BIG Problem

by: Andrea J. Stewart

Today’s 18- to 30-year-olds are responsible for changing the dismal health statistics that are prevalent in the current adult population. 

Nearly one-third of all adults in the United States are obese, and a report by the Surgeon General states that approximately 300,000 deaths each year can be attributed to obesity.  Obesity is known to cause heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, as well as some types of cancer.  Even moderate excess weight (10 to 20 pounds) increases the chance of disease or death. 

People 18- to 30-years-old eat out frequently, and rising portion sizes in fast food and casual dining restaurants have made over-indulging easier than ever.  Twenty years ago, the average cheeseburger contained approximately 330 calories, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s “Portion Distortion” website.  Today’s fast food burger has inflated in size and is now about 600 calories.          

Inflated portion size, or “super-sizing,” is the most significant contribution to poor nutrition, said Dr. Michael Fine, a physician at Hillside Family and Community Medicine in Pawtucket, R.I.

“The basic American diet is a disaster,” Fine said.  He explained that people are favoring processed foods and are eating too many empty calories.

They are also not getting enough exercise.  A report by the Surgeon General reveals that 40 percent of adults in the United States do not participate in leisure time activity.  It’s recommended that adults get 30 minutes of exercise a day to maintain good health and fight stress.     

Fine said individuals 18 to 30 years old are exercising less than previous generations, because they are spending more time sitting in front of the computer and television set.  Christi Lehner-Collins, a certified holistic health counselor, agreed.

“If everyone turned off the computer for a month… people would be so much healthier,” Lehner-Collins said.