Sunday, August 12, 2012

World Obesity Epidemic

There is an old saying in the USA, "You are what you eat". There is a lot of truth in those few words.

Most Americans eat a large quantity of junk foods on a regular basis. In that case Americans have junk bodies. Our health reflects that. More than half of us are obese now. Children are more obese than previous generations.

We have an epidemic of health problems related to being too fat. Some of those health problems are high cholesterol, clogged arteries, and growing numbers of heart attacks and strokes.

It is commonplace to see extremely obese individuals in public places who weigh hundreds of pounds and up to a thousand pounds and over. Extremely obese people often have to use battery operated wheel chairs because they are too heavy to walk around much.

This problem is not limited to the United States. Obesity is a growing problem in most developed countries. 

It is common for overweight individuals to blame their extra pounds on "glands", or thyroid problems. They often claim that is not possible for them to do anything about the extra pounds.

Most of the time it is not true that obese people can do nothing about their weight. Studies show that boredom, habit, and emotional distress usually contribute more to obesity than any medical causes.

Habitual overeating and boredom overeating are problems that a normal person can work out ways to deal with.

Emotional distress overeating is a problem that can be overcome with counseling help. Most developed nations have options for counseling based on income-based fees. If that is not an option, there are support groups.

It can seem overwhelming to face a large amount of extra weight. You must remind yourself that you can approach it one bite, one pat of butter, one spoon of sugar, and one step at a time. It all adds up to pounds/kilos of weight loss. Don't be discouraged. Obesity is a problem that you can overcome.

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