For the record I doubt the virus theory, but I don't think obesity is a laughing matter at all. It's a serious problem, particularly in the USA. I had a problem with it myself a few years ago, but I've lost well over 3 stone and I look a lot healthier these days. I did this without dieting in any way, shape or form!
Could I make a million from this? Unfortunately not, because all I did was to change my diet and take a lot more exercise.
I am not a medical expert but I will just give my humble opinions on the subject of why some people become obese.
The first reason is, they eat junk. McDonalds, burgers, red meat, white bread, chips, butter, processed food, and very little fresh raw vegetables, fresh fruit, and wholemeal or granary bread. The human body needs vitamins and nutrients, which it cannot get from junk food. If the body is starved of these vitamins and nutrients, it will signal the brain's hunger trigger to demand more food. Unfortunately some people then eat even more junk food, which makes them obese. If you make the switch to healthy, vitamin-rich food, the hunger trigger will key out after a couple of weeks, and you won't feel so hungry.
The second reason is obvious - they don't take enough exercise. No prizes for that one! But the human body needs to be put through its paces, preferably every day. After this computer session I will put my trainers on and run until I'm gasping for breath. My metabolic rate is thus tuned up so that I'm burning more calories even when I'm asleep. (Build up slowly if you haven't exercised for a while).
A couple more points. If you eat one chocolate biscuit, then another, then another, it can be difficult to stop, because the taste is in your mouth. However, if you go into the bathroom and clean your teeth thoroughly with a strong mint toothpaste (any old brand) and particularly, make sure you brush your tongue. Have a good rinse, and your mouth feels so fresh, you will not want any more biscuits, or toast, or anything. It works for an hour or so, and is harmless obviously.
Also, try fasting (nil calories) for one day. A lot of people have never done this in their life. However, it is harmless unless you have a medical condition which makes it inadvisable. When you fast, your stomach shrinks, and the body learns to accept less food. Funnily enough I did it on Christmas day, from 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 1 p.m. on Boxing Day (40 hours). Just drink green tea (no milk or sugar). I was introduced to this by a Muslim friend of mine.
Don't eat cheese. It is a very fattening food, and clogs up the arteries, especially very-high-fat cheeses like stilton. Switch to canned fish, which is full of nutrients and much lower in fat.
Personally I eat salad every day. I don't often eat a cooked meal, and I don't eat meat.
This post may sound a bit silly for the Fortean Times board, but I did lose the weight myself this way, and kept it off. So if I've helped anyone at all, it's a pleasure.
Bill.
