Latest obesity reseach initiatives from the CDC....

[Snow]

Check these out, folks - this is why I keep whining that nobody wants to fund basic etiologis research. These initiatives are coming out the gate with the idea that we already understand obesity enough that we can come up with prevention programs. Anybody who thinks that's the case, raise your hand. Didn't think so. Here's the clip:

- snip -

Dear Colleagues:

We would like to call your attention to a funding opportunity from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The three opportunities of particular relevance to weight management are:

2004-R-04: Evaluation of Existing or Planned Obesity Prevention and Control Programs
2004-R-07: Evaluation of a Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention in Childcare Settings to address Overweight in Preschool-aged Children and
2004-R-05: Evaluation of Existing or Planned Programs to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Note that applications for these programs must be submitted through a school of medicine or public health. Note also that CDC will pay for evaluating obesity and nutritional interventions, but not for delivering them.

To learn more about these opportunities, follow this link:
http://www.cdc-cafunding.org/peps/2004fundingopps/2004r04.htm

- snip -

Well, at least there is interest and funds being made available. That's something, eh?

[Wapsie B]

1. It just amazes me

that if obesity is the health problem it's made out to be let's give obesity research the funding and the political clout equal to that of cancer and HIV research. We have Walk for the Cure for Breast Cancer. Why not something similar for obesity?

[SoCalDem]

2. Because "some" people still like to have someone to make fun of

and ridicule :(..

The "personal responsibility" people have never had to exist on macaroni & cheese or hot dogs or cheap hamburger..

They do not see how these foods contribute to obesity..

If you look at crowd shots taken pre-1970 or so, you will see very few fat people.. Those were the days BEFORE fast food and the massive "preservative & additive" campaigns started..

People used to eat real food back then.. Their bodies USED the food they ate, and did not have to try to store all those extra calories.. Potato chips & snack stuff was a TREAT..not a staple food..

This was BEFORE all the artificial sweeteners too.. People had pie & cake for dessert...BUT they ate regular meals (usually prepared by a Mom who was not stuck in traffic for 2 hours before she got home from work)..

Our LIFESTYLE is KILLING US..

[Wapsie B]

3. Amen to that SoCalDem!

n/t

[KC]

4. You've got that right!

and it's only going to get worse with the economy. Millions of Americans without jobs or with low(er) paying jobs than before...are forced to live on cheaper, less healthy foods such as M&C and hot dogs or the 99cent menus at McD's and Burger King.

Our rushed lifestyle also contributes to this too though.

KC

[Lindacooks]

5. You're absolutely right

I'd like to add that the Food Pyramid is getting all kinds of criticism because since it's been in effect, Americans have gotten fatter. But that is faulty reasoning. Just because the Pyramid exists doesn't mean that people are following it.

Only 20% of Americans eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, as recommended by the Pyramid. I don't think it's much of a stretch to then say that only 20, maybe 30% of the public is actually following the Pyramid.

And you're right, snack foods in the 1960s and 70s were a once-in-awhile treat, not a daily part of the diet as they are now. And the most inexpensive foods, which many people are forced to eat because of cost, are loaded with fat and preservatives.