Is the obesity epidemic overstated?

[MilDoc]

High fructose corn syrup, trans fats, etc etc etc. All part of the processed food industry. All lead to health problems.

But eating too much and exercising too little is still the major problem.

[Hoakie]

Come to the Iowa State Fair next summer. You'd be hard pressed to find more overweight people in one place, and the thing to do is eat deep fried anything.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH MY DEEP-FAT FRIED TWINKE FOR LUNCH AND DEEP-FAT FRIED SNICKERS FOR DINNER!!!

It is only for 10 days out of 365, how bad can that be!

J/K I've only been to the fair a couple of times but I swear to you I sure had a nice shine when I sweat

[cgallery]

Yeah. She can. She just doesn't want to. Food is her life, rather than life-giving.

Well actually, I don't know a single morbidly obese person that doesn't want to lose weight. But statistically she is right, she can't lose the weight.

I've lost 150# on WW and kept it off. But I'm RNT (Results Not Typical).

I'm always happy to discuss how I did it when someone asks me. But I'm extra careful to avoid being judgemental towards friends and family that have been unable to lose weight.

[Ed62]

It just doesn't work that way anymore.

I'm sorry to say that you're right on that. They were talking about that situation a few days ago on TV. They said there is a trend for mothers trying to find a way to stay home with their children now, and get out of the workplace. For the most part, families were better off when it did work that way, IMHO.

Ed

[MilDoc]

Well actually, I don't know a single morbidly obese person that doesn't want to lose weight.

My point is that they can if they want too.

But food addiction is as powerful as alcohol, drugs, nicotine, and everything else. And people want a quick cure.

Thus: gastric bypass. Stomach-banding. Lots of worthless over-the-counter "medicines" that don't work.

And the effects of gastric bypass? 25-30% regain all the weight lost in 5-7 years. Far too many do not change their eating habits overall. And far too many don't take seriously the health consequences of not taking vitamins and other supplements for life.

If you want to lose you can. Richard Simmons and "The Biggest Loser" proved that. but it's hard, it takes work, and it takes denial of what you love - food.

[leehljp]

I stay away from fast food if possible, but in my work, sometimes I don't have time but for a quick meal on the run.

Now the clincher for Japan. Several times over the years I have gone into a FF restaurant here and ordered a Kids meal "to go" only to be told that I am not a kid! I have to reply that it is a take out for my "grandchild."

Occasionally, some foods are only bundled in "sets." I hate that when I need a small meal for lunch.

This would help the US diet: CHOP STICKS!

[MilDoc]

Nah Hank. In the U.S chop sticks would be shaped like shovels! Supersized like everything else!

[docrowan]

It's a little early to report yet, but I've lost 10 pounds in just over a month following the Superfoods Rx suggestions for healthier choices.

What I'm really encouraged about is the total volume of food I eat has probably gone up some, so I feel fuller, even though my calorie intake as probably dropped some. I've tried just cutting back before and I'd feel tired, grouchy, and irritable. This time I actually have more energy.

[MilDoc]

It's a little early to report yet, but I've lost 10 pounds in just over a month following the Superfoods Rx suggestions for healthier choices.

Good choice! "Superfoods" are real, unprocessed, foods, good for health as well as weight loss and maintenance. They provide fiber to help with satiety, plenty of phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, etc. Unlike the "average" diet that no one can stick to, the "superfood" diet is actually healthy, unlike the overly processed, nutrient deficient, and fattening "foods" most people eat.

Now, stick with it, even after you lose weight!

[TB Roye]

I live in Sacramento, Calif. We have a large population of Aisian imigrants. What I have noticed is the people who imigrated here in the early 80's are tiny and the first and second genertion of American born are a lot larger. It has to be the food and health care they receive here. Compare a 20 old from Aisia in the 80's to one now and you can see the diferance. Both of my Boys are taller than I by a couple of inches and one is way over weight. From what I have seen we are fatter people than we used to be. To much computer, fast food and TV no exercise. I am fighting to loose the 20# I gained 30 years ago when I was fit and active and now has turned to flab. 180 and fit at 35 doesn't work at 65 and not as fit or as active. Some of the stuff I did at 35 I am now paying the price for at 65 physically.

Tom

[MilDoc]

Metabolism also slows with age making it far easier to gain weight as we get less active. And far harder to lose, too. If, at 60, you eat like you did at 35, with no other changes, you will gain weight.

[Uncle Cracker]

Not quite. When your health problems start costing thousands a year, it's everyone's problem.

I disagree. I've paid in hundreds of thousands in insurance over the years, so I figure I've contributed more than my share. Problem is, that money was squandered in profiteering by the insurance industry, instead of being invested for my future needs. So blame them, not me. Food is one of my few passions, and I don't think my eating habits will cost the world near as much in healthcare as those devotees of modern chemistry or other unnatural addictions, or industrial pollution, or any of a dozen other things.

[MilDoc]

I disagree. I've paid in hundreds of thousands in insurance over the years, so I figure I've contributed more than my share. Problem is, that money was squandered in profiteering by the insurance industry, instead of being invested for my future needs. So blame them, not me. Food is one of my few passions, and I don't think my eating habits will cost the world near as much in healthcare as those devotees of modern chemistry or other unnatural addictions, or industrial pollution, or any of a dozen other things.

Hundreds of thousands? gee, i don't even pay that much!

But, I do agree. One of the major problems with the cost of "healthcare" in this country is the siphoning off of 20-30% in overhead and profits for the insurance companies. Thus, it will never change.


"...Food is one of my few passions..."

And I guess that says it all.

[docrowan]

Good choice! "Superfoods" are real, unprocessed, foods, good for health as well as weight loss and maintenance. They provide fiber to help with satiety, plenty of phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, etc. Unlike the "average" diet that no one can stick to, the "superfood" diet is actually healthy, unlike the overly processed, nutrient deficient, and fattening "foods" most people eat.

Now, stick with it, even after you lose weight!

I'm pretty sure I will, because it's really cool to feel hungry, eat as much as I want of healthier choices, and still lose weight. I thoroughly enjoy both cooking and eating, and the food choices I'm making now are tastier. The real trouble is trying to stay healthy while traveling. Last night it was two turkey mini burgers, broccoli, and a very large salad bar serving at Ruby Tuesday. I was stuffed when I left, but I'm pretty hungry this morning. Hotel breakfast is likely not to be that great, but I'm sure I'll find something there that won't be too bad.

If anyone's interested, the author of the book, Superfoods Rx, is Steven Pratt. He's also written a follow up, Superfoods Rx Lifestyles, but I like the first one better.

[jking]

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH MY DEEP-FAT FRIED TWINKE FOR LUNCH AND DEEP-FAT FRIED SNICKERS FOR DINNER!!!

It is only for 10 days out of 365, how bad can that be!

J/K I've only been to the fair a couple of times but I swear to you I sure had a nice shine when I sweat

Don't forget the pork chop on a stick for breakfast & giant turkey leg for afternoon snack.