Read here >>>> Shaping Up a City In the Nation's Fattest State
Okay, so when I saw this headline I thought yep that has to be about Mississippi. My home state, the place I was born and raised. It is sad, but true. We are the fattest state in America! In fact, the article states, "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 34.4% of Mississippi's adults are obese." That is not just over weight....that is OBESE.
The article profiles a woman from Vicksburg, Miss. who is trying to do something to fight obesity in the state. She started a program in 2009 entitled Shape Up Vicksburg. She also opened a women's only gym for women who may feel self-concious working-out around men. I think it is a wonderful idea, and I commend her for being so proactive in her community.
However, it isn't really working :(
First of all, the article implies that the gym is only open on Saturdays. I hope this is not the case. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults should participate in "at least two hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or one hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity--preferably spread thoughout the week and strength training exercises twice a week."
In addition, while the program has had 2500 people join, they have only lost an average of 5 lbs. per person over a 17-week period. Five pounds in 17 weeks! That's nothing! I can lose 5 lbs. of water weight in a couple of days. Granted, some people lost more than this, but that also means that some people lost less.
The founder points out that "most people do not know they have a weight problem because we live in an environment where everyone almost looks the same." What she is really saying is that everyone in Mississippi is overweight and it has become an acceptable look.
Look, I'm not trying to offend anyone. All I'm saying is that being overweight is not okay. It is very unhealthy. Please help yourself and those who love you by doing something about it.
p.s. Sorry for the lapse in posts. We were on vacation....adventures and pics coming soon.
