OPINION: Miss Florence serves as role model in obesity fight

More than 40 percent of South Carolinians will be obese by the year 2013, but not if Bree Boyce has anything to say about it. The Francis Marion University student, who was crowned Miss Florence during the scholarship pageant last month, has become a compelling local figure in the fight against obesity.

Boyce, 20, used to weigh 230 pounds and has lost nearly 100 pounds as she advocates her personal platform of “Eating Healthy, Fighting Obesity.” The West Florence High School graduate’s emergence serves as a voice of reason, and she’s pushing for action in Florence.

A new study predicts dire consequences in the battle of the bulge if trends continue.

More than 48 percent of adults in South Carolina will be obese by 2018 without changes, and spending on the problem will quadruple.

The study, sponsored by the United Health Foundation, Partnership for Prevention and American Public Health Association in conjunction with their annual America’s Health Rankings, says spending on obesity will account for 21 percent of all money spent on health care by 2018.

“At a time when Congress is looking for savings in health care, this data confirms what we already knew: obesity is where the money is,” Emory University economist Dr. Ken Thorpe, who conducted the research, said in a press release. “Because obesity is related to the onset of so many other illnesses, stopping the growth of obesity in the U.S. is vital not only to our health — but also to the solvency of our health care system.”

Boyce spoke to 300 students about healthy choices at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School in Florence last week, her first public appearance after winning the title. Her personal story about weight loss connected with the students, especially when she held up her old, size 18 denim jeans. She wears size 6 today.

“I have struggled in so many ways,” she tearfully told the students. “And I would hate to see any of you struggle the way I did.”

Florence and the Pee Dee have had their share of strong Miss South Carolina contestants over the years. In fact, Miss South Carolina 2009, Kelly Sloan, is the reigning Miss Hartsville. They’ve served well with strong platforms over the years.

Boyce’s platform and personal message just happen to come at the right place at the right time.

We encourage school officials throughout Florence County’s school districts to make use of Boyce as a role model and inspirational figure. We would like to see her booked by churches and nonprofits to tell her story to hundreds in the community.

Boyce’s charming personality and ability to influence children would do as much for fighting obesity in our community, we think, as hours of lectures on healthy eating.

“It is important because these kids are at ages where they are acquiring lifestyles,” Boyce said. “If they grow up knowing the importance of a healthy diet and everyday physical activity, then they are more likely to make the right choices concerning their health as a kid and adult.”

Partnering with Boyce and the Miss Florence Scholarship Pageant is easy as going to “Bree Boyce — Eating Healthy and Fighting Obesity” on Facebook.

In less than a week, she has generated more than 1,200 fans. Comments on her page are interspersed with requests for public appearances.

“Thank you all who have joined in the fight against obesity!” Boyce wrote on the page. “We will encourage ourselves and others every day to become a more health-conscious society. Obesity meets its end in 2010!”

Boyce is working out daily in an effort to lose weight and stay in shape. Her goal is to become Miss South Carolina, which would allow her to take her platform statewide, and to compete for Miss America.

“By telling my story I have already had the opportunity to reach those who struggle daily as I do,” Boyce said. “The positive feedback gives me the motivation to strive to be a healthier person each day.
“Hopefully, I will win Miss South Carolina and be able to take my story throughout the state and maybe, one day, the nation.”

Boyce’s passion and experience are riveting. She’s already making a difference in Florence, and we expect it’s only the beginning.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).