Do we have an obesity problem?

Hammer89 · 21-09-2016 09:51PM #1

That certainly seems to be the case alright, looking at the figures, and the people more importantly, but is it simplistic to say we have an obesity problem?

I ask because this is a major problem and there has to be a root cause.

Is it the foods? I wouldn't have said so, because unhealthy foods are no more accessible in this country than they are in many, many other countries whose people are not getting fatter by the year. In fact, unhealthy foods are no more accessible now than they were 10 or 15 years ago, are they?

Right, so it's the people? Well, yes and no. Nowadays we consciously choose to consume certain foods, which is no harm, but there has to be a reason why we're consuming it far more often. It's not laziness. You could go the gym every single day but if you don't alter your eating habits then you will become obese. There's a nutritional reason behind this problem; not one which involves a lack of exercise, which is quite a common view I think.

What's the real reason then? I think we're quite a stressed-out bunch of people, and if we're regularly stressed then we might've become quite an unhappy bunch of people. A lot of heroin addicts were unhappy prior to picking up a needle, but the every-day man or woman can't turn to heroin, or alcohol albeit to a much lesser extent, so we sooth some very dark, uncomfortable emotions through unhealthy foods. When it works - and it absolutely does - then we keep doing it, and we inadvertently lay the foundations for our children to pick up the very same habits through sheer apathy toward wholesome, nutritious foods.

Why are we stressed then? No idea. Maybe the economy. Maybe a lot of us have become engulfed in a general gloom which is hard to explain. I don't know, but I do think our obesity problem is more reflective of something else going on. Obesity is the result of something. It's the result of over eating, of course, but over eating is a result of something far deeper and darker than laziness or greed.

I should note that this is an unsubstantiated theory, but I did have a weight problem once upon a time and it's really, really, really sad to see a lot of others now fighting the same issues.

Letree · 21-09-2016 09:54PM

you fat bastard you fat bastard you ate all the pies.

gifted · 21-09-2016 09:55PM

I just love food..

Just gained 2lbs thinking about food ffs

Hammer89 · 21-09-2016 09:57PM

gifted wrote: »

I just love food..

Just gained 2lbs thinking about food ffs

Me too. Food is great, but if we're abusing it, like quite a lot of people in Ireland are, then it becomes a problem.

Nonoperational · 21-09-2016 10:03PM

There's huge availability of high calorie cheap food available now compared to 15 years ago. In the morning you can get cooked breakfasts in almost all petrol stations, lunch 1000 calorie hot chicken rolls for €4, take aways, better canteens at work, more disposable income to spend on food etc. It's just easy to consume lots of calories and if you are anyway lazy then you'll put on weight.

Amanda.ie · 21-09-2016 10:07PM

Im slim but i know a few people who aren't.

Hammer89 · 21-09-2016 10:14PM

Nonoperational wrote: »

There's huge availability of high calorie cheap food available now compared to 15 years ago. In the morning you can get cooked breakfasts in almost all petrol stations, lunch 1000 calorie hot chicken rolls for €4, take aways, better canteens at work, more disposable income to spend on food etc. It's just easy to consume lots of calories and if you are anyway lazy then you'll put on weight.

But I don't think it's any easier now than it was 15 years ago and that's the point. If somebody wanted to stuff their face in the year 2001 then they could have done so very, very easily mate.

I also think it's very simplistic, and false, to label them as lazy. You can be the laziest person in Ireland but if you're not over eating then you won't be obese, rendering their physical activity as completely meaningless.

But listen, I'm not trying to win a Nobel prize here like. I just think we're nowhere near understand the problem, and surely if we don't understand something then we're utterly powerless when it comes to defeating it.

Richard Hillman · 21-09-2016 10:16PM

No. We have a problem with health fascism and people trying to invade our liberty in our own homes by instructing is on what we "need" to eat.

tomwaterford · 21-09-2016 10:18PM

Hammer89 wrote: »

But I don't think it's any easier now than it was 15 years ago and that's the point. If somebody wanted to stuff their face in the year 2001 then they could have done so very, very easily mate.

I also think it's very simplistic, and false, to label them as lazy. You can be the laziest person in Ireland but if you're not over eating then you won't be obese, rendering their physical activity as completely meaningless.

But listen, I'm not trying to win a Nobel prize here like. I just think we're nowhere near understand the problem, and surely if we don't understand something then we're utterly powerless when it comes to defeating it.

But it's alot easier to over eat nowadays virus 15 years ago
.

Takeaways,deliveries anD delivery food is ALOT more available
Even the amount and selection of buns and biscuits, scone cookies (allspice suger laden)etc available on laSt 2-3 years is massive

It's not rocket science give people cheap tasty and sweet food easily available and they'll consume more.....

With in many cases little regard to the health/do they need to eat it

beks101 · 21-09-2016 10:18PM

I think we have an obesity threads on AH problem.

Fr_Dougal · 21-09-2016 10:23PM

Richard Hillman wrote: »

No. We have a problem with health fascism and people trying to invade our liberty in our own homes by instructing is on what we "need" to eat.

It's a major issue and it's putting strain on the health sector. I don't think giving people a steer on how to eat healthy is an invasion of liberties.

How much liberty would you have if you had to have a foot amputated because of Type 2 diabetes?

learn_more · 21-09-2016 10:24PM

Richard Hillman wrote: »

No. We have a problem with health fascism and people trying to invade our liberty in our own homes by instructing is on what we "need" to eat.

Actually, they are not telling you what to eat. They are telling you what not to eat.

Nonoperational · 21-09-2016 10:25PM

Hammer89 wrote: »

But I don't think it's any easier now than it was 15 years ago and that's the point. If somebody wanted to stuff their face in the year 2001 then they could have done so very, very easily mate.

I also think it's very simplistic, and false, to label them as lazy. You can be the laziest person in Ireland but if you're not over eating then you won't be obese, rendering their physical activity as completely meaningless.

But listen, I'm not trying to win a Nobel prize here like. I just think we're nowhere near understand the problem, and surely if we don't understand something then we're utterly powerless when it comes to defeating it.

Seriously? There was no food in petrol stations 15 - 20 years ago. No fresh bread rolls in anywhere but a bakery. You couldn't log onto an app and have any variety of food delivered in 15 minutes.

Lazy doesn't just extend to physical activity. If you couldn't be bothered cooking a healthy meal for dinner and order a take away then you are lazy.

What is your thesis on the obesity epidemic?

Barry Badrinath · 21-09-2016 10:25PM

All I know is, I'll never fit into my Hula Hoop if I stop eating.

It keeps falling off when I put it around me.

More burgers please.

Hammer89 · 21-09-2016 10:26PM

tomwaterford wrote: »

It's not rocket science give people cheap tasty and sweet food easily available and they'll consume more.....

And yet other countries have the exact same tools in which to over eat and they don't in comparison to us, so that might suggest there's something else going on in our culture, in our society, which makes us more willing to abuse these foods.

PucaMama · 21-09-2016 10:29PM

Why does it make difference to you what size other people are?

I have a combination of conditions. Hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, pcos. I also am tired and in pain almost every day. Partly because of my weight. You might think I'm lazy for not walking everywhere but I ask if you were in pain from just doing your job and normal housework would you have much motivation to do more? I have another condition that causes me pain by itself, it would even if I was a perfect weight, but that seems forgotten when I need help or understanding.

MistyCheese · 21-09-2016 10:31PM

I can't speak for anyone else but, I don't.

tomwaterford · 21-09-2016 10:32PM

Hammer89 wrote: »

And yet other countries have the exact same tools in which to over eat and they don't in comparison to us, so that might suggest there's something else going on in our culture, in our society, which makes us more willing to abuse these foods.

I had reason to be in London few weeks back visiting relatives.....I know it wasn't city centre etc

But in no shop/petrol station did I see a deli ....or a massive display of donuts/cookies etc beside the tea machine

Hammer89 · 21-09-2016 10:35PM

Nonoperational wrote: »

Seriously? There was no food in petrol stations 15 - 20 years ago. No fresh bread rolls in anywhere but a bakery. You couldn't log onto an app and have any variety of food delivered in 15 minutes.

Lazy doesn't just extend to physical activity. If you couldn't be bothered cooking a healthy meal for dinner and order a take away then you are lazy.

What is your thesis on the obesity epidemic?

Mate, let's be honest, Texaco didn't only sell petrol and diesel in 2001. There's been an infinite amount of highly palatable foods sold in garages for a long, long time. Forget about a roll. It's not an epidemic about chicken fillet rolls - it's an epidemic about obesity and we didn't get this way from strictly eating demi baguettes.

Regarding my thesis, you know it. I think we've turned to food in an effort to escape, and once you start then it's very difficult to stop.

Zenify · 21-09-2016 10:41PM

Hammer89 wrote: »

You could go the gym every single day but if you don't alter your eating habits then you will become obese.

If you work out hard enough you can eat what you want. in the height of my training I really struggled to eat enough. I used to sit on the sofa eating blocks of cheese.

the main problem to obesity IMO is exercise. Taking an elevator up a level rather than walking a flight of stairs, sitting watching TV rather than going out for a evening stroll. driving 3 mintues to the shops. what is wrong with people? exercise is fun and enjoyable. it releases the same endorphins as eating. people seem to avoid it at all costs.

magentis · 21-09-2016 10:44PM

Ffs.

Here I am with my 8 pack of beer beside me,tandoori mixed grill on the way and I see this thread.

Thanks op.

RobertKK · 21-09-2016 10:47PM

http://www.safefood.eu/News/2012/New-study-reveals-the-annual-cost-of-overweight-an.aspx

Findings from new safefood funded research¹ into the cost of overweight and obesity on the island of Ireland has estimated the annual cost to be €1.64 billion euros (€1.13billion Republic of Ireland; €510 million Northern Ireland). The study, conducted by University College Cork (UCC) found that in the Republic of Ireland, 35% of total costs (€398 million) represented direct healthcare costs i.e. hospital in-patient; out-patient; GP and drug costs. However, two thirds (65%) of the economic costs were indirect costs in reduced or lost productivity and absenteeism and amounted to €728 million. - See more at: http://www.safefood.eu/News/2012/New-study-reveals-the-annual-cost-of-overweight-an.aspx#sthash.r2HZjvoU.dpuf
In 2012, obesity cost the country €1.13 billion.
35% due to direct medical costs, and 65% due to lost productivity.

The main directs costs were related to the following:
Cardiac diseases 44%
Type 2 diabetes 9%
Colorectal cancer 12%
Stroke 6%
Breast cancer 2%
Kidney cancer 3%
Oesophageal cancer 2%
Gallbladder cancer 3%

Lower back pain the main reason for being absent from work.

These are reasons to care why other people have weight issues, no one who is a decent person wants to see someone putting themselves at increased risk for disease and pain.
The cost of obesity affects everyone, it costs the health system, but ultimately it does cost lives.

Zenify · 21-09-2016 10:47PM

PucaMama wrote: »

Why does it make difference to you what size other people are?

When our society has a problem we should try to work together to fix it. it's much easier to fix these problems when we all work together.

Day Lewin · 21-09-2016 10:54PM

The reason people get fat is because they eat too much.
Then we must ask why? Why do they eat too much?
Because it's there, that's why.

You see, I was born in the 1950's. Everyone put sugar in their tea, ate white bread and jam, had butter on their spuds and dessert after their dinner. Were they fat? They bl00dy were not.
Why?
Well, there wasn't any spare food: it was after the war. There was enough of good plain food available but no money to spare for extras, like snacks between meals. Fizzy lemonade was strictly a "treat" for birthdays, Sunday visiting, or outings. A family might spend a third of their income on food: most did not own a car so they walked or cycled or went to the bus stop. Lawnmowers were "push" mowers, human-powered. Children played outdoors all day.

Nowadays you have snacks and convenience foods available everywhere: carefully designed to be appetising and moreish.
Traveling to work or school means sitting in a car, bus or train. Lawnmowers propel themselves.
Children play sitting down, with computers or phones. Everyone can afford alcohol regularly.

See what I mean? Its natural to want to eat food: not so natural to be surrounded by an excess of it. And actually dangerous to be so inactive.

Well, them's my views.

afatbollix · 21-09-2016 10:55PM

Its a load of bollix if you ask me.

PucaMama · 21-09-2016 10:57PM

Zenify wrote: »

PucaMama wrote: »

Why does it make difference to you what size other people are?

When our society has a problem we should try to work together to fix it. it's much easier to fix these problems when we all work together.

But no one ever explains why what people weigh is such a problem? Doesn't make a difference to my life what other people eat so it shouldn't make a difference to you

Zenify · 21-09-2016 11:11PM

PucaMama wrote: »

But no one ever explains why what people weigh is such a problem? Doesn't make a difference to my life what other people eat so it shouldn't make a difference to you

Obesity is directly linked to many diseases including diabities, cardiovascular disease and cancers to name but a few.... more and more of our children are becoming obese and we need to stop these for the benefit of our future generations. also we as role models should try and set examples for them to follow.

Amanda.ie · 21-09-2016 11:13PM

PucaMama wrote: »

But no one ever explains why what people weigh is such a problem? Doesn't make a difference to my life what other people eat so it shouldn't make a difference to you

It makes a difference to our health service, overweight people tend to have more health problems requiring more medical care.

Annasopra · 21-09-2016 11:13PM

Nonoperational wrote: »

There's huge availability of high calorie cheap food available now compared to 15 years ago. In the morning you can get cooked breakfasts in almost all petrol stations, lunch 1000 calorie hot chicken rolls for €4, take aways, better canteens at work, more disposable income to spend on food etc. It's just easy to consume lots of calories and if you are anyway lazy then you'll put on weight.

And huge amounts of food with way too much added sugar.

Annasopra · 21-09-2016 11:15PM

afatbollix wrote: »

Its a load of bollix if you ask me.

We didnt and you're wrong.

Annasopra · 21-09-2016 11:20PM

OP some interesting reading on the causes here

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/media/housesoftheoireachtas/libraryresearch/spotlights/spotObesity071111_150658.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwiKxJafvqHPAhVJGsAKHQv9AIkQFggcMAE&usg=AFQjCNGEtjhWaLpkJWC1OM5nrC9Grah7dw&sig2=mn8YaYMDq1G7-OHinCQbdg

Do we have an obesity problem?

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