All efforts welcome in the battle against obesity

AMA Leader Commentary. By J. Edward Hill, MD. May 5, 2003.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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I was pushing my 3-year-old granddaughter, Virginia, around Wal-Mart in a grocery cart not too long ago. When we got to the aisle with all the potato chips and snacks, she wistfully looked up at me and said, "Grand Doc, I just love those saturated fats."

At the time, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but I did know this much: My little granddaughter could have been speaking for all of America's kids and many of its grownups. We Americans do love those saturated fats, just like we love to lie on our couches, watch television and play video games.

Virginia is luckier than most Americans, though. Her mom is trying to make her aware of good nutrition and exercise early in life, so she won't become yet another victim of the epidemic that's ravaging our nation: the epidemic of obesity and overweight.

Today, 300,000 Americans die prematurely each year due to overweight and inactivity, second only to tobacco-related deaths. Unfortunately, these numbers seem sure to increase. Overweight and obese Americans now make up more than 60% of our adult population. Like our waistlines, this percentage is growing.

The epidemic of overweight and obesity is one that physicians must put at the top of our agenda -- for ourselves and for our patients. Obesity and overweight are linked to the nation's No. 1 killer, heart disease, as well as diabetes, hypertension and many other chronic and deadly conditions.

At the AMA, obesity and overweight rank high on our list of public health priorities. That's why, back in April, we joined the American Public Health Assn. and other public health organizations in sponsoring National Public Health Week. The theme for the week was "Getting in Shape for the Future: Healthy Eating and Active Living." Its aim was to educate adults and children about the health risks linked to excess weight -- and the benefits of developing healthier lifestyles.