by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: December 28, 2009   Last Updated: January 04, 2010

It would appear that there are far too many fat people in the West today, especially when compared to just over half a century ago. What has changed since then to leave more people than ever struggling to control their weight? Perhaps an easier question to answer would be what hasn’t changed? Clearly, the human body hasn’t undergone any fundamental changes since then so that it is still programmed to store extra calories as fat in case of times of famine, even though this is no longer an issue for most Westerners. Indeed, there is so much food available that people actually have trouble restraining themselves and, combined with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, everyone is getting heavier.

With so many people becoming obese and developing weight-related health issues it is surprising that eating the right diet and getting enough exercise are not being prioritised. More people are finding their health suffering as a result of their lifestyle choices and yet they are not prepared to do anything about this situation. Perhaps, people prefer to remain in denial about the extent of their problem, which is easy to do when everyone around them is getting fatter as well, and so put off even trying to lose weight. People often do not regard their weight as something worth addressing until they have a heart attack or become ill and are suddenly forced to confront their bad habits.

Everybody has habits they’ve fallen into and usually these are not the kinds of habits that promote good health. Most people eat too much junk food and don’t get enough exercise, and use their lifestyle as an excuse to get out of changing this. When people have to work long, irregular hours, don’t get enough sleep and don’t have enough time to spend with their family and friends they can find that they succumb to stress, anxiety and depression. Their diet and making time for exercise are the least of their worries so that if they feel like eating a burger they just eat one, and if they don’t feel like going to the gym they won’t bother.

However, eating a balanced diet that provides the body with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients means that individuals are more likely to have healthier insides which is reflected on the outside. A clear complexion; strong, shiny hair; strong teeth and nails are a good indication that a person is eating a balanced diet. Likewise, exercise helps individuals feel good and look good. It might take a chunk of time out of a person’s day, but it can also help with stress and anxiety, and is vital for keeping the heart healthy.

The body is a machine that needs the right fuel and maintenance if it is to continue functioning effectively, so that diet and exercise have an incredibly important role to play in keeping people healthy.

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