If you're on the young side of 30, beware! The ability to stay slim without effort is something you may lose. Like many people, I stayed thin effortlessly in m

If you're on the young side of 30, beware! The ability to stay slim without effort is something you may lose. Like many people, I stayed thin effortlessly in my twenties but really started packing on the pounds right around 30. I gained enough weight (I was technically obese according to BMI) that it took me a couple of years to get fit again. I have to really watch what I eat and exercise religiously to stay fit now. Having been fat, do I look down on the fat? Actually, I do. I know how hard it is to get fit and stay fit, but there are so many benefits I can't imagine not doing it. I felt horrible when I was fat. My knees and back gave me trouble. I felt slow and lethargic. I was afraid to play sports, go hiking, etc. (Hello feedback loop!). My dad (who is fat) developed type 2 diabetes and had some minor heart trouble, so I likely had that to look forward to on top of everything else! Losing weight/getting fit made all that go away. I could easily kick my twenty-something self's ass at just about anything now and that feels awesome. I take full advantage of this. I get out into the mountains and reap the benefits! Consciously, I think it'd be great if they came up with a pill that made people stay thin and fit without effort (the bacteria in the linked article has the potential to help with just one of these, maybe). Subconsciously I think I'd resent it if people could get the benefits I've worked hard for with zero effort. That implies a certain amount of pride in being fit I suppose, but it's natural to be proud of hard work. Perhaps if you had to work harder to stay thin you'd be a little more smug yourself.