Obesity in the USA

Looking back a few decades, say 30 years back, there weren't that many heavily obese people in the world.  There were a few but it certainly wasn't an epidemic.  What happened in the past 30 years to make our society so excessively obese? 

 Sadly there isn't any 'one' thing that can be laid at the feet of obesity in the USA.  It is a combination of several different influences that have caused this problem. The lack of physical activity, fast food and the fact that the United States is the single most medicated society on the planet. We, the USA, consume 60% of all pharmaceuticals produced on the planet. We are the 'only' nation suffering with a national obesity epidemic, and we are one of only two countries that allow prescription medications to be advertised directly to the public. New Zealand is currently working to end this practice.

 How does being medicated cause obesity?  Adipose tissue or fat as we call it, has several functions. One function is storing energy. Another function is insulation from toxins. Medication, if it is anything, is toxic. The side effects alone should tell you this.  Many anti-depressants cause obesity by destroying the individuals metabolism...shutting it down completely.  When a person gains 50lbs in a month and they eat like a bird there is a serious problem. 

 Pharmaceutical consumption exploded in the United States with the rise of managed care. Since the Pharmaceutical industry owns the lions share of this market it would stand to reason that they would have a vested interest in directing insurance coverage toward their own specialty.  It has also been in the past 30 years that profits in this industry have skyrocketed to unprecedented heights.  Not only have their profits soared the rate of disease has risen on par with the increase in pharmaceutical consumption.  Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, crones disease and a host of other maladies can be laid squarely at the feet of the Pharmaceutical industry.

 When was the last time you went to your MD and he/she didn't try to sell you on a new drug?  How many people do you know that are 'not' on medication?  Of those people who are medicated how many of them are thin? How many of them are what you would define as healthy?  These are questions you must ponder if you wish to enter into the wellness life style. 

Health and wellness are for those willing to take responsibility for themselves. 

Dr. B