While I'm not disputing the research findings, the reality is we have an obesity epidemic currently plaguing our country. Two-thirds of the population didn't recently develop genetic mutations! Maybe what's going on has more to do with the lifestyles we've become accustomed to than to our forebearers' DNA.
When I was growing up (before the national weight crisis), there were heavy people, but not as many as there are today. I had some overweight friends, and yes, their parents were fat as well. Maybe there were some defective genes in their gene pool, but what was even more obvious was what they kept in their homes.
Their kitchens were always stocked with incredibly rich desserts and fattening snack foods. My friends could eat as much of them as often as they wished. There were never any restrictions. I used to love to go to their homes for some special treats. To this day, the memory of one specific ice cream novelty makes me salivate! For me, though, these goodies were occasional splurges - not daily indulgences. That's the difference.
Over the past several years, we've become a nation that subsists on fast food, processed food, and high calorie, fat and sugar-laden snacks and beverages. These meal options are readily available and accessible all day, every day. As a result, we're all getting bigger and bigger. Unfortunately, it's the little ones who will pay the greatest price for these dietary habits. This generation of children is not anticipated to have the same life expectancies as their own parents. That's sad.
Isn't it time we stopped making excuses for why we overeat and start taking responsibility for our own lives and our children's lives as well? Let's stop blaming everyone else and start living healthier lives so our kids can grow up and have a future they can look forward to. As Maria Robinson said, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
Article comments
1 - Barbara Barnett
Hey, Debbie!
Welcome to BC. Nice article.
2 - wow
Some people are still coming to realize, yeah diet and exercise...aka calories...are what it's all about I guess. It's ridiculous -- here is another example.
Ad on tv has a woman talking about her smoking problem...she is maybe 40 and now is saying it isn't just a problem, it's an addiction. Ask any smoker...they all know they are addicted. We are promoting a society of no responsibility.