Choices

 

I just read an article regarding obesity and whether or not it should be validated as a disease. The Internal Revenue Service ruled last year that, for tax purposes, obesity is a disease. If the medical profession goes along with that assessment millions of people with be able to get help through their health insurance companies for both medical and drug treatment.

I think it's time to take a step back from that SUPER SIZED BIG MAC AND FRIES, and take a look at our society.

When I was a kid the only fat person I knew of was Jackie Gleason. I remember sitting in front of the TV, watching the HONEY MOONERS and being astounded by his size. It was truly an oddity and rare finding. So what has changed in the last 50 years to cause Americans to bulk up?

Literally everywhere you turn in today's society there is a smiling face handing out food.

On your way into work count how many fast food joints you pass. If you take the freeway count the food signs preceding your exit. Surprising isn't it?

The Mall where you and your kids shop undoubtedly has a food court with 9 or 10 different restaurants, and throughout the Mall there are specialty shops selling pretzels, coffee, cookies, ice cream, candy...you get the idea.  

While watching TV the endless stream of commercials selling food is inescapable. Newspapers and magazines are loaded with ads and coupons: buy one dinner at the regular price and get the second for half price, $3 off regularly prices meals, buy a large pizza for the medium price, and the list goes on and on.

My point is, you just don't have to go very far to run into someone, somewhere trying to shove something to eat down your throat or conning you into "super sizing" that fast food meal. Even the espresso coffee chains had to jump onto the bandwagon and move from the 'Grande' size to the 'Venti' or 'Enorme' sizes. Big is better, right?

Is obesity really a disease? Perhaps in rare cases, but I suggest that instead it is because we overindulge ourselves to the point it is killing us.  If you think your health insurance premiums are high now, wait until obesity is declared a disease.