Alarming obesity data needs action

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, May 13, 2012

~~<p>Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight — and who confronts the issue honestly — will have to admit that it is within their power to succeed, but that they are up against some truly terrible headwinds.</p>
<p>Everything from marketing — cheap but calorie-laden servings pitched to families as good value — to the tools and distractions of society that keeps them sedentary, combine to work against them. Even so, the toll paid for obesity, in health risks and a diminished quality of life, is so high that a concerted effort to combat the problem should become a national focus.</p>
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Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight — and who confronts the issue honestly — will have to admit that it is within their power to succeed, but that they are up against some truly terrible headwinds.

Everything from marketing — cheap but calorie-laden servings pitched to families as good value — to the tools and distractions of society that keeps them sedentary, combine to work against them. Even so, the toll paid for obesity, in health risks and a diminished quality of life, is so high that a concerted effort to combat the problem should become a national focus. Login for more...