Why is Exercise Important?
According to the American Heart Association, close to 78 million adults and 13 million children are obese in the United States. It is a complex situation that goes beyond telling people to exercise more and eat less. In modern society, people have more access to food and it has become more affordable. Portions are larger and food in restaurants is less healthy. American society is eating less fruits and vegetables. Careers have less physical demands, society is spending more time on the couch watching tv and sitting at computer desks. People's sleep patterns and nutrition has also changed. According to one obesity expert, "If you can see your patients struggles with their weight and weight loss efforts through the lens of understanding the biologic regulation of body weight, you see a patient not as weak and lacking moral fiber, but as someone who is struggling heroically and needs your help,” says Ryan. “I have come to the conclusion that the best way forward for this group of physicians is to fill the education gap that was not provided by their schools and training programs.”
This means that lessening obesity will take more than willpower and simple diet and exercise. The American Heart Association notes that some successful strategies include, using a food diary, eating high fiber foods, removing tempting unhealthy food from the pantry, avoiding high carbohydrate foods, stress management, improved sleep and social support. Physical activity is extremely important because of the long term health benefits. The USDA lists that being physically active helps people to feel better about themselves, sleep well a night, stay at a healthy weight, be with friends, and have stronger muscles and bones. Many of these benefits are directly linked to the successful strategies in dealing with obesity.
What is Being Done Socially?
The USDA has created MyPlate, a "reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime", a website that offers education, tips and support for building a healthy lifestyle. The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion which created MyPlate was established in 1994 to improve nutrition of Americans, their objectives are to "Advance and promote dietary guidance for all Americans and conduct applied research and analyses in nutrition and consumer economics".
First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let's Move initiative, according to their website, their goal is to solve the "challenge of childhood obesity within a generation". It works with towns and cities to support healthier communities, provides education and parent resources and is partnered with MyPlate.
What Technological Solutions Are Available?
There are many diets, exercise programs, support groups and applications such as the one used for Fit Bit available in today's society. The program I have chosen to focus on, is one that I have personal experience with and have seen success in friends as well.
Zombies, Run! is a smart phone application that allows you to use their exercise program anywhere in the world. You play as a runner that has survived a zombie epidemic and must gather resources for the community. There is a social aspect of the application, an actual town in the app which you build with the supplies you gather, and an unfolding story throughout the missions. According to their website, "Walk, jog or run anywhere in the world. Hear your mission and music through your headphones. If you’re chased by zombies, you’ll have to speed up! You’ll automatically collect supplies to build up your base". The creators of this app also have a 5k trainer, a walking app, and a superhero themed exercise app.
These applications not only encourage and support exercise, but are also interesting and engaging. After my first run with the 5K trainer, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next in the story. For a novice of running, the app guided me as I went along, told me when to stretch and when to take breaks. While this is not the perfect solution, I do think that it is one that would be appealing to the millennial generation. It has a social media aspect, a game, is themed with popular culture and is partnered with technology. I believe that with the social solutions available a person who is dealing with the challenges of obesity might find success.
Resources
American Heart Association -http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WeightManagement/Obesity/Understanding-the-American-Obesity-Epidemic_UCM_461650_Article.jsp#.V5Q--BSAOko
Zombies Run
https://zombiesrungame.com/
Let's Move
http://www.letsmove.gov/
My Plate
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/about-us
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