Bill Gross, the mutual fund guru and well respected bond manager, coined – or perhaps made famous – the phrase, “the new normal,” which he often used in referring to the unpredictable volatility in the stock market. I think this phrase could also be used to describe America’s current health care crisis – obesity. This is a word and condition that we’re expected to ignore, even though it continues to grow, leading to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. The medical community, for the most part, continues to ignore it, possibly because obesity leads to filling hospitals and doctors’ waiting rooms. As the late Alan Abelson, one of my favorite financial writers at Barrons, loved to quote, “The eat, drink, and health care industries are all doing well.”
Yes, he’s correct. In fact there’s now an etf that’s called The Obesity ETF (SLIM), an index full of companies designed to help this large segment of the population. Close to 95% of Americans are overweight and over a third qualify as obese. And Wall Street is paying attention: TV commercials, TV shows, and movies feature obese people. Advertisers must identify with their market. The New York Times ran a half-page article on January 19, 2020, “Where Plus-Size Brides Find the Perfect Dress.” And remember, this newspaper publishes only “news that’s fit to print.” It, also, must cater to its readers, most of whom are overweight.
John Candy, the loved and funny actor, died – age 43 – heart attack. Such a shame, people figured; but predictable. Many other contemporary film stars, overweight as well, show the public that obesity is alive and well. America places them on pedestals.
And, what has the medical profession done to counteract this trend? Not much. Hospitals are busier than ever. Most physicians are overweight. Their answer? Big pharma. Drugs. Or, more politely, medications. In fact, in the AARP Magazine, June-July 2019, an article has apparently solved the obesity crisis: “Can a Single Pill Keep You Healthy to 100?” RTB101 has “shown real promise,” according to the article, which, later on, emphasizes the solution “without the dieting.” Let’s face it: if pills worked, there wouldn’t be any overweight physicians.
On the other hand, Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of a group of physicians who are dedicated to teaching healthy lifestyles, has written several books on a sensible way to gain health. His books on reversing diabetes – mostly revolving around a plant-based diet – have sold well. But, despite his heroic efforts, he’s a small fish in a big pond.
The final decision, to change from the high-fat, high-sugar American eating style and to exercise strenuously and regularly, a prescription for health, rests with each individual and, most importantly, must come from within. Make the choice – enjoy your children and grandchildren – or follow the crowd and die young. LifeNuts know what to do.
Yes, he’s correct. In fact there’s now an etf that’s called The Obesity ETF (SLIM), an index full of companies designed to help this large segment of the population. Close to 95% of Americans are overweight and over a third qualify as obese. And Wall Street is paying attention: TV commercials, TV shows, and movies feature obese people. Advertisers must identify with their market. The New York Times ran a half-page article on January 19, 2020, “Where Plus-Size Brides Find the Perfect Dress.” And remember, this newspaper publishes only “news that’s fit to print.” It, also, must cater to its readers, most of whom are overweight.
John Candy, the loved and funny actor, died – age 43 – heart attack. Such a shame, people figured; but predictable. Many other contemporary film stars, overweight as well, show the public that obesity is alive and well. America places them on pedestals.
And, what has the medical profession done to counteract this trend? Not much. Hospitals are busier than ever. Most physicians are overweight. Their answer? Big pharma. Drugs. Or, more politely, medications. In fact, in the AARP Magazine, June-July 2019, an article has apparently solved the obesity crisis: “Can a Single Pill Keep You Healthy to 100?” RTB101 has “shown real promise,” according to the article, which, later on, emphasizes the solution “without the dieting.” Let’s face it: if pills worked, there wouldn’t be any overweight physicians.
On the other hand, Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of a group of physicians who are dedicated to teaching healthy lifestyles, has written several books on a sensible way to gain health. His books on reversing diabetes – mostly revolving around a plant-based diet – have sold well. But, despite his heroic efforts, he’s a small fish in a big pond.
The final decision, to change from the high-fat, high-sugar American eating style and to exercise strenuously and regularly, a prescription for health, rests with each individual and, most importantly, must come from within. Make the choice – enjoy your children and grandchildren – or follow the crowd and die young. LifeNuts know what to do.
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