Obesity-a "new" disease??

The relation between obesity and risk-conferring diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart failure and cancer has long been accepted. However, last month the American Medical Association took things a step further and defined obesity as a disease in its own right.  This implies that obesity Is not simply related to gluttony and laziness, or to poor eating habits.  Rather it is a lifelong process that, without aggressive management, will lead to predictable damage to vital organs and to a deterioration of your health.

Defined as a BMI (body mass index) of greater than 30, obesity is associate with hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, certain cancers           ( including colon, breast, uterus and others). Currently 30% of Americans are obese; that number is expected to climb to 50% by 2014, a staggering number.  Although there are medication and surgical options, the cornerstone of treatment is diet and exercise. In a sense, that requires a community approach to assure the availability of public space which facilitates physical activity, and of food options such as farmer’s markets and community gardens. Given the prevalence of childhood obesity, we must begin our efforts early; school based education, effective physical education programs, healthy school based meals and family based interventions.  Success will require a “village”-health care institutions, community based organizations, leaders of faith based organizations, PTAs, etc.

New York City has adopted an aggressive campaign on obesity. Components include:

1)    Developing “Wellness Councils” in public schools

2)    Installing more water fountains in schools to encourage water/discourage sugary drinks

3)    A “school gardens” initiative

4)    Salad bars in NYC schools

5)    Adopt the “Move to Improve” initiative

6)    Establish a maximum size for sugary drinks

7)    Expand healthy food access in the retail environment

8)    Establish a center to facilitate architecture and construction which encourages physical activity

9)    Create a city wide bicycle network

10)                       Offer wellness programs to all NYC employees

11)                       Improve the diagnosis of obesity in hospitals, health clinics and schools

If you have concerns about how to manage obesity in your life or in your family, make an appointment to see your primary care provider. And, for your community, be an active advocate for a healthy environment for you and your neighbors.