Obesity is a Pox on America

So the other day I put up a new survey that showed the increase in obesity rates in America over the last 20 years. If you took a few minutes to look at it then you were probably as shocked as I was with how scary this trend has become. In my blog (linked here http://bradcrump.blogspot.com/2014/01/obesity-dilemma.html ), I posted the survey and asked what do we need to do to get America back on track to a healthier lifestyle?

No judgement. No Accusations. Just concern for the health of my children, friends, and future generations. My goal was simple to share some information and get people thinking.

To which an anonymous poster wrote:

"Nice, You were almost 100 pounds overweight not too long ago and now you're up on an anti-obesity soapbox? If you weren't sick, you'd probably be one of the statistics you mentioned!"

Now I'm not sure you all realize it but I have to approve all the comments for my blog (It prevents spammers from trying to sell stuff). So for this comment, like all the others, I had to allow it to be posted and I did post it because I want people to feel free to share their thoughts.

Before I continue there is a few things I would like to clarify.

1. I was 254 lbs at my heaviest, which made me clinically obese. 
2. I have lost over 100 lbs through pain, exploratory surgery, and wasting (the reasons for which are not yet clear). 
3. My weight loss, as yet unresolved could kill me, is by no means intentional. 
4. If I hadn't got sick I would definitely be overweight right now.

Now, here is the issue. Obesity is a problem! It a scourge on all of us. When I was obese there was not a day that passed that I didn't wish I had the self control to keep the weight off. So you know what, I will get up on my soapbox...

Folks, we can't run around getting mad every time someone tells us the truth. Obesity is an issue, it is a pox on our country. We all know this so why can't we talk about it? We should be gathering in the public square to discuss a solution, we should be demanding that our insurance companies cover visits with the nutritionists, we should not stop until we have found a way to help the 20-30% of Americans whose health is in danger because of their weight!

So here is what I am going to do. Create a public space to discuss this issue. Send me your ideas on how we can address the obesity epidemic in America. What can we do in restaurants, at grocery stores, with healthcare, at home.... you come up with an idea and I will post it here. Share this post with everyone you know. Lets start a conversation, because if we try we can change the shape (literally) of the future.

Send me an email at bradcrump@hotmail.com with your ideas or post your comments here or on my FB page.

P.S. To the anonymous poster. I know that there are days where it all seems to be to much. Where the disappointment, the anger, and the frustration are all to much to bare. It turns us into real bears right! I want you to know you can do it. Don't give up, tomorrow might just be the day when it all turns around.