Obesity in America: With a Stroke of a Pen Many of Us Became FAT!

June, 1998, CNN reports that millions of Americans became 'fat' overnight!

April, 2003, the NIH Obesity Research Task Force reports that 65 % of American adults are overweight. The task force, established in April, 2003 to research obesity, looks for ways to prevent obesity through lifestyle modification, medication, and surgical approaches.

Why did this change occur? Are we really so concerned where our neighbors weigh in at? Will we become an Orwellian Society, secretly reporting to Big Brother that our friend, family member or neighbor ate a Twinkie?

Perhaps we are moving that direction. In recent years, we have come to blame McDonald's for their product, rather than the personal responsibility to eat in moderation. New York City has recently banned Trans fats from their restaurants. The various food establishments are being given a short time to comply, but should they have to? Will grocery stores in New York be required to remove Oreo's from their shelves soon because of the Trans Fats in them? Will the Federal Government control our eating in the near future?

Why is it the fault of restaurants that we, as Americans, are obese. Do they hypnotize us, hold a gun to our heads, or is it subliminal messages in commercials we see on TV? If this is true, then why do I see people of all sizes when I walk through restaurants and fast food joints. Slim and obese alike!

Re-writing the requirements of what makes a person obese was the first step in creating our fat society. In reality, the reason behind these changes and controls that are being put in place is that many people are concerned about the rising cost of health care. Each time you write your congressman or senator about health care for all, think about the end results.

At first glance, health care for all is a warm fuzzy concept. Similar to welfare, we all appreciate the feeling we have in being able to care for others especially when we picture the very young and old. Step back though, and look at the ramifications of a health care system for all.

Years ago, before welfare and health care for all, Americans worked for a living. They saved money until they could afford to purchase an item. Monthly payments were not an option back then. During those times, they may have walked to work or rode a bike or took a bus if you lived in a larger city. The choices for eating were certainly more limited, and exercise occurred in your daily life as you walked to work. Leisure time was a luxury item and valued. In today's society we view welfare and health care as an entitlement.

An example that comes to mind occurred in Oregon several years ago that allowed a welfare recipient to have a medical procedure to help her loose weight because of depression.

I agree that basic health screenings, dental care, vision, and an immunization program are necessary for children under the age of 16. I disagree that further care should be placed on the rest of society. But who decides how far it goes?