I watched the excellent OPB special tonight about the current and growing diabetes epidemic in the US mainly caused by the epidemic of obesity. It doesnt sound good. Some are saying the diabetes epidemic could destroy not only the health care system of the country but also the economy of the whole US. Obese people in short are destroying the country. What should be done? Any good ideas to help them FAST? SHould we ban or very heavily tax all junk food?
2006-10-19 20:19:29 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
well personally, i think we should show them a picture of what they will end up looking like in a few years time, then they might get the hint and cut back a bit... my brother says "roll them down a hill"...
2006-10-19 20:27:58 · answer #1 · answered by fiery_saph 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think saying the obese are 'destroying the country' is a bit dramatic. Yes, medical problems related to obesity take their toll on medical care but so do problems related to eating disorders, mental illnesses, etc. An anorexic is just as likely to die from a heart attack than someone who is obese.
I don't think putting a heavy tax on junk food will solve anything. I think the solution should begin with promoting healthier lifestyles and targeting the upcoming generation by reinstating a better physical education program and more varied (and healthier) diets. However, a school can only do so much. Parents should help their children to make better choices so they lessen their chance of growing up to be overweight.
I also do not think there is any 'fast' answer. You can't change habits (especially an adult's) overnight. Restriction will only cause excess. I think the solution to decreasing the obesity rate in the country will be a slow and delicate process. You can't just point a finger at the obese and expect everything to change. There isn't a simple solution and it's not going to be as easy as telling someone to put down the fork. Society as a whole has to change the way we live, reduce the amount of convenience we have that lessen the amount of physical activity we do, etc. We should start changing our general mindset so that walking most places, preparing slow homecooked meals and eating whole, real food instead of chemical-drenched 'food' is more common than how we currently live. Back to basics, in essence.
2006-10-19 20:39:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know a lot of people have health problems that cause obesity. Thyroids are one, some of the medications people take causes weight gain( like premarin) I am overweight and for breakfast I usually have 2 slices of toast and a cup of coffee, for lunch I have a bowl of soup or a sandwich or a salad and tea, for dinner I usually have a small piece of meat, either chicken, beef, pork or fish and maybe a small potato and some vegs. I drink water all day and sometimes have a cup of milk. Plus some fruit. Does that sound like I am eating a lot????? I have HEALTH problems and it isn't from overweight.
2006-10-19 20:35:01 · answer #3 · answered by nevada nomad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Force them to go on hunger strike!
2006-10-19 21:15:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
good question, i ask myself "what are we going to do with all the idiots?" every time i visit this site...can someone help me with this?
2006-10-19 20:51:00 · answer #5 · answered by Boop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boy, this is a TOUGH one; it's HARD not to eat!
2006-10-19 21:14:15 · answer #6 · answered by backinbowl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't an answer.
2006-10-19 20:26:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋