Big Waistlines = Big Money
By now you’ve likely heard the latest projections for future US obesity rates. In 2030, some are speculating that nearly 42% of the population will be obese.
The shocking stats have been all over the news and social media and got a lot of people talking. But when I read Jack Cafferty’s CNN blog I felt that I needed to add my two Angry cents. Why – because Jack ended his post with this question – “Where is the U.S. headed if 42% of us are obese by 2030?”
Well, I have a few ideas where we’ll be as a nation – and who’ll be benefitting!
By 2030 the overweight people of today will be even heavier and the companies and medical establishment that make billions off of their poor health will be even richer. Frankly I think many people in this country don’t want to cure obesity and the reason is simple – MONEY. Some estimate that this rise in obesity rates would generate an additional 550 BILLION dollars in related medical expenses in years to come – in addition to the billions being generated now. Think about all the magic pills, powders, weight loss surgeries and other medical costs. Let’s be honest being big is good for business. As long as people are fat, there’ll be doctors and snake oil salesman cleaning up at the bank. Do you REALLY think they want Americans to be thinner? They’ll be out of work.
On the political front Michelle Obama has famously introduced My Plate, a supposedly better eating guide and has urged the population to shape up. Yet at the same time our governments subsidize and support corn syrup manufacturing, GMO foods and all other sorts of behind closed doors deals that seriously effects the quality and safety of our food supply.
Here’s what I think – forget about Big Brother giving you a helping hand. If we want to stop obesity, we need to take the initiative on our own. It’s not Michelle Obama’s responsibility to teach us how to eat right or to explain that exercise is good for us. WE KNOW THAT. Instead, educate yourself and learn how to treat your body the right way. There is tremendous power and information right at your fingertips, literally just a click away. I agree we should have programs available to those who need support, guidance and help with weight loss. It’s a no brainer as far as I’m concerned. We do it for addicts so why not for the obese. But if you’re waiting around for the government to regulate what’s on our shelves and to help you make better choices, I think you’ll be waiting a long time.
Take your own life in your hands and make a choice. We all have the same power to control our own lives. So where will we be by 2030? If we don’t change who takes action for our problems, we’ll just be fatter. And poorer too. Well, maybe not all of us…
All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.
| Print article | This entry was posted by Alfonso on May 10, 2012 at 5:39 pm, and is filed under NEWS. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
























about 1 year ago
another big money maker is research – jobs are created, labs make money research is a huge money maker for diseases and obesity – no money in everyone being healthy
about 1 year ago
I learned this the hard way when my physician through Kaiser told me I needed to lose weight and set me up with a nutritionist…who gave me a food pyramid and suggested I eat one mini-bagel for breakfast instead of a regular-sized bagel, and try to get more veggies in my life.
You are absolutely right about taking it into our own hands. A few months after this joke of a visit to the Kaiser nutritionist, I walked up to a trainer at my gym and said, “I need help.” Three years, four trainers (some have moved, I moved, had to find the right fit, etc.) and a TON of work later, I am 80 pounds lighter. I’m off the high blood pressure meds I used to take, as well as the anti-depressants.
Kaiser can kiss my ass, though. They didn’t do anything for me.
about 1 year ago
This has been one of my favorite articles. So true and real. Thank you for your opinion
about 1 year ago
If our government cared about the obesity rates in this country, they wouldn’t be supporting and subsidizing the travesty that we call the American public school lunch program.
about 1 year ago
ITA completely!!!
about 1 year ago
Yes yes YES!! Great post Alfonso! It kills me to see people, so innocent and vulnerable, trusting their health in the hands of our government… I went on a similar rant about this yesterday only it was regarding a cure for cancer. I know, vastly different but the issue is the same. If a cure for cancer was found and, G-D forbid, announced…there’d be a hell of a lot of people out of jobs. The greed out there sickens me but… when possible, we MUST take our health into our own hands and keeping our bodies fit is one place we CAN take control. Thanks for your wise words!
about 2 months ago
Thank you for this, Alfonso! Great article. I will be sharing this with everybody. I never ever win any arguments when it comes to discussions on healthy lifestyle and eating. So this is so perfect!