I was listening to the radio the other day on my way to work and the presenters asked people to phone in on the above topic. The responses aired were varied. One man phoned in saying he was on shift work. Where he worked there was a lot of free food – just help yourself anytime. Sometimes the cooks would make something special for him. He went from 80kg to 120kg in 6 years. Wow! That is a huge add on – 50% weight gain!!! He commented that he ended up leaving the job – not because of the nature of the job but because of the free food!

This got me thinking….

Many countries like USA, UK, Australia, Canada etc. have populations that are or approaching 50% overweight or obese.

Why?

There are lots of factors:

• Lifestyle
• Eating patterns
• Psychological
• Physiological
• Advertising – the list goes on

People are looking for a quick fix. People are more than likely setting themselves up for failure. We see the quick fix – latest diet fad, biggest loser TV series, programs and websites promoting quick fixes- lose x kg in y weeks etc.

One thing people are missing or don’t acknowledge. The fact is the weight went on slowly, crept on, so logically the weight to come off needs to happen slowly.

Food for thought!