Obesity climb tied directly to excessive calorie Intake

Saturday May 9, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- Professor Boyd Swinburn, the director of the World Health Organization’s Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University in Australia, revealed some surprising news to the European Congress on Obesity: the steady rise in obesity rates among Americans since the 1970s can be directly attributed to taking in more calories, rather than a decrease in physical activity.

By looking at a variety of data and applying the information to the laws of thermodynamics, metabolic relationships, and epidemiological data, he and his team were better able to scientifically analyze the root cause of the obesity epidemic.

The study included 1399 adults and 963 children; based on various formulas and calculations, they surmised that while excessive calorie intake was the reason for the weight gain, exercise did stunt the amount gained by about 2 kilos. So, while a lack of exercise didn’t cause weight gain, increased activity reduced the amount individuals actually gained. This makes sense, as this was the period of time in which the Cooper Institute began extolling the health benefits of aerobic exercise.

Exercise, however, mustn’t be viewed as less important because of the Australian study; there are a myriad of reasons why exercise is imperative that have nothing to do with weight loss. Dr. Swinburn suggests that when it comes to weight loss, however, people need to put more emphasis on calorie restriction.

According to WebMD’s Weight Loss Clinic, the following modifications can help adults eat less:

*Reduce portion size
*Indulge occasionally
*Modify food intake to include more fresh fruit and vegetables
*Reduce fat intake
*Increase fiber intake

When it comes to weight loss, it seems we may have come full circle. In a 1912 special report to the New York Times, John D. Rockefeller was interviewed on his 73rd birthday. Here’s what he had to say about exercise and food intake: “The trouble with most people…is that they eat too much. I take great care to diet to suit weather conditions. I exercise. I think that is the secret.” Dr. Swinburn would no doubt concur.

(By Rachel Stockton, and edited by Heather Kelley)