Imperial County needs an obesity education committee

It is time for a reality check. Imperial County has a reversible and preventable health crisis. A 2017 report by the Southern California Association of Governments found that 39.6 percent of Imperial County residents over 18 are obese (39.5 percent in El Centro, 40.3 percent in Brawley and 42.7 percent in Calexico). Also, in 2017 Kidsdata.org reported that 49 percent of all fifth graders in Imperial County were overweight.

For the last 30 years, Imperial Valley residents have done their part. Some formed non-profits and others saw a business opportunity to cater to a small percentage of the population (either response is commendable). These same community members also forged alliances, promoted healthy outreach programs, health fairs, events and wellness programs for companies. Yet, many government data shows obesity is on the rise. Why?

Many researchers believe that personal behaviors are the “dominant role” in preventing obesity. This argument indicates that sugary drink consumption, low physical activity, poor food choices (because of the lack of education) and “obese” social ties are to blame. These behaviors are 100 percent modifiable or preventable. An article published on PubMed, a respected online forum of experts of all areas of medicine, predicts that if our secular data stays consistent, by 2030, 85 percent of U.S. adults will be overweight.

Evidence shows caloric restriction equals weight loss. Evidence also shows that added sugar consumption (soda and sports drinks) has been rising concurrently with obesity. Wealthier nations have the highest levels of obesity, and it’s no surprise Americans rank No. 1 in the world.

Obesity is a contributor to preventable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure and hypertension. It is no wonder why one out of three Medicare dollars is spent, directly or indirectly, on obesity. The cost? About $17 billion a year from Medicare alone; this money can probably be used to feed America with fresh produce every year.

Whole foods, such as meat and vegetables, bring undeniable nutritional value to our bodies. They balance blood sugar, help reduce inflammation, promote liver rejuvenation, gene messaging, improve intercellular communication (known as metabolism) and help prevent aging. Yet Americans choose to consume more than 150 pounds of sugar and 210 pounds of wheat per year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Human Health Services is responsible for nutritional recommendation and guidance. These recommendations were established in 1980 to act as a guideline in local school cafeterias. They serve as the basis for federal food and nutritional education programs in the United States. All public schools, government agencies and non-profits that receive federal monies must comply.

Since the 1980s, these guidelines have remained the same: six to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice and pastas group; three to five servings of vegetable group; two to four servings of fruit group; two to three servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nut group; zero to three servings of milk, yogurt and cheese group; fats, oils and sweets sparingly. They are updated every five years. In 2020, these guidelines are up for renewal.

I appeal to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors to spearhead a nutrition education committee as a response to our growing obesity epidemic.

We must respond aggressively to any emerging problem, so let’s create a countywide public nutritional education marketing campaign. This campaign should focus on educating the population on “what to put in your plate.” Education is key to understanding our habits. Everyone in our community must be held accountable for our deteriorating health and its negative impact on society. This is not a blame game but rather a new perspective on the matter.

County and city governments, healthcare providers, schools, organizations, media industry and all businesses in our community must take this seriously. We cannot continue the current course of action. We must pave a new road and work cohesively on this issue. Otherwise, our productivity will be affected; our economy will suffer; our healthcare will totally collapse; our children’s future will be compromised, and our single most important natural resource would be threatened. All this, despite evidence that it can be prevented.

It is time to act. We have the land, water, human resource and leadership to turn this country and county around. Why? Because our children deserve better.