Years ago I was riding my bike with a new friend. She was, and still is, super fit. She’s a fellow endurance athlete, professor, and PhD. in anatomy. Our conversation was about smoking cigarettes. We all know how unhealthy smoking is for people. It’s actually not so horrible to ask someone who is smoking to move out of the way, or even ask them to put out the cigarette, if the smoke is bothering you. My friend then brought up a great point.
Why is it ok to ask someone to stop smoking, but it’s not okay to ask an obese person to put down the food they’re eating that we all know is killing them? I understand, that in the smoking example, the second hand smoke can be the culprit. The truth is that the health costs for obese people will also negatively effect the healthy people. It might not be the most politically correct question, but here we are over 15 years later dealing with an obesity crisis of enormous proportions.
The recently released obesity maps show that in the US, there is not one state that has an obesity average below 20%. That’s 1 in 5 people, at least, are obese. That’s not just a little overweight, that is full on obesity. There are over half of our states with at least 30% obesity. That’s almost 1 in every 3 people. That is incredibly horrible and makes me angry and sad all at the same time.
Supposedly we are one of the most developed nations in the world, yet the health of our nation does not reflect this fact. What are we to do? Well, as much as I want to shake people who are not treating themselves well, I know there is a deeper meaning. It’s deeper than I can wrap my brain around. I know people can suffer from all kinds of internal, emotional, traumatic experiences. It could also be the fast food, or the high fructose corn syrup, or bad parenting, but ultimately it doesn’t matter. At some point we all have to take responsibility for ourselves and that is what hasn’t happened.
The problem is going to continue to increase because it’s so difficult to stop once it starts. Eating poorly can be a real addiction and while there are many ways to treat addiction, you cannot stop eating. Being the eternal optimist that I am, I do believe that we can make a difference.
Here are just a few solutions for you, your loved one, or their loved one who is having trouble.
Lead by Example
We’ve all heard this our entire lives. Leading by example puts the responsibility back in your court. It puts it back onto you. Eat well, be the person you would be proud of in all your actions.
Stop Harming Yourself
Stop doing harm to yourself. I know this sounds like a tall order if you’re in the throws of an addiction, but stopping the negativity is the best way to begin your search for joy and happiness.
Believe You Can Be a Little Better.
Sometimes it all begins with the thought that you can be a little better, reach a little farther, run a little faster, or whatever. Find that belief in yourself and then nurture it with positive self talk and
Be More Physical
Yes, I’m an athlete and for pretty much my entire life, I’ve been exercising in one form or another. Now, at 47 years young, exercise is a more powerful medicine than anything I know.
If you or someone you love needs some help, please reach out. I’d be happy to help or help you find someone who can. It’s time to reverse the trend of hurting ourselves. Send me a message @teddymcdonald.
Originally posted on the author’s website.
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