While I don't agree with the tone of the OP's post, I do believe that there is a nationwide epidemic--both of the obesity itself, and of becoming complacent with thinking it's OK to be morbidly overweight.
Simply put, for those who do not have a medical reason behind the weight problem, we all know that in reality, it's not OK. Of course many struggle with losing weight or keeping it off, but I do believe for every person who is seriously trying to live a healthier lifestyle, two or more just have given up.
My concern is very much for the long term financial implications that we as a country will have to face to treat the diseases associated with what is generally an avoidable situation for someone who is truly committed.
Unlike taxing cigarettes to pay for the healthcare of those with smoking related illnesses, we can't tax food to pay for obesity related illnesses.
I'm also concerned about the growing trend for various surgical relief. Bottom line, all a gastric bypass does is reduce food consumption. That is something that can be done with willpower, it does not require surgery. Except in a few people with hormonal or other physiological conditions or pharmacuetical related weight gains, it's all about diet. Calories in versus calories burned.
Why are the rates of obsesity so high these days? Sedentary lifestyle--I do believe that we are far less active than we used to be as a country. Overbooked lives where fast food too often replaces healthy nutritious home cooked meals. Hormones and additives that are in our foods--I seldom hear this as a cause, but do wonder if there is a relation.
What is the answer? I don't know. I struggle to keep the weight off myself. It's not an easy thing to do, but I do manage to keep my weight within the normal range for my height and build.
I do believe that *most* morbidly obese people need psychiatric treatment, nutritional counseling, and a strong support group to lose the weight. I'm not saying anyone is nuts, but I do believe that often morbidly obese people have eating disorders and self-esteem issues, and need the treatment of a team of professionals to allow them to not only lose the weight but also keep it off long term. Unfortunately many health insurers do not cover this type of treatment, which is of course short-sighted.
I don't have the answers, but I do know that something must be done, because we're slowly eating ourselves to death.
Anne