Courses Wayne State University College of Lifelong Learning Interdisciplinary Studies Program Changing Life on Earth, GST 2020, 4 cr     Section 981 (face-to-face Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:30 PM in     222 Cohn on campus) and Section 990 (online) Health Concepts and Strategies, GST 2010, 3 cr     Section 981 (face-to-face, Wednesdays 8:40 - 10 PM in 222     Cohn on campus) and Section 990 (online) Health Concepts and Strategies for Elder Care, GST 1990    Section 981 (2 credits) and Section 982 (4 credits)	Instructor
	David R. Bowen 2311 A/AB Wayne State University Detroit, MI 48202 Schedule (link not working yet)	Daytime tel: (313) 577-1498 Evening tel: (248) 549-8518 At Ford: 313-390-2155 FAX: (313) 577-8585 Home Page:     http://www.cll.wayne.edu/isp/drbowen Email: d.r.bowen@wayne.edu

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Last updated: 12/16/01

US Surgeon General David Satcher
talks about Obesity in the US
December 13, 2001

On December 13 2001, US Surgeon General David Satcher spoke about the life threat posed by growing obesity in the US. This summary is based on the article in the New York Times on Page 21 of December 14. Satcher said that obesity currently causes over 300,000 deaths per year, and, without changes, will soon overtake tobacco as the major cause of US deaths.

Satcher called obesity a "lifestyle" problem and called for action by schools, communities, and industry.

SCHOOLS

• Physical education for every student
• More healthful food in school
• Better enorcement of Federal rules restricting student access to junk food in vending machines

COMMUNITIES

• Create safe playgrounds, sidewalks or walking trails, particularly in inner cities.

INDUSTRY

• Employers should provide time for workers to get physical activity on the job
• Restaurants and fast food outlets shour promote healthful food choices, including "reasonable portion sizs"

Satcher said that the poor are more obese and noted that fast food outlets often crowd out sources of healthy food. He said that governments should provide financing for access to fruits and vegetables.

Some reactions:

• The National Restaurant Association said it was simplistic to say that fast-food outlets cause obesity
• The National Soft Drink Association urged more attention to the exercise recommendations (and presumably less attention to recommendations about cutting down on high-calories foods such as soft drinks).
• Consumer advocates, qaccording to the Times, praised the talk.