A new report by a British government-sponsored think-tank states that obesity does not simply result from over-eating and a lack of exercise, but is a consequence of modern life.
“Although personal responsibility plays a crucial part in weight gain, human biology is being overwhelmed by the effects of today’s ‘obesogenic’ environment, with its abundance of energy-dense food, motorised transport and sedentary lifestyles.
“As a result, the people of the UK are inexorably becoming heavier simply by living in the Britain of today.”
Excuse me, but that’s a pile of crap.
Not only do we have individuals who refuse to take responsibility for their own situations, instead choosing to blame fast food restaurants, soda companies, junk food manufacturers, and whoever else happens to be a convenient target, but now we have the British government encouraging people to abdicate personal responsibility for their weight issues.
Give me a break. I think they created this report just so they could coin the word “obesogenic”.
Nobody forces you to eat all of the energy-dense food available at every corner in the form of fast food restaurants. Just because there is a McDonalds on every block doesn’t mean you have to eat there.
And motorized transport is now a culprit? Buy a bike. Take a walk. If you are taking your car to go around the block to buy a cheeseburger, that isn’t society’s fault, pal. Look in the mirror.
And don’t even try to tell me that a sedentary lifestyle is caused by anything other than personal choice. Society doesn’t glue your lazy ass to the couch to watch Oprah. You do. If you don’t exercise, there is nobody to blame but yourself.
And, as expected, you have the pundits and know-it-alls lining up to say that this report proves that governments aren’t doing enough to tackle the obesity issue. According to this report, “Tackling obesity, like tackling climate change, requires a range of changes in society, from increasing everyday activity through the design of the built environment and transport systems to shifting the drivers of the food chain and consumer purchasing patterns to favor healthier options.”
Puh-lease. Let’s over-complicate matters so that we can continue to justify expanding waistlines.
You’re overweight? Don’t blame McDonalds for making hamburgers or Ford for making inexpensive cars. You, and only you, made the choice to drive a block for a cheeseburger.
~Dave
About the Author
Dave Soucy is a coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. His goal is to teach as many people as possible how to achieve a life of health, fitness, and wellness through simply eating right and exercising. Click here to learn more about Dave.
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