Here goes half my American readership. Why do I write these things?America, get off your bums, cut out the junk food, halve your portions and exercise.
That’s all. Then there’s no need for this rubbish:
The long-term safety and efficacy need to be documented for Xenical, Meridia and Acomplia before doctors can be certain that the benefits of these anti-obesity drugs outweigh the risks, according to a commentary appearing in The Lancet medical journal.
Xenical (known generically as orlistat) and Meridia (sibutramine) are currently approved for long-term use, while Acomplia (rimonabant) is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, each of the agents carry potentially important adverse effects - frequent gastrointestinal side effects, raised blood pressure and heart rate, and mood disorders.
It’s the mindset which is upsetting – the idea that you can solve any condition with a drug. The idea that a thousand pills are better than natural remedies like actually getting out and walking.
And now I’m going to make another statement:
If the Americans were to take on Russia en masse, say in Prague and if the technology didn’t kill off both populations and if it ever came to hand to hand combat, the Russians would win. They’re in far better condition, physically and they’re more used to hardship.
I think obesity drugs should only be prescribed when there is no other option. My great aunt used to say, "There is only one way to lose weight - push the food away from you"! I've mentioned before that I once did the anorexia bit. Did the taking laxatives after eating as well, as movie stars like Jane Fonda will admit they have done, too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point about Russians being more used to hardship. I suspect you are right.
When I first went to the States, I imagined everyone would look glamorous just like Dallas. But so many of them were gross, it was the biggest shock I had. Their food portions are so big, they have fries with everything, their whole culture needs to change.
ReplyDeleteI can remember coming back to America on a trip with Singapore clients and being taken aback by the sheer volume of the food. Leave aside all the carbohydrates and fats.
ReplyDeleteWise words James. Australia is not far behind in the obesity league. There have been attempts to ban adverts and the like, but your suggestions are more likely to have a long term impact. It is the obese children that are the most worrying. Hannah's friend is very obese, just like her parents. Fast food is the likely cause. Leaving aside the ticking time bomb of obesity related diseases, there is the self image issues and the likely challenges in changing these patterns as she moves into adulthood.