How People Gain Weight


by Sean Burton - Date: 2006-11-28 - Word Count: 619 Share This!

I do see a trend here of people who say gaining some weight is healthy. I completely agree, it is normal for those who are under stress to gain or lose weight. I am not writing this article for that reason but to point out that the Large reason why most people are overweight due to weight gain is not through a natural response to outside influences but because of an internal choice. People and health professionals all have their reasons for people to gain weight. How many are similar? Who should be cited as being right or wrong. And who is responsible for people who gain to much weight?

Predictably, people cited overeating and drinking are the main reasons. The reasons behind this, although, were complex and interesting:

* boredom - many social gatherings revolve around going out to eat

* depression - people eat to find excitement

* comfort - find security in overeating

* constant availability of food (including convenience foods)

* bad eating habits - often un educated about nutrition

* eating at the wrong time - having lots of food before dinner

* always finishing all the food on the plate - being full and having food on the plate is not okay

* rewarding behavior with sweet treats, and nurturing through food

* snack eating - eating inappropriate foods

* eating the wrong foods - to many processed foods

* 'healthy' food is more expensive - due to poor education and nutrition training

Lack of exercise was also cited, with the reasons behind it including:

* Laziness / too tired after work - motivation

* sedentary leisure activities (e.g. watching television, computer games)

* unable to exercise because of injury, or just too big

* prohibitive cost of health clubs/exercise classes - education

* being housebound - education

Health professionals gave broadly similar reasons for the prevalence of overweight as the general public, but also cited other reasons:

*Poverty

* poor nutrition education

* poor literacy

* poor labeling of products by both manufacturers and supermarkets

* lack of availability of fruit and vegetables in some (particularly urban) areas

* lack of traditional cooking skills

Look at these similarities of both health professionals and general public. Although the people have a lot more reasons as to why they gain weight, professionals have a lot smaller reason list that is more to the point. I found that it is nutritional education, income, biology, and my favorite personal choice.

Nutritional education is everywhere from the bookstore to the internet. Some great places I know of on the internet is WebMd.com - traditional medicine and great health tips, wholehealthmd.com - good info on herbs and mineral supplements, nutritionhealthinfo.com - excellent source for alternative medicine. These are just a few.

Income can be another deciding factor. This one has more validity than most of the other reasons I have heard however it does give them a challenge. A report by Boston Medical called, 'The Real Co$t of a Healthy Diet' - Aug,2005. Shows that fresh foods and healthy store bought food is available, people just need to make better choices.

Biology this can be tricky and sometimes devilish when it comes to people and there choices. Undoubtedly people can blame there bodies that is making them fat. Sometimes it is true and test of your body chemistry can produce the answer. Some places I suggest checking out is the White Head Institute of Biomedical Research, pubmed.gov, and Harvard school of public health.

Choice is our gift as human beings and is what we have embodied in our 'America'. I can't stand someone who points at others and says, "You made me do this______". What ever 'this' is whether it is get fat, hit, murder, or choose to super size it is all about personal choice. People gain weight due to their own choice and decision. Next time someone points the finger think about this… you will always have 3 pointing right back at you!


Related Tags: diet, fat, weight, loss, calories, burn

Sean Burton is a former nicotine user. With the power of choice he has found an excellent fitness routine and many more resources to help those who want to live a better, healthier lifestyle. Visit his blog at http://burnthefat.eponym.com/blog Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles

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