Game Changers – Obesity

Here's Game Changers number 3 – Obesity.


In previous posts we discussed the exploding senior population and cost of health care. In this post we consider the issue of obesity – a third Game Changer that merges with the previous two.


Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 – 29). BMI = mass (kg) / height squared (m squared). Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes among other conditions related to endocrinology, reproductive medicine, orthopedics, neurology, and psychiatry.


There has been a virtual explosion of obesity over the past 20 years and its prevalence is predicted to continue to increase. In 2008 the Center for Disease Control reported that the prevalence of obesity in the US ranged from a low of 18.5% in Colorado to a high of 32.8% in Mississippi. It also reported obesity variance by race/ethnicity – Blacks had a 51%, and Hispanics a 21% higher prevalence of obesity compared with whites. Concentrations of obesity have also been identified in the Southeast, Appalachia, and some Tribal Lands.


Trends are particularly startling amongst children. Over the past 30 years, obesity in children age 2-5 more than doubled. For 6-11 year olds the rate nearly tripled; while those 12 – 19 it more than tripled.

It has been said that, today’s kids may be the first generation of Americans that will live sicker and die younger than the preceding generation.


Today, some one-third of adults are obese – experts predict that within 5 years the percentage will increase to over 40%. Two-thirds of adults are either obese or over-weight – that percentage will increase to 75% during the next 5 years.


It is well recognized that obesity is caused by a chronic imbalance between caloric intake (high) and physical activity (low) – a simple relationship between intake and output. Without ignoring other potential contributing factors such as genetics, medical disorders, psychiatric conditions, social determinants, etc., obesity is largely life style/choice related.


On average obesity reduces life expectancy by 7 years and increases medical expenses by 42%.
The weight loss market is about $69B annually.


It is interesting to note the disparity in the monetizing of caloric intake programs (diets) over exercise program in the mainstream. While exercise adds both years to life and health to years, a majority of Americans do not get adequate exercise. The reasons are numerous – knowledge, time, boredom, pain, priorities, fear, etc.


How mainstream obesity has become is apparent in the popularity of diet and exercise in the national media –professional journals, newspapers, tabloids, radio, television, DVDs, and more. The popularity of the reality TV show The Biggest Loser speaks for itself not only in the US but abroad. But real-reality reminds us that for most people there are no $250,000 grand prizes or full time nutritionists and personal trainers waiting at the ready. Without such inducements, few people would put up with the physical and mental abuse to which TBL contestants are subjected. Nor should they need to! Such abuse may be good for theatrical value and TV ratings but it destroys more than it builds.


The reality is that for most people weight management is a lonesome road to travel – a road congested with bad information, lies, unreasonable expectation, inadequate support, constant temptation, and convenient off-ramps to every imaginable failure destination.


There has to be a better way...


With incredible challenge comes exceptional opportunity. The obesity epidemic goes begging for better, more honest and more realistic solutions.


It will be necessary to move beyond the old notions of exercise and all of the negative baggage it carries with it. Physical activity that is accessible, entertaining, captivating, challenging, satisfying, and rewarding will certainly a critical part of any viable and scalable solution.


The matter of obesity holds great promise. Passion and innovation is needed. Professionals who specialize in human movement, fitness, and rehabilitation have the opportunity (and perhaps moral obligation) to take a leadership role. Choloric output is half of the equation!


There are trends and there are truths. Mass marketing gravitates toward trends because that is where the fast-buck is to be found. Its good for business but bad for the public. Professional ethics and credibility demand that innovation be anchored in the truth and that long term vision and benefit be traded for short term exploitation. Any scalable solution will most certainly be based on truth, public benefit, and will have a viral marketing element the core of its strategy.


Is there risk for professionals in traveling the path of innovation? Absolutely YES! But, risk is where the reward is... Obesity is a game changer for the nation, its people, and those professionals that chose to engage the challenge.


Thanks for following along on this series of posts. Your comments and insights are always appreciated – just click on the Comments Link below.


Next post we will consider Function – The Buffing of America.

All The Best!

Bob

(c) Copyright 2009

Performance Builders