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June 09 2004
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Lifestyles of the Rich and Gluttonous

 
In almost every other place in the world, the rich build big homes and buy fancy cars. In the world’s wealthiest nation, however, Americans unfortunately are building the biggest bodies. Sadly, the epidemic of obesity in this nation has arrived with unbelievable speed.

The numbers alone are startling:

  • Forty-six percent of this nation’s adults were overweight a quarter century ago.

  • In 2000, that number rose to 64 percent.

  • Experts predict virtually all American adults could be rated obese by 2040, if not sooner!

  • Some 25 percent of the nation’s population eats in a fast-food restaurant every day.

  • Americans spend almost half of every dollar budgeted for food that is eaten outside the home where 30 percent of their calories are consumed.

Although personal responsibility is a large contributor to the obesity epidemic, Americans live in a toxic consumer-based environment that discourages healthy eating. And a technology that allows us, of all things, to "nuke" our food in a microwave further supports that mentality. Not surprisingly, TV is driving the epidemic.

Only part of the effect has to do with the sedentary nature of viewing. Experts say the passive viewing of commercials far too often negatively influences what we eat and drink.

Another indicator of the growing trend toward obesity: The huge upsurge in carbonated beverage consumption at the expense of milk. Some theorize a human’s sense of sweetness evolved dramatically over time as people were able to detect carbohydrates in food as an energy source.

Attempts by the U.S. government to curb obesity by urging people, for example, to eat more carbohydrates and less fat -- the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid that recommends eating more starches than any other food -- have worsened the problem.

Some believe the epidemic to be so irreversible, parents could conceivably outlive their children.

Harvard Magazine May-June 2004



Dr. MercolaDr. Mercola's Comments:

It’s a relief to find some are actually paying attention to the correlation between media, culture and our nation’s propensity to consume without thinking or questioning the source. Though this article provides few concrete answers to the obesity epidemic -- though I hadn’t expected it to--the facts reported speak volumes.

Obesity is an epidemic whose reach has spread far beyond our borders.

You have the power and the tools at hand on this Web site to create lasting change that can enhance and extend the quality of your life.

Your doctor may not pay attention to those growing pounds on your body until it is time for them to prescribe a drug for one of its related diseases like diabetes, depression or cancer.

But the good news is that you don’t have to wait for them to make the first move!

I truly believe my book, "Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program," based on the same regimen that has dramatically helped thousands of patients at The Optimal Wellness Center, can help you transform your health. My book can show you how to easily figure out your metabolic type and reconfigure your diet with the help of 150 delicious, grain-free low-carb recipes.

Like many of you, I have virtually no free time to waste. However, I’ve made a personal commitment to prepare 95 percent of my own meals to preserve the quality of my health. It does take a certain amount of dedication, but it can be done!

Related Articles:

Obesity: A Worldwide Problem

Obesity and Diabetes: A Growing Problem Among Americans

Food Portions Increase Along With Obesity

American Cancer Society Now Believes Obesity is as Dangerous as Smoking

Doctors Don't Tell Obese Patients to Lose Weight

Modify Your Diet so You Feel Terrific

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