Having reached well beyond middle age, I have occasionally
experienced the battle of the bulge. Although inconsistency may
be my epitaph, I have nonetheless gained some insight into the
state of being overweight. It is therefore obvious to me that
obesity affects my mental as well as my physical abilities. As a
consequence, the burden of fat on an individual and the burden
of fat people on society is much the same. Current health
trends, Federal Government initiatives, Michelle Obama butting
her way into my buffet line notwithstanding, the threats posed
by obesity to our national well being is well established in the
medical community. 20 to 30% of our adult population is
reportedly obese, and obesity is increasing rapidly among U.S.
children. The medical community also reports a coincidental
increase in the rates of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia
(poor metabolism of dietary fats). The effects of these diseases
on a person’s mobility and energy level are only compounded by
being overweight. Lower ene