The Crystal theater was packed Sunday night for the showing of Supersize me, the much heralded documentary by filmmaker Norman Spurlock dealing with the link between the fast food industry and the obesity epidemic in the USA.
Apparently, the subject is very relevant in Aruba and Chiropractor and local health guru Dr. Richard Visser has been warning us for a while that as a nation we are becoming obese.
Sunday night he received excellent support from a full house of movie-goers and concerned citizens. Many stayed after the movie to listen to the panelists, exchange views and ask questions.
The evening was opened by Attorney Johan P. Sjiem Fat, of Sjiem Fat & Co., who shared his personal interest in the subject. The purpose of the showing, he said, was to create awareness regarding the "One Fat Island" situation, especially among children.
During the screening of the movie the audience laughed as the protagonist stuffed his face with chicken nuggets and Big Macs for 30 days leaving all exercise out. It was very astounding to hear how much weight he gained and how his health deteriorated along with his sexual drive; in just one month he was killing himself.
After the movie Dr. Richard Visser showed a number of shocking slides borrowed from a Childhood Obesity Study he conducted here among 3,000 elementary school children. Richard did not hide the fact that the future of these kids is filled with health-complications and eventually a shortened life span. "These kids have no future," he said. He was very blunt and direct and suggested radical solutions like the ones adopted by the Dutch government introducing legislations banning sugary drinks and fatty foods from schools. "The situation in Aruba," he said "is critical with over 36% of the population suffering from obesity. This is a disease, not just a cosmetic/aesthetic problem."
Dr. Greg Lacle, a neurosurgeon, also on the panel reflected on the importance of movement and exercise and the direct link between the in-take of calories and out-put of energy. "You are going to gain weight and your health will deteriorate, no matter what you eat, if you eat excessively and do not walk or exercise," he explained.
Dr. Casper Lacle, a heart specialist, recommended moderation and portion control, while dancer Wilma Kuiperi was the advocate of fresh foods and home cooking. The audience was very receptive. A MAVO school principal in the audience stated it is his opinion that obesity is a social disease, where parents no longer cook at home, they are busy making a living and they resort to buying fat-saturated foods for their kids and pay no attention to nutrition.
The Red Cross representative also rang the alarm reporting on the high number of diabetics in Aruba, and the complete lack of understanding of the link between the disease and nutrition.
To conclude, the forum recommended not waiting for the local government to act but seek information and take action to reduce waist-lines and improve fitness.
Wilma reported there is however light at the end of the tunnel in the form of upcoming educational program for kids, to teach them proper nutrition and to apply pressure on parents that way. But from the panel's perspective the message is clear: a change in life-style is called for, recommending less sugar, less fat, smaller portions, fruits, vegetables and exercise.
