Many ppl, like myself, are overweight not from eating too much food or the wrong kinds of food but because of genetics. Both of my grandfathers were big men. They didn't have junk food back in those days. They ate healthy home grown food. They worked at labour intensive jobs. Got plenty of fresh air. And they both smoked. One died from throat cancer in his 80's. The other from a heart attack in his 80's. Both of them weighed well over 200 pounds. They were big men, like me. 6 ft 1 in and 243 pounds with a spare tire at the mid section. I don't eat junk food and very little fat. I eat very little sweets/carbs. I exercise as much as possible when I am not in too much pain from my arthritis. The key to weight loss/control is a high metabolism which burns off the carbs and fat. I never weighed more than 160 to 170 lbs most of my adult life. Then, once I hit the 45 plus age. The weight just started coming on over night. No matter what I didn't eat or the amount of exercise I did, I still gained weight. Most of it around my mid section/stomach. Genetics and slower metabolism are at work in my body and many others. So writing a book and criticizing overweight/obese ppl like me is just plain ignorant. North Americans are fixated on being skinny. That is the reason/cause of so many anorexic and bulimic ppl. Especially teenagers who are made to feel worthless and depressed because they aren't a rack of skin and bones. Eat in moderation, exercise within your limitations and accept yourself the way God made you. Stress is a bigger problem and cause of death than being overweight. Instead of condemning and making overweight ppl feel guilty, find a way to speed up their metabolism to burn the carbs and fat. For those of us with arthritic pain, exercise is limited. Maybe someone should write a book on why skinny ppl look so frail and sick because they are stressed out.

I walk and/or exercise everyday, I swim 3 times a week in the summer, I carefully measure my portions, and when I eat out (which is often) it is salad with oil & vinegar on the side. I was fat as a child and now in my 60's I'm still fat no matter what I do. And if you don't like me the way I am then it's your loss.

Angela, get as much help for you pain as possible because that's what's driving you to the edge. And if people don't love you because of your weight, if people don't see you for your heart and soul then it's their loss too.

Here's a hug to you Angela and just so you know as of today I am refusing to read anymore overweight/obese/fat articles. They are just not worth the grief they cause.

I believe the problem is wheat - ever since Heart and Stroke and Diabetes Assoc. got on board with everything whole grain and whole wheat people have been gaining +++ Read book " Wheat Belly" for the real story.

Hi all, the only real reason why we are all gaining weight is simple. All our daily foods with sugar have been replaced with Glucose Fructose. A chemical sugar derived from corn syrup. Super cheap for the corporations, so they have replaced cane sugar with this stuff. Its in everything from baby food to pops, bread, cereals, juices and anything else that use to have sugar in it. This stuff cause Obesity, blocks the chemical signal from "I'm full" to "I'm still Hungry" and it causes addictive behavior plus it causes type 2 diabetes. I don't know why, but the Government isn't telling us the truth anymore about anything. I believe its because they are controlled by the corporations. A never ending spiral of corruption in the ranks. So if you want to loose weight and be healthy, not only exercise but don't eat processed food, start to read your labels. If you don't know the words on the label, look it up via internet and make a list of all the chemicals. Labeled chemicals in foods are getting more and more elusive just like all the Federal Statues are elusive. Ever read the income tax act? the bank act?

By the way, those acts are due for a review and evaluation every 100 years.. and Next review year is 2013! wonder what will happen to take our attention away while the government house reviews those acts... Hmmm..

Beware my fellow human being, things are now more and more misleading, almost like the Nazi party did when they first started in the government.

Not everyone smokes marijuana , but those that do are more susceptible to obesity . Marijuana makes a person hungry.

I am always amazed at how *those-know-it-all-about-overweight-obese-people* come up with yet *another reason* why we are that way. I weighed 140lbs at the age of 19. I became pregnant and gave birth at 20. I had gained over 70lbs! I worked in a machine shop until my due date. I hardly ate because of throwing up. My daughter only weighed 5lbs. (c-section) I struggled with weight loss and only managed to get to 180. 5 years later I gave birth to my son. 40lbs gained. (c-section). Years I struggled. My highest weighing in at 290. I had tried a million diets, lost weight, gained weight, lost weight, gained weight. Until I found one that actually worked. 7 years ago I lost 80lbs. I walked everywhere. My job was very physical. Than I had surgery. ( woman thing ) I ended up with an infection 5 days later that lead to 2 and a half years of being cut open from hip to hip and left opened. Complications always arising. Within the first month I gained over 30lbs. Every infection landed me hospitalized and weekly I began gaining large amounts of weight. ( I also have edema which has caused problems for me *big and small*). To end the cutting and infections my lower part of my stomach was removed ( hangy baby belly). My belly button is now by my private area and to the side. And my stomach points into an egg shape if flexed. But the infections had stopped. 6 months after surgery I pinched a nerve in my neck ( C-6 ) which left my first finger numb ( and is still numb 3 year later ). And horrible throbbing pain in my arm. I took Lyrica for it. All during all this my weight continues to gain. ( I am not a big eater, my problem is I only eat once a day and usually before bed ) but that should NOT make someone obese! Now for 3 years I have been dealing with a very difficult problem. ( they have told me I have fibromyalgia) because putting any pressure on my skin is very painful ( feels freshly bruised underneath . But suddenly in Dec 2009 My entire upper body swelled with fluid. My eyes were puffy and gooey every morning, My hands and arms ached and suddenly all my muscles became exhausted within minutes of doing anything physical ( brushing my teeth, washing my hair, walking, opening jars, dressing ) EVERYTHING in my life became very difficult. My neck and shoulders swell and my body feels like it's been filled with lead. I feel pressure on my head like someone is always pushing down on me. I cry every day and I get fatter every day. And every time I try to push myself the problem worsens. If the swelling in my neck/head/shoulder area becomes too much it feels like my brain is suffocating, and I get panic attacks. My muscles have become so bad now that they literally LOCK when moved the wrong way. I'm terrified and frustrated and than I read an article that says. 6 reasons why you're overweight!!!! And the most hurtful thing with this is that when I'm having to stop and rest ( because my body will not go any further ) or I take one step at a time ( because the pain is unbearable and my legs want to collapse with exhaustion and my body trembles because the pain is so intense. Yesterday I nearly had a mental break-down. ( I have also dealt with severe depression for over 30 years and now take Cymbalta ) I had a shower ( which just about kills me ) and my arms became so exhausted before I could finish shampooing my hair. And so I try and go fast which than caused my muscles in my arm and down my side to cramp and lock so I can't move. I bawled uncontrollably because I can't/don't want to feel anymore pain!! My husband came to my rescue and helped calm me down and I know in my heart that if he wasn't there... I don't think I would be here today. Like an animal that suffers I too wish I could be put to sleep and end this misery. I just keep getting bigger. And I only leave the house a couple times a week in fear of the looks and the thoughts of others towards me. I now weigh in at 315lbs! And without being able to do any exercises. ( again if I do a bit of raking my arms swell and ache for days ) I'm sorry for such the long story.... maybe my *savoir* might read this. I didn't get obese from *over-eating and being lazy*. So maybe those who know NOTHING about half the world of over weight people should be more focused on the children and how our *next generation* can no longer spell words without making them *short formed*. Or how the world is too caught up in cell phones and Facebook that now the whole planet has changed. Marriage used to be *Until death do us part* But from what I see there is nothing but cheaters and all the other things that *matter*. I'm sorry for going off topic. Just trying to make a point. So, next time you see an obese person, having troubles walking, or difficulty just getting up. Don't judge that person thinking they just eat too much. Because those that don't know and just assume are very shallow and mean people. Because of those people, I hide. It's just SO GREAT to be alive! (sarcasm).

There are some really good comments mentioned in this article. For me, fast foods and restaurants are a definate no! I have discovered that I have a severe intolerance to preservatives! To the point the doctors thought that I had MS! I have left the grocery store many time empty handed because I just cannot eat anything that they offer! Fresh is best but pesticides become a problem too. Our immune systems spend too much time combating what we put in our bodies.....any we worry about the pot we cook it in....think for a moment what is in the pot! Exercise is great, have a physical job...even better, but there will always be health issues and man-made drugs that cause weight gain. And ladies, let us not forget that menopause is a culprit too. But this is our body's way of increasing the hormones that we need to reduce the risk of female cancers. A little bit of weight gain as we age is important. It is better than taking hormone pills. Don't let the media freak you out on being skinny. But let it remind you to take care of yourself. And there are herbs, such as stevia that are very sweet, natural, and have no calories....do your homework on your food and your lifestyle.

I thought this was supposed to be a worthwhile article. It was nothing but an ad for a stupid book!

The problem that I have was not listed. I am not able to go to the bathroom consistently. I have to take laxatives to help and sometimes they do not even work so needless to say, I end up with pounds of extra weight caused by the fact that I am not able to get rid of the waste in my body.

I agree with the underactive thyroid - also I was on hormone replacement. I felt good but decided it was time to go off of it. I was off for 2 months & put on 25 pounds, not changing diet or lifestyle. -- I am back on it but am still waiting for my weight to go down,:) Keeping my old clothes lol

I find it difficult to loose all my weight after pregnancy. I usually gain 60-65 lbs. but can only loose 40-45 of it. Am I putting on too much weight into the pregnancy to start with?

Dear people,
We live in a chemical world which the big and greedy corporations and satanic rich the so called the 1% in general are after distroying us in this evil world.
We know finaly who stands behind all of that evil. You just research and think of what is after for ex the monopoly--"Monsanto" and so on...
I never smoked and never drinked any alcohol, used to be in sport competitions etc. so until today kept my self way from those things and my weight as well around 75 kg but lately for few yrs went to 82 kg. I want to say is because of the life in North America, which is very static no walking and the biggest problem we are all surrownded by the preservetives in our food and even in the water--like the Fluorite.
In the miilk which-the Growht Hormons and the results of course is the MAD MAD COWS
Unfortunately, there are thousands of additives in the food process like the strawberries have been injected with the fish so now they are distorted and on and on.
The simple recepy is--(in less, out more) basically, is eat less and work more.
That's why other countris don't have this over weight problem like in NA we have, all because of the more natural food they eat and less preservatives or not at all.

So we can blame on the government that allwo it to destory us not so much on us
I don't eat out and for 20 yrs for ex may ate only few times from Mc Donalds some food because I hate it as well Tim Hortons is big garbage. I love to cook my food but that's why I see my self still gained over weight despit am so careflul. All the garbage food we have.
The far salmon that is fed you can imagine what is. The chickens, cows, beaf etc and even the vegatables now eith all the pesticise.
So sad and evil, our govrn needs to make free gyms for families so kids can grow properly not to make more jails and raise taxes and insurance and on and on.
We became slaves for the rich. It's impossible to save money in North America, so much debt. Now the news in Canada somehow talks surprisingly about poverty, go and wonder why. Is ti that the good govrnmt prepare us smoothly to that transition.
All so expensive tax go up but wages stay or even down. Sorry but big shame on the gov
My God, are those "rich rullers" going to live here 1000 years? or take with them all in the grave?
Why is this evil so much.
My God open your eyes
thank you

You forgot to mention underactive thyroid.

I want all food commercials removed from the media. They know how to market to people with low self restaint. Food Commercials are ment to make you go out a buy food and a lot of time that is late in the evening when you should not be eating a BIG MAC or a WENDY"S WHOPPER. If people don't go out; they go to the fridge. We are programed to fail. If we were all healthy what would all those health workers do. There is a reason for everything and yes it is easier to eat and live poorly that it is to be active and cook. For most it isn't fun to be thin. It is also cheaper to eat poorly; health is expensive.

I have to disagree with eating out too often. if you are eating "healthy" foods and are careful with portion size this is not an issue; however if you eat at many of the fast food restaurants this makes perfect sense.

I keep balancing between a healthy weight and a few pounds over. I didnt relize sleep had conections to weight and I definatly dont get enough sleep... maybe thats the reason my apitite is increasing. I will consider sleep more carefully now.

I am an obese person who is also a vegetarian and eats about as healthy as one should. Yeah, I like a piece of cake now and then, but I don't shovel food in daily. I try to get some exercise in but it can be hard when you are my size. What a lot of people don't seem to care about is that other severe and life-threatening illness can start or compound a weight problem. I live with mental health issues and, for example, one of the medications I tried for one year caused me to gain about 75 pounds. Other medications have added a lot of weight and they also alter my metabolism making it very hard to shed any weight. It makes me angry that blaming and ridiculing the obese is still acceptable in our society. Most people who are obese didn't get that way simply due to over-eating. Depression, illness, injury, job loss (and having to eat cheaper, often unhealthy food), are all factors and the impact every single one of us. Every single body!
Compassion is treating others as you wish to be treated, and to never put others in a place you yourself would not want to be. I think we all need to show more compassion to all peoples - including the overweight and obese.

Wow... I like the subtle way 30 minute meals plugged their cookbook, but it's a good little book. Some comments were very harsh... we forget that we are mammals, and have adapted our lifestyles to such a level that our bodies cannot adapt... eating fatty foods was a way for us not to starve in lean times. However, with the modernization of our society, we surround ourselves with comfort foods, all starchy, heavy carb food that we crave (because our bodies are still in survival mode)...we forget that we should surround ourselves with basic foods that we are designed to survive on...fresh veggies, fruit, and water... keep the treats and fast foods for just that: treats.... Society is allowing us to poison our bodies slowly...by the time we realize we are sick, it may be too late for our arteries, heart, liver and kidneys. We can only filter this crap so much before our bodies become sick.... Don't worry, I too have a few pounds too much...but I try to keep stress to a lower level by eating right (not always possible), drink plenty of water (i do), and try to get a decent night's sleep.... not so easy... good luck everybody...

Alex and Nate.....back to your corners guys. I have to admit to feeling a bit like Alex. Sorry that you feel your daughters weight is a concern Nate, but whose fault is it? Alex stated it got to him when he saw a seriously overweight person eating fast food - large quantities, and washing it down with a sugar drink - also extra large. I sometimes wonder who considers this persons obeisity a problem? Certainly not the person "stuffing their face". I quess it boils down to whom is responsible......the parent? The doctor? society? Or maybe, and I know this is a stretch, how about the individual that is eating? I sympathize, but I am way, way, past tired of people blaming what is percieved as their shortcomings on everyone but themselves. Like - I have a drug problem, call it a disease, beyond my control, and fix it for me. No no, don't make me stop, but supply me, and make sure its good stuff, oh, and charge it to the public purse. I'm sorry if this is offensive to anyone, but I'm only being honest.

Thanks for this major helping of DUH, Captain Obvious!

I agree with the 3 comments here. I too am overwieght, but I have not been to a fast food restaurant in at least 6 years. Once my daughter saw "super size it" she never wanted to touch fast food again. And we didnt. We dont even stop in for an ice cream in the summer. We go home and eat something "real". Stopping from eating those foods has helped me by not having all the clogged arteries, high colesterol, and high sugar levels, (even though I hate sugar pops anyways, and drank diet pop). I dont even miss those foods. Seeing the way people sit in there and gorge on those foods actually repulses me. I shutter and cringe knowing what it is doing to their inards. Anyway healthy eating to all. And thanks for allowing the chat. :)

Umm, was this whole article designed as an advertisment for the 30 minute meal book?
I also recommend printing this off and keeping it.....because with the Holidays and New Years approaching you can rest assured that this exact information will be re-packaged again and again and again every single damn day.

Eat in moderation and excercise daily. Done. Now go and live.

Thank you for the article. I am 62 and now weigh 20 pounds more than I did in high school - not bad - but still hate that it is climbing each year. I am fit and active, cycling daily to commute to my job. Turns out I follow the items listed above appropriately. I realize the one area I am likely running into problems is with the cortisol levels and not enough sleep. This is a good tip and I will endeavour to make changes in this area. Thansk again!

These are all great suggestions. Exercise, eating fruits, veggies and lean meat while watching your bread intake will help. There is not substitute for hard work, if you are overweight, start with short daily walks and light resistance training. Building muscle will burn calories whille you sleep.

I love big macs and 2L of diet cola twice a week as a treat....and I still can't loose weight...but I don't shop at walmart

I hope Yoga exercise never come back on TV, if someone likes do at your home, NOT all the people like it

If you give a care about yourself....Lern about pH and iodine. these are 2 very important factors in maintaining ourselves. Our body is like a car engine...you don't maintian it well and it won't last long. appreciate our food flavor, and don't swallow after 4 chews.

The problem with obesity is not that people don't know what to do about it or how to avoid it in the first place. It is a problem of discipline with your diet. If they had that control they wouldn't have a weight problem to begin with. Any amount of advise as to what they should or shouldn't eat and how much is pretty well a waste of time and effort. If you live in a society where people are not educated to discipline their bad habits then you got problems. Drinking, smoking, drugs, disobedience of the laws as a whole are problems related to a lack of discipline. Everywhere you look in our society you see evidence of this and it is a clear sign of self destruct.

I am a 45 year old women until four years ago i was thin . I got hurt at work and had back surgrey anf i walk with a cane or walker ever since then ive gain a lot of weight i try to lose it buy exercise but i'm always in pain and it hurts to do it and medications i've been on do not help

I sure hope those commenters who say that fat people are overburdening our health care system don't indulge in such activities as snowmobiling, mountain climbing, horseback riding, driving a car, skydiving and the like. Since I don't do any of those things, I think those who do indulge in such dangerous activities should have to pay their own health care costs if they get hurt.

What hypocracy - it didn't escape my notice that all of the people pictured in this article on obesity are skinny and beautiful. Thank you, mass media!

Alex, I am disgusted by your response. You obviously have the same sort of feelings about people who have drug or gambling problems. The heart of the problem lies in society's instant gratification, hurry up mentality, not the "it's not my fault I'm fat" mentality. Companies know what to put in bad foods that are addicting to a large portion of the population, just like drug dealers prey on the weak to get them hooked and casinos are filled every day with people who are hooked on the high of winning, no matter how much they lose first. It is an addiction, which is an illness, which requires help. Thank God you aren't a counsellor or health professional. Unfortunately its people like you that treat obese people badly which in turn either starts the cycle of their eating disorder or compounds it. I don't usually comment on these things but you stirred me up. My teenage daughter is obese, so unless you walk 10,000 miles in someone else's shoes you shouldn't be so damn judgmental. That's the other problem with our society.

When I go to places like wal-mart, and see 400lb people shoving a McDonalds cheeseburger into their faces, chased with a 1l maxi-sized cola... I rest my case!!! Our society is based on a "Its all your fault that I'm fat..." mentality. These 400lb persons at mcdonalds should be charged with abusing and over-burdening our fragile health care system.

I would like to find out why exercise programs e.g.Barefoot Dancer,Bellydance and Yoga exercise shows have been cancelled on TV and replaced with borning news or infocommercials etc. If we are to stay healthy and lose weight these shows on TV are ideal for stay-at-home moms. Can these programs be reinstalled - long term - thank you.

High Fructose Corn Syrup sweetener found in most processed foods. Your liver can't process is properly so it automatically turns to fat. If wieght is a concern don't drink pop. Don't eat processed or fast foo. Eat fruit vegetables nuts and meat.