Have you seen the latest figures on health coming out from the USA? Obesity has become the direct no2 killer disease, second only to tobacco. Obesity kills around 400 000 people whereas tobacco has only 430 000 to its credit. Other frightening illnesses kill far less. Because we are now used to thinking of these as illnesses, it is time we do something about it. Such as Alcoholism kills only 85000 or so. I wonder if the time has not come to think of Obesity as a danger hovering over our heads. Perhaps it would be wiser to begin thinking of it as a disease and start campaigning vigorously against it like we do for alcoholism and diabetes and heart disease. Incidentally, diabetes and heart problems are originating from the same sources as that of obesity and obesity is only seen, as yet, as a problem AFTER these two have entrenched themselves in the system. Obviously there is something wrong with our blanket acceptance of obesity and not thinking of it as aberrance.

We can blame the fast food chains. But the boring truth is that it is we, who are not taking ourselves seriously. The horse can be led to water but not be forced to drink. Food has now been made plentiful, easily and readily available at the press of a switch. The temptation to overindulge is great and nobody can be blamed for that but our own selves.

And these figures are not limited to USA, Europe and other rich economies. China and India are showing the same tendencies. Getting wealthier brings in its wake many new attitudes. With opportunity comes the desire to bring in more of the moolah home. So, ask anyone in these fast economies and you will be told that they are harried for time. It is not only the adipose tissue that increases with the income. So does the griping and cribbing. It is logical and understandable. As the income goes up, much more of the desired activities can be undertaken and there is never enough time. You can use it either to earn it or spend it!

We want choices and hate when it is made for us. So today as statistics show, the US market has 220 different car models, 250 breakfast cereals, 400 VCRs; and even in such a minor thing as showerheads there are at least 35. It is overwhelming. Making a choice is not only difficult, it leaves us with a permanent feeling of something lacking as if we could have had something better but now are unfortunately stuck with something second best. So unhappiness is becoming second nature. As material wants are satisfied, psychological wants come to the fore. These psychological needs fulfilled by friendship cannot be filled with pure cash.

This does not mean economic growth is bad. No, but let’s not forget that our lives are in our hands and the controls are only for us to apply. If there is wealth let it be shared. If choices have to be made, make them and live happily with it. If change is again needed and money is not a problem, do it but don’t crib. The secret is in how well we use what we have.

Diabetes and heart problems are originating from the same sources as that of obesity and obesity is only seen, as yet, as a problem AFTER these two have entrenched themselves in the system. Obviously there is something wrong with our blanket acceptance of obesity and not thinking of it as aberrance.

By LawZ Bureau,