Newly Approved Drug Heralded As 'Game Changer' In The Growing National Obesity Crisis

[appalachiablue]

22. + 2 These associations & motives could explain a lot.

> This long rant relates to the 'weight loss' topic of the post I did, not so much directed at you, but more for general info. So apologies for the overwhelming length! *And welcome to DU, I just noticed you're new..

Food here definitely needs regulating, more like Europe but it'll take monumental efforts given the power of Big Ag, Big Food, Big Pharma. Never before has there been this much cheap, poor quality junk food and processed stuff in cans, boxes, packages and containers. And many busy, rushed Americans live unhealthy sedentary lives- spent in offices, watching TV or on the computer, rarely walking or being physically active.

I read that the average supermarket chain adds about 2,000 new food and personal care products a year. Why we need 30 kinds of cola, 50 shampoo brands, and 13 kinds of apples I don't know. Industry 'food chemists' in R & D work on preservatives, additives, flavors, chemicals and toxins in our diet, it's a major part of the business. Healthier whole foods, organic, etc. is the way to go.

Food, Inc. resembles the tobaccco industry which years ago began adding chemicals- up to about 2,000 (how is that possible?) to cigarettes mainly to enhance flavor and speed up the absorption of nicotine in the body and brain for the 'high.' All so people would find smoking more enjoyable, and, 'buy more.' $$
The industry even added vasodilators (meds) to facilitate quicker intake of tobacco and chemicals I learned.



The best-selling book,"FAST FOOD NATION" by Eric Schlosser (2001) is an excellent source on the modern American food business from soup to nuts. Highly rec. but serious stuff. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Food_Nation
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In 40 years, the growth of drive- thru places and convenience stores has exploded. Packaged salty and sweet foods on racks in retail stores everywhere so you can chow all day long and 'want more.' Giant portions and 'dinner' plates that were once 8" have become large platters. How shocked my grandparents and father would be today.

The urban- city Metro area I'm in has interesting sites and parks, a nearby historic, small town that's great for walking and atmosphere, and also suburbs ranging from the 1940s through the 80s exurbia trend and beyond.

Years ago I noticed many F & F who visited - people in good health, aged 28- 62, not obese or elderly- had difficulty (endurance) walking city park areas for 30-40 minutes at a leisurely pace and stopping briefly to look at a few sites - nothing strenuous. It was the same in the closeby old town with cute shops, pubs, bookstores, and a small walkable riverfront and park. The exception was my wonderful mom, always in good shape and interested in everything she never had difficulty walking or travelling anywhere, Manhattan, Santa Fe, Paris.

Years later, it occurred to me that it relates to the fact that the grumblers I love live in suburbs and smaller cities that mostly lack usable sidewalks, and the car is the main means of transportation-drive to the shopping ctr., park, then shop at Walmart, etc., and similar work pattern. It's unfortunate but reality in this troubled nation of ours.. End of massive rant. Sorry again..