We seem to be facing a horrible epidemic with obesity and health education in our society. I don’t think there has ever been a time that I have left my home and did not see at least 1 person suffering from severe obesity. I don’t know what the percentage is, but it seems that a staggering amount of Americans are overweight and doing nothing about it. It’s not like I see these overweight people eating salads, tofu, vegetables and fruit or trying to walk and work out.
I understand that some overweight people are fine with being obese and don’t feel any less confident than they might if they were fit. I’d say that we should all be comfortable in our own skin and if being obese is comforting, then so be it. However, I have a hard time believing that the multitude of health risks and negative images and stigmas associated with obesity are comforting for most. When weighing the the benefits of being comfortable in obesity versus the benefits of being healthy, it’s up to the individual to make the call. However, with the rising health care costs and shortened life expectancy, I’d give the edge to a healthy lifestyle.
I think one of the biggest reasons we have so many overweight people in our society is a lack of education on healthy lifestyles and weight management. I remember when I was in school, physical education was a real class and work out. Kids failed if they couldn’t complete the 4 minute mile, do at least 5 pull-ups, and hold the Chinese Torture Drill position for at least 60 seconds, and so on and so forth. I don’t know about physical education these days, but based on what I hear from my younger family members, it’s more like a recess period than a focus on health and physical education. If we are going to bring forth the next generation with longer life expectancy and healthier lifestyles, we’ve got to educate them on balanced diets and eating habits as well as proper physical activities. We don’t all have to be vegan soccer superstars, but maybe lay off the milkshakes and chesseburgers every other night. Every once in a while, take the time to cook a healthy dinner, wake up earlier to make time for breakfast, carve out time 2 or 3 times a week to excercise, snack on veggies and fruits instead of cinnamon rolls and candy, and get energy from fruit smoothies instead of Rockstar and Redbull.
I, of course understand that there are some diseases that cause obesity and I am quite sympathetic to that, but that is not associated with the majority of obesity these days. Also, there is no question many people suffer from eating disorders like compulsive overeating. This is a devastating mental health issue which can be treated in any one of a plethora of treatment centers offering dual diagnosis treatment. And again, this is not a condition that makes up a large percentage of the obesity in our society.
Too many people have found comfort in laziness and then seek resolve in lipo or some other kind of augmentive surgery. Surgery is not the answer and outside of extreme circumstances, not even neccessary. People just need to be more dilligent about getting their health in order and educating themselves and each other. It’s not about vanity as beauty has always been and continues to be in the eye of the beholder. This is about education, health, and the prospect of living beyond 65.
