The Paradox of Being Fat and Starving: A Modern Dilemma

By Dale Jodoin In today's world, particularly in countries like Canada, the United States, and Great Britain, we are witnessing a paradoxical situation: people are both fat and starving. This might sound contradictory, but let me explain how this scenario has come to be. Historical Context: The Great Depression Back in the Great Depression, men and women were struggling to find food. They were skinnier and fitter because they had limited access to food. The available food was mostly real, unprocessed food. Vegetables were readily available, and people ate what they grew. This trend continued up until the 1970s, with diets consisting of fresh vegetables, regular dishes, and meats. Then something changed in the late 70s. The Rise of Processed Foods Around this time, food manufacturers discovered how to make chemicals taste like fruits and vegetables. They also figured out how to add high fructose corn syrup to increase addiction to these foods. Today, processed meats have more sodium, fat, and sugars than ever before. Even fruits, which used to be a healthy choice, have been bred to contain more sugar, increasing their addictive potential. Consider this: we have cleaning products that contain real lemon juice, but the lemon drinks we consume have artificial flavors and colors instead of real lemon. This discrepancy illustrates the shift from real, nutritious food to artificial, chemically enhanced products. The Cost of Eating Healthy The price of vegetables today is often by the pound, not by the head or by quantity as it used to be. A nutritious meal can cost $15 to $20, while a meal high in fats and sugars costs around $12. This price difference makes it difficult for many to afford healthy meals. The food industry prioritizes profit over health. Processed foods are cheaper to produce and more profitable, leading to an increase in their availability and consumption. This is why people in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain are struggling to afford nutritious food, contributing to the rise in obesity despite high levels of food insecurity. The Struggle with Weight and Health Many believe that simply exercising more and eating less will solve the problem. However, the issue is more complex. When people can't afford nutritious food, they turn to cheaper, unhealthy options. This not only leads to weight gain but also contributes to other health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. The Impact of Stress It's important to understand that stress plays a significant role in this problem. People who are overweight often face stress related to their finances and food choices. They worry that every meal might be their last decent one for a while. This stress can exacerbate the problem, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Misguided Solutions and Public Perception Some people advocate for higher taxes on junk food and restaurant meals to discourage their consumption. However, this approach is misguided. It's not just about making unhealthy food more expensive; it's about making healthy food more accessible and affordable. Doctors often tell overweight individuals to eat less and exercise more. While well-intentioned, this advice fails to consider the complex socio-economic factors at play. Overweight individuals have likely tried various diets and exercise regimes without success, leading to frustration and despair. Food Addiction and Societal Attitudes Junk food is addictive, designed to be consumed in large quantities. People who can't afford "good" food are forced to consume addictive, unhealthy options. Food banks often provide canned goods and cereals, which, while helpful, are not the most nutritious choices. The government and food industry need to re-evaluate food processing standards to reduce harmful additives. Until this happens, we will continue to see an increase in obesity and related health issues. A Call for Compassion and Understanding When you encounter someone who is overweight, remember that they might be struggling with more than just their weight. They could be dealing with financial stress, food insecurity, and health issues. Instead of judgment, offer support and compassion. We don't have all the answers to this complex problem. But what we can do is show love and respect to those facing these challenges. Recognize that they have likely tried everything to lose weight and improve their health. The term "fat shaming" is not helpful; it only adds to the stress and shame they already feel. the issue of being fat and starving is a modern dilemma rooted in economic, social, and health factors. The food industry prioritizes profit over health, leading to the prevalence of addictive, unhealthy food. The cost of nutritious food is prohibitive for many, contributing to widespread obesity despite food insecurity. We need to approach this issue with compassion and understanding, recognizing the complex challenges faced by those who are overweight. Only by addressing the root causes and making healthy food more accessible can we hope to resolve this paradox and improve public health.