Should We Live In a Free and Obese Country? I was reading an article today that said a judge struck down the groundbreaking restrictions on the size of sugar laden drinks imposed in New York City. Obviously there are two sides to this story. One side says we live in a free country and the other side says the government needs to intervene. Which side are you on?
Fat People Are Costing Us Money! Lets face it money is a driving factor in this world so lets use it as the main reason the government stepping in makes sense. An obese man racks up an additional $1,152 in medical spending a year and an obese woman an additional $3,613 a year. Those costs get passed on to all of us via higher insurance premiums. Sure this is a free country but only to the extent that your actions do not get in the way of my my freedoms. So guzzling a shit load of soda and fast food is your choice but in the long run your dragging us all down. This is self absorbed.
Speaking of Self Absorbed..... Its a fact most people can't stop killing themselves on their own. I see people say things like "I'm afraid of success" on a diet so they purposely sabotaged themselves. WTF? Or another one of my fav's "I had to learn to love myself before I could lose weight". Stop it! We don't lose weight because we don't want to. So to avoid those high medical costs down the road the government making you isn't a bad thing.
Not Far Enough! My opinion we need to take this a step further. Tax the living shit out of all these unhealthy drinks and food. The government taxed cigarettes so much that some people actually quit because of the cost. What if a 20 oz of coke was $3.50 would you still drink it? What if a #1 at McDonald's was 10 bucks would you still eat it?
Agree or Disagree?
**Disclaimer** I am still one of these obese people but through diet and hard work not much longer!
I guess I respectfully disagree with the soda ban from an individual freedom point of view. Just look at you - you are doing a great job at losing weight and getting healthy without that soda ban or huge taxes.
ReplyDeleteEducation is so important and I do think the soda ban brought to light how much sugar/calories are in those enormous drinks.
Without a doubt I think education would help a portion of the population. Helping people make smart decisions like maybe Mayo isn't the best condiment on your sub. I do think however there is a majority of the overweight population that does know better (including myself).
DeleteI work in an office setting and some people go out for fast food every day. These people are educated and know that a Big Mac has more calories than grilled chicken. Educating them is not going to work so what do we do to make them healthier people so they aren't a drain on the health care system and they are around for their loved ones longer? That's the million dollar question. Studies should be created to figure this one out.
I was just thinking about this too!
ReplyDeleteHere's my post: http://sheslosingit.net/2013/03/12/nyc-soda-ban-blocked-your-thoughts/
Lisa
P.S. - Congrats on all your weight loss success!
Hey Thanks Lisa! Good Info on the Ban!
ReplyDelete