Over seventy million Americans are obese. More than 100 million adults are overweight. Rates of childhood obesity are also increasing with the latest data showing that 19.3 percent of U.S. children and teens, ages 2 to 19, have obesity. In the mid-1970s, 5.5 percent of young people had obesity. We are the fattest we have ever been in recorded history.
How did we get here?
The American Diet
Processed foods make up 70% of the average American’s diet. The convenience that processed foods give consumers have led to obesity and diabetes. Diabetes is the 7th cause of death in the US. A study from BMJ Innovations found that processed foods were responsible for about 90% of added sugars in an average American diet. Processed foods contain artificial ingredients such as dyes, high amounts of sugar and high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and vegetable oils.
This is what many kids are being fed before school. School cafeterias also offer these cereals along with chocolate donuts, chocolate milk, and fruit punch. No wonder more than 40% of children suffer from chronic illnesses, according to the CDC.
In case you’re unaware, “Fat-Free” is NOT a symbol of health. The good fat has been replaced with ultra-processed sugars and carbs. Stay away from anything labeled “Fat-Free”.
Lack of Movement
We are also moving less than at any time in history. The average American only walks 3,000- 4,000 steps per day. Ten thousand steps a day should be a reasonable target. Children should spend majority of the day outdoors, not behind desks and screens.
“Body Positivity”
“You can be healthy at any size,” they say. WRONG.
Obesity puts you at a much greater risk for stroke, diabetes, heart disease. Obesity is often associated with 236 comorbidities. According to the American Heart Association, the cost of obesity in the US totals about $147 billion.
Many doctors are now legalized meds dealers yet they’re uncomfortable talking about obesity with their patients. Last year, doctors wrote more than 4 billion prescriptions.
This country has a metabolic crisis. Our bodies aren’t meant to be obese and our society should NEVER normalize it. We need to return back to our roots.
Here are some basic principals you can follow immediately:
Eat real foods (meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, raw dairy).
Cook ALL of your meals. It’s a game changer!
Cook with healthy oils and fats.
Walk daily.
Once you start listening to your own body signals, you’ll be surprised how much inner wisdom you have on what to eat and how much to eat.
Begin now.