emptypepsi

From every report I've seen, obesity rates in this country do not seem to be slowing down. They are either remaining unimpeded or in some cases gaining steam. Some claim that the rate in children is worsening at a rate worse than that of adults.(Earlychildhood NEWS - Article Reading Center, see second paragraph).

Why do you think we have an obesity epidemic in this country? Why is it becoming worse with Children? Is it because of trans-fats? Junk food? Lack of exercise, or physical activity in general? Lack of fruits/veggies? Too much table salt? What's your call?

Furthermore, what can be done about it? Must we rely on government intervention on this front, or is there something that society can do that will be just as, if not more beneficial to ameliorating the problem?

__________________
"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom."
Isaac Asimov

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dahermit

It could very well be none of the above. Most of the so-called causes of obesity are assumptions. Whenever one of these causes are discussed no scientific evidence is cited other than a simple correlation (which is not causation).

Clearly over-weight people eat too much, but why? There needs be more scientific study done or we are just treading water. Is it that food is over-flavored, over-abundant, lack of exercise? I have head of a study that suggests that there are similar anti-bodies present in over-weight people as in some over-weight animals that are not present in thin subjects, suggesting that a particular virus may be involved.

All theories have merit, but will not address the problem if we are barking up the wrong tree.