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PUBLIC GETS MIXED MESSAGES ABOUT NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

AUBURN, MARCH 24, 2000---After listening to the recent Great Nutrition Debate in Washington, it's no wonder Americans are confused about what constitutes good nutrition and exercise. The pubic is bombarded daily with conflicting information about nutrition and exercise from doctors, nutritionists, dietitians and exercise specialists.

On the one hand, some dietitians and nutritionists suggest eating a diet as recommended in the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. At the same time, some other doctors and exercise specialists recommend increasing protein consumption and drastically decreasing carbohydrate and sugar consumption.

So, which one of these is best? Each diet has its drawbacks -- the high protein diet usually means eating a lot of fat. A high carbohydrate diet increases sugar levels, which may contribute to weight gain and the onset of diabetes.

The same mixed messages are true for exercise. Many exercise specialists recommend exercising 2 to 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes each day. Others say it's essential to exercise 5 to 7 days a week for 30 minutes to an hour. Some say cardio or aerobic exercise is essential every day. Still, others say three times a week is enough cardio exercise but strength training is essential every day. What are we to believe?

Moderation is the key. No one eating or exercise plan works for everyone. The way you eat and exercise defines who you are and, to some extent, what you look like. Heredity also plays a role.

Panelists for the "Great Nutrition Debate" agreed Americans are the fatest people in the world and that Americans eat too much. Some 55 percent of people in the United States are overweight and 33 percent of those are obese. And, what's even worse, 1 in 5 children are obese and that number is increasing daily. There is also an increase in Type II diabetes.

The estimated annual health care cost due to obesity is about $70 billion in the United States. And, obesity-related medical conditions are the second leading cause of death, resulting in 300,000 lives lost each year.

At the same time, Americans spend more than $33 billion a year on weight control products and services. Yet their efforts aren't having any effect on slowing the increase in obesity. At any one time in this country, 25 percent of men and 45 percent of women are trying to lose weight.

Panelists also agreed that Americans should refocus their health treatment from weight loss to weight management. The American Dietetic Association defines weight management as "the adoption of healthful and sustainable eating and exercise behaviors to reduce disease risk and improve energy and well-being. They recommend setting the following goals:

• Gradual change to a healthful eating style, with an increased intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables
• Gradual increase to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day
• Lifelong commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors

"Family mealtime together is almost unheard of these days. Family members eat fast food on the run or skip meals altogether," says Keith. "We are also too sedentary. If people would just do 30 minutes of concentrated physical activity a day they would be healthier."

This sedentary lifestyle is starting earlier in life as schools drop physical education classes and recess. Children are spending more time sitting in class, sitting in front of the computer and television. Instead of playing outdoors, they come home from school and head for the computer or TV, usually eating high calorie snacks while they play on the computer or watch television. The same is true for adults. Many sit all day at work and then come home, eat dinner and proceed to the couch until time for bed.

Eating right and exercising does make you a healthier person. When done in moderation together, they can lower cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, speed metabolism and burn fat. You will not only look better but feel better too.

If you need to lose weight, do it slowly. One to two pounds per week is an attainable goal. Most people who lose weight too quickly gain it back plus some.

Don't look for the quick fix. Avoid fad diet or diet pills. Instead, take a close look at what you are eating and how much exercise you are getting. If you make positive adjustments in these areas, you will see positive results in your health.

SOURCE: DR. BOB KEITH, Extension Nutritionist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3273