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:

• The prevalence of obesity-related diseases has risen sharply over the past thirty years, and the number of fast food restaurants in America has more than doubled over the same period (The National Bureau of Economic Research).
• Studies have shown that “consumption of fast food among children in the US seems to have an adverse effect on dietary quality in ways that plausibly could increase risk for obesity.”
• Studies have shown that increased proximity to fast food restaurants is linked to an increase in obesity.

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:

• The New York Times recently reported that studies have shown that “there is no relationship between the type of food being sold in a neighborhood and obesity among its children and adolescents.”
• Restrictive “diets” and the “diet mentality” in general do not lead to long-term effective weight-loss. What does work, according to a recent study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, is eating less fat, exercising more, using prescription weight loss medications, or participating in commercial weight loss programs.
• Calling for removal of fast food from hospitals sends the message that fast food restaurants are “bad” and can be blamed for obesity, lessening personal responsibility for our own health.

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?

Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings. Its origin is traced to 1621 when the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated a three-day-long feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Following this Thanksgiving observance, folks began the Thanksgiving tradition of holding feasts after a good harvest.

At Midtown, we believe that breaking bread with family and friends is important, either before or after a good workout!

So, the last week of November includes a bunch of great fitness options for you.

Club Hours

Thursday, November 24th
6:00am-2:00pm
Kidtown
7:45-12:00pm

The week begins with special programming for the kids who are out of school on Monday through Wednesday: November 21, 22, and 23.

Gym Jam for Kids Ages 3-5
10:15-11:00am
Activities include parachute games, juggling scarves, balloons, races, scooters, musical instruments, sports, and the Sportwall. Dress the little ones in shorts, t-shirts and non–marking gym shoes.

Surf-n-Turf for Kids Ages 6 and Up
10:00am-12:00pm
The kids will participate in fun activities on the basketball court followed by a swim. Drop off and pick up will be in Kidtown. Showers available with parental supervision. No charge for Family Member and Parent/Child members. Call Kidtown to register or for more information, please contact Rea at rea.kulick@midtown.com. Dress your child in a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt, and non-marking gym shoes.

On Thanksgiving Day, we will host our annual

Move for Food Fundraiser

8:00-11:30am

Bring a non-perishable food item and support “Journeys from Pads to Hope,” which serves individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Non-member friends are invited. Kidtown will open at 7:45am.

During this time, there will be a special Group Exercise schedule, which will include many of your favorite classes. In addition, we will debut RIPPED and Group Core, two new and exciting additions to our schedule. Be one of the first to try these programs! Please contact Stacey at stacey.nowak@midtown.com for more information.

Sore from your Turkey Day workout? We have a special Thanksgiving treat for you.

We will have a Massage Therapist available from 9:00am—12noon, on Thanksgiving Day, so book your appointment today.

Black Friday takes a lot of energy out of everyone, so rejuvenate yourself and burn some calories too with our 75-Minute Cycle Class on Saturday, November 26, from 7:45-9:00am.

Kids ages 7-13 need time to play as well, so bring them to our Kids Yoga class on Saturday, November 26, from 2:00-2:45pm.

Junior Fitness follows on both Saturday and Sunday from 3:00-4:00pm and both days wrap up with Family Swim from 4:00-6:00pm. So, get everyone in the pool for some much-needed stress relief!

As the holidays approach, we become consumed with getting gifts for everyone on our list.

Remember to give yourself the best gift of all: the gift of lifelong fitness.

Midtown has made this easy. Purchase six one-hour personal training sessions by November 28, 2011. Use each of them by January 8, 2012 and receive a complimentary one-hour personal training session. Please contact Neil at neil.wywialowski@midtown.com for more information.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday from your friends at Midtown Athletic Club.

How are you staying fit this holiday weekend?