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If you eat too much and move around too little, the energy from the food you consume will remain in your body and is stored in so called "fat cells" around your stomach, back, legs, arms and neck. The stomach fat cells are especially dangerous: they send out enzymes which interfere with the metabolism (conversion of sugar and fat in the body). This may cause the 'metabolic syndrome" - which greatly increases the risk for diabetes. The more you overeat as a child or teenager, the more fat cells you develop. And these you will never get rid of, even if you lose weight later on. So fat cells are a major reason why you need to pay attention to what and how much you eat!
Eating too much is a phenomenon of our modern times and a global problem. In fact, overweight and obesity has been declared one of the biggest causes for death in the world, whether in rich or poor countries. By 2015, the World Health Organization projects that 2.3 billion people will be overweight and 700 million people will be obese.
The conveniences of modern life are now endangering our very lives. This is particularly true in the United States. On one hand, good and safe food products are relatively inexpensive, available everywhere and served in large portions. On the other hand, everyday conveniences have enabled most people to spend as little physical energy as possible. TVs and computers can be found in most households and usage is very high (children as well as adults sit for an average of 5 hours or more in front of screens, with very little physical activity).
And even those willing to walk or bike face a lack of designated trails in most cities or towns. As a result, over 65% of people in the United States are overweight (meaning 195 million people in total numbers), and of these 26% are obese (a whopping 78 million people). Although the United States still has the most overweight and obese people in the world, many other nations around the world are catching up, among them are Canada and Germany.
There are many other causes for the rise of obesity. In low income areas of major US cities, fast food restaurants are abundant, while the number of supermarkets offering fresh and healthy food is limited, Many schools offer their students plenty of high-calorie snacks, sodas or school lunches, but not enough hours of physical education to burn the extra calories . Food companies or fast food restaurants are blamed because they produce and market foods with unhealthy ingredients, offer oversized portions, and advertise unhealthy food choices on TV, often specifically targeting children with their marketing. In response to this criticism, many food companies and fast food restaurants have recently added healthy food choices to their product assortment or menus and limited food advertising to children.
However, the debate about the causes and effects of healthy or unhealthy foods may be misguided. In the end, it is up to us as individuals to decide what kind of food we like, how much we eat, how much important convenience is to us and how much energy we should to take in or release. Mindful eating and exercise can make a huge difference in our lives.
By the way: eating right has nothing to do with looking good. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, no matter of excess weight or body fat. Eating right has everything to do with your health and well-being!
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