CDC: Obesity on the rise, professor suggests ways to combat calories
Published Sept. 5, 2003
As the number of people classified as obese increases and tax dollars spent on diseases linked to obesity soar, an MU professor is recommending students take preventative steps to ensure healthy lives and save tax dollars.
"(Center for Disease Control) researchers estimate that in 2000, $77 billion in taxes was spent on diseases caused by obesity that could have been prevented," said Frank Booth, professor of veterinary biomedical sciences.
Nationwide, the number of obesity cases is going up significantly, said Julie Tobias, a wellness coordinator at the Wellness Resource Center.
The CDC classifies people as obese if their body mass index is 30 or higher. According to a CDC survey, 31 percent of the national population over age 20 in 2000 was classified as obese, and between 20 to 24 percent of Missouri's population was classified as obese in 2001.
"The problem keeps getting worse," said Tommy Thompson, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, in a release. "We've seen virtually a doubling in the number of obese persons over the past two decades, and this has profound health implications."
Obesity can increase a person's chances for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and a number of other health conditions, he stated.
"A combination of factors are contributing to the rise in cases, such as people eating out more and eating larger portions of food," Tobias said. "There has also been a decrease in physical activity."
Booth, whose book "Exercise" was published in April, suggests students prevent obesity by taking small steps early.
"Little things such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator can burn calories," he said.
He also suggests students try to eliminate unhealthy foods from their diets.
"Most students are hurting for money," he said. "Why spend extra? Instead of buying sugar drinks, try the drinking fountain."
Students who were active in sports in high school but are no longer involved should make sure their calorie intake coincides with their activity level, Tobias said.
Students should also be aware of the amount of high calorie foods, such as fried foods and desserts, they eat.
"Pay attention to what's being served, especially when going out because the portion sizes are usually considered too much," she said. "The important thing to remember is how you feel. Feed yourself when you're hungry, and stop eating when you're no longer hungry, but before you're full."
Booth said small steps make a difference.
"Don't go out and run a marathon tomorrow," he said. "Start out small, by walking instead of driving, for example. Make substitutions in little ways, and the calories will add up."