93 replies to this topic

[Mind]

SO....what do you think cause such an increase in the prevalence of obesity over the last 20 years?

In the broadest sense, technological progess has created the obesity epedemic. You can sit around and nitpick different food types and different industries, but the plain fact is that humans evolved as hunter/gatherers and now we no longer engage in these activities. Today's society allows people to sit around and eat....and survive. Every step along our societal evolution was a step toward more security, more food, and less work. Now our machines do most of the work and will continue to do so into the future. Most exercise is for liesure activities. Nobody wants to go back to the days of survival in the wild and no one wants to be told what they can and cannot eat or how much. And therefore, like I mentioned earlier, the most optimal solution would be to create cheap, very tasty food, that is packed with nutrition, and doesn't have many calories...a healthy twinkie perhaps.

[zoolander]

I agree with both Mind and Shepard.

All it takes is a small positive energy balance such as 100kcal a day to result in a weight problem overtime. 100kcal a day for a year is 36500kcal of fat. That's almost 10 pounds of fat gained. Do this for 5 or so years in your mid thirties when life tends to be too busy to scratch your arse and you won't be able to reach your arse.

No time to nit pick with food. I agree. Just try your best to eat well. We all know what the so-called bad foods are. Nutritional zip fast foods and calories dense sweet treats.

Think with an active mind. By a bicycle and try to ride to work when you can. If it's too far to ride to work then ride a distance to the train station. Don't ride to the closest station. Ride a few stations down and catch the train the rest of the way. Do the same on the way home. Just think active.

Destroy your TV. Ok maybe not destroy it that's just my personal opinion. I don't have a car or TV and am always on the go.

[Mind]

Nice map of the progress of obesity across the usa over the years. http://www.brandweek...y-image-of.html

6 years later and it is only getting worse for the U.S. Second fattest country in the world. Sad.

Which reminds me, I need to start making that high nutrient, low calorie, delicious and filling food I was talking about 6 years ago. Food science has progressed enough to make it possible, I think.

[Mind]

People are starting to age faster - metabolically speaking, because of obesity. LongeCity members are of course in great shape and are probably much younger - biologically speaking - than their chronological age would indicate. However, the obesity problem will haunt us because of socialized sick-care (get ready to empty your wallet). Sick-care is not yet fully socialized in the U.S. but it is getting closer. Obesity will probably get much worse in the U.S. before it gets better because the Obama administration gives out free food (USDA SNAP program) with hardly any restrictions. Taxpayers money buys candy, soda, box food, junk food, etc.

Technological progress is rapid and will probably rescue many people who suffer from obesity, but I don't think it will happen fast enough to keep the average lifespan increasing for the next few years. I expect a slight reversal before it gets better. Sadly, the number of supercentenarians is in steady decline in recent years.