Possible Obesity Causes

June 3rd, 2009

by John R. Sedivy

As I continue to make my way through “The End Of Overeating” I have come across some fascinating facts. For one, the author mentions that most people up until about the 1980’s maintained an optimum weight, plus or minus a few pounds – yes only a few pounds. In the ‘80s a government researcher noticed that the number of people who were overweight spiked dramatically. As I mentioned yesterday, this was an increase across the board – young, old, male, female, wealthy, poor, educated, uneducated, it simply did not matter – the only common thread was that the data was from Americans. These findings were subsequently published in a report in July 1994, with carefully checked data.

For my initial assessment of this book, refer to my article called “The End Of Overeating?”

A Personal Reflection
I recall returning home after a year of living in Japan as a Marine around 1996-97 time frame. As a Marine I was fairly healthy – I had to be it was a requirement. If not, you would be poked, prodded, and even exercised to death until you fit within the health guidelines. The funny thing is that when I lived in Japan I was even healthier. Fast food was nearly non-existent. Portions were very small. Rice and fish were plentiful, red meat was in low supply. I did not own a car, so I walked everywhere. After a year of this lifestyle, I had become very healthy.

Then I returned home. I remember my initial reaction to America after being away for an extended time. Everything was bigger, actually not just bigger, everything was super-sized – I mean huge. Cars were larger, portions were bigger, fast food was even more plentiful, and of course Americans in general were larger. I have never been much of a fast food consumer, however I remember that food in general required some adjustment. After initial illness, I fit right back in, in no time!

What Happened?
At this point in the book, the author, the Dr. David Kessler identifies three potential answers – although he alludes that there may be much more going on than meets the eye.

Is it scarcity? Are Americans afraid that we are going to run out of food? Not so fast. Food is very much available, it is actually all around us. Actually I find that food is sometimes too available – just within arms reach, just when I need it least. Sure there are likely some exceptions, especially given the worsening economy, but all in all there is not a famine in America.

How about willpower or self-esteem? Perhaps we are getting closer, but these cannot be the only reasons. For me willpower can be a bit difficult at times, especially since I had met, and started working with Amy. Amy is a trained executive chef with a culinary arts background. Add to the fact that cooking and baking are her primary hobbies – especially pastry – and we have a downright dangerous combination. Needless to say, we never go hungry. Food is plentiful and it is of top quality. Willpower can be tough, however I make an okay go of it – there is some room for improvement though.

Self-esteem could be a cause. I know from personal experience that if I have a bad day or am stressed – especially over long durations of time, it is easy to let my eating habits slide. Unhealthy food is just so easy when compared to the healthy alternatives, especially when one requires comfort. Again, I do not think this is a major contributing cause as individuals in other societies likely have the same human frailties as us Americans.

I guess as I progress through this book it will become more apparent as to what the real causes are.

Possible causes of overeating include fear of scarcity, lack of willpower, and self-esteem, but there is likely more to it!

-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding