Why We're Fat
Obesity is on the rise, despite our obsession with six-pack abs and movie-star bodies. There are many things that contribute to our current weight problems including:
- Computers and the Internet
- Hours of mindless TV-watching
- Cars
- Neighborhoods that aren't exercise-friendly
- Technology that makes it possible to do everything from a chair
- Medical advances that let us off the hook (such as plastic surgery)
- Busy schedules
- Lack of physical activity in schools as well as easy access to junk food for kids
- Denial. Most people know that quick fix pills and gadgets don't work but they keep trying them anyway to avoid exercise.
- Confusion. There are so many rules about eating and exercise that we allow ourselves to get overwhelmed by the choices and don't do anything.
- We're too literal. We believe, if we can't meet the standard exercise guidelines, why exercise at all?
- Our priorities are skewed. We want to look good and focus our energies on appearance rather than health and daily quality of life.
- Fear. Exercise is scary. We might do it wrong, we might fail, it might hurt...etc.
Of course, there are other factors involved with obesity, like genetics or certain conditions that preclude weight loss, but for most of us, we're fat and there's no excuse for it. If you're tired of making excuses for your health, now is the time to take control.
Next page Taking Control
