A Weighty Problem

We've been turning a blind eye to the worldwide problem of obesity for a long time, perhaps hoping - unrealistically - that it would disappear on its own. But with the latest statistics and research, it's impossible to deny it: We are fatter, more out of shape, and more susceptible to illnesses (such as type II diabetes and heart diseases) than ever. It upsets me to see kids as young as three already sporting unhealthy weight. Their future is not bright. (For the first time in history, kids life expectancy would be shorter than that of their parents!)

Who is to blame? Genetics? True, having obese parents does predispose children to be bigger up to a certain point. But if we delve deeper, the real culprit is society.

Nowadays, fast-foods are at every corner: Tim Horton's, McDonald's, Burger Kings, ...you name it. Pizza can be delivered to your house. Every supermarket sells premade frozen dinners - which are generally high in fat and sodium. Portions in restaurants have doubled, even tripled the size they used to be.

And now, one doesn't even have to leave the comfort of his home to survive. Everything is accessible from a click of a mouse or a telephone call. We spend hours in front of a computer, chatting away on Facebook or playing video games, and watching TV.

Bottomline: We are eating greater quantities of unhealthy foods and exercising less.

Is this trend of obesity irreversible?

Most definitely. I am an optimistic. I believe that if we educate people on the type of foods and the portion sizes they should be eating, and the amount of exercise they should be doing each day, obesity can be easily overcome. People already have a pretty good idea of what foods are unhealthy for them to begin with. They simply need to take a stand in taking care of themselves. It is more work to cook home-made meals and it takes time to go to the gym and exercise. But, in the long run, it is much more beneficial.