Opinion Editorial

Obesity is one of the most common health problems in America. 58 million Americans are overweight; 40 million are obese. Obesity is shown to significantly increase the chance for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, high blood pressure, and gall bladder problems. The CDC reported that in 2008, 22.5% of Utahans were obese. Obesity rates have been on the rise for years. However, even with all of the evidence of the increasing dangers of obesity, BYU seems not to simply be taking no action, but to be taking steps in the wrong direction.
The students of Brigham Young University have many problems to worry about. If BYU could do something to alleviate one of these stressful issues, isn’t it reasonable for students to expect the university to do so? The Daily Universe published an article in the September 3rd edition entitled, “Beating the ‘Freshman 15.’” The article warned against eating in the Cougareat, the most convenient cafeteria on campus. The article gives the calorie count for some of the common foods on campus. Even those food items which seem may seem healthy in reality are not healthy at all. In a society that is gaining weight more rapidly than ever in history, shouldn’t BYU be making a larger effort to encourage student wellness?
There are several things that the university could do to encourage student wellness. First, healthier food options are needed at the Cougareat and other cafeterias on campus. There are eight restaurants in the Cougareat—two Italian cafes, two grills, Japanese, Taco Bell, Subway, and a dessert bar. Of these, the most convenient is Sugar n’ Spice, the dessert bar. If a student is in a hurry, or has a tendency to eat the first thing they see, then this means snacks and occasional meals will consist of ice cream, brownies and donuts. I went to the Cougareat website and found that the advertisement for Sugar n’ Spice says, “You’re facing the everyday battle we all have with our sweet tooth. But in the end, you can’t resist…No matter what, it’s the perfect way to get what you want, every time.” This does not seem like the right thing to be preaching to emotionally, as well as mentally, drained college students. It is also the first restaurant to open in the morning, and along with Taco Bell, the last to close. The fattening junk food is the most easily accessible to the students. Subway, the obvious healthy choice, has ridiculously long lines and runs out of food by the end of the “lunch hour”. I live on campus and can run home to eat lunch, but for those students who can’t, there are very few healthy options for them to consider.
Secondly, the students need to be made more aware of the nutrition information of the food they eat. At the Cougareat website, I could find links to nutrition information for restaurants owned by a larger corporation, such as Taco Bell and Subway, but for the other restaurants, I was unable to find nutrition facts. However, I don’t feel that it should be necessary to go to such measures to find nutritional information. Subway prints basic nutrition information on their napkins and cups. BYU restaurants should post basic nutrition facts where it is readily available for the health conscious student. Many students taking a full class load would not have time to search for such nutrition information. Making such information readily available will be one less thing preventing students from focusing on their schoolwork. Students would not have to eat healthy; I’m not suggesting that, but a simple sign allowing people to think before ordering would be entirely appropriate.
Finally, a recent BYU decision shocked me. Students are no longer required to take physical education classes. This surprised me for two reasons; the first being that, with all of the attention obesity is receiving in the American news, many students are more concerned about health than usual. Some may argue that the classes are still offered; it is the student’s decision to enroll. However, for many students struggling with their first year of college, if it’s not required, they won’t do it. Secondly, these physical education classes are the best chance to socialize, which is a critical college experience.
There are many general education classes that are required at Brigham Young University: English 150, American Heritage, Global and Cultural Awareness, Biology, Physical Science, Math, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and New Testament. The list goes on. I am not saying that these classes have no value. However, in comparison to learning and creating the habit of personal wellness, the information learned in this class is unlikely to be of use later in life. However, developing a healthy lifestyle will be of great import after graduation and throughout the college experience. Required general education classes should be those classes that are going to be needed by all students. Physical education fits into this category with a surety. Brigham Young said, “Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life.” This should be the aim of a physical education course—to give students the power to appreciate life.
There are many things that students attending Brigham Young University have to worry about. Students are held to a higher standard academically and morally. Many are thousands of miles away from family and friends. One thing that students should not have to worry about is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. BYU cannot force students to live health-consciously, but it is the responsibility of the university to help those that are interested in developing this characteristic. There are simple changes that can be made by the university and BYUSA that would help a student to check maintaining a healthy lifestyle off their list of concerns. While the final decision rests with the student, the university should do all in its power to help and support its students. The university has made a superfluous commotion over the spread of the H1N1 virus. However, as the World Health Organization said in 1948, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It is important to remember and discuss all aspects of healthy living. Just because a student is not sick, doesn’t mean that they are healthy. With a few simple changes, the university can ensure that students with be healthy, not simply ‘not sick’.