Don't Weight
the problem:
Over half of Americans are over weight and according to some figures at least 31% are dangerously obese. The U.S. surgeon general says there are 300,000 obesity related deaths per year. This is more than car accidents and almost as much as tobacco related deaths.
Problems regarding health, specifically obesity, are political. Poverty is one of the main causes of unhealthy lifestyles. I want to continue my efforts to teach families and young people how to grocery shop, plan meals, and lose weight on a budget.
vital stats:
people impacted:
20people involved:
1why it's important:
When I graduated from high school three years ago I weighed over 350 pounds. I couldn't fit into movie theater seats and they had to specially make my gown for graduation. I got a job as a weight loss counselor for a weight loss program that basically sold the food pyramid and other easily accessible pieces of science for hundreds of dollars to desperate clients willing to pay anything to make their lives better. I eventually quit the job because I decided I could do something bigger- something better and more moral- something that would change the lives of people of every income and background. (The company I worked for has since shut down because of law-suits and other complaints.)
I have been sort of a free-lance weight loss counselor ever since. It started with my mom, then a few friends, my roommates in college, then when I responded to a woman who wanted help losing weight on Craigslist and she offered to pay me I decided I had a calling. I didn't take her money, I've never charged a dime for my information or help. I've even helped people grocery shop and choose foods that are easy to make healthy meals from. I've received countless phone calls from friends while they stood confused in the produce aisle or in front of the stove.
Every single person I've helped so far has shown improvement of their knowledge of food and the way it works in their bodies. They have all become healthier and lost weight. Does Jenny Craig or Nutrasystems have a 100% success rate? Not likely.
the plan of action:
I want to reach more people in my community than just those who have my phone number or email address and I want to be able to enlist professionals to help me. I want to start a non-profit weight loss education center. Weight loss in 95% mental, 5% science. We will educate families on how to lose weight by changing the way they look at eating and dieting. Diets do not work, this is not a dieting program.
The program would include one on one weight loss counseling where we would address the root causes for their weight and the areas of their lifestyle that contribute to the difficulties they experience when trying to lose weight. (Jobs, kids, busy lifestyles, and stress.)
We would teach people about food and make sure they have the knowledge to make choices that are best for them.
And the part that I feel most strongly about is ensuring my communities access to fresh and inexpensive produce. I would like to start or piggy back off of existing community gardens.
