Obesity has become more than just an obsession with food. Americans have become obsessed with our problem, from lawsuits to reality TV shows, America's addiction to talking about food has become a social problem.
For the last few years weight has become a national concern that has intrigued people more than our own presidential elections. One would think that since we now know about our problem and it has become an issue worthy of national media coverage that we would see a decrease in the number of eating disorders in our country. Unfortunately, this has been proven incorrect.
Obesity has increased over the last few years. The media and doctors have studied the issue in every way possible. Economic factors, racial factors, cultural factors, etc. However, no one has turned the finger back onto themselves. While it is speculation on my part, I think something has to be said for the fact that we are giving too much attention to the problems and creating an unhealthy lifestyle with our obsession.
Every major network has its trademark weight loss show. Shows like NBC's The Biggest Loser, VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, and even The Food Network's Weighing In, are you teaching America poor diet and exercise habits, as well as turning a very unhealthy lifestyle into exhibits.
While these shows are entertaining, and I am sure have inspired many to lose weight, what are they telling us about how to do it? Should Americans adopt their outrageous dieting techniques, and more importantly, can the average American change their lifestyle like many of these contestants do?
Take the popular show, The Biggest Loser. The contestants are separated from their daily life completely. They are given a special diet and personal trainers, something most Americans couldn't afford on their own, and then in a matter of weeks transform their bodies completely.
While many overweight people would love to see their body change so quickly, it is unhealthy and unrealistic to do so. Also to be noted, when the contestants don't have a dramatic weight loss (or perhaps they may need more help to lose the weight) they are eliminated from the show. What kind of message does that send to people? If you can't drop seven pounds a week, you should just give up?
Article comments
1 - Shari
The real problems are obfuscated because they're complex and unprofitable. People who are not overweight are only interested in blame and judgment. The answers are offered as "eat less, exercise more," but that is clearly not useful advice for most obese people. The answers to this immense problem are not simple because clearly people of a healthy weight have a very different relationship with food than people who are obese. The obese cannot relate to food in a healthy way by force or even education. It's a process they have to go through.
People who are overweight have no idea how to deal with their problems effectively, and what is worse, companies make more money from temporary solutions. Eating habits need to be normalized, but there really is no interest in teaching people to follow this path. Selling modified, processed food in all of its forms so that people can feel that they can stuff themselves with more and not pay a price is where the money is and that's where America continues to be lead.
The obsession with food is not the problem. Japanese people are even more obsessed with food than Americans. The problem is with the perception of food value being linked to quantity and a distorted view of what normal portions and diets are. On top of that, you have a culture which has tried to rub out nearly every vice a person could have - alcohol, cigarettes, sex - and leaving food as the main comfort for many people.
People need to learn how to eat and enjoy food based on food quality rather than on food portion size. They need to develop an understanding of their emotional eating and the forces that drive them to overeat and to remain overweight. The main problem with this approach is that it takes time (and money for counseling) and no one wants a slow, difficult permanent solution. They all want a fast, easy one.
2 - Christine
Shari, very direct, yet true comment.
As a fitness expert for over 29 years, I feel bad for anyone that is obese but at the same time a need to be direct and ensure that they take responsibility and do something about it.
I wrote this article here on BC, which covers another problem for American culture.."the never-ending quest to seek out and find quick-fix solutions..."
Dieting on Miracles: Quick-Fix Diet Solutions
3 - Helen
There are a lot of societal pressures that encourage obesity. Our reliance on cars cuts discourages walking, and the long hours that Americans work makes it difficult for many people to cook
4 - fish
How can one with no medical degree state that obese people have problems with food or lack of excercise??? There is genetics, underactive thyroids and many many explanations for obesity.I think people are shallow and just want the simplest explanation.