Eating more than the body can burn off with daily activity only partially contributes to weight gain. Other factors include genetics, hormones/hormone deficiencies, socio-economics, stress and environment. In just two generations, our lifestyles have changed drastically. We sit at desks or counters instead of working in fields. We eat delicious food made from refined carbohydrates and sugars, not whole fruits and grains. We ride in cars instead of walking to our destinations.
The standard of living we now enjoy has created a new epidemic. We are overweight, and are experiencing a whole new list of health risks for being overweight:
- Heart disease and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma
- Vascular problems (e.g. varicose veins)
- Venous ulcers
But the most troubling aspect is this: we are the first generation in recent history who won’t live as long as our parents.
With so many options, controlling our food intake is a difficult proposition. But one thing is certain…we can only lose some of the weight and minimize some of the health risks for being overweight by eating less of what we love.