Why Being Average is Unhealthy Because I’m concerned about the long-term health of my patients, I often ask about diet and interest in weight loss. For most, this question is understood as a reasonable concern. Curiously, over the years more have objected to my concerns by pointing out that almost everyone is heavy as if to ask, “I’m just average, so what’s the problem?” The dilemma of average weight and average health is that the averages keep being redefined. What we call average today was called illness 50 years ago. It’s an easy perspective to lose when bombarded daily by tempting food ads that suggest that even athletes routinely eat highly processed snack foods and consume soft drinks? For formative minds, it’s a message that influences behavior. With few exceptions, most that lived through this media brainwashing today have varying degrees of cardiovascular disease and food addictions acquired during those formative years. For most, it was not their fault, they just believed that what most everyone else was doing must be ok. In essence, how could the average person be wrong? If we allow a goal of average health to be our personal goal, then prospects for living past 55 without chronic illnesses are on average pretty poor. Granted, it’s easy to fall into a routine that’s like most everyone else’s lifestyle around us without noticing the subtle accumulating disease states. Really, who worries about developing Alzheimer’s in their 30’s, and yet that’s when the disease is most likely to gain a foothold. The same can be said for cancers of many types, heart disease, and more. I worry about your health - that’s my job. Today, I’ m asking you to take time to help me raise your awareness about the dangers of being average. This will be an easy request to fulfill and take less than 5 minutes. To get started, watch the video, “Is Being Average Unhealthy?” Although the video targets males, I’m pretty sure 90% of the message could apply to most of the people I see in a typical day. Now, no need to feel bad if progress has been slow. It’s never too late for change. Although we may need help, taking the first step is our choice. Should you be among those that doubt the perils of being average, the Government’s Facts and Statistics may persuade you to reconsider. Physical Activity • On average, only one in three children are physically active every day. • On average, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. • On average, more than 80% of adolescents and adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Nutrition • On average, typical American diets exceed the recommended intake levels in four categories: calories from solid fats and added sugars; refined grains; sodium; and saturated fat. • On average, Americans eat less than the recommended amounts of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. • On average, about 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet. • On average the daily calorie consumption per person since 1970 has increased by almost 600 calories. • On average, US adults consume 3,400 mg/day [of sodium], well above the current federal guideline of less than 2,300 mg daily. • On average, overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight adults. Weight Gain Then and Now Prevalence of significant weight gain for children ages 2 to 5 years – doubled Early 1970s: 5% vs. Now: 10% Prevalence of significant weight gain for children ages 6 to 11 years – quadrupled Early 1970s: 4% vs. Now: 20% Prevalence of significant weight gain for children ages 12 to 19 years – tripled Early 1970s: 6% vs. Now: 18% Percentage of significant weight gain for adults – doubled Early 1970s: 15% vs. Now: 34% States with significant weight gain for adults with prevalence rates of more than 25%: Early 1970s: Zero vs. Now: 32% The good news is that it’s a new year and anyone can change. The bad news is that the “Now” in the previous comparisons was from 2007, over a decade ago. Since then, none of these statistics have improved. In other words, if being average in 2007 was unhealthy, being average today is even unhealthier. The average American man has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28.6 with more than 1 in 3 having a BMI greater than 30. In contrast, the average Japanese man has a BMI of 23.7. In part, this explains the high cost of healthcare in America compared with other developed countries. BMI Weight Status ----------------------------------------------------- Below 18.5 Underweight 18.5 – 24.9 Normal or Healthy Weight 25.0 – 29.9 Overweight For those still with me, I hope that settles the question of why I’m concerned about you if you are average. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama |