I’m asked all the time about why I think so many people are overweight. As you can imagine, it’s not an easy question to answer. Each individual’s struggle is personal and different. So it’s hard for me to be overly critical, especially when I don’t believe that anyone should be blindly judged because they aren’t in good shape, have trouble exercising, or eat poorly.
That doesn’t mean I condone apathy. Everyone needs to make their health a high priority. But emphasizing nutrition and fitness isn’t enough to cause change. You see, the first--and most important--step to creating significant change is the one aspect that no one seems to address.
The obesity debate usually revolves around two main principles: Bad eating and a lack of exercise. There have been multiple studies searching for the more significant contributing factor: Are we fat because we eat too many calories or because we sit all day and avoid activity? The answer is inevitably a mix of the two. But arguing the cause does little to improve global health. Instead, we need to determine how resources should be allocated to reverse the epidemic. Did you know that by the year 2050, scientists from Harvard University predict that more than 40 percent of all adults will be obese? And it should come as no surprise: Last year 49 out of the 50 states in the United States increased in percentage of overweight and obese adults. And it’s not like future generations paint a better picture. The rate of childhood obesity is triple that of one generation prior, according to the CDC. That’s a frightening statistic when you consider that 80 percent of overweight kids grow up to be obese adults.
So where do we start? It might be that we spend too much time focusing on actions and not enough on identifying causes. Yes, we could all benefit from moving more, eating fewer calories, and enjoying more fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods. But many people don’t move more because they’re intimidated by the gym or they don’t know how to exercise. And when people do exercise, they oftentimes hurt themselves or don’t see changes and then stay away from activity. On the nutrition side, many people don’t eat well because they just don’t understand the basics of a good diet. Sure, it’s easy to say that we should all avoid fast food. But you know what? The world’s problems are not caused by McDonald’s (although the fast food nation doesn’t help).
Action is the final step, but the foundation of the issue is a lack of education.
We need to find some way to teach people about their own health—and by default, what they can eat and how to exercise properly. Ask the average person about “macronutrients” (proteins, carbs, fats) and they’ll look at you like you’re from another planet. The last thing we need is another expert sputtering off jargon that makes them sound smart. That doesn’t help anyone. We need to share information in a way that everyone can understand and apply to their life. Only then can more people take control of their own behaviors and make adjustments. That’s how you empower someone to make change.
One of my favorite quotes is: "The gap between where you are and where you want to be is called frustration. Frustration is eliminated by education and action."
Nothing could be more accurate about the health crisis. Just look at some of the attempts to understand obesity. Recently, a trainer decided to pack on 70 pounds to learn what it's like to be obese. As noble as his cause might be, he will never understand their plight. He already has the education and the motivation to make the changes to his life. The problem isn't simply losing weight. There are plenty of methods to make that happen. We need a system that helps people take control of their own lives so they can rewrite their destiny. Too many people have established a form of learned helplessness. They tried to do something to improve their health and failed. So now they feel that their health is predetermined to be something less than they want.
I don’t buy it. And I won’t stand for it.
To help with the education process, I’m committed to making sure that LIVESTRONG.COM continues to provide you with the best information possible. We’ll continue to cover the topics you want and provide the solutions you need. And if we don’t—tell me. I want to hear from you and help you.
But we’re taking education one step farther. Articles aren’t enough. You need access to real experts. That’s why we’ve taken our advisory board and made them available to you. Check out their page, click on an individual advisor, and leave them a question in the "Ask Me Anything" section. They’ll be dropping by to answer your needs and improve your education so you can eliminate your health frustration.
All I ask it that you’re patient. All of our experts are committed to helping you, but they’re also juggling multiple responsibilities.
Consider this just the first of many steps we'll take to personalize your health and provide a path for a better life. It won’t instantly solve all your problems or end the obesity crisis. But it will shift the focus from treating the symptoms to improving the problem.
- Adam Bornstein
Have a question for me or want more health or fitness information? Follow me on: Twitter @BornFitness, Google+, or Facebook
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