You Must Be Hungry

i think one of the biggest problems when approaching obesity and disordered eating is the notion that it's all about food. if, as a society, we are growing out at the current rate, then clearly it's not all about the individual and self control. it's about economics and social change.

it's about the economics of size - when it is cheaper to upscale, and give people bigger proportions for their money. it's about the economics of subsidies - when corn growers are given subsidies for the use of their product in ethanol, which also means corn syrup becomes a cheaper product.

it's about feminism, and the fact that women are now part of the workforce, instead of being at home to make nutritious meals.

it's about the dominance of the car, and the fact that it is so much more acceptable to drive 5kms to the shop than to walk or ride.

it's about the design of our cities, which are not built to be local villages, which would encourage walking.

it's about education.

it's about socio-economics, and the relative prices of prepackaged food vs natural foods.

it's all of these things and more. diets will never work when our social and economic structure makes it easier to gain weight than to lose it. we need to approach all of these things from a much bigger perspective than we currently are. it is only by changing the big picture that we can address this so-called epidemic. it will not be by changing the minds of the individual.

I think one major issue that stands out are the dollar menus and such at fast food joints located at almost every corner of America. It is just too tempting for people in these tough economic times to go for the dollar cheeseburger and fries and sugary drink for only one more dollar. Many believe it is too costly to eat healthy, and really it IS when we have these fast food places to compete with.

Many families who are not well off financially opt for a fast food chain for dinner for their children because they don't know what else to do. Of course they could try some of the healthier options on the menu like a salad or fruit cup, but so many are driven to temptation. And these places really play into that temptation whether on purpose or not, the smell of frying potatoes seeps into a person's nose and instantly makes him or her crave french fries. I know that certainly happens to me, so I try to avoid fast food places as much as I can.

I think a key component of the fight with obesity is the diminishing of fast food places, or at least their low prices. I have heard talk of a food tax of some sort to tax on fatty foods, and that might just be a good idea.