The Big O

The Big O I am talking about is not Obama or Oprah. I’m referring to Obesity. And, just because it starts with O, doesn’t mean it’s an Irish disorder. It seems to be an American one. A guy’s gotta eat. You can’t argue with that, but it gets tricky when he can’t tell when to stop.

As we age, it is said that our bodies change. That’s obvious at certain points. There’s adolescence and its various spurts and smells and its clothing and hairstyle challenges. And, there’s the regrettable decline, shrinkage, and cosmetic breakdown of older age and we all know where that leads.

Also, somewhere, in between, each gender may undergo a shocker. Pregnancy is quite a departure from one’s normal bodily changes, as is hair loss, though I assure you I am not equating the two. Obesity, a statistical reality, is not quite as organic. This is something that happens as a result of our own actions.

As children, we are on a mission of growth. We can’t help it. We’re programmed to become adults and, though all bodies can achieve this, sadly, some minds are left behind. Sugar, in all its attractive forms, appears crucial. Shakes, soda, and candy become a food group unto themselves. But, in this, appetite has a purpose beyond mere satisfaction.

In the early dawn of mankind’s journey, kids ran around all the time. You couldn’t stop them. Sports, riding their bikes, wrestling. A parent had to put his foot down and raise his voice to get them to come in and sit at the table. As our standard of living and technology progressed and reached new heights, things began to change.

Sedentary activities got popular. Neighborhoods changed and parents became reluctant to let their kids run wild. Diet Coke became an acceptable breakfast among adults. Advertising introduced the concept of infinite appetites, both physical and psychological.

I’m just noting that things are different now. Our options have increased. And, just as these changes haven’t happened all at once, the same is true of our weight. It only seems like overnight. One day, you look in the mirror and not only are you older than you thought, you’re also a lot bigger than you could have imagined. Suddenly, everyone’s talking about obesity and you realize they’re talking about you and your children.

Holy Cow! How did this happen? Of course, it’s not everybody, but you can’t deny the numbers, whether they come from the National Science Foundation or from the scale in your bathroom. I never thought I would ever be as big as a house. It just happened. Little by little. Dessert by dessert. Cookie by cookie.

Information is empowering and admitting what’s true is the first step to rehabilitation. After the shock settles in, it’s time for action, although, in this case, inaction might be the best response. Sure, that burger and fries or that Club Sandwich and fries or that piece of apple pie and fries look good, but armed with awareness and an understanding of the consequences – health and otherwise – it is possible to bring about the necessary corrections.

I can reverse the trend. It’s possible to slim down and get healthy. I need to exercise my will. Become more than just a statistic. Be able to look myself in the mirror and see the changes. In time, I will accomplish my goals. My only question now is, do I have to give up doughnuts?