Fighting Obesity Together

According to a recent Gallup poll, for the first time in three years, the number of Americans who are normal weight, 36.6 percent, outnumber those who are overweight, 35.8 percent. This excludes Americans who are obese, which counts for 25.8 percent.

Although the total of Americans who are overweight or obese exceeds 60 percent, there is a definite downward trend. The question being asked is, “Are we finally winning the battle of the bulge?”

While encouraging, it’s too soon to say whether the data signal a fleeting dip or a real shift in obesity in America. Plus, the data come from self-reports, which aren’t always the most reliable.

So here are some of the reasons being given for this good news:
• Increased public awareness of the health effects of obesity and overweight
• National initiatives like Michelle Obama’s 2010 “Let’s Move!” campaign
• Increased investment by businesses in employee wellness programs
• Less consumer spending on eating out; more eating at home

As I look at these possibilities, I feel certain that the trend will continue and that the fitness industry can and should be instrumental in increasing it. In each of these explanations, we have a place to make a huge impact.

As public awareness increases, the “health” in health clubs will become more powerful a message to everyone. If we step up our game and continue to provide a broader menu of services, including nutrition consultations and medical rehab, more of the public will view clubs as an essential part of their daily lives, and not just a luxury.

National initiatives give us an excellent opportunity to create activities and other tie-ins in the club. For more information about this program, go to www.letsmove.gov and especially check out the “Eat Healthy” section.

Most clubs have some type of corporate programs and pricing to encourage companies to enroll their employees as members. We may be looking as these memberships in terms of numbers, but the truth is we are helping these very companies to reduce their employees’ health costs and sick time.

The last possibility is an unfortunate one because it is likely that the downturn in the economy is most responsible for pushing consumers to eat at home more often. It may be possible to eat healthy when dining out, but it may not always be easy. When people eat at home, they have complete control over the contents of their diet, and if they are already determined to eat healthy, it works.

Clubs and gyms need to partner with their members to battle obesity. Be sure your facility is providing the necessary information not only for appropriate exercise, but very importantly for good nutrition, too.

Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.