U. South Carolina Seminar to Teach Students to Stay in Shape

Aug 29, 05:03 AM

Current Headlines: By Elizabeth Segrist

By Elizabeth Segrist
The Gamecock ( U. South Carolina )

(U-WIRE) COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Many students joke about gaining the "freshman 15," but an obesity pandemic is sweeping the nation and college campuses are not exempt. South Carolina University will hold obesity prevention seminar Tuesday from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in the HESC/Public Health Building room 104. This seminar, "Evolution of Life on Planet Health:Moving from Evidence to Action in School-based Obesity Prevention," will focus on using the school to prevent and control obesity for students. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of young people between the ages of 12 and 21 do not participate in any vigorous physical activity. This is often true for college students who are not a part of college athletics. Marti Concannon, a second-year psychology student, said the college atmosphere is very unhealthy compared to a high school atmosphere. "Most kids are active in sports in high school and then they come to college and they do not have physical activity," Concannon said. "Plus, they aren't used to drinking every night so that adds a lot." With new transportation and technology, people get less exercise but eat more food, as well as bigger portions than they used to. "Fifty years ago, 6.5 ounce Coke bottles were the norm; today, individual soft drinks come in 20 and 32 ounce bottles," according to American Public Health Association. "In many fast food restaurants, a single 'super-sized' or 'extra-value' meal provides more than an entire day's worth of calories." Obesity is a serious health issue across the nation, but more college students are suffering than ever before because obesity is increasing in children. The American Obesity Association Web site said asthma, type two diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic complications, psychological effects and sleep apnea are all health risks for obese adolescents. The American Heart Association Web site said more children are becoming overweight because of the unhealthy eating choices and their need of exercise, which many do not fulfill. Although most students do not think USC's campus is any different than the rest of the country, some said that the majority of on-campus food could increase the problem of obesity. "Everything looks like its fried and greasy, except maybe the sushi bar in Russell House," said Laura Belch, a second-year criminal justice student. Justin Bramblett, a third-year sports and entertainment management student, said the college lifestyle is unhealthy but a person can make the difference to be healthy. "Alcohol, meal plans and overall laziness make college students gain weight," Bramblett said. "If students eat Burger King and Chick-fil-A all the time then the on-campus food is unhealthy. But, you can eat healthy, you just have to be smart about it." According to a "Nation at Risk" report by AHA, 68.8 percent of all males are overweight and obese and 27.6 percent suffer from obesity in the United States. Likewise, 61.6 percent of all females are overweight and obese and 33.2 percent suffer from obesity. In South Carolina, 61 percent of adults are overweight and obese and the numbers are continually rising. The obesity rate among South Carolina adults rose by 90 percent from 1990 to 2002, according to the Web site www.obesitydiscussion.com.

(C) 2007 The Gamecock via U-WIRE