Obesity vs Smoking: The Black Holes Of Health

Over the last two decades, Americans have seen an increase in their average life expectancies.  Part of this is improved medical care, and part is attributed to declines in the rates of tobacco use.  Particularly smoking.  So, it was interesting to me when I encountered a recent article on projected declines in life expectancy, attributed primarily to rising obesity rates.

Obesity vs Smoking

Researchers postulate that Americans can expect that life expectancies should continue to rise, but at a slower rate than they would otherwise.  The reduction in lifespan is expected to be an average of nearly one year of life, based solely on the rising rates of obesity.  Researchers went on to acknowledge that it becomes exceedingly difficult to manage weight loss as portion sizes continue to expand.  After all, people don’t have to smoke to live.  Giving up food isn’t really an option.

The difficulty with weight management is always highlighted to me when I travel on business.  Traveling alone is difficult enough to manage weight.  However, toss in the reality of business meetings, dinners, and general entertainment, and controlling calorie content is a true challenge.  We still encounter the occasional smoker, but business dinners are an inevitable part of the travel equation.

I guess it highlights that there will always be sins to distract us from our overall goals of weight management and health.  In today’s society, it’s hard to live a relatively frugal lifestyle that promotes health, fitness, and moderation.  It’s something for me to keep in mind on my next business stint.

Related posts:

1. Government And Obesity
2. Link Between High Fructose Corn Syrup & Obesity – Disproven!
3. How Your Health Can Benefit From Coffee
4. The Plan To Tax Soda Products — Good Or Bad?
5. Does Television Really Contribute To Child Obesity?