DR. PETE'S PERSONAL HEALTH BLOG

Finally obesity is getting some respect. Michelle Obama is kicking off an anti-obesity campaign for children this week. And it's the right thing to do.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Many people don't seem to understand that obesity is a killer.

"I'm fat, so what," seems to be their attitude. A lot, that's what. In no particular order here is a list of diseases associated with obesity: stroke, gout, coronary artery disease including angina and heart attack, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, fatty liver disease, gallstones, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, abnormal menses, infertility, endometrial cancer of the uterus, breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, and esophageal cancer.

Is that surprising? In order to understand how this can be, start by thinking about being obese as similar to driving your car with a load of bricks in the trunk. Driving with the extra weight will stress all parts of the vehicle - the engine, transmission, tires, shocks, and struts. With time the entire car will wear out more quickly. Same with your body.

But it's worse than that. Fat cells are not just inert "bricks in your trunk." The fat you carry is metabolically active, and not in a good way. The fat cells produce harmful hormones that travel throughout the body and can cause diseases like cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute’s web site, as much as 10 to 20 percent of cancer deaths in the United States may be due to excess weight. Back to our car analogy, it's as if the bricks in the trunk were releasing harmful chemicals into the gas tank too.

So How Come Obesity Gets No Respect?

Perhaps we too often consider it a personal failing rather than understanding the major role our surroundings play in causing this epidemic. Yes people have choices, but people also need help. We adults created the American environment that is causing our children to be fat. It's time we fix it. We need to treat obesity like the public health problem it is, stop blaming individuals, offer support, and search for environmental solutions.

But what stands for the fight against obesity? In today's world, marketing is everything. Could the lack of respect be due to lack of a symbol or logo? At the time of this writing, Wikipedia lists 18 different awareness ribbons for over 50 diagnoses and causes. These include many diseases that are tied to obesity, but obesity itself has no ribbon. So Bravo to you Mrs. Obama, you have chosen a worthy issue and you have my support, but my advice is "Get a ribbon!"

P.S. - Mrs. Obama, I am sending you a copy of my book More Health, Less Care. I think it can help America be healthy. Please keep an eye out for it.

RELATED STORIES & LINKS

Michelle Obama Says 'Let's Move' On Obesity In American kids

Obesity Rates Show Hard Work Ahead For Michelle Obama’s Program

Dr. Pete Weiss

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Pete Weiss (www.drpeterjweiss.com) is a physician, healthcare executive, author, speaker and health coach with a passion for helping others to health and wellness. "Dr. Pete" has recognized that traditional medical care isn’t helping many people to become well, and his personal mission is empowering individuals to manage their own health.  Dr. Pete, whose book on personal health, More Health, Less Care, is due out in May, can be reached at 321-794-0298 or pete@drpeterjweiss.com.

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