The War on Fat

Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, discovered a new crisis in our midst. Not content merely to battle terror, drugs, smoking, mental illness, and a host of lesser maladies, the government turned its attention to obesity. Admittedly, many Americans are too heavy, but what might our nation do about it?

Currently, a massive War on Fat is under way. Commercials air on TV, radio, and billboards employing skits and slogans. In addition, obesity research contracts are negotiated to determine reasons for and the solutions to undesirable weight gain. The fact that we possess a thousand studies relating to much of the same data will not dissuade the conducting of new studies. As expected, money is being spent.

What is the alternative? Very simply, each citizen should conduct their lives in accordance with two books: the late Nathan Pritikin's The Pritikin Program for Diet & Exercise that advocates a diet high in complex carbohydrates, and Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper's The Aerobics Program for Total Well-Being.

Both Pritikin and Cooper are integral parts of my life. They enable me to enjoy a vigorous life while maintaining my 154 pounds.