The Trust for America’s Health just reported increasing obesity rates in the United States.
“No state is doing well. We have seen a dramatic increase throughout the country,” said Jeff Levi, executive director of The Trust for America’s Health.
Naturally, the million dollar question is, “Why is the American obesity rate growing?”
The Trust for America’s Health suggests a comprehensive plan to fight rising obesity which includes:
1. Think Big - more money from the federal government for obesity fighting programs
2. More tools for consumers to make better decisions
3. Incent employers to develop employee wellness programs
4. Increase the amount of research being done to figure out ways to keep people from becoming obese
All great suggestions, but at the end of the day, the marketing of the consumer products goods industry is just too big and powerful…and the foods they produce are so well marketed, formulated and flavored…they are just hard to resist. It doesn’t hurt that children are hooked by sugary products at a very young age, either. Remember Fruitt Loops & Frosted Flakes? I still have friends who can’t resist a bowl of Cookie Crisp every once in a while.
At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision for oneself or one’s family to live a healthy life including exercise, a healthy diet, a healthy mental state and supplementation, where necessary.
Though Marion Nestle is no big fan of the dietary supplement industry, her message of common sense when it comes to health & nutrition is undeniable. Perhaps that’s what America needs, a big does of common sense….now if we could only find a way to get that into a gelcap…
Click here for the Trust for America’s Health press release
Time Magazine Article: The Science of Appetite
Health Ratings by State
