to prescribe them. So where does that leave the obese person who wants to get thin and stay
thin?
The only option for those who are obese and for whom other options have failed is surgical intervention. A “Science Daily” issue reviews the effectiveness of Gastric Bypass surgery for obese patients who have failed to achieve significant weight loss after years of using traditional dieting methods. These patients are often “bed-ridden” or “incapacitated” and unable to live normal lives. Scientists evaluating the effects of “gastric bypass surgery on obese patients has concluded that these patients appear to have involvement in a quality of life and obesity related co-existing conditions. Dr. Sutter and his colleagues reported that “patients who were treated by the procedure yielded impressive results” but further evaluation of long-term effectiveness must be studied. The researchers conclude, “only large randomized studies – comparing gastric bypass surgery with other bariatric procedures, including all aspects of weight loss surgery and long-term follow-up will be able to establish whether one procedure is superior to the others. The goal of Gastric bypass surgery is to limit the amount of food and liquid a stomach can hold. “In order to achieve this result, a small stomach pouch is created by means of a by-pass around part of the small-intestine where most of the food you consume is absorbed.” This surgery limits food intake and reduces the calories your body absorbs. The patient is not required to make decisions about how many calories to consume. The surgery determines how much he can comfortably consume. “The procedure known as Gastro plasty has few long-term side effects but you must limit your food intake dramatically. Gastric bypass has more side effects. They include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) bloating, diarrhea and faintness. After gastric bypass, you may need multivitamins and minerals to prevent nutrient deficiencies.” Lifelong medical follow-up is needed after bypass surgery. Patients will probably require a program to help you with diet, physical activity and coping skills. Candidates for gastric bypass are limited to the morbidly obese patients. All others who need or want to lose weight for cosmetic or health concerns have a wealth of choices. There are many programs that promote healthy low-calorie food options. Products and programs that “get results” certainly exist. “Many join Weight Watchers, a successful ‘weight loss’ program that offers both group support and counseling as a proven record of successful members.” However, Weight Watchers must follow a regimen that includes weighing and measuring the food they consume by using a “point system” which allows the dieter to keep track of the calorie content of the choices they are offered. Many members complain about this system, which is tedious and time consuming. Even slight variations from the recommended “point values” will result in whether a weight gain or a failure to lose weight. This causes dieters to become frustrated and dropout of the program. In Order to continue losing weight, the “dropouts” must rejoin. It is not usual for dropouts to return to the program several times. Many become “lifetime members”. In fact, almost all dieters must follow the program they “join” in the remainder of their lives because any deviation causes them to re-gain the weight they lost. Few people are so dedicated to directing that they are willing or able to endure a lifetime of dieting. There is a social opponent that accompanies eating. People “dine-out” with friends and family and when they do they “indulge their appetites.”
For the morbidly obese, the prospect is impossible to achieve so they opt for weight-loss surgery that surgically restricts the food they consume but this option comes with “serious side-effects”.
The war against obesity continues and researchers, nutritionists and medical establishments have given us the tools to prevent it. The public has copious options but all of the options require that participants restrict the number of calories they consume – probably for a lifetime. Health professionals have succeeded into scaring people away from tobacco products and so that indulging in “smoking” has declined dramatically. Images of a smoker’s diseased lungs and photographs of smokers struggling to breathe, graphic pictures of moribund people (testifying from their hospital beds in cancer wards that they have only days or weeks to live) and patients with sallow, shrunken bodies speaking in whispers warn viewers of tobacco’s danger thus having an effect on the public. An aggressive campaign showing explicit images of “failing hearts, patients on dialysis whose kidneys have failed and victims of diabetes whose legs have been amputated have all fallen victim to obesity. I think the public eye would benefit from commercials that portray the effects of overeating with the severity that the effects of smoking are. It’s difficult to imagine how they’d approach such a commercial because “over-eating” is such a broad issue. Tobacco isn’t vital to human beings. It isn’t a physiologic necessity like food is. We can survive without smoking whereas we must eat to live. Moreover, this war against obesity must be sustained until the public accepts its strong correlation with death. Once this link is established in the minds of the public, they may be willing to follow one of the many options – like commercial diet programs – or more successful established ones like Weight Watchers, Inc. Perhaps one day scientists will develop the magic bullet that will make us “slim and healthy”.
Works Cited
Michael, Moss. "The Dopest Vegetable." New York Times Magazine Health (2013): 32-36. Print.
"Commercial Weight-loss." Obesityaction.org. Obesity Action Coalition, n.d. Web.
Salahi, Sarah. "Study: Weight Watchers as Successful as Clinical Weight-Loss Programs." abcnews.go.com. ABC News Network, 9 Oct. 2012. Web.
"Outcomes Of Gastric Bypass Surgery In Morbidly Obese And Superobese Patients."Sciencedaily.com. ScienceDaily, 27 Apr. 2009. Web.
"How Are Overweight and Obesity Treated?" nhlbi.nih.gov. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 13 July 2013. Web.