Fighting fat: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson speaks candidly about our nation's health

Parks & Recreation, June, 2004

In March, the federal government launched the Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Prevention campaign, which is a multimedia effort to help Americans find solutions for their expanding waistlines. At the helm of the initiative is U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. Having personally lost 15 pounds during his first nine months in office, Thompson is living proof that more physical activity coupled with a nutritionally balanced diet of fruits and vegetables can keep you trim and full of energy. "We're just too darned fat," Thompson said at the news conference where he announced the campaign. "Americans need to understand that overweight and obesity are literally killing us." Thompson shared what was on his plate for the coming years to battle obesity:

Parks & Recreation: Why is the United States struggling so much with the weight issue?

Tommy G. Thompson: The starting point is that we're so blessed. We're blessed with so many of the things people have striven for throughout the centuries--plenty of food, plenty of entertainment and incredible, labor-saving devices. It isn't that our blessings have turned into a curse, It's just that we need in manage all Ibis wealth of blessings, the same way any kind of wealth needs to be managed. We need to eat right, and we need to be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days.

P&R: What do you suggest Americans should do to solve this problem?

Thompson: We need to learn about the right types of food and the portion size we eat, so that we're getting good nutrition in the proper amounts to maintain a healthy weight. And we have to get back our pleasure in being active. We're so busy all the time, but that's not necessarily the same as being physically active.

P&R: Do you consider exercise the most important solution to help fight obesity?

Thompson: It's really a combination--good nutrition and physical activity. We need to balance the calories we take in with the calories we burn up in physical activity, If it's any one thing, it's the habit. It's making healthy eating and activity a part of our routine that in any given day, we wouldn't want to miss out.

P&R: What is our responsibility as a community?

Thompson: Like so many things, good health habits are much easier for an individual if the whole community is involved. We should try to involve all the parts of a community like a team--schools, businesses, hospitals, supermarkets, civic organizations. And of course our parks and recreational facilities can be at the center of that.

P&R: To be healthier, do people have to give up their favorite foods?

Thompson: I like my beer and brats, and that good Wisconsin cheese, and I still do. I would never tell anyone not to have some good Wisconsin cheese. But you can enjoy it in moderation. These days I have a lot more fruits and vegetables and salad.

P&R: What do you think about the recent low-carb craze? Should it influence future changes in federal nutrition guidelines?

Thompson: For most people, a balanced eating plan is what's needed--an overall diet that's low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Specialized diets may work for some people and for some particular results, but that's a subject to take up with your physician. Having a balanced diet, plenty of physical activity, and enjoy doing it. I think that's the point. And I hope our parks and recreation professionals can help with all three!