The Obesity Epidemic — How Did We Get Here?
- Aug 12, 2021
- 5 min read
Written by: Suzy Bessett, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
While we are living in unprecedented times, our nation is also struggling with a massive health crisis; obesity. In my opinion, as a successful Eating Psychology Coach, I believe the obesity issue in this country is dangerous and detrimental to our health, well-being, success, and happiness. I feel strongly that the diet industry has missed the mark, that our government is not doing nearly enough, and that Americans are in a silent struggle that weighs heavily on them, literally and figuratively.
It’s the year 1776, and we are breaking free from our British ties. It was a time when food consumption/production was very different. The required calorie consumption for many was approximately 3-4x times the amount needed today. People were riding horses, tending their farms, walking, and physical labor was the norm. The complete absence of processed foods forced the consumption of purity. Meats, vegetables, fruits, and fish were staples. Often, large pots of soups and stews were made. Dinner was consumed around 1:00 PM during work breaks from the fields. ‘Supper’ was optional and, generally, something light.
If you have a parent or grandparent from the depression era (1929 to 1939), then you know that they have a specific mindset as it relates to food. Many were at the poverty level, eating anything they could find. The scarcity fueled the need to clean the plate, and food insecurity became a real thing. This mentality was passed down through generations. Many viewed it as an insult if you didn’t clean your plate and believed that there was “no problem food couldn’t fix.” And so, another avenue for overconsumption began.
It’s now post-wartime, and we are in the boom of the 1950s. It was a boom for the economy, the suburbs, and the ‘baby boom’. Consumption changed forever in 1954; the year of the Swanson TV dinner. Coming in at 12oz and $1.09, compartmentalized eating was never the same again. It was the catalyst for distracted eating and fewer meals at the table together. It was the age of meatloaf and deviled eggs and likely the time that many started to have digestive and health issues as more food became more processed.
Then the low-fat craze hit, and we as eaters began to unravel. While the science of low-fat consumption was discovered in the 1940s, the ideology of the low fat craze began in the 1960s when doctors began prescribing low-fat diets to their high-risk heart patients. The popularity of Twiggy and fashion began to change from a more natural/curvy woman of the ’50s to the waif. The nation began obsessing about its weight and the desire to be thin.
Cut to the ’80s when the low-fat craze took on steam. Many Americans adopted this way of eating even when there was little science to prove a good fit for all. Ironically, Americans were gaining weight. The “Obesity epidemic” began, specifically in the United States. We began consuming shakes and supplements, all in the hope of a quick fix. The diet industry began a massive push that suggested, “eat this, not that,” and extreme control would fix the problem. The economy was booming, as was our desire to eat, drink, and be merry.
Here we are today with a much clearer understanding of the downside of all of these changes since 300 years ago, but we are still an unhealthy nation. The typical diet is still not working, with 99% of traditional dieters gaining all of their weight back, and usually more, in less than a year. The advent of technology has us sitting, distracted and inactive for hours on end. The compulsive, boredom, and emotional behaviors of Americans of all ages, continue to ravage us physically and mentally. Not to mention, there are still astronomical levels of food insecurity in this country, the cost of healthy foods is just too much for too many, and we are still a nation consuming enormous amounts of processed foods, soda, and sugar.
With a proven track record as an Eating Psychology Coach, I believe now more than ever that diets don't work. I’m on a mission to open discussions within the medical community, local government, and even nutritionists to figure out what we are doing wrong. I’ve been recently labeled a ‘disruptor,’ and frankly, I’m proud of that moniker. I’m very aware that going against a Billion dollar industry may upset many. That’s ok. What’s not ok? We all know something is VERY wrong, so what are we going to do about it? “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.” It’s time to try a new approach.
Obesity is now an epidemic, costing taxpayers more than $200 Billion per year in health-related issues, lost wages, and absenteeism. There are certainly heavier healthy people (reasonable BP, resting heart rates, and possibly even the lack of diabetes), as well as skinny but sickly. The number on the scale does not automatically equate to healthy or sick, with one exception; orthopedically.
If someone is 50lbs overweight, they are carrying the equivalent of 200lbs on their joints. If a client is 200lbs overweight, they have the equivalent of 800lbs on their joints. Our knees and hips were never intended to carry that much pressure. Many orthopedic surgeons are beginning to require their patients to lose weight before elective joint replacements for optimum results.
I am very happy, actually relieved, that media and fashion have begun to embrace a variety of body shapes and types. I think the world would be a very boring place if we all looked alike and thought alike. That said, Americans are struggling with generational, disordered eating. Coupled with metabolic issues, the fight is real. We must do something about it. Not down the road, not another fad diet, and not after COVID goes away; now.
At The Metabolic Connection, LLC. We take a unique and complete approach to disordered eating and metabolic issues. Combining the work of an Eating Psychology Coach and an Endocrinologist, we see incredible results. Our clients are making lasting changes. It’s not another food journal or calorie counting/restriction diet. Our clients learn who they are as eaters and unwind a lifetime of general disordered eating, coupled with metabolic testing and help.
Get off the diet roller coaster and get on with living. The Metabolic Connection can help.
Suzy Bessett, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Suzy Bessett, Certified Eating Psychology Coach and founder of The Metabolic Connection. We offer a unique and complete approach to disordered eating and metabolic issues. Suzy has a proven track record helping emotional, disordered eaters get off the diet roller coaster and get on with living. Combining her work with the client's endocrinologist is the winning combination.
