A short while ago, the latest “Health Survey for England” data revealed 28% of adults are obese with a further 36% being overweight (for a total of 64% being one or the other).
The report itself makes grim reading, particularly where it pertains to children.
Although that is entirely unsurprising. Fat parents are obviously going to pass on their bad attitudes and habits, then on top of that you have the pernicious influence of fat teachers transmitting their bad attitudes and habits. (Connie is in reception and she tells me that her and her classmates are regularly rewarded with sweets for good behaviour, and study of other cultures always involves a meal consisting entirely of takeaway-style junk food.)
What to do about all of this?
Historically, I’ve had all sorts of ideas of how the state could intervene to tax and shame people into shape (in much the same way as we taxed and shamed people into stopping smoking).
Problem is, none of those measures are realistic. Partly because the majority of our political class are themselves in woeful physical condition and partly because there is much money to be made by pharma et al selling partially effective solutions.
Hence, I have now concluded that it is entirely down to the individual to solve their “weight problem”, either on their own or with the support of suitably qualified individuals (dietitians, psychologists, personal trainers, etc).
Obviously most people have neither the will nor ability to shoulder this weighty mantle.
But those who do will become an increasingly valuable commodity in a society where listlessness, sickness, and vice are the norm – likely enjoying great advantages in the spheres of career, business, and relationships as a consequence.
And those with kids will sleep soundly knowing they have not set their child up for a lifetime plagued by illness (both physical and mental) leading to an early end from a cause that could have been prevented if only they had been taught a better way of living.
Anyway.
My approach to weight loss for those who need it is atypical.
I encourage what I call a “training first” approach.
By that I mean making proper training a fixed, firm part of your life you cannot countenance being without.
Weight loss invariably follows, not least because such an attitude prompts the desire to eat properly.
More:
Weight loss is better sustained via this approach because when your diet slips (as it always does), less damage is done because training remains constant.
It’s not fancy, I shall concede.
There are no apps required, no weighing and measuring of food, no cutting out entire food groups, foregoing the occasional dalliance, or any of the other things that give a sense of smug moral superiority and/or let you diddle with minutiae to divert your attention from what actually makes a difference.
But I daresay that is what the thinking person who wants to be strong and in shape is looking for.
On that note…
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Thank you,
Phil Tyreman