What can we do about the obesity epidemic?

[AngryOldDem]

42. I, for one would like to see more free time so people can be more active.

And, sorry, but the exercise stations at the desk and desktop treadmills DON'T count. Unlike the rest of the world, Americans' work schedules are killers, because people are afraid to take any kind of vacation or downtime out of fear of losing their jobs. People are chained to their work 24/7, either by physically sitting at a desk, or working virtually from home, or being "connected" through BlackBerrys, iPads, beepers, what have you.

When you're constantly working, it makes it that much harder to eat healthy and you're tempted to take the easy way out with junk food, fast food, etc. It also wears you out so that even the thought of any kind of exercise is thought of as a Bataan death march. (Been there, done that NUMEROUS times. In fact, in the winter I really can't work out at all because of an absolutely insane work schedule.)

I have lost weight in the past and it takes every bit of willpower to make such big changes in your lifestyle. Some people can with little angst, while others can't, which means every kind of encouragement must be given to help the latter succeed.

Food is definitely another issue, as many here say.