Having some extra moments I was checking out some sites I had not visited recently. One of them was Instapundit. It is a popular source of links with a different flavor than Drudge.
One of the headlines that caught my eye had to do with being overweight. I can identify with that. I struggle with weight as do many of you. What caught my attention was the hypothesis that it was “Easier to Be Skinny in the 80's”.
The basic data seems solid. They state that with the same input and output young people today seem to be about 10% heavier than the previous generation. Something has changed.
The author admits “Just what those other changes might be, though, are still a matter of hypothesis.” That does not stop him from getting on the PC soapbox. Guess what his first three conjectures are? First is an increase in chemicals such as pesticides, you know, the evil chemical companies. Second, increased prescription drugs because we know that the drug companies are blood suckers. His final suggestion is against those evil meat eaters. We all know that beef cattle are treated hormones and antibiotics that are changing our gut bacteria.
He doesn’t go anywhere near the changes mandated by the government in food processing. He doesn’t touch GMO foods. He says nothing about the products coming from China with lead and such. If I let my imagination go I can come up with all kinds of wild theories. To his credit he says no one knows just before he plants ideas in our heads.
If you are young and overweight you might enjoy reading this for some light guilt reduction. If you are older like me it is just light entertainment.
homo unius libri
I'm fat because, every night after midnight, Martians tie me down and force feed me Moon Pies and steroids!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what happened to all the Moon Pies.
DeleteGrace and peace.
I only know that, for me, it was easier to be slim in the 1980s. Of course, I was in my 20s back then...
ReplyDeleteThey would rest their case but I have a few questions.
DeleteGrace and peace