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> While the prevailing viewpoint once was that obesity was merely a problem of calories in and calories out, and that people simply needed to eat less and exerc

> While the prevailing viewpoint once was that obesity was merely a problem of calories in and calories out, and that people simply needed to eat less and exercise more to lose weight, the reality is much more nuanced, Dr. Armstrong said. > “Obesity comes from genetic, physiological and environmental interactions,” she said. “It’s not the fault of any one individual who has the disease.” > There are many potential drivers behind the skyrocketing rates, including the wide availability of ultraprocessed foods, the challenges to accessing fresh fruits and vegetables and an increase in sedentary online activity. Is it just me or is this completely contradictory? Obesity is just a matter of how many calories you ingest relative to how much you burn. The doctor says this is inaccurate, but then goes on to say that people are simply eating less healthy and exercising less. That is literally the point.

s1artibartfast 2y ago
It is contradictory and counterproductive for an issue that can only be realistically addressed through individual behavioral change. The potential of governmental regulation is incremental at best, and a deflection at worst.
- HDThoreaun 2y ago
  The whole point is that "individual behavioral change" has failed as a solution to obesity. Now we are trying drugs.
  - s1artibartfast 2y ago
    Speak for yourself. There are a huge number of problems resulting from compulsive behavior, trained helplessness, and thoughtless consumerism. Obesity is one, but they also include widespread misery, substance abuse, and loneliness. I think it is still worth trying to help and encourage people to take control of their lives and thrive. That said, I wasn't criticizing drugs. I think they will help many with weight. I was criticizing the idea that sugar taxes and other attempts at government disincentives can reverse the obesity epidemic while the average American still watches more than 3 hours of TV a day and binge eats. Maybe we should try putting a flyer in the mail next? It is like trying to reduce domestic abuse by placing a tax on baseball batts - wholly inadequate for the objective and indicating a fundamental failure to understand the nature of the problem.
    - deleted 2y ago
      [deleted]

s1artibartfast 2y ago

It is contradictory and counterproductive for an issue that can only be realistically addressed through individual behavioral change. The potential of governmental regulation is incremental at best, and a deflection at worst.

HDThoreaun 2y ago
The whole point is that "individual behavioral change" has failed as a solution to obesity. Now we are trying drugs.
- s1artibartfast 2y ago
  Speak for yourself. There are a huge number of problems resulting from compulsive behavior, trained helplessness, and thoughtless consumerism. Obesity is one, but they also include widespread misery, substance abuse, and loneliness. I think it is still worth trying to help and encourage people to take control of their lives and thrive. That said, I wasn't criticizing drugs. I think they will help many with weight. I was criticizing the idea that sugar taxes and other attempts at government disincentives can reverse the obesity epidemic while the average American still watches more than 3 hours of TV a day and binge eats. Maybe we should try putting a flyer in the mail next? It is like trying to reduce domestic abuse by placing a tax on baseball batts - wholly inadequate for the objective and indicating a fundamental failure to understand the nature of the problem.
  - deleted 2y ago
    [deleted]