It seems as though every time I read my Sydney Morning Herald or browse through a magazine I read about Australia's obesity epidemic. The epidemic is real. It's here and it's not just the baby boomers who are affected.
This week, two items in the SMH caught my eye. On Tuesday, 5th October, there was an item about research in Melbourne which shows that happiness depends life choices and not upon genetics or childhood experiences. There was a little summary under a heading in red: "Recipe for Contentment": have a happy partner; don't be overworked; prioritise family; don't be materialistic; don't be obese.
The following day, Ross Gittins wrote a great article "Obesity problem is bigger than we think, despite GDP benefits". I quote: "As measured by gross domestic product, obesity is a win-win-win situation. The more you eat the more you add to GDP and the profits of businesses. If the message of advertisers and marketing make you self-conscious about your overweight, everything you spend on fancy diets, gym subscriptions etc adds to GDP".
It almost makes one think that the whole economy is based on fattening Australians up whilst making them try to become thin - a sort of never-ending tug o' war between McDonalds and Fitness First!
Years ago I saw Rod Quantock, Australian comedian, on television. After a big build-up he let the audience in on a secret method of weight reduction: STOP EATING.
The truth is that the only real way to prevent obesity is: eat less and move more. Don't eat junk food, EVER. Move, move, move. You'll be happier and thinner.
That's why the Baby Boomers Rights Meetup will be involved in activities involving physical activity - walking and dancing. Hope to see you there.
