We shouldn’t accept obesity as ‘normal’

The Feb. 6 Leader-Post article (from the National Post) “The shape of our future” included an alarming statement that “Many people are asking what’s wrong with being what is framed as ‘obese,’ medically. Maybe that’s the new normal.”

While it has become very apparent that there is a growing obesity epidemic accompanied by increasing health-care costs, is it wise to start making acceptable excuses for being fat? The short answer would be “no,” but there are research initiatives underway to educate us about the topic, including the Obesity Staging System at the University of Alberta; the Obesity Society; as well as work conducted by an “obesity theorist.”

Evidently, obesity has resulted in job creation for medical practitioners, academics and others yet to specialize in this growing field. Unfortunately, the article made no reference to “actionoriented” means of dealing with the obesity epidemic. This would include programs designed to get us “moving” such as Participaction, Saskatchewan In Motion, KidSport, Saskapalooza, UR Fit classes and cutting-edge initiatives such as the U of R’s High Performance Centre.

Obesity does exist, but we do not need to accept and embrace it as the “new norm.” What we need to do is educate ourselves about keeping active. That process can start with an understanding of what physical literacy means, rather than focusing on the most current fat-reducing diet craze or a new obesity treatment called “aspiration therapy” … look that one up, it will inspire you to exercise more and eat smarter.

Don Millard, Regina