A National Security Crisis

My mom told me this the other day and I was so...excited (probably not the right word) that I had to go look it up. Apparently Childhood obesity has become a National Security Crisis.

Disclaimer: If you don't already know, I have a very strong opinion about obesity so it may be in your best interest to cease reading this post to not risk the possibility of being offended. However, if you choose to continue, be aware that my comments may be a little harsh.

(source: New York Times) A panel of retired military officers said that, "Weight problems are now the leading medical reason that recruits are rejected and thus jeopardizing the military's ability to fill its ranks." Apparently 9 million American youth (27% of youth 17-25) are too fat to fight. That's over a quarter of the youth in our nation! However, a nutrition bill is in progress that is suppose to improve school lunches. But get this! In 1946 the exact opposite happened. It was a "national security issue" that many recruits to the military had inadequate nutrition - that's when school lunches became a national focus and were changed to get kids healthier! Apparently it's NOT working! Honestly, I don't think changing school lunches will change anything. Look at all the people in this country. It's not just the kids that are fat, its their parents too. So changing school lunches will not change a thing when the kids get their eating habits from home.

Does anyone remember the State of the Union address? Michelle Obama said that her goal (for the year I guess) is to focus on, and find a solution for, the childhood obesity epidemic. So far.... I haven't seen anything come of that....

Whatever happened to the idea of Exercise?? I GUARANTEE that aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day will make you lose weight and be healthier. It's a proven fact! And health experts have been saying that for hundreds of years! (okay, maybe not hundreds, I'm getting carried away)

Okay, so some people have health issues that make it difficult to stay in shape. But give me a break! 9 million youth, at the age that the human species is suppose to be at the PRIME OF THEIR LIVES, are clinically obese?!? (I don't think the writers of Wally were too far off). It makes me sick to look around and see how obese people are. Now, I do realize that I'm blessed. I have a good metabolism and have grown up in a home where I can choose to eat healthier. But I still think that healthy living habits are a choice. Guess what? A bag of maybe 6 apples, is 2 dollars cheaper than a bag of chips. (Found that out while grocery shopping in college). Fills you up more too. Exercise usually causes you to eat healthier too. That's why I do both. It's not that hard - people are just too lazy to get up and do anything and it's easier to be obese.

I guess it all comes down to the fact that I believe our bodies are gifts from a loving Heavenly Father. We should take care of them. And being healthy allows us to do more and feel better. So I apologize for offending anyone... that's just my opinion on the matter.