While obesity rates have stopped increasing as quickly as before, obesity in America remains a prolific problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 35.7 percent of adults in the U.S. are obese, and therefore have a much greater risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes and certain cancers. Wreaking havoc on more than just human lives, obesity is high in cost— around $147 billion for medical care in the U.S. yearly.
One widely-considered but perhaps not widely-implemented idea is that public institutions in America should adopt obesity-prevention measures and help educate and guide the populace to a healthier tomorrow. The University’s involvement in curbing the obesity epidemic is subtle, at best.
The University’s dining halls have a plethora of choices from pizza and stir fry to a fully-stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. It is entirely possible for University community members to eat a healthy meal in all of the University’s dining halls, however, it becomes much more difficult when they are simultaneously presented with many unhealthy options.
Dining halls are generally run like a business — they serve what is demanded, leaving the unhealthy or healthy decisions to the students. Knowing that many of the students whom they are serving are uneducated about nutrition, dining halls treat students like customers and use ploys such as flamboyant theme nights like “Carnival Food Night” to attract them toward unhealthy eating options.
When asked for an interview in regard to the University and nutrition, Paula Caravati, the University Dining nutritionist, declined, allowing media relations to provide a statement instead.
“In all of our dining locations we provide a wide variety of options for you to choose from,” the statement said. “We believe in your personal choice — you are an adult and can make your own decision when it comes what you choose to eat. Even when we throw parties and theme meals, there is always healthier fare to select to fill your plate … and an opportunity to have a treat is entirely up to the student … As an adult, your plate is your plate, we are not here to dictate what you should or shouldn’t choose.”
The dining hall managers declined to comment as well.
Though it is not hard to decide to eat healthily at the University, it’s equally easy to eat unhealthily. The college years are habit-forming years, so although students can spare some of the extra calories from eating unhealthily now, eventually their age will catch up.
If uneducated on health and nutrition in school, students may develop life-long unhealthy habits, not fully understanding the ramifications of their actions. Although those who are responsible for the University’s dining facilities are not held accountable for the nutritional status of the students, they miss an opportunity to help better students for a lifetime.
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