19 May 2012 Creeping obesity and high school reunions

by Karl Lenser

“Non sum quails eram. (I am not what I once was).”

The term “creeping obesity” refers to a syndrome that impacts many of us as we continue to age. In simplest terms, creeping obesity is a gradual adding of body fat as one ages. Generally speaking, people begin to see a slowing down of their metabolism around the age of 30.  

In addition, people typically become less active as they age (work, kids, lack of motivation). With the decline in physical activity, the amount of lean tissue (muscle) also declines. When this occurs, your metabolism slows down because of the additional fat pounds that are being added to your body.

The addition of body fat is usually not that dramatic, but if one packs on an additional two or three pounds in a course of a year, that translates to a 10-pound gain in just three or four years.

The additional fat gain is gradual, thus the term “creeping obesity.” I believe a classic representation of this gradual onset of fat weight is the high school reunion. I have attended four or five of my high school reunions, and they are a great visual example of what creeping obesity is all about.

From my recollection, and I am sure the readers above age 40 can concur with me on this observation, at the five-year reunion, everyone is easily recognizable. Perhaps a few classmates have gained enough weight to warrant a comment that they “look a little softer” compared to their days as a chiseled athlete. No major changes are usually noted at this reunion.

The 10-year reunion is a bit more difficult when spotting old cronies from the high school days. These usually initiate a few secretly whispered, “Hey, who’s THAT?” exchanges between old buddies.

Let’s fast forward to the 20- or 25-year reunion. This is where some social exchanges become even more cautious and tentative. These reunions require name tags for most of the classmates. Girths have expanded and some of the athletes that used to be first to cross the finish line are now winning the race to the buffet line.

Sixty percent of Americans are overweight. Creeping obesity has become an epidemic, and it is not getting any better despite the copious amounts of information that are available. 

Consuming more calories than you expend leads to a weight/fat gain. Adding just two pounds of fat per year translates to 10 pounds of additional fat in five years. 

The best way to fight the creeping obesity is to get active and be consistent in what you do. Cut back in the portions of food you consume and minimize fast-food outlets. Every calorie counts. You alone have to make up your mind to lose weight. See a nutritionist and keep a food and exercise log. Be accountable to yourself and your spouse/friend. Create a goal, write it down and then spell out a specific plan on how you will accomplish this goal. It takes a lot of work, but it does work – one pound at a time.