Confucius Say...

While we may not be able to rely on our beloved Confucius to solve our obesity troubles, by carefully examining the Chinese and their similar trend towards obesity, we can learn a lot about our own situation.

As I began to look into China's situation, I noticed that they are in somewhat of a transitional period. They are industrializing at an incredible rate, and in doing so, becoming one of the top nations worldwide. China is rising through the ranks, and as it progresses, dietary structure and lifestyles of the average Chinese citizen are beginning to change. As food becomes more readily available, the average citizen is eating more and more each day.

This fact in mind, I then started to think about our own situation here in America. As our standard of living increases, our lives become more and more centered around technology and especially food. With a McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Wendy's at just about every major intersection coupled with a disposable income, it's easy to see how fast food has become a major part of our everyday lives.

What is also important to note is that people in both low-income and high-income families are affected by this trend. This seems counterintuitive, but even those in poverty are living sedentary lifestyles coupled with poor nutrition causing obesity to continue to grow.

While Confucius may not be a huge help, the idea of moderation will. While we may not be able to start a gigantic global weight loss clinic, simply practicing moderation can make a huge difference in improving your lifestyle and overall health.