Ok, maybe not "democracy", but we are slowly turning them into us. Kick ass! <br><br>

I am constantly amazed at how many people are really flabbby and obese. Many are women... I'm sure it's harder for them.<br><br>I too have trouble keeping it off... I'm probably 15-20 lbs too heavy, but I've given up lunch (eat an apple) and take stairs instead of elevators to comabt some weight gain.<br><br>I think too many people gave up too easily and became couch/desk potatoes!<br>They (and we) will all pay - lives - insurance rates, medical costs, operations, etc.<br><br>And I still see many people over eating - buffets, extra size meals... Kee-rist- use a little common sense.<br><br><br>David (OFI)

This is a pretty complex subject, I think. There are many reasons that this is a problem in today's western societies. Its not just self-control, exercise and eating habits. The calorie content of most foods today is incredibly high.<br><br>It takes a lot of time and more money just to find and buy healthy foods in most places in America (we don't all live in places with quality grocery shopping). Fresh produce and lean meats are far more expensive than the pre-prepared stuff. Its very discouraging.<br><br>Now that I'm on the slippery downslope to 40, I'm also finding it harder to keep the waistline from expanding. I eat significantly less than I did a few years ago, yet still have to work harder to keep the weight off. I wish taking the stairs was enough, because I've never enjoyed exercise simply for the sake of exercise. <br><br>

You are so right Trog. Part of it is the calorie rich food we eat. My son at the CIA (culinary school) had to read a book recently called Fast Food Nation which delt with exactly your point.. many foods a re prepared quickly, laden with fats, and poor nutrition. No wonder we have so many overweight people and people with cancers.<br><br>But then that's another "Choice" people make. One should sparingly eat all those "fast foods". Try some salads and some plain ole home cooking.... beans, rice, plain potato, woked vegetables, etc.<br><br><br>yeah 40 is the UN-magic number for the ole metabolism slowing and the lbs seem to come from nowhere.<br>Beloieve me I DO have sympathy, but some pople appear not to give a hoot how flabby they get. Most are overweight but I don't understand whay they don't try to limit it. I don't expect all to be like Britany ! <br><br><br>David (OFI)

I've always been heavy, but managed to keep the weight off with retail work (on feet all day). But as a computer programmer health goes out of the window - contract says 40 hours + what the job requires - the job actually requires 50+ hours, and you don't get paid extra. So life becomes get up, go to work, get home, fall asleep - before I got married I'd sometimes skip supper as I was too tired!! Corporations are two faced in their concern for their workers - work you into the ground then get rid of you when you get too unhealthly for their bottom line - but they shout from the highest tower how they "care" and have "integrity".<br><br><br>- This is gonna get pretty interesting. <br>- Define "interesting". <br>- Oh, God, oh, God, we're all gonna die..

I've found there's nothing wrong with the odd "fast food" hit - skip the fries, and go for the plain "hamburger". I find even a 1/4ib burger is more than I can manage these days [smaile]<br><br><br>- This is gonna get pretty interesting. <br>- Define "interesting". <br>- Oh, God, oh, God, we're all gonna die..

I swear, the food service, weight loss, and pharma industries are in cahoots. The family style and QSR chains are literally shoving their 2 lb greaseburgers down our throats. Then you've got Slimefast and Fatkins hawkers on every channel, followed by pitches for Limpator and Zantackabricktomyass... We're outta control!! Even the expression "fat lip" has lost it's punch.<br><br>

there ya go- THAT'S SMART... <br><br>burger at least has vegetables on it. <br>pickle, tomato, lettuce, onion...<br>the meat itself isn't bad and katsup and mustard aren't high calorie<br><br>good idea.<br><br>see compromises aren't so bad and maybe 1 outta every 3-4 times get some fries.. or at many places (like Wendy's) get a side salad and go light on the dressing unless it's vinegar based.<br><br>David (OFI)

Dave, Katsup IS a veggie. Did you not pay attention to his Ronaldness (and I don't mean McDonaldness). <br><br>

"Indeed, the five states with the highest obesity rates — Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Kentucky — exhibit much higher rates of poverty than the national norm.<br>Meanwhile, the five states with the lowest obesity have less poverty. They are Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont."<br><br>Rich people don't eat at Mickey Dees!<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>[color:blue][/b]Been there. Done that.</font color=blue>[/b]