While doctors are worrying about America’s growing obesity problems, economists are taking a different view. “The obesity problem is really a side effect of things that are good for the economy,” Tomas J. Philipson, an economics professor at the University of Chicago, told The Washington Post. “But we would rather take improvements in technology and agriculture than go back to the way we lived in the 1950s when everyone was thin. Nobody wants to sweat at work for 10 hours a day and be poor. Yes, you’re obese, but you have a life that is much more comfortable.”
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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13 Comments
The economy is good for Little Debbie and Blue Bunny. Although there might be a case for obesity is a sign of a good economy, but it is mostly the poor that are obese. Their dietary habits along with the government dependent welfare system will make most everybody obese.
But to say everybody was thin in the 1950’s was a bad thing, I’m not totally for sure. People were mostly much more active then really starving that made them thin.
There are people who are geneticly prone to obesity and they will always have a tough time ever being thin. Remember the Honeymooners and JackieGleason, he was kind of a big man. That was during the 50’s. So not everybody was thin. There has always been fat people through out history.
But if your obese, I wouldn’t say that you are comfortable. You probably live leisurely, but not comfortable. There is nothing comfortable about being obese and unhealthy.
Good points Joe. It is often WHAT you eat rather than HOW MUCH – and activity is critically important. If I ever get serious about losing weight it won’t be by diet but by exercise.
One thing that I find worrisome is the increasing inactivity among kids. An epidemic of Type 2 diabetes among young people is definitely bad news.
You both make good points. There are a number of obese poor people — and the reason for that is simple — healthy food costs more than unhealthy food. Fruits and vegetables are also labor intensive foods. It’s always easier to open a bag of chips than it is to bake a potato or chop up a healthy salad. Mac ‘n Cheese and ramen noodles cost next to nothing.When I was a kid, we couldn’t wait to finish eating dinner and go outside to run and play with our friends. Unfortunately, kids today stay inside and play video games, work on the computer, or sit and watch TV for hours at a time. Parents are afraid their children will be abducted if they let them out of their homes.Technology has made our lives easier — but not healthier. Our backs hurt from sitting so much. We have headaches from staring at computer screens all day. And until healthier groceries are made available for the same low prices of hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese, I don’t see the obesity problem getting better any time soon.
Fear of injury is also a factor. We just had a tragic death of a kid doing what he loved:
“Halstead boy died playing his sportAndre Thibault’s family remembers the 12-year-old who died Thursday after running into a sign at his school.”
Sadly; this happens. Then, irrational fear of getting hurt can make parents TOO protective. then the kids sit at home where they are “safe”
I’d like to make another comment about “fat America.” Since most people do carry more weight than earlier generations, wouldn’t it be a good idea to start recognizing that in building and seating design? Koch Arena’s seating takes no account for people’s weight or height. There is very little “butt” or “leg” room in those seats. I do hope that the size of average Americans is given consideration when the architects begin planning for the new downtown arena. No one likes to feel cramped when they pay good money to attend an event. Even smaller people like to feel that they have some leg room, for crying out loud!!
I had to laugh when I read your post, Gertie. My husband and I recently went to a concert at the old Orpheum Theatre. You should have seen all of us “well nourished” middle-aged people trying to squeeze into those small seats. When I was younger we used to take the bus every weekend to see a movie at the Orpheum, I know for a fact the seats were bigger then!!!
I’m leaving for Omaha tomorrow to see the Rolling Stones in concert. I’ll bet the view from the stage has changed a lot since they were first popular, now they look out and just see a bunch of old fat farts!
Oooh, lucky you, Damoon! And I remember those movies at the Orpheum…and the Miller…and riding the bus…or walking.
And, Gertie, we’ve found some common ground. I agree with you on the cost of food being a factor in what people eat. The same with the exercise kids are not getting.
Joe, you just sent me for a bowl of Blue Bunny. Shame on you!
Have any of the rest of you noticed that our society has been getting fatter, even though more and more products are considered “fat free” and “light”? I think this just goes to show you that it is our lifestyle that is getting in the way. There is also a perception of “Wow! No fat — I can eat 30 of these and not gain any weight!”RD, I’m glad we were able to find some common ground. I won’t bring up religion or politics here, and maybe we can be friends for a while!
Gertie, I certainly would never call you my enemy! But I’m wondering… Do you never disagree with friends?
Just got back from the Stones concert, what a show!! Mick Jagger has truly inspired me to start exercising again. He ran, jumped, skipped, and danced all over the stage for almost 2 hours almost and barely broke a sweat. He is in INCREDIBLE shape for his age. He’s still uglier than sin, but he has the body of a 20 yr old. If he can do it, there’s hope for the rest of us!!!!
RD, I think it is virtually impossible to be a friend and not disagree on some things. I think my closest friends are my friends because we compliment one another. We are not carbon copies!
Damoon, I’m glad the Stones concert was all you thought it would be. I’m sure when Mick is away from the crowds he has aches and pains like the rest of us!
By the way, how wide were the seats at the concert venue? You know I’m on a mission to make all seating in this country comfortable for everyone!
It was a brand new arena in Omaha, and the seats were OK. I sat between two pretty hefty women (and my own butt isn’t small) and it wasn’t uncomfortable. The seats were certainly bigger than at Century II or the Colisium. The planners should take a good look at this one, easy to get in and out of, lots of bathrooms and concession areas, it was very nice.