The Rustorian

Issue date: 2/28/09 Section: Opinion

Katrina Overby

It's a new year and most people had New Year's resolutions. Some have promised themselves to do better on grades, to be kinder to other people, to stop shopping every other day, or maybe, just finally get around to graduating.

For me, I didn't have a resolution on Jan. 1, as the clock struck 12:00 a.m., it was more like 3:00 a.m., on Jan. 12th. It was a normal night, as I awoke to the sound of my stomach growling terribly.

Usual to my nightly routine, I reached next to my bed for a strawberry shortcake roll and a glass of milk, all within arms reach. As I lay in bed full from my midnight snack, I sort of felt bad, maybe even a bit guilty. I thought to myself, I'm an athlete. This repetitive late night snacking can't be good, let alone healthy.

As I was having these regrets of fulfilling my late night hunger, I decided to do some research right then. You ask what I needed to research at 3:00 in the morning. My answer is obesity and information about those who are overweight. In that moment of brief research came my New Year's resolution.

I plan to get fit in 2009 and to help others do the same. Being fit isn't how many muscles you have or being ripped, but it's more of a personal change within yourself to not only eat right, but to make time in your daily schedule for at least 30 minutes of working out.

The following statistics derived from [www.medhelp.org] shed some light:

How many people in the United States are overweight?
54.9 percent of all adults in the United States are overweight. 50.7 percent are women and 59.4 percent are males.

How many people in the United States are obese?
22.3 percent, almost a quarter of all adults in the United States are obese. 25 percent are women and 19 percent are males.

What is the difference between being obese and overweight?
Obesity is really having more body fat or adipose tissue, than is optimally healthy. Being overweight is excess body weight that is compared to set standards. This extra weight comes from muscle, bone, fat, and or body water.

What diseases are associated with obesity?
Associated diseases are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol; these are known to lower life expectancy.


Now that you have some facts, IT'S TIME FOR SOME CHANGES!!!! The next time you reach for that bag of M & M's or bag of hot cheetos, grab a granola bar or an apple. It's not about changing your size or weight, it's just about being healthy and trying to be as fit as you can be.

Encourage your friends and family members to try eating healthier and everyone will have a FIT 2009! If you have any questions, feel free to email me: k_overby86@yahoo.com

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools