We Are Hungry

       For the first time in 15 years, the Federal Nutritional Guidelines were revamped in an effort to combat obesity and diabetes. Many teens are finding the new lunch program in our schools “hard to swallow.” In this video parody, the students are poking fun at the 850-calorie limits on their lunch trays and complaining about being tired and weak because of the lack of food. The FDA says that 850 calories is more than sufficient to sustain them until dinner. Where do you weigh in on the issue?

Weigh In On the Controversy

Video

     Some airlines now charge obese passengers for two seats if they do not fit into one.

Some feel this is a case of discrimination against the overweight population, but what about the rights of the other passengers that sit beside them? Aren’t they entitled to sit comfortably too?

Anti-Obesity Campaign

Article

        Michelle Obama, the First Lady, launched an anti-obesity campaign in 2010. Because of statistics and her own personal connection as a mother, Michelle Obama became the national spokeswoman for nutrition and exercise. After her pediatrician commented on her own children's body mass index, she had to consider the challenges that she and many other mothers and fathers face when it comes to nutrition and health.With busy life styles, many working parents are falling into the trap of buying too much junk food. No longer is the American family sitting down together enjoying nutritionally balanced home cooked meals every night. In addition, many children are passively sitting on the couch and watching too many hours of television. Families are not eating properly and not getting enough exercise. According to statistics, 1 out of every 3 children is overweight,or obese, and more than 140 billion dollars is spent on obesity related health issues.
        By making a few simple changes in their family's diet and lifestyle, Michelle and Barack Obama successfully got their own family back on track. The Obama's want to educate others to help combat obesity too.

 

Obesity

        According to the Center for Disease Control, more than one-third of the adults in the United States and approximately 17% of children and adolescents (age 2- 19) are obese. These are frightening statistics. Obviously, obesity related conditions can be serious and costly. 
     My interest in this topic was sparked by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to restrict the sale of 16 oz. sodas and other sugar sweetened drinks.This issue set off a fire storm of debate across the country and in my own house too. Although this New York dilemma has not be resolved, it has put the spotlight back on the fact that Americans are getting fatter. 
    According to USA Today, rising obesity will cost U.S. health care $344 billion a year. This is staggering figure that affects us all. If we have so much information and knowledge about healthy foods, nutrition, and  good eating habits today, why is obesity on the rise?