I found this interesting article online yesterday. It is from an American source, and looks at how the administration in the USA appears to be failing to make the connection between obesity and the pandemic. The government there apparently has no visible policy on the national obesity epidemic either, or the related huge increase in Diabetes.
beetleypete 
I’ve heard about this connection too, I think we’re too dependent on cars, fast food, and an easy lifestyle here in the states. We have a huge obesity problem and it a death sentence in so many ways. Thanks for sharing the article, hugs, C
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Thanks, Cheryl. I was surprised to read that it is not getting much publicity in the US.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sugar is like a drug, and for the industries a very cheap way of making big money. Yesterday I saw a documentary here, and was amazed that a large amount of sugar is added to all finished products. xx Michael
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I remember being very surpised to discover that they add sugar to bread here. No wonder I enjoy bread!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Bread is essential, and i hope they will stop only the extended use of sugar. Best wishes, Michael
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The obesity train lumbers on…Obama highlighted it and made new laws Trump stopped anything they had brought in…its a vicious circle add the food companies and there you have it between politicians, the food companies and joe public who just carries on eating regardless it won’t get sorted any time soon x
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I very much doubt I will see any change in my remaining lifetime, Carol.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I doubt that too, Pete there is so much to be changed hopefully the younger generation will do that x
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I got a charge out of the article positing the “personal choice” issue in America. “Personal choice” AKA freedom, is the mantra of the right wing here. Warmest regards, Theo
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It does seem to be, Theo.
The choice to eat badly, and become ill. I suppose it is much the same here, except for the government always trying to tell us not to do that, and presenting reasons why we shouldn’t.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I didn’t know Boris Johnson had launched a crusade against obesity. At least that’s one good thing he’s done. As you see things in the US are abysmal. Even many of our healthcare workers are morbidly obese. Of course, like everything, it’s about money. Big bucks in crap food, so who’s going to take them on? Not our lily-livered politicians.
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Boris put most of that weight on again, I’m afraid. He can hardly button his suit jacket when he is on TV. At least they forced through a lot of nurtitional information on packaged food, and had a big TV campaign about healthy eating, exercise, and the dangers associated with obesity. Trouble is, they can’t force people to do it, so there is talk of a tax hike on ‘unhealthy food’. But it is mainly the poor who are obese, and eating healthily is more expensive.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes, it’s the modern disease. I find it so cynical, the “Let them eat cake” attitude.
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(1) “For example: One item on the to-do list at USDA is simply putting back in place school nutrition standards that were enacted during the Obama administration but were relaxed under Trump and then further rolled back to make it easier on schools during the pandemic.” … I was teaching elementary school during the Obama years, and the kids routinely threw away anything healthy at lunchtime. I complained about this, and asked if I could save some of the good food going to waste, and was told that it was not allowed. Bad eating habits are ingrained in children at home. Giving them a healthy alternative at school simply doesn’t work. At least not the mostly Hispanic population at my school.
(2) Did you notice the photo of Michelle Obama at Red Rock Canyon NCA? I do a lot of hiking and rock scrambling there! It’s only a 20-minute drive from home.
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I agree that many children fail to eat the healthy options offered at school, it’s the same here. Education has to be continued by the parents, but it seems many parents need more information, and to be educated themselves.
Thanks, David.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Ya…all sorts of things around this topic.
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Yes indeed. Pressure from the fast food industry is just one aspect.
Best wishes, Pete.
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WE Americans look for a quick fix and during the pandemic we consumed mostly carbs…..that should say it all chuq
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Your administration should at least try to make people aware of the evidence of any connection, chuq.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I agree….the news is usually what the government wants us to know chuq
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I notice that although Johnson lost some weight after his scare, he has put it back on again. All those business lunches and dinners! I wonder who pays for those 🤔
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I have no doubt we end up paying for them eventually, Jude, one way or another. The long-suffering British taxpayer,
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Yep, I agree, Jude
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it’s such a no-brainer connection, and makes perfect sense
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Someone needs to tell Joe and Kamala, Beth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’ll do my best to let them know
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I can’t remember the last time I got fast food.
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The last time I was in a McDonalds was around 12 years ago. That was for a breakfast meal when I was still working and living in London. In the countryside, fast food is mostly accessed by home delivery, so I don’t bother with that. I cook every day, and eat out in a proper restaurant once a month. (Lockdowns permitting. 🙂 )
Best wishes, Pete.
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The junk food/fast food industries will be up in arms. They all need shutting down, but nobody will ever do this so the problem will always remain.
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I think you are right about that, Stevie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think this link is fairly obvious, Pete, if you just stop and think about it a little.
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Yes, and it is widely publicised in the UK. This article is only about America.
Best wishes, Pete.
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