OBESITY AND POLITICSNicholas Marshall

What do you already know about obesity?

Question 1: How many children ages 2-19 are overweight or obese?

A. 10 million B. 15 million C. 24 million D. 32 million Answer: C

What do you already know about obesity?

Question 2: Among Americans ages 20+, how many are overweight or obese?

A. 25 million B. 50 million C. 120 million D. 155 million E. 175 million Answer: D

What do you already know about obesity?

Question 3: What should one portion of vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats look like on a plate?

A. 2 palms, 1 palm, 1 fist, ½ thumb B. 1 palm, 1 palm, ½ fist, 1 thumb C. 2 palms, 2 palms, 1 palm, 1 fist D. 3 palms, ½ palm, ½ fist, none Answer: A

History of Obesity

Increased food supply occurred after the technological advancements of the 17 and 1800’s. Initially good outcomes such as

increased longevity and body size, due to the balance of exercise with more food.

• After WWII, obesity started becoming a health risk.

• Obesity became an official disease in the 1960’s.

History of Obesity (cont’d)

Noteworthy obesity research began in the 1970’s

First significant obesity spike occurred in the 1980’s Type 2 Diabetes also arose in the 80’s

The largest obesity increase occurred in the 1990’s

Obesity Today

Obesity rates are at their highest; 18.5% in children and 35% in adults.

Research shows a recent trend in racial groups and working classes to obesity rates

Obesity Today (cont’d)

Obesity currently contributes to: High Blood Pressure Type 2 Diabetes Heart Disease High Cholesterol Cancer Infertility Back Pain Skin Infections

Obesity and Political Parties

DEMOCRATS

60% think that the government should play a significant role in reducing obesity

75% support chain restaurants posting calorie counts

63% support the banning of unhealthy food advertising to kids on TV

45% support a tax on unhealthy food/soda

41% support limits on restaurant soda sizes

REPUBLICANS

20% think that the government should play a significant role in reducing obesity

59% support chain restaurants posting calorie counts

47% support the banning of unhealthy food advertising to kids on TV

24% support a tax on unhealthy food/soda

19% support limits on restaurant soda sizes

Obesity and Political Parties

DEMOCRATS

Proposed the “Let’s Move!” Campaign

Support the NFL “Play 60” Campaign

Proposed a national trans-fat ban

Promote healthcare to assist obese people

REPUBLICANS

Feel that the individual is responsible for his/her health

Think that healthcare should be reformed for people to receive adequate treatment

Want more spending towards businesses that promote health and fitness

Obesity and Mass Media

Are You Pouring On the Pounds? – Sugary Drink Campaign https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F4t

8zL6F0c

Obesity and Mass Media

Let’s Move! Campaign Developed by First

Lady Michelle Obama

Combats childhood obesity with exercise

Promotes the 60 minutes of play per day lifestyle

http://www.letsmove.gov/