WAKE UP Texas. You are getting Fat

April 15, 2012

According to a recent Gallup poll, 26% of American adults are obese. To be considered obese, a person must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The obesity epidemic has been going on for decades, and today health-care costs associated with obesity are estimated at $147 billion a year. BILLION!

Each year a national report is compiled to determine ‘Americas Fattest Cities’…and once again two Texas cities ranked third and fifth in the top ten. The poll looks at many variables and while some, like stress, poverty, and parenting can have an impact, each of us has a responsibility to ourselves to stop the weight gain at some point.

Choices (I mean to say BAD choices) are often the culprit! In some cases people lack a variety of choices and even fewer ‘healthy’ choices from which to choose. Children often have no choice at all, and that is a pity. There has been movement toward offering a larger variety of healthy options, both locally and nationally but realistically, an environmental overhaul could take years. Therein lies a problem, as the obese are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, liver disease, and bone and joint problems. Excess fat has also been linked to many types of cancer. Nothing we do not already know, I understand. But the concerns must be mentioned often to make sure they are understood and not forgotten. 

Unfortunately, there are less healthy food stores nearby, more junk food available because it’s cheap, fewer places to play outdoors (parks, tennis, basketball, running …), all making it harder to curb bad impulses. The media has made the most unhealthy foods look so appealing. Long lines at fast food chains do not mean the choice is a healthy one … but a popular one. Bringing us once again back to our decision making – choices. 

Woodlands let’s stay off the list from this survey. Healthy choices are available. It may take an effort on your part but as the saying goes ‘Anything worth having is worth working for.’ Trust me, your health is worth it! 

Please, stop by F.I.T. or contact us today to start an action plan to be F.I.T this year. It may take a few months of hard work and smart decisions about food, calorie intake and exercise but you can do it!

Functional Individualized Training, where it’s all about you. Reach your highest Human Performance level today! 

In good health,

 Bob

A moment on the lips, forever on the hips!