Overweight and Obesity in the United States
- Currently, more than 60% of adults in the United States are overweight. more...
- Obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the last two decades (Ogden, et al., JAMA (2002) 288, 1728-1732).
- Three out of four children consume more saturated fat than is recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.more...
- More than 75% of people in the U.S. failed to meet the recommended intake of vegetables and fruits per day.more...
- Currently, 300,000 deaths per year in the United States are associated with overweight and obesity. more...
The Paradox of Hunger and Obesity
How can people experience hunger and overweight at the same time?
There are a few theories that address this paradox.
- People who experience hunger may binge when they know food is available because they anticipate a time when food will not be available. The excess calories consumed during the binge result in weight gain.
- Low-cost foods are often high in calories. Processing of food to make larger volumes at lower costs often involves adding components that increase fat, sodium, and calories. This process also frequently involves removing valuable nutrients. Thus, people depending on low-cost food can end up overweight and malnourished.
See the Report from the Center on Hunger and FRAC:
http://www.frac.org/pdf/hungerandobesity.pdf 
What is an Empty Calorie Food?
- An empty calorie food is a food that contains few or no nutrients, but still has calories. Eating more calories than are burned off leads to weight gain. Eating many "empty calories" can result in weight gain, as well as nutrient deficiencies.
Why are Nutrient Deficiencies a Concern?
Nutrient deficiencies can have serious consequences including:
Less Can Be More
- Question: Which Would You Choose on a Limited Budget?
- A. Many low cost, low nutrient foods
- B. A smaller amount of high nutrient foods
- Food costs are a concern for most everyone. However, they are of most concern for lower income populations. The foods that are usually purchased on a limited budget tend to be low nutrient "empty calorie" foods because a greater amount of these types of foods can be purchased for the dollar. However, a smaller amount of high nutrient foods is a healthier choice. Less can actually be more beneficial than an abundance of low nutrient foods.
- Are fast food "Value Options" such a value?
- A low cost burger may seem like an excellent value on a limited budget, but what kind of deal are we really getting? Frequent consumption of these processed items often leaves us with few of the important nutrients we need and a lot of unhealthy saturated fat and excess sodium. The low cost of these convenience items has also made it easy for Americans to consume too much protein.
- Protein Options
- Americans tend to get plenty of protein, even people in lower income populations. Most Americans get more protein than they need. Only 2-3 three ounce servings of protein are needed per day for health. There are many great sources of protein available. Meat is what many people think of when they think of protein. However, meat is expensive and can be high in saturated fat. If you use meat, choose meats that are lower in saturated fat. (See Healthy Protein Options) There are many other excellent sources of protein. Legumes, or dried beans, are a great option. Tuna and salmon are also great protein options. You may be surprised to know that dairy products also add to your protein intake. See Protein Power for a list of healthy, low cost protein options that are often available at Foodlink.
Eat Well Play Hard
Foodlink supports the New York State Department of Health? Eat Well Play Hard initiative to help combat obesity. The three strategies of the Eat Well Play Hard initiative are as follows:
- Increase Intake of Vegetables and Fruits - More than 75% of people in the U.S. failed to meet the recommended intake of vegetables and fruits per day. This means that a majority of people are missing out on important nutrients and fiber and the opportunity to reduce their risk of chronic disease.
- Switch to Lowfat and Nonfat Dairy Products ?Every kind of milk contains the same amount of calcium and vitamin D. However, whole and 2% milk contain too much saturated fat and cholesterol. The excess fat, cholesterol and calories contribute to heart disease and obesity. For everyone age 2 and over, nonfat/fat free milk is the healthiest milk.
- Increase Physical Activity - Our lack of activity is one part of the obesity problem and cannot be ignored. Our high tech society, with increasing conveniences, from remote controls to computers, automatically reduce the amount of calories burned and increase our potential for weight gain.
How can the Eat Well Play Hard strategies be implemented in a community food program?
Strategies for Increasing Intake of Vegetables and Fruits
- Provide and encourage intake of a variety of vegetables and fruits
- Provide simple, healthy recipes for vegetables and fruits
- Provide samples of healthy vegetable and fruit recipes
- Pantries - Request a Food Demonstration at your site through the Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (JSY) Program
Strategies for Switching to Lowfat and Nonfat Dairy Products
- Offer lower fat versions of milk (1% or less) and other dairy products
- Encourage the switch to 1% or less milk. Switching gradually or mixing two different types of milk together are strategies for making the switch easier.
- Use lowfat and nonfat dairy products in recipes. You'll be surprised when no one notices.
- Do the Kids a Favor! At age two, start giving nonfat milk. Kids will like it if they have it from the start and will thank you later.
Strategies for Increasing Physical Activity
- Encourage active play for children
- Go for walks
- Park far away (on purpose)
- Take the stairs
- Get up and change the channel
Recipes
Recipes are available for any type of food. Simply contact the Nutritionist and you will be provided with any of the recipes you need. If you would like to check the internet for recipes on your own, www.allrecipes.com is a very user friendly site.
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