[annelizly]

I am not sure if this is the way to go, but...the number of obese kids is shocking. As a college professor, I see more than my share of ‘em. When you talk to some of them, they swear up and down they eat right and try to exercise. My gut tells me its not just eating habits at work here. Something is very wrong with these kids—not sure if its genetic, behavioral or something in the food supply. Or perhaps all of the above.

I think your right. Its more than just diet and exercise. I don’t think anyone has gotten past the diet and exercise theory to actually study this though.

[exDemMom]

This is actually a very active area of research.

There are a number of factors going on here. Kids are less active. Lower activity means fewer calories burned, and higher probability of gaining weight.

Once the weight starts to go up, the metabolism changes. It then becomes very difficult to lose weight. Every time one tries to cut back, the body starts to send all kinds of signals that it’s starving.

[rbg81]

I think your right. Its more than just diet and exercise. I don’t think anyone has gotten past the diet and exercise theory to actually study this though.

---

I don’t usually up on my tin-foil hat, but I do for this issue. I think it isn’t being studied because the answer is known and (to fix it) would drive up food prices astronomically. It may involve halting the use of certain hormones in livestock. This, in turn, might make it difficult to feed the population in a cost effective manner.

If you look at photos of college kids from the early 60s vs. today, the ones from today look (not are, but look) like absolute (misshapen) buffoons. It really jumps out at you. My gut tells me that the health problems from obsesity will dwarf those from smoking.