Planting seeds obesity prevention partnerships Fit City Madison Kathy Andrusz

Heard of the obesity epidemic?

“Epidemic of physical inactivity and poor nutrition”

Effects on health care costs Journal of WI Medical Society Large company (20,000+) self insured Two-year medical costs by BMI level (Healthy weight) < 25$ $7400(+$2000) 30-35$8400(+$3000) (Morbidly obese) >35$10, 600(+$5200)

BMI Disclaimer Tells us about population, not individual Highly developed muscle = high BMI An no epidemic of superhero-body syndrome!?

BMI Tool BMI Calculator

Why the dramatic increase in obesity? Wave of laziness/lack of self-control? Lack of knowledge? Genetic component?

Food Environment, Built Environment Food availability Marketing/information Economics Environment-- Community/transportation design

Available daily calories, per capita

Food availability by recommendations

Per capita daily consumption of ADDED fats

U Illinois- Champaign-Urbana Subjects ate more popcorn when served in “jumbo” bucket than in “medium” bucket “Bad Popcorn in Big Buckets”

45% more fresh popcorn 34% more stale (2 weeks old!)

Factors affecting food intake Proximity, visibility, abundance (bowl of candies, stockpiling) Perception of portion size (self-refilling soup bowl)

One simple reason restaurant portions are so big? Food is least costly part of transaction (restaurant industry doesn’t care if you eat it … as long as you buy it)

Portion Size Tool Portion Distortion Quiz

Marketing Nutrition information from manufacturers –Manufacturers influence on Food Guide – healthy messages Directed at children

“Hidden” Marketing Post Cereals (Kraft) Candy Nabisco products

Food Pyramid Tool

Built Environment Fewer sidewalks, bike lanes = more car trips Sprawling suburb vs. traditional neighborhood (necessities within walking distance) Streets less walkable (examples) “Climate of fear”

Vehicle travel Dane County DOT: Vehicle Miles Traveled/year from 1990 to 2003 increased 60% (3 billion to 4.8) Population growth = 22%

Multiple sources of problem No simple solution Personal choices Education/modeling healthy behavior cost of food vs. cost of obesity? (short term, long term)

Obesity Prevention Focus Areas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Physical Activity Fruits and Vegetables Sweetened Beverages Television Time Breastfeeding Portion Size

… where to start…? Identify personal spheres of influence what you serve; your birthday at the workplace; choosing a club fundraiser; requesting food choices or accessing nutrition info at establishments you patronize; walk neighborhood kids to school; park farther away

Chance to Change? Personal Be aware of opportunities for activity Calories per HourCalories per Hour Map My RouteMap My Route American Way vs. the Way that Works Magic bullet vs. One bite, one step at a time Success StoriesSuccess Stories National Weight Control Registry

America on the Move Lean Plate Club Mindless Eating Diet Simple

Choose to Change? Work Offer healthy AND delicious snacks at meetings and gatherings 101 Ways to Workplace Wellness Meeting Well (American Cancer Society) Use stairs, walk halls on breaks, park farther (or bus stop), walk don’t

Chance to Change? Home, work, school Use food psychology to your advantage (location, availability, serving bowl, portion size packs) Buying in bulk– increasing your bulk Consider your impact on food environment at home, work (do they need more donuts, salty snacks?)

Choose to Change? Quick tips Pack up half of entrée before meal Fundraising foods– offer donation instead Walk and talk vs. sit and consume Consider alternative foods for celebration --- People DO enjoy healthy foods!

Chance to Change? Community Become an advocate Planning meetings, PTO, when shopping/dining, conferences and public meetings FitCityMadison

General Health Resource Medlineplus.gov

Planting seeds for obesity prevention Fit City Madison Kathy Andrusz