Obesity in the U.S. - Political Forum

Change · 04-11-2008, 05:55 PM

We do have a big problem with obesity in the U.S.
I would be glad if they shut down fast food restaurants like McDonald's.
But the food isn't the only problem, along with it is the people. They are not paying attention to their health, they lose themselves and cannot get back on the right track. Sure they do have healthy food at McDonald's but people don't go there for salads and fruits they go there for the crappy greasy fried junk.
What can we do?

dahermit · 04-11-2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Change

We do have a big problem with obesity in the U.S.
I would be glad if they shut down fast food restaurants like McDonald's.
But the food isn't the only problem, along with it is the people. They are not paying attention to their health, they lose themselves and cannot get back on the right track. Sure they do have healthy food at McDonald's but people don't go there for salads and fruits they go there for the crappy greasy fried junk.
What can we do?

You can: Not assume that you know anything about the causes of obesity. Scientists are studying the problems now and are forming conclusions that are not just assumptions. There were McDonald's fourty years ago and fewer obese people.
For instance, scientists have found a correlation between sleep disorders and obesity.
Please do not give opinions on subject in which you have no apparent credentials. The cause/answer may be more complicated than you assume.

coogabooga · 04-11-2008, 10:03 PM

we do have a very big problem. Healthy foods are not convenient, they can be expensive, and they offer little variety when it comes to eating out. The problem is within our culture - sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, large portions, etc... I've always thought that the government should tax the crap out of fast foods and encourage more programs on the education of obesity. Also, if things like produce could be made cheaper and easier to buy (like more individually wrapped veggies and such) that it would help a great deal.
Obesity sits right up there next to smoking when it comes to risk factors for heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, you name it. Our culture is made to make things easier for us so we don't have to move around as much. Kind of sad.

LiveUninhibited · 04-11-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Please do not give opinions on subject in which you have no apparent credentials. The cause/answer may be more complicated than you assume.

I don't think credentials are needed, but doing your research would make for higher quality discussion. It's not like all the people posting on this thread are doctors or scientists - though I'm trying to get into medical school (: - that doesn't mean all of their opinions are invalid.

dahermit · 04-11-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveUninhibited

I don't think credentials are needed, but doing your research would make for higher quality discussion. It's not like all the people posting on this thread are doctors or scientists - though I'm trying to get into medical school (: - that doesn't mean all of their opinions are invalid.

"...doing your research would make for higher quality discussion... ... that doesn't mean all of their opinions are invalid..."
They have not done their research, have no apparent credentials in the metabolic science and that means that their opinions are invalid.

Obesity is a medical malady. Any opinion expressed by persons who have not studied the problem is not valid. Just as my opinion (based on current popular opinion) about the cause of Huntington's Corea would not have any validity inasmuch as I have not studied the disease and therefor have no basis for my opinion in that area.

Caltex · 04-11-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dahermit

You can: Not assume that you know anything about the causes of obesity. Scientists are studying the problems now and are forming conclusions that are not just assumptions. There were McDonald's fourty years ago and fewer obese people.
For instance, scientists have found a correlation between sleep disorders and obesity.
Please do not give opinions on subject in which you have no apparent credentials. The cause/answer may be more complicated than you assume.

The cause of obesity is simple common sense. It is caused by people eating too much and exercising too little. You can't get fat unless you take in more calories than you burn.

The OP's speculation was every bit as valid as anyone else's. Fast food is extremely high in calories, and fats. it is also really quick, and eaten a lot. We do know that people live more sedentary lifestyles than they did in the past and consume far more calories. Fast food may be a factor.

dahermit · 04-11-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coogabooga

we do have a very big problem. Healthy foods are not convenient, they can be expensive, and they offer little variety when it comes to eating out. The problem is within our culture - sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, large portions, etc... I've always thought that the government should tax the crap out of fast foods and encourage more programs on the education of obesity. Also, if things like produce could be made cheaper and easier to buy (like more individually wrapped veggies and such) that it would help a great deal.
Obesity sits right up there next to smoking when it comes to risk factors for heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, you name it. Our culture is made to make things easier for us so we don't have to move around as much. Kind of sad.

Following the implied logic in your observations, all people would be obese. Why is it many people have sedentary lifestyles, eat processed foods, large portions, have sedentary life styles, and still are not obese? You are making assumptions that may or may not be cause/effect.

revolutionrocker · 04-11-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Change

We do have a big problem with obesity in the U.S.
I would be glad if they shut down fast food restaurants like McDonald's.
But the food isn't the only problem, along with it is the people. They are not paying attention to their health, they lose themselves and cannot get back on the right track. Sure they do have healthy food at McDonald's but people don't go there for salads and fruits they go there for the crappy greasy fried junk.
What can we do?

i think there are many problems with obesity, and many reasons why someone is obese. depending on what generation you are talking about. today it seems obesity is a higher risk factor for children than it was during the time i was growing up. probably due to computers, gaming, television, one parent households, quick convienent fatty meals. could be any number of reasons, however i think the main reason is lack of exercise and consuming too many calories. when i was a kid you could not get me to stay in the house. i have friends with children, and it seems those kids do not go outside and play on beautiful weekend days. it's not just one friend either. it seems that these kids would rather spend time on their computers than going outside to play. i do think the main reason for obesity has to do with the quick convienient meals that one gets at fast food. i can pretty much guarentee that there aren't many familes who have a healthy home cooked meal during the week. it seems families work longer hours now
(compared to 30 years ago) just to "get by" and having no choice but to work until 7-9 pm at night.

dahermit · 04-11-2008, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caltex

The cause of obesity is simple common sense. It is caused by people eating too much and exercising too little. You can't get fat unless you take in more calories than you burn.

The OP's speculation was every bit as valid as anyone else's. Fast food is extremely high in calories, and fats. it is also really quick, and eaten a lot. We do know that people live more sedentary lifestyles than they did in the past and consume far more calories. Fast food may be a factor.

I am waiting for one of you self-appointed nutritional experts explain why I have obese Amish neighbors. They never eat fast food, do not have a sedentary life style. Just possibly could there be something that you are missing in this discussion?

Caltex · 04-11-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dahermit

I am waiting for one of you self-appointed nutritional experts explain why I have obese Amish neighbors. They never eat fast food, do not have a sedentary life style. Just possibly could there be something that you are missing in this discussion?

They have a different reason for being overweight. Nobody implied that fast food was the sole reason, but it is one of many. Your Amish neighbors are obese because they eat too much. With an active lifestyle than requires quite a bit more eating, but it can be done!