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Baby boomers are FAT – at least according to a poll reported by the Associated Press finding nearly 1/3 of baby boomers are obese.  Another 1/3 of baby boomers are overweight.  And that’s much fatter than any other generation in the U.S, with only 1/3 at or below normal weight.

Reason for High Rates of Obesity Among Baby Boomers

Obesity just isn’t a major concern for baby boomers, according to the Associated Press survey.

Baby boomers said they were more concerned about cancer than other health related problems.  Of course, the link between diet (and weight) and cancer is strong.  Plus, obesity contributes to many other conditions affecting baby boomers, such as heart disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, and stomach problems.

Sedentary lifestyle replacing physical labor with mental effort.

Boomers are the first generation where overwhelming numbers worked in sedentary jobs requiring seat time rather than hard labor.  Because our diets didn’t change to compensate for the lower needs, we gained weight.  As a person ages, their metabolism slows which makes the problem even worse.  Analysts from the AP study suggest the incidence of obesity among baby boomers will affect each generation as they enter their 50′s rather than evaporating with current baby boomers.

Foods loaded with chemicals that make us crave more of these bad foods.

Where once we might have stopped with a couple of slices of pizza or a few potato chips, we are more likely to consume larger quantities of these foods.  The average serving size has increased, especially at fast food restaurants where a small serving of french fries was once the norm.

In some cases, the fats in foods change into chemicals in the body creating a craving for more food.  Eating foods with high sugar content may release seratonin, a chemical that improves our mood. And chemicals in healthy foods like fruits, fish, and vegetables make us fat.  Some of these chemicals are pesticides used on crops, some are hormones used to fatter animals, and some are chemicals used in packaging food sold in grocery stores.

Over a life-time of eating foods that make us fat, it’s no wonder obesity among baby boomers is rampant.  And, again, this condition will likely transfer to each generation as they reach their 50s.

Combating Obesity Among Baby Boomers

• Eat healthy foods – nutritionists recommend shopping the perimeter of the grocery store where less processed foods are found such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy.  These are generally lower in calories and have fewer chemicals.
• Reduce portion sizes – divide your plate into sections (some plates are specially made for this purpose). 1/2 of the plate should be non-starchy vegetables or fruits, 1/4 should be protein, and 1/4 should be starchy vegetables.
• Exercise – any exercise is better than none.  Some people, including weight loss folks, stress having cardiovascular exercises and strength training.  Unfortunately, many folks can’t work this into their schedule (or budgets), or start an intense exercise program, then quit.  Feel good about yourself when you add ANY exercise to your daily routine.  For instance, I generally save some cleaning for after dinner.  That way, rather than the pounds sitting on my stomach, I burn them off with laundry, vacuuming, gardening or other tasks.  I also like to take the dogs for a walk after dinner.  It helps my waist line and everyone benefits.
• Petition for government regulations limiting chemicals in foods – I’m actually shocked to find out what the government allows in our foods.  Do you know there is an ALLOWABLE amount of FECES and BUG PARTS in our foods!  Even organic foods may not be much better because there’s no oversight or clear definition of what organic means.  So, you may be paying more for food that’s not much better for you than non-organic foods.