Obesity, the scourge of American society, is not a natural condition. While some mammals such as hippos, whales, walruses and seals have a thick layer of blubber for buoyancy or insulation, wild animals remain lean for two reasons: they must actively hunt for their food and they eat only when hungry. The same is true for "undeveloped" human populations, for whom physical activity is a matter of survival.
In Western Culture, obesity has become an epidemic. Not merely a lifestyle choice, obesity is a pathologic condition, increasing the risk for hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver disease, adult-onset diabetes, degenerative arthritis and certain cancers. While it does "run in families," this is more related to learned behavior than genetics. Childhood obesity, which develops due to poor dietary habits and inactivity, usually preceeds adult obesity and makes weight loss efforts much more difficult later in life.
Americans are obsessed with diets and "weight control systems" have become a growing segment of our economy. But special diets are unnecessary; obesity more often results from the amount and frequency of food intake and, most importantly, from a lack of exercise. Today, many children are much less active than in previous generations; TV, DVDs and computer games occupy far too much of their time. Only parents can turn the tide of obesity; they must serve as role models, encouraging their children to participate in sports, hiking and other outdoor activities. It is one of the best things your will ever do for them.
