Repeal and Replace the BMI: Make America Strong Again!
To make America great again, President-elect Donald J. Trump will have to make America strong again. In the words of former President John F. Kennedy, “A nation is only as strong as its citizens.” And today we are a nation where obesity (a SPECTACULAR NATIONAL WEAKNESS) is epidemic!
Executive Director of the President’s Council
In that regard, I would like to submit a formal application for the position of Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. I realize that this position has historically been filled by celebrities who serve as public relations vehicles to “promote” fitness and health among America’s youth. But with the ongoing epidemic as living proof, I suggest that the public relations approach to childhood obesity prevention has failed for nearly two decades!
Systematically reduce obesity
Given the opportunity, I would implement a practical approach that will systematically reduce childhood obesity in schools across the United States. I personally guarantee significant and documented progress within the first year of implementation. And a decade from now, I predict childhood obesity and the multitude of problems that follow it will become ancient history.
Repeal and replace BMI (Body Mass Index)!
My first act, when appointed to this position, will be to declare war on BMI! In fact, our campaign slogan will be “REVOKE AND REPLACE BMI! MAKE AMERICA STRONG AGAIN!”
BMI is a Barrier
Why make BMI the first target? Because BMI says almost nothing about changes in obesity levels. And despite being designated the measurement tool of choice by the CDC (among others), BMI represents a major hurdle to making progress on obesity. It undermines progress by confusing the conversation. Realistically, the inability to accurately measure change (not to mention the inability to motivate anyone other than grant applicants) undermines all attempts to move forward. So let’s start by REVOKING BMI!
Physically pull your own weight
So what replaces the BMI? pull-ups. More specifically, I suggest we replace BMI with leg-assisted pull-ups that use suspension training straps to give all participants a place to start successfully and a way to make regular progress (immediate success and regular progress are key ingredients). for this natural self-motivation). process) until they run out of leg support and have developed the ability to physically pull their own weight. You see that children (people) who can do even one pull up are ALMOST NEVER OBESE! This process is simple. Produce accurate feedback. motivates AND takes from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on each child.
Children arm themselves against obesity for life
Once pull-ups are mastered, it’s all about maintaining capacity (which requires decent eating/exercise habits and 30 seconds of practice a week) and participants will have successfully armed themselves against obesity for life.
Save $300 billion annually!
Furthermore, according to the Society of Actuaries, obesity costs the United States more than $300 BILLION ANNUALLY. So the cost savings of implementing this strategy alone is monstrous. But the residual effects go far beyond dollars and cents.
The trifecta of a school superintendent!
In school, obesity has been shown to undermine self-esteem, which in turn undermines school attendance (on which schools are funded), academic performance (on which schools are judged), and social behaviors (60% of bullying is said to be rooted in obesity.) In other words, beat childhood obesity and increase school attendance, improve academic performance, and improve behavior in the hallways. It’s a trifecta for any school superintendent who wants to make their school great again. Just imagine how all of this translates to the workplace.
American Society of Exercise Physiologists/$100,000,000
Finally, the Pull Your Own Weight Foundation recently partnered with the American Society of Exercise Physiologists to apply for the MacArthur Foundation 100 and Change Grant ($100 million for one entity) to implement this strategy in schools. from all over the United States. We were out of 1900 applicants and for various reasons we were unable to win this grant. However, with a little funding (much less than $100,000,000) we could not only start the ball rolling, but we could even live up to projections made earlier. In the process, we can help President-elect Trump make America great and strong again!
In the meantime, for all the reasons listed above and more, I hope that Mr. Trump will give serious consideration to my application for the Executive Directorate of the President’s Fitness Council. I hope to hear from you as soon as possible.