China's Favorite Olympic Sport and

China's Favorite Olympic Sport and

An interesting article from Reuters this week notes that the Olympics in Beijing have occasioned some selfreflection among the Chinese about their increasing rate of obesity. It seems, according to the article, that watching the Olympics has become a national pastime (if not obsession) and these two weeks of intense TV watching are highlighting a general trend in China to more sedentary jobs and leisure activities as well as a diet that has become higher in fat and sugar. As China has become a richer nation, McDonalds and KFC have replaced rice and vegetables for many families and many are forgoing bicycles for cars. where greater than 60% of us are overweight or obese, but rising fast.

China, of course, isn't the only country where watching sports is more popular than playing sports. A 2002 report from the Department of Health and Human Services found that 7 out of 10 Americans were not exercising regularly (defined as 30 minutes of exercise 5 days per week). In contrast, more than half of the adults in America watch the Super Bowl every year (you do the math). It would be unhealthy enough if people just watched sports instead of playing them, but overeating has become part of the spectator sports experience (hot dogs and baseball, chili and football, beer and everything). A website promoting the dubious cause of making the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday has a "Food Facts" section about our eating habits during the big game. It says that we consume 20 million pounds of chips and that my favorite there is a 20% increase in antacid sales during Super Bowl week.

Like the Chinese, we Americans need to channel some of our love of sports into actually exercising. And, if you're tempted to try gold medalist Michael Phelps' 10,000 calorie a day training diet, you might want to hit the pool and swim a few laps.

Did you enjoy watching the Olympics? Do the athletes inspire you to move more?

(I will be off a few days, and will respond to your posts next week.)Dr. Suzanne Koven practices internal medicine with a special interest in weight issues at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and teaches at Harvard Medical School.

Healthy Eating As research continues to show links between diet and diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, it's clear that "eating a balanced diet" is no longer the most important nutrition goal. With Healthy Eating: A guide to the new nutrition, a special report from Harvard Medical School, learn how the latest research has resulted in a new healthy eating pyramid, a new concept of good fats and bad fats, and a greater understanding of how foods influence health and longevity. Use this research to make the perfect healthy diet plan for you.

Do you want to maintain a healthy weight? Connect with others with similar health concerns and issues.

This content is not intended to substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Read our full disclaimer.