:: UCLA TODAY Home

©2004
The Regents of the University of California
 

Your Feedback

Is there an obesity epidemic?

The Q&A, “Weighing in on obesity issue,” in the Nov. 8 issue falsely states that the term “epidemic” refers to infectious diseases. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “epidemic” is defined as something “prevalent and spreading rapidly in a community” — exactly what we are seeing with obesity.

Obesity is correlated with heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. Although obesity may not be the direct cause of those conditions, it is surely a contributing factor. Fat cells not only store excess calories but also produce a host of proteins related to the common diseases seen in obese individuals. Anyone who does not think that obesity is a serious health problem has his or her head in the sand.
James Barnard, professor of physiological science

With lifestyle-related disease being responsible for nearly 65% of all deaths, it seems reasonable to suggest that obesity is not simply epidemic, but pandemic, that is, a global epidemic. There is no doubt obesity increases the risk of death. Data from the World Health Organization and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II document this.

Furthermore, the risk of Type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases increases with obesity. The time is now to urge all Americans, especially children, to adopt healthy dietary and physical activity habits, not simply for weight loss, but for the myriad of other benefits they produce.
Christian K. Roberts, lecturer, Department of Physiological Science

Stem cell vision

I am proud of my university for the strength and courage to fund and support stem cell research by developing an Institute of Stem Cell Research. This research activity holds much promise for many individuals now and in the future to help them survive and recover from devastating health problems and physical injuries.

It is a tragedy that this promising research is prevented at national and state levels by the decisions of narrow-minded individuals who have antiquated views about the meaning of life that result in the denial of potential therapies for handicapped people. All human beings have a right to a decent life, and politicians and their conservative backers have no right to negate the promise of stem cell research.
Howard M. Feder ’48, M.A. ’51, Fairbanks, Alaska

Hey, where’s the bear?

I’m an alum, and in my opinion, the acronym UCLA really does stand for “Under Construction in L.A.” I hate going back “home” to UCLA and not being able to recognize anything around me. I can’t even find the Bear, for pity’s sake. Where has it been stashed these days?
Tammy Thompson ’94, Stamford, Conn.