Well, our weight is something that we have control over, but only to the same extent that drug addicts have control over their drug use. Overeating is often a biproduct of emotional issues in that it's a way to ease the pain of depression or other negative emotions — especially when it involves fatty foods that raise endorphin levels in the brain.
Usually, overweight people don't cause other people problems but sometimes they do, such as when their body mass extends into other people's space, like on a crowded airplane or bus. In that case, it's inconsiderate of them for force us to make allowances and adjustments to accommodate them. It's as bad as somebody smoking and blowing smoke in your face, or farting. Actually, it's worse. Now, I'm not talking about somebody who's maybe 50 pounds overweight, but if you're 100 pounds or more overweight, maybe you (not you in particular, but the overweight person) should look into why they need to eat so much.
We can control cancer to some extent by not smoking or drinking heavily, but many types of cancer are caused by factors beyond our control.
All that said, it's not easy to overcome psychological and emotional problems. I know that from experience. There's no magic pill or miraculous therapy at this point. Some day, with advances in neuroscience, that will change. I wish that day would come while I'm still here on earth, but I'm not holding my breath.
Hi Irwin, yes, obesity is something we have control over in as much as what we have been formerly told by doctors. Here is the correct info. It is hard when one does not have good advice. I got diabetes several years ago and now just understand what I must do to control and reverse it. I just spent 20 days on and intermittent fast with one keto meal a day (OMAD). I did a 48 hour no food fast in the middle. I was prescribed 90 units a day of insulin previously. During my fast, for the entire 20 days I never took more than 10 units. That is under 10 units for the entire fast of 20 days! That is about 1,790 units of insulin I did not have to take. I lost a little weight too. Bonus!
One's body first eats the sugar caused by sugar and carbs. Then it goes for the fat after 12 hours. Between 12 and 16 hours growth hormones spike. This is responsible for growth, cell repair, metabolism, and body composition. Between 16 and 24 hours, ketones are released to burn fat. After 24 hours fat stem cells are released. Fat stem cells are the disease killers. Some people have them injected but during fasting these are your own stem cells that are created.
Sugar and carbs cause fat and a fatty liver. Scientists are finding that sugar and carbs are also responsible for causing cancer.
Most doctors are not giving their diabetic patients this information. If you can find a lo-carb doctor, you can overcome carb addiction.
Primarily, it is what we put in our bodies that is causing diabetes for Type 2 diabetics. Other things like cortisone, and Agent Orange, among other things, were found to trigger diabetes.
Neuroscience can tell us what the result is but generally not the ways to keep it from happening. Big companies load foods with carbs and sugar into to feed the addiction and keep people buying their products. Sugar is in a number of "boxed" products.
I started my fasting lifestyle slowly, first missing breakfast, then missing 2 meals per day and then having only one meal a day. I started out slow and became more confident as time went on. At first I did not cut out the carbs. This last fast was no carbs, Keto. I found it is important to take a break even from intermittent fasting. The spirit needs a chocolate frosted donut from time to time.
**If you decide to fast consult a licensed, qualified physician first. This is important because they will help you be more successful and can watch your health.
