By Cheryl Mattox Berry
It looks as if soulful British singer Adele has lost more than 25 pounds over the last several months. That came as a surprise because in an interview on 60 Minutes, the Grammy-award winning artist said she was fine with her full figure and didn’t want to be one of those skinny model-types on magazine covers and in videos.
I thought to myself, “Come on, Adele, given a choice would you rather be slim and healthy or overweight with diabetes, bone problems, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart problems?” I knew it was a matter of time before she became a celebrity spokeswoman for a diet program, ala Jennifer Hudson and Janet Jackson. To her credit, she dropped the weight by becoming a vegan and exercising.
Whether it was for vanity or being in love again, I applaud Adele, 23, for tackling the problem while she’s still a young woman. Too many overweight girls have bought into the notion of ‘I’m fine just the way I am.’ That’s because big girls don’t have to wear muumuus and Nana’s hand-me-downs. They’re living the life of a skinny girl – beautiful hair, designer clothes and shoes, and manicured nails. Plus, there’s greater acceptance of ample figures these days.
However, all is not well. Obese girls are setting themselves up for a lifetime of serious health issues unless they do something about their weight now.
Recent studies show teen obesity is on the rise in the USA, thanks to fast food, junk food and lack of exercise. Eighteen percent of girls aged 12-19 are obese, compared with 21.2 percent of boys. Black girls were more likely to be overweight than white girls, according to the surveys.
Look in the mirror. Now, get on the scale. It’s time to be honest with yourself about your weight. You may not think it’s a problem because the women around you – mothers, aunts and grandmothers – are heavy, too. But don’t you want to do better than your parents? I know that’s what they want for you. Losing weight could give the rest of the women in your family incentive to live a healthier life.
If you need confirmation from an outside source that you’re overweight, ask your doctor the next time you go in for a check up. He will show you the weight and height charts, and recommend a diet and exercise regimen if necessary. Until then, lay off the junk food and get moving. One thing is certain: Obese girls grow up to be obese women.