In Human Growth and Development, obesity is a topic that surfaces in every unit from babyhood to adulthood. It seems that America has a “growing” problem in weight control, one that affects many dimensions of a person, including his physical, emotional, and social well-being. That said, I read this morning that South Carolina ranks #5 in the nation in obesity. Why can’t we be # 5 in education and # 45 in obesity????
Seriously, why do you think SC is the fifth-fattest state in the country? In fact, a new study by two public health organizations determined that eight of the 10 most obese states are in the South. By the way, our neighbors to the north and west, North Carolina and Georgia, aren’t even on the list. What’s going on? Is it our buttered biscuits and fried chicken? Does it have to do with poverty and the food available to the state’s impoverished population?
Whatever the reasons, we have a problem in SC, and I’m curious about your thoughts as to its cause(s). I’m also wondering if you have some ideas about combating it. With 30 percent of our residents classified as obese, we must do something.
We're psychology instructors (Jayne, Mark, Myles, Katie-in order of our being hired) at a community/technical college who are energized and excited by psychology and its applications to daily life. After all, what's the point of knowing about synapses unless the knowledge improves your understanding of moods, disorders, and memory (to name a few).
We've found that just about everything relates in some form or fashion to the science of human behavior, and it's our goal to help others to see that. Accordingly, we'll be posting opinions, comments, and questions and hoping that you'll respond. We'll also provide links to relevant articles and websites to further increase your knowledge
5 responses so far ↓
Ashleigh Plute // July 11, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Obesity is a major problem among the U.S. Which is sad that we are number 5 for the fattest country. A lot of the problems shouldn’t be blamed on the food itself. Granite, fast food is fast and cheap, but if you really want to “look good” and focus on keeping your wait down then we need to have a little control and not eat the things that will put the most weight on us. Free will is a powerful thing. The U.S. would be a less obese place if we would all watch our intake of food, you know you can splurge sometimes and have some cake or pie, but for the most part eat healthy and exercise.
I know there are some cases that some people can’t control that they are obese because of medical issues, but for the most part everyone has a choice to control what they eat. Being healthy is not all bad. You might not get to eat what you want, but it will save your life! Think of all the medical issues it cuts down on. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to die from high cholesterol. I love food, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t love it that much.
What I’m trying to say is that everyone can make their own choices. It’s not all the food industries fault. If we want to be #5 in the U.S. in education and #45 for obesity, then maybe if we start educating our kids in school on stuff that is actually important, then our rates for obesity will go down.
Great post. It's true that we have a tendency to blame the fast food industry or our fast-paced lifestyle, but the bottom line is that we always have a choice. I remember Oprah once saying that nothing tasted as good as being thin felt, and keeping that thought in mind kept her from eating that candy bar or big dish of ice crea.Sheri Hannibal // July 7, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I belive that the obestiy rate is because of the $1 menu at many fast food resturants. It’s easy, fast, and cheap, but very fatting. At many fast food places its cheaper to get a hamburger than a salad, so many peolpe go for the cheaper choice.
Yes, we do want things easy and fast, don't we? Fortunately, I've noticed that some things on the $ menu are healthier than they used to be.henry page // July 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I think alot of the reason so many residents of S.C. face weight issues has alot to do with the food that is available to us. what i mean is, everytime you go to the grocery store whats on sale? normally something for the grill, there is always some sort of a special that promotes the great southern tradition of barbeque. with that being said most people budget shop they are going to buy what they can get the most of for the least amount. people generally also go for whatever is the fastest and easiest way to go. to stay healthy takes work, and changes that most people are not willing to make untill it gets to late. alot i think has to do with the education on nutrition that is given early on in school, if we start educating are kids earlier we may have a chance at correcting the problem.
It's true that we do have a lot of what I call "comfort food" in the South, and much of it goes right along with the barbeque tradition. Ummm. I can just taste that potato salad and mac and cheese right now! So yes, what we need to do is WORK on our will power.Jessica // July 6, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I think the traditional foods of the south have a lot to do with our high numbers of obese people. Another reason could be lack of knowledge about the serious harm these types of food cause. Some people may not know of all the risks that they are setting themselves up for by eating everything fried. Poverty may have a large influence as well. I know how bad some foods are for me but that doesn’t always keep me from eating them. Some of the obesity problem could just be from lack of concern for the matter.
You mentioned two possibilities that I haven't read in any of the other posts: lack of knowledge and lack of concern, both good ones.SC’s Obesity Rate // July 3, 2009 at 11:36 pm
[...] Original post by psychcentral [...]