[bomb #21]

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

... feed them crap and then plonk them down in front of the TV while you catch your breath after a working day
Your view will change Jason

have you any kiddies ??

if not why not

Ah, something I do have an opinion on.

When you're "expecting", folk practically fall over themselves to point out that it will change your life.

However, it's impossible to appreciate how much (i.e. completely) until you've actually "been there".

Agreed Donna?

Originally Posted by Jason

I find it hard to believe that the "majority" is genetic. That said, those who are genetic, then a healthy lifestyle certainly improves it. "An anti-obesity group said regardless of genes, a balanced diet and exercise were vital to good health. "

Fair enough. As I said, I'm not arguing nature vs nurture.

From a personal point of view tho', I'd throw in "metabolism". I've eaten plenty of junk in my time, plus I'm no great exerciser. Still a skinny so-and-so.

[Albert Lionheart]

Bomb - from that remark (and your name gives no clue so forgive me if I am wrong!) do I take it you are a Mum?

[bomb #21]

It would seem that you do take it that I'm a mum -- even tho' I'm a dad.

Do I take it that you're a "dads go off to work while mums stay at home to look after kids" kind of male? Excuse me while I check which century we're in.

No offence intended, or taken. For the record, I've never been a "house husband". When one of us had to give up work I would've had a go at it were it not for the simple fact that at that particular time I had "access" to overtime whereas Mrs Bomb did not.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by bomb #21

From a personal point of view tho', I'd throw in "metabolism". I've eaten plenty of junk in my time, plus I'm no great exerciser. Still a skinny so-and-so.

That's true. I'm an hard gainer myself, but all you need to do is eat more.

Can I also throw in that even though you aren't seeing results on the outside, just think of what damage all this junk food is doing on the inside.

For example, a deficiency of vitamin C can cause lung-borne diseases. All it takes is a glass of orange juice and an orange. Many people have Vitamin D deficiency, well those who are scared of the sun. We get our Vitamin D from the sun and takes around 20 mins of exposure to create enough, longer for dark skinned people. OK, I'll stop rambling. LOL.

[Blackmirror]

I am still thinking it must be hereditary
Children are so active aways running around well mine were anyway....
Never got a moments peace

[Jason]

There are not many who are "genetic", though. Parents just aren't aware of all the nutrients that their kids' need.

Believe me, even if you were fat because of genes, you could still get down to a respectable size.

[Blackmirror]

Thinking back
My sons ate the stuff Kids like crisps and pizzas and sweets . they came in from school and watched the TV
They are not overweight .
Why ??

[Jason]

As mentioned earlier, they are probably hard gainers. Fast metabolism.

But, they could have problems on the inside. Not forgetting sweets rot your teeth. They are OK having, but in moderation, not all the time. Junk food does you no good.

[samjohnson]

If I am not mistaken, obesity is probably worse here in the US than any where else. The life styles people live here are insane. Always eating out at fast food places, kids are always playing video games and never playing outside.
Though I got to say I don't really ever go out side and do much. Used to when I was younger and lived a bikes ride away from friends houses. But now sine I live in the country... there is nothing to do out here.
So I sit on my computer all day. Though I work now so I don't all day. lol
And I eat my share of fast food. Though lately I try and get the side salad instead of fries. And the chicken sandwich is definitely a whole lot better than getting that big juicy burger.

Like you guys were saying, metabolism does play quite a big role actually. I have a friend that is tall skinny, and get eat whatever he wants and not gain a thing!
The US definitely needs to start eating better, and exercising. But its probably not gonna happen. The majority of the US is just to lazy to do anything about it.

[Sup2a]

hmm turns out Australia is now the fattest nation, BIG wake up call for us, still doesnt seem to be changing much, on average if i go the shopping center i will see hundreds of overweight children, one was sitting with his mother and all they talked about was food!
We recently went to one of the fastest growing "villages" in Adelaide, Elizabeth an I stood in one of the car parks and did a 360 turn, on every single direction was a fast food place, KFC 50m down was Red rooster across the road Macdonalds then a little further down the road Hungry jacks! now that was the worst thing I have seen in a while...
being seriously strict on what i am eating, im beginning to notice how much rubbish there is around. Especially in the way of additives one of the soft drinks eg. Solo has an array of chemicals in the form of numbers 330(citric acid),338(safe acid),211(sodium benzoate highly dangerous),223(sodium metabisulphite dangerous),110(dangerous colouring yellow) not to mention the sheer level of sugar, causing serious problems, that stuff could kill you...
Most people would be unaware of that stuff, I wonder if people who feed their kids maccas and whatever else are aware of the effect of that food..
Also the amount kids eat compared to the exercise they do, at a young age they should be running around, that should easily burn off all the food they eat, however especially now everyone spends a lot of time at the computer or in front of tv, hardly any exercise, however people eat more than what is needed, but it is not easy to stop feeding kids junk food, it is in their faces 24/7 at the shops, on tv just about everywhere you go. Not to mention its cheaper and easier.
think ive trailed off enough
Its certainly a war we are not winning...

[Albert Lionheart]

The thing I remember about travelling and eating out in the US and Canada are the huge portions of food given to you - usually enough to feed two people.
It's getting like that here in UKkers too. Not been to Oz yet - planning on a trip for next year tho!

[Gunner]

Fast foods plus no exercise equals GLOBESITY.
Genetics and health probs and environmental issues are partly causes but
the main simple equation of GIGO applies. (garbage in, garbage out)
Calorie intake equals calorie-expenditure just to maintain.
Raise the former and lower the latter and it's fat city. Reverse that and lose weight.
For 2008 Mississippi has claimed the title of fattest state for the third consecutive year.
Why? Fat fast foods and sloth activities. It ain't rocket science.