As the obesity epidemic grows in scope, so too does the “blame game.” Lack of exercise, over-consumption of food, sedentary work environments, lifestyle choices, biological predispositions, genes…the list of possible culprits for America’s fatness goes on.
Fast food is a common target. Earlier this month, an advocacy group launched a campaign petitioning 26 hospitals across the country to remove a major fast food restaurant from their cafeterias with the aim of sending a “better message” to consumers.
Some of the reasoning behind the group’s initiative comes from a 2006 study published in the journal Pediatrics that concluded that allowing fast food centers to operate in hospitals not only affects guests’ consumption of fast food on the day of their visit, but also unintentionally boosts the perception of the “healthfulness” of fast food in general. Here’s more research that supports the initiative:
Courtesy of wagnerfpa.wordpress.com.
So being near to fast food increases the likelihood of obesity, but will removing fast food from hospitals (and other institutions and neighborhoods) help solve the problem?
Consider this:
Blaming fast food restaurants for obesity can place us on a slippery slope. Should we remove buses from our streets to force people to choose the less convenient, but “healthier” walking or biking options? After all, sitting for long periods of time is correlated with obesity, and most adults do not get the recommended level of exercise.
Similarly, while we should limit consumption of fast food, we can’t eliminate it from the American diet as long as there is a demand for convenient, inexpensive, and (arguably) tasty food. We need to improve health through education and develop incentives that encourage healthy lifestyle decisions, proper nutrition, and exercise.
Perhaps a partnership between hospitals and Weight Watchers (or other proven commercial weight loss programs), or the establishment of walking groups or active events within hospital walls, could promote lasting change.
We won’t make any progress in the fight against obesity by playing the blame game at the expense of taking responsibility for our health into our own hands.
Courtesy of www.topnews.in.
What do you think? Will restricting fast food lead to a decrease in obesity? How can we as individuals, families, and institutions promote a healthier America?
Courtesy of eatright.org.
March is National Nutrition Month, and this year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is urging Americans to “Get Your Plate In Shape.” With the help of the “My Plate” model, which replaced the Food Pyramid in June 2011, the experts are giving us a reminder of the healthy nutrition goals we have heard before:
This is the time of year we evaluate the year that’s ending and develop a game plan for the next year.
2012 can be your best year yet, and we want to help you achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
Have you set a weight-loss goal? Our fitness trainers will work with you to build a fitness plan to help you achieve it. Our trainers are certified in many different areas of fitness and each of them brings a unique approach to help you feel great about your body.
If working with a personal trainer isn’t for you, then we have dozens of group exercise and cycle classes offered at different times throughout the day for your convenience. Check out Paula’s cycle class or Kokay’s Yoga class. Our instructors love meeting new people and introducing them to the world of group ex.
Doing your cardio or strength training by yourself is one thing, but when you have the support and energy of a room of people, it becomes an entirely new workout. Also, make sure to jump in the indoor pool and swim a few laps for that full-body cardio experience.
Looking to improve your tennis game in 2012? Our Tennis department develops not only seasoned tennis players, but also turns people who love the sport into players themselves. Whether via group or individual classes, our tennis team will work with you to help develop your talent. The Tennis department is also a great avenue for meeting new friends: our Cardio Tennis and Social Mixers are a great way to connect with other tennis players.
While you may set a New Year’s Resolution of losing weight or improving your tennis serve, you also might consider a different kind of resolution this year. Above and beyond the physical benefits of working out and playing tennis, Midtown offers you the chance to make and develop relationships with people.
Our club has always been about people first, so try something new in 2012: meet new members and associates and experience elements of the club that you haven’t before. Come in for coffee, try a new class, or meet a new trainer. Try that deep water aerobics class, or experience what you can learn about your body in a MAT session.
Let 2012 be a year of change. Resolve to break out of your usual routine a few times this year to experience everything that Midtown has to offer. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
What part of Midtown are you going to discover in 2012?
