Society makes it easy for you to be overweight
An interesting article from the University of Sydney highlights what we at Caveman Power have been advocating for some time now.
From the article:
The global epidemic of Type 2 diabetes is an indicator of serious underlying issues in our society, says a University medical expert.
“People think of this as an issue of individual responsibility - you’re overweight, you’ve got diabetes, it’s your fault. But it just isn’t,” said Associate Professor Bruce Neal.
“You are overweight because you live in a society that make it easy for you to be overweight, that bombards you with advertising about the wrong kinds of foods, that doesn’t make it easy for you to lose weight,” said Professor Neal.
More than 250 million people worldwide have Type 2 diabetes, and the numbers are growing rapidly. Most will eventually die or be disabled by the complications.
“Diabetes is an indicator of serious underlying issues in our society,” he added. “We have to get governments much more engaged in addressing the reasons why we have this epidemic. Unless they take a more active role it is not going to go away. It is not going to get better. In fact it is going to get much worse.”
The global study followed 11,140 people for four and a half years. They were recruited from more 200 centres in 20 countries around the world.
“Type 2 diabetes is a massive problem around the world, and on average, someone with diabetes lives 5 to 10 years less than someone who doesn’t have Type 2 diabetes. It causes a huge economic burden, and in particular the complications that we were preventing in this study are a major cost to the health system.
And now for my opinion:
Firstly, we need to educate people about Diabetes prevention. This however, is no small task - considering it’s at direct opposition to multi-million dollar corporations who have the best marketing (propaganda) tools at their disposal.
Additionally, the grain industry is massively subsidised by the government (which is of little surprise considering the export dollars garnished) and grains are a big part of the diabetes equation.
Some people may ask; Why should we educate the people? Aren’t they already aware they’re eating junk, it’s just a willpower thing?
The answer is NO! Junk food is being heavily marketed as health food. For example; Cereal, Low-Fat Yoghurt, Muesli Bars etc.
This is not a case of willpower, it’s a case of deliberate profiteering by large corporations who absolutely refuse to acknowledge any link with Diabetes.
So how do we educate the people? The answer lays somewhere between “guerilla media” and ”tell a friend”.
To educate yourself, search diabetes on Google. Learn to think for yourself - do not automatically give trust to whatever the billboards or TV ads are telling you.
I’m not even asking you to trust me - that’s up to you. Do the research and find out for yourself… empower yourself.
Feel free to challenge me or ask me questions in the comments section below - we may all learn something.
Link to full article: The University of Sydney
Matt Emery - Author and Caveman
What else is there to say but AMEN! Diabetes is a huge concern of mine, and one reason I am pursuing a degree in nursing. As a nurse, I will be able to help care for people with diabetes, but more importantly, help teach people how to properly take care of themselves. Too much of our “nutrition information” comes from food producers, and it is hard to fight against conventionally accepted ideas - I refuse to call such notions conventional wisdom as there is nothing wise in it. It is based on profits for the companies at the expense of the health and well-being of the citizenry. I am under no illusion that it will be easy in spreading the word of true proper nutrition in a world that believes otherwise, i.e. that lots of processed carbs are okay and eating multiple times a day is healthy.
I absolutely agree that much of the responsibility rests with the corporations and their well-paid advertisers; however, I put some balance to that with a fair degree of personal responsibility. The information is there for the having and understanding, but it takes effort and time, something most people simply cannot spare (related posting on the “philosophy” forum”).
You are right, Matt, that the answer may lie somewhere between just passing the word person to person and guerilla media. Whenever I tell people at work (not working in the medical field yet) that I eat only once a day, they absolutely bristle. I believe in part because it goes against common practice and conventional thinking, but also that there is a grain of truth in what I am saying, and it would take great effort on their part to change.
So, that’s the big question. We know the right way to live, but how to make people willing to get over the first challenging days to experience for themselves the lightness of being and clarity of thought that result from a cleaner way of living and eating? I’m still grappling with that one. Any thoughts and advice from others?
Kels
Comment by Kels — October 29, 2007 @ 11:23 PDT
Thanks Kels, i’m glad you are reaching out for the truth yourself, rather than buying into the crap that mass marketing would have you believe.
I get such a kick out of seeing people empower themselves with the truth… well done!
You asked for advice on how to educate people on a cleaner way of living… here’s my two cents; set an example, tell your friends and family. Walk the walk and others will see an improvement in your health and they will likely follow you, or at least be very curious.
I’ve found that friends and family are sceptical of the Primal Man philosophy at first, but after a while they can’t argue with the fact that I look better, sound better, and am generally more of a “whole” person. Their scepticism eventually turns to silent curiosity, and finally, overt curiosity.
It’s really not rocket science, it’s logical, simplicity itself - and people connect with simplicity at a very deep level.
I think that over the next 10 years we’ll see Stone Age or Palaeolithic diets become increasingly popular. But for now, we’re a small minority, but indeed a growing one.
Comment by Matt Emery — October 29, 2007 @ 22:43 PDT