So everyone has heard of the newest and most egregious epidemic of obesity and I'm not saying that it should be taken lightly. Obesity causes greater risk in a number of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and cancers such as breast cancer and an overall reduction in the quality of life. However, many reports state that its all our faults, we eat too much fast food, we don't get enough exercise, we choose chocolate cake over carrot sticks. We do have some responsibility in our food and exercise choices that contribute to our overall well-being, but there are factors that many seem to overlook.
First of all, a certain percentage of obesity is due to genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to obesity just as high cholesterol or certain cancers. In those cases, its our responsibility to do our best to live a healthy life and counteract the affects of genetics. However, many do not consider how the urban structure of our cities and towns have led to obesity. Having this separation between residential areas and industrial or commercial areas has actually led to increased obesity in our society. Instead of walking to work or the grocery store, everyone drives. This leads to a decrease in physical activity which will lead to an average weight gain of 1-3 pounds a year. Though that might sound minimal, it definitely adds up. Obesity is also often found in the lower classes. Though this might seem counterintuitive because lower classes are thought to have less money for food and cars and therefore would eat less and exercise more, that's not the case. Because of less income, many live in neighborhoods with more fastfood opportunities and less health food stores and cannot afford to get to the places that have a more healthful selection. Also lower-end neighborhoods have less recreational facilities such as parks and reserves that offer exercise opportunities.
So how do we fix this problem. I say build newer cities with a greater urban land mix of commercial residential and industrial areas. Also, I think employers should add a period for exercise for their employees. Many might think that this would reduce production because workers are not working, but exercising is known to create energy and lessen the appetite making employees therefore more productive the time they are at work.
So in conclusion, I say obesity is not all our faults
Employees are not paid so they get to exercise. Most employees are adults; they should know what's good for them without having their boss clapping his hands and announce, "Break time!"
Also, while a "certain percentage of obesity is due to genetics," effort should also be taken into account. How many obese people do you know eat like normal people and exercise regularly? The few obese people I personally know usually give up eating healthy and exercising after three weeks of no visible result.
I'm sorry, I can't agree with you on every point.
I agree that in SOME cases, obesity can be attributed to genetic dysfunction. However sad that situation might be for some, the rest are simply using this as an excuse to validate their behavior. I realize that my perspective may be considered harsh or even cruel, but this is one of the reasons that the rest of the world is disgusted with America.
Even our poor are becoming obese... this is the only country (that I know of) that has such a widespread "problem". In other countries, the poor usually are wondering whether their next meal is going to exist instead of deciding which fast-food restaurant they are going to attack and blame their obesity on. Only in this country could you sue McDonald’s for eating their food “because” it made you fat.
My basic statement is this: The only way that self-change can happen is if you take personal responsibilities for your actions. This holds true for almost every aspect of life.
In our mindset of instant gratification, we are rarely interested in devoting the amount of time and effort required to institute long-term changes in lifestyle or habits... and that causes almost all of our major problems.
So from this standpoint, we are only "victims" of our own selfishness and laziness.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I liked the statistic that a lower activity rate leads to a gain of 1-3 pounds a year. I am curious as to where you got it...it might pack a greater punch if you cite this.
I do think it's a stretch to say that obesity is not to be faulted. The genetics factor does not make up a substantial percentage of obesity. Plus, the genetic predisposition means that a person is likely to become obese, not guaranteed. A person can fight against obesity in these situations.
As for the building newer cities part, I'm not opposed to you necessarily. However, you have to look at this from a practical standpiont - who's going to pay for all this?
Yeah, I guess you all can tell, I'm pretty idealistic about how to solve the obesity problem. Don't get me wrong, I know some people are obsese because they choose a hamburger dripping with fat for 2-3 meals a day instead of something a little healthier, but there is a sizable percentage that has this problem because lack of funds or genetics. As for the statistic, I don't remember the exact issue, but about 2 years ago, I was in the doctor's office, and all what they had was "Men's Health." I found that statistic in the article. However, if you're interested in how urban design affects obesity and activity also, a really good article is "obesity relationships with community design, physical activity, and time spent in cars" by Lawrence D. Frank found in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2004). Hope everyone's having a good weekend and eating healthy
Idealistic is not quite the word. By the way, when you said "sizable" percentage, did you mean "small"? Poor people can't afford to eat healthy, but I doubt lack of funds is the only reason they (or most of them) end up obese.