And the Obesity Epidemic Continues

Obesity has been a major issue in the United States recently. The latest statistics show that more than 60% of Americans are overweight and more than 30% are obese. Due to these figures, many schools, restaurants, health facilities, and other public institutions have begun to implement programs and courses that teach people about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and weight management and provide more nutritious food choices in order to get Americans healthier. One such school is Lincoln University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A recent change in graduation requirements at the college states that every student must take a body mass index (BMI) test and those who receive a 30, which is considered obese, or above must then take a fitness class called “Fitness for Life” which meets three hours a week. Some students are outraged saying that “larger students are being singled out.”

Although it may be true that overweight students at the university are being singled out, it is more important that they take control of their lives and get healthier, even if it means being forced to participate in a class they do not want to participate in. For many students, the class could show them just how important nutrition, exercise, and weight control are and how much they affect one’s overall health since many people do not realize this. Also, some people who are overweight know they have a problem but are not motivated to fix it. They may find too much comfort in food and may be too embarrassed to workout and exercise. Most likely, if the students participate in the fitness class a few times and follow the tips and guidelines of the class, they will notice results and thus be motivated to keep striving for a healthier weight.

Also, people do not often realize how much being overweight or obese hinders their lifestyles. Being overweight prevents many people from enjoying certain things in life, such as playing sports and doing some physical activities, or sometimes even the most simple and mundane tasks. For example, a 400 pound San Jose man named Okamoni Fa recently missed a flight due to his weight. He was instructed to buy an extra ticket for the flight to Phoenix because of his size but failed in doing so since the flight was already booked. However, this is just one example of an inconvenience caused by weight. More importantly, weight can also affect how much time people spend playing with their children, grandchildren, etc.

Although all overweight people could benefit from losing weight, this is especially true for college students. For many students, college is already somewhat stressful; and for most the burden of being overweight only adds to this stress, sometimes causing self-esteem issues. Also, many people believe that the college years are the best years in life; in regard to this, students in college should be focused on their studies and having fun, not battling weight issues.

Another reason this fitness class is a good idea is because it could help prevent obesity in the future. If the students follow through with the class and change their habits for the better, they are more likely to teach their children healthy practices later on. This is important because most people learn their eating and exercise habits early in life during childhood. In addition, some people may see positive results of those who took the class and decide to make a positive change in their lives as well. In general, by requiring overweight students to take the fitness course, many others could be encouraged to start living a healthier lifestyle.

Implementing this body mass index test and the fitness course especially for overweight students into the list of graduation requirements is an excellent way to help fight obesity; however, the officials at Lincoln University are going about it in a slightly unfair way. Many students like Tiana Lawson believe that instead of singling out those that are overweight by requiring only them to take the Fitness for Life class, everyone should be required to take it. She wrote in the student newspaper, “If Lincoln truly is concerned about everyone being healthy, then everyone should have to take this gym class, not just people who happen to be bigger.” She presents a valid point: just because some people are in a normal weight range does not mean they are healthy. Everyone should learn about nutrition and exercise, not just those with weight problems. So by making every student take the course, instead of just those that are overweight, more people would benefit rather than just those with a body mass index of thirty or above.

Overall, the body mass index measurement and fitness class requirements are good, proactive notions that would be beneficial to those attending Lincoln University; however, the fitness course should be mandated on all students at the college, rather than just the overweight students. Because obesity has greatly increased in America in recent years, these school officials are taking the right steps to fight it, although their methods could be improved. By including these steps as graduation requirements, participants are provided with important health information that could not only benefit them but other Americans as well in the future. If more schools in America take steps such as these, we can put an end to the obesity epidemic.


By: Kirsten Robinson