Editor's Note: This is the third part of a three-part series on the obesity epidemic.
What may ultimately happen if younger generations continue to gain weight at the current rate is unknown, but unless people make drastic changes to their lifestyle, the obesity epidemic is going to get much worse, sociology professor Rebecca Utz said.
"The problem may be far worse than it appears. As much as two-thirds of the college-aged population could be obese by age 70 if the trend continues," Utz said. "The implications could be devastating."
The process of becoming obese is often not a dramatic change, but rather the accumulation of a few extra pounds per year that add up over time, she said.
Vicki Judd, medical director for Student Health Service, said that students now are much bigger than before as the average student gains 10 pounds within his or her first two years in college. This gradual weight gain and a few extra pounds per year could lead to obesity.
Judd says it is a dangerous slope when students start gaining a few extra pounds each year because often these habits are carried into later adulthood. It is best to fight the gain now.
Students also need to be aware of long-term health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, which are caused by obesity, she said.
"Students are unaware of the long-term health impacts. We're seeing more high blood pressure and diabetes in college students than ever before."
Utz said that the obesity trend could make health-care prices skyrocket because it will result in more expensive illnesses caused by obesity.
The worst-case scenario of the obesity epidemic could be a reduction in the average life expectancy, Utz said.
"People are concerned that the current generation will not live as long as their parents because of obesity-related illnesses," Judd said.
Utz and Judd both agree that students need to act now to combat the gradual weight gain that leads to obesity.
Utz suggests that students work to incorporate exercise into their lives by walking more and being more active, not by killing themselves in the gym.
Jeremy Marshall, a senior sociology major researching lawsuits related to obesity, said that after learning about Utz's research on obesity, he made a conscious effort to fight the college weight gain.
"At first, I went to the gym a lot. Now I walk more and use the stairs instead of the elevator," Marshall said.
d.gardiner@chronicle.utah.edu
