Author
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YADRICK, KATHLEEN - DELTA NIRI |
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Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/28/2005 Publication Date: 4/1/2005 Citation: Yadrick, K. 2005. The role of FCS in the obesity epidemic: Supporting healthy lifestyle choices. Journal of Food and Consumer Science. 97(2):8-12. Interpretive Summary: Americans are facing more health consequences from the rising rates of obesity. The general public and the Family and Consumer Science professional need to appreciate the magnitude of the problem, the terms used to describe the obesity problem, and potential solutions to address the problem. Obesity has been promoted through many lifestyle factors. Portion sizes of food and beverages have risen steadily as physical activity has dropped among adults and children. The environment has discouraged physical activity and led to greater reliance on the automobile. Approaches to stem the rising tide of obesity include teaching portion control, limiting foods high in fat and sugar, recommending specific amounts of physical activity needed by adults and children, promoting physical environment designs that foster walking and other physical activities. Schools are encouraged to play a more active role in promoting healthier food choices and more physical activity. Family and Consumer Science professionals can play an important educational and research role in a healthier lifestyle. Technical Abstract: Recent data on the growing percentage of American adults and children who are obese or overweight are bombarding Americans. The need to understand the magnitude of the problem and the definitions of terms used to judge weight status is described. A major concern about obesity arises from the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases. Defining the causes of the rising weights is critical to designing programs to stem these rates. The environment and lifestyle factors have clearly changed. The American food supply is abundant and inexpensive providing an estimated 3,900 kilocalories per person per day in the United States, representing an increase of 12% since 1985. In one year, the amount of fat in the food supply increased 6%. Portion sizes have increased both at home and away from home. For beverages such as beer and soda, portion sizes were 28-103% larger than previous standard serving sizes. For chocolate chip cookies, portion sizes increased by 163-700%. The other side of the energy equation, physical activity has not kept pace with growing portion sizes. Neither adults nor children exercise to the recommended amounts of physical activity. Suburban development has tended to increase the reliance on the automobile. Recent research has focused on designing a “built” environment to foster and promote physical activity of walking to schools, shopping areas, and even work. Family and Consumer Science professionals can play an important role in teaching and promoting healthier lifestyles and healthier environments. |
