Sunday, September 30, 2007
Obesity and our society
Reasons for obesity:There could be a variety of reasons for obesity, but I think there are particularly two:
The first is the modern way of life, which includes that a lot of people get other people to do their work. They don't do the sports or exercises themselves, they watch it on TV. Children spend more time playing computer games than running or playing outside. Many people lead inactive lives and eat too much. They eat too much und they eat the wrong food, that means food with a lot of calories but with small amounts of vitamins und minerals. They prefer prepared food which contains too much fat to increase the taste.
The second reason is that many people are involved in problems and experiences related to stressful situations, which they can't manage. They eat to compensate and to forget their stress or they just eat to reward themselves.
What can society do:
One way could be to make clear the consequences of eating badly/unhealthily/wrongly. This could be done as a warning clip in TV or at radio. The young people could be instructed at school. Furthermore it would be necessary to emphasize the positive side of preparing and eating healthy food e.g. a family could be improved if the whole family did the cooking together.
Which people could I influence to reduce obesity:
A friend of mine is very obese, because she eats to forget her stressful situation. Unfortunately the situation can't be changed, but perhaps the view of it. Of course she knows about this bad habit. I don't have to explain this. But I try to emphasize her successes. I try to be a good friend to her and to help her become more confident. If she became more satisfied she would have the power to reduce her obesity.
(picture copyright by the coachhouse nursery)
// posted by CL - Editor @ Sunday, September 30, 2007 
