Obesity Treatment: Intervention

Obesity is an epidemic affecting adults and children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The World Health Organization stated in 2000 that more than 300 million adults world-wide were considered obese. Obesity is defined as being 20 percent over your maximum weight according your height, or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or more.
Obesity is a dangerous condition and leaves us open to major health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, which is also reaching epidemic proportions in the United States in adults and children.

Obesity Intervention in Middle School

• Obesity is caused primarily by taking in too many calories than we burn off, causing our bodies to store the extra calories as fat. We have busy lives, so we may cook quick meals in the microwave which are high in calories, or eat junk food or make a quick trip to Burger King.

  Because more and more children are at risk of becoming obese, intervention is best started young. Many middle schools across the nation have begun educational programs in health and nutrition, such as Planet Health, a program that teaches nutrition and exercise along with the regular curriculum of math, science, English and physical education.

  Planet Health aids teachers with CD-ROMs and fun campaigns designed to reduce television viewing and Internet surfing. The program encourages group discussions and interactive programs to guide students in a healthier way of eating.

  A study begun in 2006 by the National Institutes for Health called the HEALTHY study is designed to reduce obesity and Type 2 diabetes in middle schools. The study will measure the effect of healthier cafeteria and vending machine choices on children's health. The program's ultimate goal is to reduce vending machine food to no more than 200 calories along with improving food served in school cafeterias.

Corporate Initiatives in Stemming Obesity in the Workplace

• Many employer-provided health insurance plans, as well as individual health insurance plans, have instituted wellness campaigns to reduce the cost of employers' health insurance. Such programs aim to increase productivity by reducing sick days and reducing the incidence of more severe health problems to the insured.

  Insurance plans such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield offer financial incentives in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations in certain areas of the country that offer their employees fitness, nutritional or weight management programs. These programs are designed to reduce costs to the employees as well as to the organizations.

  Many large corporations in America have instituted regular fitness programs in the workplace, such as walking at lunch time, initiating "biggest loser" competitions, offering fitness center discounts or installing in-house gyms.

Individual Obesity Intervention

• Although public health fitness campaigns are effective in making people aware of the obesity epidemic, nothing will help you to become fit or lose weight unless you become involved in a fitness program or become more aware of unhealthy eating habits.

  To reduce weight effectively and safely, first talk to your physician or health care provider. Many health insurers offer weight management programs with professional dietitians, nutritionists and registered nurses.

  Diets on the whole don't work unless you are committed to a lifestyle change in your eating and exercising habits. Weight Watchers is one of the top-rated weight-loss programs available according to Health Magazine, because it teaches you how to eat for a lifetime.

  You are more likely to exercise regularly if you involve others. Ask a friend to walk with you at a set time each week and keep it up. Walking is an easy way of dropping the pounds and toning your body. You will be surprised at how fast you can walk a mile, and it will become easier every time.