Why is being overweight such a calamity in modern-day American society?
There is a stigma towards overweight people because society feels that individuals have the power to control their weight and those individuals who choose not to restrict and deny themselves, lack will power and are therefore irresponsible and morally deficient. Also, overweight people feel guilty and shameful and sometimes feel as if they deserve scrutiny. Like, if they had cancer, we would be sympathetic. But since they choose to overeat, we judge them harshly, so it’s okay.
The problem of overweight in 50% of the USA population impacts our healthcare system costs, behind an obese person there are emotional issues.Eating is the ‘relief valve” for problems unsolved. The old saying: “Eat to live, do not live to eat” applies more than ever to our society. Therefore we need to approach the “ups and downs” in our life, as mature adults, setting realistic goals, loving ourselves, and looking into the future with honesty, confidence and determination. If you see yourself with respect (soul, mind, body as an unit), not through others eyes but yours, and seek your inner peace, surrounded by those who love you, with a job that challenge your abilities and talents, well, your life will dramatically change for the best.
It’s because it can lead to serious health risks such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. As webmd.com explains: “It is fairly common knowledge that being overweight increases your risk of developing a number of health problems. One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to maintain an appropriate body weight through a combination of sensible eating and frequent exercise. Just in case you want some compiling reasons why maintaining an appropriate weight is important, please consider the following: Overweight individuals are more likely to have high blood pressure than people who are not overweight. High levels of cholesterol (measured in the blood) are often linked to being overweight. Being overweight contributes to increased risk of sudden death from heart disease or stroke (without any preceding signs or symptoms). Type 2 (Adult Onset) Diabetes is twice as likely to develop in people who are overweight as compared to those not overweight. Several types of cancer are
