Posted on 06/24/2005 10:09:27 AM PDT by Constitutionalist Conservative
Unbridled obesity panic could soon put the Good Humor Man on ice in San Diego. A group of food scolds, commissioned by the city's Board of Supervisors, has drafted "strategies" for combating childhood obesity which, among many outlandish ideas, include "ordinances restricting mobile junk food vendors from areas frequented by children and youth." Such laws would "expressly apply to ice cream vendors."
It's not just the neighborhood ice cream guy who should be worried. On tap are truly galling calls for zoning restrictions on restaurants, "fat taxes," advertising bans, shutting down drive-thrus, and even absurd odor controls to make food less enticing.
Obesity hysteria manifested itself in the draft's consensus recommendation to "Make prevention and treatment of Childhood Obesity and other related diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, our number one priority in the County, Health and Human Service Agency, and private/public collaboration with dedicated leadership, staffing and resources." [emphasis added] That priority comes at the expense of a consumer's ability to eat, as another consensus point would "Enact strict City and County zoning laws addressing the number of, construction of and conversion of fast food outlets and drive throughs, especially those around schools."
Ideas emanating from "experts" include "ordinances to limit access to fast food outlets and drive throughs during high school and junior high hours." This might mean you literally could not go to a local drive-thru for lunch if there's a school nearby. The "experts" also recommended classifying obesity as a "disease" and suggested that food makers control portion sizes to conform to government standards.
The draft report includes some far-out proposals from members of the community. Perhaps the most troubling idea would "change fast food's image to one of danger." Another strategy, apparently designed to prevent people from even thinking about food, would create odor-control ordinances to punish restaurants if the smell of their goods escaped their building. Then there was the idea -- going even further than Texas Agriculture Commissioner and self-titled "Food Czarina" Susan Combs' prohibition of students sharing gummy bears at school -- to ban "unhealthy" foods from even being brought to school. While some schools are concerned about checking for weapons, apparently San Diego wants to search kids' backpacks for Ho-Hos. Other ideas from the community include:
Whew...that was close. I thought for a minute that I'd have to go out and get a life. :-)
So....?
"Turkey in the Straw"
Americans in general? That's a broad statement and...my post is not intended to be a joke.
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Testimony of Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H. Before the "Hearing on February 12, 2004 |
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. I am Dr. Kenneth Cooper, a physician and fitness advocate who founded the aerobics movement with the publication of "Aerobics" in 1968. For more than 40 years, I have been dedicated to improving the health of Americans through proper weight, proper diet and regular physical activity.
My long-standing personal and professional philosophy is that it is easier and more effective to maintain good health than to regain it once it is lost. I believe – and I am backed by extensive public and private research – that exercise and wellness are not just a healthier choice, but a better way to live. The lack of a balanced diet coupled with a lack of regular, daily physical activity are increasingly leading to such debilitating conditions as heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and depression among many others.
Kids today are more overweight and less fit than at any other time in our history. Since 1980, there has been a two- to three-fold increase in incidence of obesity in American children six to 19 years of age. Approximately 20 percent of American children are now considered to be overweight.
Being overweight can lead to dire health consequences. Take, for example, the increasing prevalence of "steatohepatitis," a condition that occurs when there is fatty infiltration of the liver. Until recently, it was most commonly seen in obese adults – particularly men – and rarely seen in children. If it’s not controlled, it can cause permanent damage to the liver in the form of hepatitis and cirrhosis, and it may be one reason that deaths from cancer of the liver is 4.52 times greater in men with high body mass indexes (NEJM 348:17, April 24, 2003).
In obese children we are also noticing an increase in type II diabetes. In fact, the disease is no longer referred to as adult-onset diabetes since the prevalence in children nine to 12 years of age is increasing. Dr. William Klish of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston has reported that children who develop type II adult-onset diabetes before 14 years of age may be shortening their lifespan by 17 to 27 years.
In addition, our overweight children are not physically fit. Compared to teenagers in 1980, it takes teenagers today one to one and a half minutes longer to run a mile – if they can even make it that far.
Children who are not fit can suffer academically. A report from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (December 10, 2002) sought parallels between physical fitness and academic performance. It matched almost one million 5th, 7th, and 9th graders who participated in the Fitnessgram developed by The Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research with their scores from the SAT (9th Edition).
The study found that (1) higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the three grade levels measured; (2) the relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at higher fitness levels; (3) students who met minimum fitness levels in three or more physical fitness areas showed the greatest gains in academic achievement in all three grade levels; and (4) females demonstrated higher achievement than males, particularly at higher fitness levels. And furthermore, the study reported that a quality physical education program will help children improve self-esteem and interpersonal skills, gain a sense of belonging through teamwork, handle adversity through winning and losing, learn discipline, improve problem-solving skills and increase creativity.
A side note of interest to this study is that, although it was not specifically documented in the research, the majority of students who could not meet the physical fitness standards in the study were probably overweight.
Why is this important? Weight and fitness are critical because they are direct indicators of overall health. It is through this lens – one that magnifies the correlation between fitness and overall health – that I look at the alarming data about childhood obesity in this country. Needless to say, I am quite concerned about the health of our children.
My professional focus has always been on prevention, and I’m here today to put forth recommendations for reversing America’s troubling obesity trends. But first let’s consider how we got here.
The First Law of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics. Most non-scientists probably believe the concept of thermodynamics is completely irrelevant to their daily lives. Yet if each and every one of us – scientists or not – better understood this relatively simple law of nature, half of this country probably wouldn’t be nearly as overweight.
In layman’s terms, the fundamental cause of weight gain is energy intake that persistently exceeds energy expenditure. What presents the problem is that we are consuming more calories – or energy – than we are burning.
In thinking of food as fuel, if we eat FEWER calories than we burn, we will have a negative energy balance and lose weight. If we eat MORE calories than we burn, we will have a positive energy balance and gain weight.
This equation has only two components, and anyone debating obesity policy must question the CAUSE of this positive energy balance. Is it attributable to an increase in energy intake, a decrease in energy expenditure, or a combination of both?
Whether they realize it or not, the legislators, community leaders, parents and educators who are passionately debating the obesity crisis among our children are really debating the first law of thermodynamics. The complex relationship between inactivity, nutrition and obesity is causing lots of confusion.
Breaking Down the Weight Gain Equation
Right now, it appears that the most popular target in the obesity debate is the energy intake – or caloric – side of the weight gain equation. I am here today because I believe that not nearly enough emphasis has been put on the energy expenditure – or exercise part of the equation. Increased calories are most definitely a factor in the rise in overweight children, but it is absolutely not the primary cause.
My colleagues and I at the Cooper Institute have spent almost 35 years scrutinizing the relationship between nutrition, fitness and health. We’ve gathered data from thousands of individuals who have participated in Cooper Institute programs and have publicized hundreds of papers in the scientific press.
A recent government study did show that American women eat 335 calories more a day now than they did in the early 1970s; men eat about 168 calories more a day. And complicating this issue is the dramatic change in the level of physical activity. Americans – and especially children – are far less active now than ever before thanks to advances in technology and changes in our lifestyles that allow us to be sedentary more often than not.
Yes, fast food and convenience foods are more prevalent today than ever before. And yes, portion sizes and caloric intake have increased. But that doesn’t mean that these are the only culprits in our growing battle with the bulge. The wholesale lack of physical activity is the primary reason for our expanding waistlines.
When you think about the differences between our society today and 30 years ago, don’t just think about the boom in fast food restaurants. Consider the fact that those restaurants put in drive through windows. As did banks, dry cleaners and pharmacies. With the convenience of drive through eating and shopping came the disappearance of sidewalks in local planning and development strategies.
And 30 years ago, did children come home from school and eat cookies or potato chips before dinner? Of course they did! The difference is that they consumed those snacks after walking or riding their bikes from school. Then they went outside to play with their friends, unlike today when they sit on the sofa and play video games. For the younger generations, sedentary time in front of a screen has become a tremendous factor in the energy equation. Today the average child spends 900 hours a year in school as compared to 1,023 hours watching TV.
According to the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, when factors that contribute to a sedentary lifestyle are mitigated, body weight decreases. So if you reduce the amount of time that a child spends in front of the TV, you reduce their Body Mass Index.
And when you look at the differences between schools today and schools a generation ago, don’t just focus on the vending machines now found in some hallways. What happened to PE? There is only one state – Illinois – that mandates daily physical education for students. Adding to that, a report issued by the International Life Sciences Institute stated that about one in four children do not get ANY physical education in school.
It is this phenomenon above all others – the dramatic reduction in energy expenditure through daily exercise – that I believe is driving childhood obesity trends.
Finding Energy Balance
Everyone involved in the obesity debate agrees that the core of this issue is calories in versus calories out. If we are to develop long-lasting and comprehensive obesity policy that will truly help American children, we must address BOTH sides of the weight loss equation.
First, it’s important to note that the number of calories consumed – not the SOURCE of those calories – is what is important in this equation. Of course, as a physician, I always promote the indisputable benefits of a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and contains lots of fruits, vegetables and fiber. But it has long been recognized by the government, medical and nutrition organizations that a balanced approach to diet is the right approach, as opposed to one that characterizes certain foods as "good" or "bad."
In looking at the total diet, we should identify the amount of excess calories in an individual’s diet rather than declaring that individual foods are "good" or "bad." Restricting, taxing or prohibiting certain foods will almost certainly not work as these policies will do little or nothing to help people choose the best foods for their own needs.
Therefore, I believe we must adopt a different approach to childhood eating patterns, and part of that approach is common sense strategy that includes sensible snacking. If we are to curb childhood obesity trends, we must embrace dietary changes that concentrate on reducing calories, not just fats or carbohydrates.
In consultation with Dr. Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health, requirements for sensible snacking have been developed. They are guidelines that enable an across-the-board reduction in both fat and caloric intake:
Requirements for Sensible Snacking
Serving Size = 1 ounce
Total Calories ≤150
Total Fat ≤ 5.0 g
(sun oil, corn oil)
Saturated Fat ≤ 1.0 g
Trans Fats 0.0
Sodium ≤ 240 mg
But for those looking to single out public enemy number one in this war on obesity, it is NOT just food. It is a sedentary lifestyle.
The benefits of exercise are undeniable. And regardless of weight, all Americans must become more active. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about overall wellness. The bulk of scientific evidence concludes that abandoning the sedentary lifestyle and following a moderate exercise routine will greatly reduce your risk of dying of almost all causes and enhance your chance of living a longer, more active life.
Just think about it: heart disease is the number one killer in America. The American Heart Association says that daily physical activity helps reduce the risk of heart disease by
Improving blood circulation throughout the body,
Keeping weight under control,
Improving blood cholesterol levels,
Preventing and managing high blood pressure,
Preventing bone loss, boosting energy levels,
Managing stress,
Improving the ability to fall asleep quickly and well,
Improving self-esteem,
Countering anxiety and depression,
Increasing muscle strength,
Providing a way to share activity with family and friends, and
Establishing good heart-healthy habits in children.
That’s an impressive list of things that can be addressed simply by being more active.
Physical activity among children is especially important. Studies have shown that children who participate in quality physical education programs are healthier physically and mentally than children who are inactive.
And for those who are worried that PE crowds the schedules of schools desperate to raise academic standards, don’t forget the research cited at the beginning of my testimony that found that students achieve best when they are physically fit.
Suggested Strategies
As I stated earlier today, I am a long-time proponent of preventive wellness solutions. When it comes to our children, I don’t believe we can simply talk about policies that will help them lose weight. We must seek policies that encourage WELLNESS. So let’s enact policies that will keep children fit and active, and teach them the importance of a nutritionally-balanced diet.
We can empower individuals through education and awareness. We need to improve the public’s understanding of the consequences of too little exercise, too many calories, and unbalanced diets. We should urge Americans to regard obesity not only as a cosmetic issue, but also as a critical health issue.
Specifically, we need to focus less on drastic, unrealistic dietary mandates that single out specific foods and focus more on a sensible, balanced approach to caloric intake.
We must also motivate Americans of all ages to avoid inactivity and collectively get at least 30 minutes of some type of aerobic activity daily, as recommended by former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher. Simple activities, such as utilizing pedometers as part of the "America on the Move" program developed by Dr. James Hill at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, can go a long way to improving personal physical fitness.
And while this approach of combining balanced and caloric-restricted diets with physical activity will not be a "quick fix," it will produce long-term benefits in the form of improved quality and quantity of life.
Ultimately, individuals have to make their own choices about the foods they eat and the level of physical activity they engage in. Government can and should provide information to help consumers make informed choices. Congress must embrace proposals that are positive, comprehensive, and address obesity as an issue rooted in improper energy balance, not simply one driven by food. After all, this discussion is not simply about weight gain, it’s about health. And reduced calories and exercise are the keys to good health.
How about "I cuss! You cuss! We all cuss for asparagus!"?
But seriously, if this a problem with children eating poorly, their parents need to deal with it. For children who otherwise eat a reasonably balanced diet, occasional treats like those from the ice cream truck (or pedal-wagon) won't do them any harm, and can be so enjoyable on a hot day when playing outside.
Yep, exactly, I hope they do. Listen to the crying as fat people pay the same taxes forced on smokers for "health related issues". Reap what you sow socialists......
I'm sick of calling these people countrymen. Either they need to leave and go somewhere, or those of us who believe in freedom, hard work, and self-determination need to start a new country. Damn them to hell.
Hooray, the Liver and Onion man is coming.
....which also contributes to obesity, greatly, incidentally. ;-)
Far Side!
I spent freaking 15 minutes on Google Images looking for that strip, to no avail.
I love those kids looking really worried hiding behind the corner! :D
I hope when our troops get finished with Iraq, that they still have some extra energy left. Because in their absence a bunch of mini-Saddams have come out of the woodwork like cockroaches.
Same thing annoys me. My ancestors left Europe to get away from these nanny statists. They helped created a country of great wealth, as always happens with liberty.
Every other country in the world they can live in their socialist utopia, or mullocracy, or whatever nightmare they want. I will even gladly pay for their airfare to the place of their choice.
While you're at it, just make them put anything that tastes good, smells good, or looks good in a plain brown wrapper, while reserving the "bright, bold, eye-catching" packages for the rices cakes, soy milk, and tofu.
Don't forget to ban protests or counter-calls to leave things alone.
Brought to you by the same people that want to preserve the right to burn the flag, in the name of "free speech".
We have a device to do that already!
It is called a "door". If you can't fit through it, you can't get to the truck until you slim down.
"Fatty, fatty; two by four! Couldn't fit through the kitchen door!"
Without enablers, it is a self-solving problem.
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