September 19, 2014

Keys to Preventing Obesity from University of South Carolina Researchers

University of South Carolina researchers offer tips on preventing obesity

By: Bryant Welbourne
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third (78.6 million) of adults in the U.S. are obese. But while many focus on treating obesity, the 2014 SEC Symposium is bringing together some of the top researchers at SEC universities who are looking to stop obesity before it starts.

In advance of the SEC Symposium, researchers from the University of South Carolina, the lead university for the academic conference-type event, offered several suggestions to keep in mind while addressing this global issue.

• Americans should be more proactive in managing their weight. Obesity during adolescence strongly predicts adult obesity. Regular visits with a physician are vital in understanding a family’s appropriate weight range.
• Obesity in America has increased dramatically during the past 50 years due to societal changes in physical activity and dietary behaviors. Go against the trend by adding regular exercise and healthy foods into your daily lifestyle.
• Obesity is powerfully linked to conditions that increase the risk for development of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. Increasing physical activity and improving diet will not only reduce rates of obesity, but will reduce the prevalence of these diseases.

The 2014 SEC Symposium will be Sept. 21-23 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The event is part of SECU which sponsors, supports and promotes collaborative higher education programs and activities involving administrators, faculty and students at the 14 member universities of the Southeastern Conference.

For more information on the SEC Symposium, visit www.SECSymposium.com or www.TheSECU.com.