If Diets Don't Work, What's the Solution to Obesity in America?

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Isn't it wonderful to think that if everyone just "did like I do" then we would all be thin, healthy, and successful? Well, believe me, NO ONE STARTS OUT TRYING TO BE FAT!!! If we could proceed without judgements, then we could all reap some sort of benefit. I believe the article proposes a "whole community" solution to encouraging exercise and a healthier lifestyle instead of the "individualized" solutions that most of us are used to. So come on, people! Wouldn't it be great if we could ALL have a community garden for fresh vegetables? How about a safe, well-lit, convenient bike path or running path? Maybe an outdoor area to do calesthenics or tai chi? A playground for kids and a wellness exercise area for adults? If we all approach it as a positive, then everyone can benefit...not just the "fat" people.

Liz Stevens of AZ 4:08PM June 02, 2009

I'm 23 now and can't remember even thinking about my weight until I was around 18.Today, the environment that children are submersed in is brightly plastered with fast-food advertising and unfortunately children do not embody the control they need to filter out pollution in their environments, (celebrities , Kids Meals, etc...)
We must work to regulate fast-food marketing to our children if we hope to end our obesity pandemic.
http://valuethemeal.blogspot.com/

geetha of MA 12:29PM May 19, 2009

i'm 15 and i live in a world where adults set poor eating examples for their kids. If we do not want our younger generation to continue to get fatter and sicker the adults have to step up and be role models exercising and eating healthier with their kids. most parents don't do this and they wonder why their kids are addicted to video games and junk food. step up and be the parents to my generation is crying out for it! step up parents! step up!

Angela Littlefair of NC 12:35PM May 13, 2009

I am 42 years old. I weigh the same as I did when I wrestled in high school 139lbs. It seems that we have to make it "easy" for people to accomplish things these days. How about if we stop blaming society for the problem and look squarely at the individual. Society does not make you fat. I don't drink, and I live in a society where alchohol is sold everywhere. Can't people take RESPONSIBILITY for their actions?

Tom of FL 1:42AM March 21, 2009

The opinions advanced by obesity researchers that new public policy and consumer education initiatives will help solve America’s overweight and obesity crisis are misguided. Government’s track record at abating obesity is dismal. The real solution lies with the food industry. The role of policymakers should be limited to what they do best: setting goals not managing programs. Since calories are the primary culprit and their supply has increased by almost 30% since the 1950s, regulators can demand that corporations shave off at least 10% of the calories sold annually, which would go a long way to eliminating Weapons of Mass Consumption such as high calorie beverages, snacks and meals. Then, let the food companies take over and figure out how to achieve the target reduction. Unlike proposed public initiatives to tax or ban certain "sin" foods, this approach would have the effect of engaging the food industry to act in the public’s best interest by giving food corporations the flexibility to determine which combination of products, packages and portion sizes would yield the highest profits while lowering calories to the consumer. Everyone wins.

Hank Cardello of NC 1:54PM March 18, 2009

I am sick of people repeating over and over that 'diets don't work'. It's true that most FAD diets do not work over the long term. But if someone cuts calories and increases activity, and then sticks with it, they will lose weight. If someone gains weight, they can lose it, it's not a one way street. Does it take hard work and will power? Yes. But it is possible.

Katherine Hobson: The point is that on paper, yes, sensible diet and exercise work. In practice, even when helped with planning, advice, support and counseling that the average person does not get, the vast majority of people lose weight initially and then put it back on. It is possible, but difficult. If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, you can see why many feel we should redirect our energies to other approaches.

M of MA 4:10PM March 11, 2009

Since obese people are a hated minotity in this country, why doesn't the government simply exterminate them? That would solve the problem. Their fat could be used to make soap.

Chris of CA 12:31PM March 09, 2009

Simply place a minimal tax upon obesity causing substances identified by fat content, calories, etc... to increase the cost and finance health care reform. As we all are abusers of food, drink, exercise, harmful activities we should simply tax them all as a deterrent. Just as we should place deposits upon all recylable materials to deter waste and provide value to promote collection. In this time of economic challenges, a recycling program would be beneficial to everyone including the weight challenged. By simply getting folks to collect cans it would provide income, exercise, family activity and cardio benefits as my family has done for years by simply walking the neighborhood together talking and picking up trash after supper!!!

Ray Fisher of NM 7:49PM March 06, 2009

Since it's well-established that diets don't work, why don't we consider that we don't need to solve "obesity." When you actually look at the data, weight plays a remarkably small role in health, paling in comparison to lifestyle factors like stress, activity and nutrition. So why not support people in adopting healthier habits, and take the emphasis off of weight? There's a growing movement called Health at Every Size, and research shows it results in dramatic improvements in physical health and well-being. A web search will turn up plenty of info or you can check out my book, Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight (www.HAESbook.com).

Linda Bacon of CA 6:22PM March 06, 2009

I have met people who lost and kept their weight off by going back to a natural plant-based diet. They eat food in as an unprocessed of a state as possible. They do cook a few items, but the diet mirrors the food in the Garden of Eden. It is vegetarian, high in fiber, low in fat, and simple to follow. Maybe we should start looking at what NEWSTART, Weimar, Hartland and other institutions are doing. They succeed, why can't we?

Christian Thomas of TX 5:50PM March 06, 2009