Here’s another non-revelation: if we don’t figure out how to deal with the obesity crisis, even more — as much as 59.8 percent of the population of Ohio according to the report — will be obese by 2030.
Thirteen states will have populations that are 60 percent obese or greater in 18 years.
The Buckeye State tied Kansas for lucky 13 in the latest ranking with a 29.6 percent obesity rate. (We’re number #13.)
Trust for America’s Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others have been waving the red flag on the obesity epidemic for years.
Even those who don’t believe the body mass index should be the only factor that determines “obesity,” have to admit a lot of people are in trouble.
The “F as in Fat” report even has some helpful suggestions about how to change the future: states could head off dangerous obesity-related diseases and slash health care costs by reducing the average body mass index of their residents by 5 percent.
It sort of has all been said before, but, for a variety of reasons, people just ain’t getting it.
The psychology isn’t working — so it might be time for a little reverse psychology.
You got it: Flip the switch and hamburger on people.
If people are anything like me — I am betting at least 29.6 percent are — doing what the authority figures tell you to do doesn’t seem like that much fun.
When “they” say scream, I want to whisper. When they say run, I’d rather saunter.
This is where telling people the opposite actually might prove effectively.
It is clear that telling about a third of Ohioans (65. 7 percent of the states’ population is either overweight or obese according to the Kaiser Family Foundation) to exercise regularly and eat a sensible diet is not working.
Telling people to eat bad and exercise less might just be the ticket.
The new message could be one of these:
“Deep fried butter — TASTES good, IS good for you.”
“Go ahead: Keep putting that taffy in your mouth.”
“Exercise is for nerds.”
“If it ain’t covered in gravy, how can it be good? Ride that (gravy) train.”
“Bacon will make it better.”
“Go for it. You deserve a fifth helping.”
“Is that liquid cheese or is that cheese liquid? Pour it on!”
“Sit down Montgomery County.”
What do you think? Send Amelia your reverse good health slogans.
Last week Amelia asked readers thoughts related to the Downtown Dayton Revival. Here are a few comments sent in via email.
Bill — I fully agree with your article on the Downtown Dayton Revival Festival. I bought a ticket back in April when it was $55. For a full weekend of music, I didn't think that was too bad. I discovered some excellent local acts like Wheels and Motel Beds and saw really great sets by Heartless Bastards, Guided by Voices and and the tremendously fun set by The Ohio Players. I left before Train came on :) Yes, there will need to be some tweaking next year — such as offering one day passes from the git-go — but I thought it was well done for a first year event.
Speaking of The Ohio Players, it would seem to me that there should be some sort of city recognition on their part. Edwin C. Moses has his street and so does Erma Bombeck. I think it’s time for The Ohio Players to have something named after them. People forget how big they were back in the ‘70s and how much influence that they had. They are fully deserving. Get to work on that.
Jan Edgel — I just wanted you to know that I love reading your column and I agree with almost everything that you write.
I appreciate every time you write about ALL the positive things happening in Dayton.
I get so tired of people bashing our city..I believe that Dayton is getting better and and better all the time.
Please keep up the good work.
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