When lifestyles become "food-styles" , people become walking billboards, advertising excess and decadence. Widespread obesity has developed to pandemic proportions as society packs on the pounds, year after year.
Two-job families have fueled the need for fast food outlets. Having less time to cook, pizza has become a family staple. High tech advancements have made it unnecessary to exercise any part of our body except our fingers. Gadgets and toys which supposedly make life easier is actually making life too easy. When there is text-messaging, webcams and emails, why bother having human or social interaction? It can all be done via a machine. Why garner communication or a support system when there is endless food to fill that void?
Unfortunately, developing countries look upon Western excess as a "must have", in their endeavor to emulate progressive Western culture. Concept of the good life is infiltrating their modest means. Countries such as China are making way for fast-food culinary delights. McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Starbucks are invading a country full of healthy thin people; labor is still mostly done manually, without the help of machines. Now young children are introduced to "Happy Meals" and "Chicken McNuggets", and buckets of deliciously fried chicken.
Changing Values
In Europe, afternoon siestas and extended winter vacations are still a tradition. Coffee at a sidewalk cafe or strolling in the village square is a habitual evening occurrence. Europeans work hard, but also know the virtue of balance in their lives.
In North America, working couples have little time for sit-down dinners or family physical activity. Oftentimes, machines entertain the children, limiting the need to play outside or get fresh air. Fatigue sets in, eating for comfort becomes frequent, and eating healthy is placed on the back burner.
Emotional Health
Food is panacea for most people's problems. Instead of talking out problems, people turn to food for companionship. When bored, people exercise their mouths instead. When where are parties, food is of paramount importance. Children are rewarded with food for good behavior, instead of verbal positive reinforcement. Food becomes a disciplinary measure for some. After a while, food becomes a person's friend, family, therapist, and sometimes God. No wonder people are obese!
Status Symbols
Luxury cars used to be status symbols for the rich. The new status symbol for the middle class is to walk into the office, carrying a cup of Starbucks coffee ( in Canada, a Tim Horton's ). This symbol is as good as wearing Kelvin Klein jeans, or whatever the trend of the day is. Why spend dollars a day on one cup of coffee, when a whole pot can be made for a mere fifty cents?
Black coffee has no calories, but the popular double/double is loaded with calories, fat and carbohydrates. Add empty calories to an already out-of-shape body and one is courting disaster. Can one have a cup of coffee without being accompanied by a deliciously sweet doughnut?
Recessionary Fat
The latest news report states that during recessionary times, people tend to become fatter because they think fast food is cheaper. This is a misconception. A simple meal can be made for under $10 if one takes the time to Google the internet for ideas and suggestions.
During recessionary times, the body experiences adrenal fatigue. This helps put on excess weight. A stressed out body will go into "fight or flight" syndrome, and more fat hormones are manufactured to cope with the stress.
Lack of Education
Nutrition should be a compulsory course in high school. So little about the foods people put into their mouths. People are lackadaisical until confronted by lifestyle conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and even cancer. It is a vicious circle, when diagnosed with a condition, as many people are put on medications, which in turn makes them fatter as their bodies retain water. Most NSAIDS will put on an extra two pounds per year for the unsuspecting patient. Go figure! Conditions brought about by sedentary lives are exacerbated further by taking bloating drugs.