Yes we have strict regulations on the quality of fuel we put into our cars,but no regulations on the quality of fuel they can sell for our bodies.

The solution is good diet and exercise.Why not increase health premiums for those who don't obey the fundamentals of a healthy life style?

Part of the problem is that, although obesity is easy to recognise, many people do not realise that either they or their children are in the overweight category. Once overweight it only takes a bout of mild depression and comfort eating to slide into obesity.

My children are on the thin side but not underweight. Yet it is impossible to buy clothes that fit their waistline in outlets such as Kmart or Target as they are far too big. It is also impossible to buy sensible portions of cake or meals out and children and adults alike quickly get used to overeating. Children’s meals always come with adult sized portions of chips and a free soft fizzy drink but you usually have to pay extra if you prefer water, milk or juice. Ask for a 'healthy' sandwich and it will come with a thick layer of butter whether or not you requested it. After a while overeating and being overweight seem normal.

Some of the statistics we are given just do not make sense - according to our local paper this week 60% of adults and 25% of children in Western Sydney are obese - obviously I must live in a pocket of thin people as I know very few I would consider obese - overweight maybe. It is no wonder people do not take the problem seriously.

Perhaps doctors should make a point of weighing people - especially children - at every visit and indicate whether they are overweight. Private health insurance companies could give a discount to those with a body mass index in the healthy range – and a further discount for non-smokers.

I find some of the comments here a bit judgmental. We have no right to dictate how people should live their lives so long as it does not impose on others. There is however good reason to provide support and guidance in the form of education and promoting healthier choices

sajo: I think it's true to an extent that it's hard to recognise being overweight for most people, although I think it's still fairly obvious to people when they're overweight and definitely when they're obese. There's certainly a stark contrast between the general body type/shape in most countries (including continental Europe even) and those in the English speaking world, which I think we ignore largely. Also, if we look at old movies or TV shows, it's plainly obvious that even well into the 80s people were relatively thin.

I would suggest that if there is indeed a market for slim children's clothes, then there must be people out there selling such clothes. Maybe there's a business opportunity there for you! As for food portions, again, there must be businesses out there that provide proper children's meals and healthy meals in general. If you patronise them, then they'll stay in business and maybe similar establishments will open.

As to your last paragraph, I would say that the way people live their lives does impose on others in this country. People who take care of themselves see their tax dollars that go into health syphoned off to deal with diseases of lifestyle (which are largely preventable), and this is only going to get much worse in this country. I think such people have a right to be judgemental when other people are wasting their money.

shorbe,

"I think it's true to an extent that it's hard to recognise being overweight for most people,"

Tubs finds it dead easy to recognise when people are over weight. The excess perspiration, wheezing and undulating rolls give the game away.

Tubs is not so sure about the benign influence of those evil prying multi-nationals peddling sensible portions however. The big red floppy jackboot of Ronald McDonald has been pressed mercilessly against the back of the neck for more than half a century, choking the life out of us all. No, they know which side their enchilada is oiled on. They do not change their spots. It is all some sort of devilish conspiracy to... sell us more food. Luring us back onto the hard stuff in the process.

You will submit and consume and we all know food is the real enemy, unless of course, you don't.

Slater & Gordon shares look good this week.

Simply an observation on the intake side:

it's easy to target McDonalds et al as the culprits for high energy intake and they should take some of the blame. However I regularly notice young adults at supermarkets who are laden with packets of snack foods, dips and soft drinks presumably to take home for snacking on (or as meal substitutes). Never an apple nor banana in sight. It comes down to the choices people make and how well they are informed of the ramifications of those choices.

By the way, I'd also suggest that a very high source of empty energy is alocholic drinks but when are they ever mentioned?

shorbe

I was making the observation that nowadays clothes and food are marketed towards the overweight. Consequently overeating and being overweight are seen as normal.

I can buy slim fitting clothes for my children - just not at the cheaper chainstores. I can pick and choose from cafe menus but it is far more expensive and causes more arguements than the 'value meal' with free drink and dessert included. If you ask for a smaller slice of cake at a cafe you still pay the same. People will always go for the option that provides best value for money in the short term. Basically you have to spend more money and go to greater effort to make healthier choices. I am prepared to do so but wonder why it should be necessary. Maybe there should be system of 'standard food portions' in the same way as with alcoholic drinks