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                         January 25, 2002

Surgeon General explains national plan to combat obesity

In 1999, 61 percent of adults in the U.S. were overweight or obese. Last month, the Surgeon General David Satcher called a "listening session" to address the nation’s priorities for reducing the prevalence of obesity.

The workshop was held at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. During the workshop Satcher asked attendees to take an informed, sensitive approach when communicating with and educating the public about health issues related to obesity.

"The primary focus should be on health and not appearance," Satcher said.

Overweight or obese individuals run a higher risk of illness from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, asthma and certain type of cancers. In the U.S. alone, 300,000 deaths occur yearly due to weight-related illnesses and an estimated $117 billion dollars is spent annually for health care costs associated with weight-related illnesses. Satcher is recommending health care providers promote the following healthier lifestyle choices:

- Use the food guide pyramid to influence food choices.

- Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

- Choose a variety of grains (whole grains) daily.

- Eat reasonable portion sizes.

- Make opportunities for physical activity at work and in communities.

Satcher recommends adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday.

"Daily exercise is one of the most important defenses against overweight and obesity," he said.

Editor’s note: Information provided by the Navy Environmental Health Center.