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Today, many men, women and children are overweight. This is the direct
consequence of our modern lifestyle where many physical chores and activities
are taken over by machines and energy-saving devices. No longer do we have to
chop firewood, fetch water from the well, wash clothes with our hands, or get on
our hands and knees to scrub the floor. These are all taken care of by gas
stoves, piped water, washing machines, vacuum cleaners etc. Also we do not
have to hunt for our dinner, toil in the
field, or herd the sheep. Modern machines and farming methods have mostly
replaced physical labor. So many of us, without the physical exertions that burn
up energy and keep us lean, become overweight.
At first glance, overweight people may not appear to have any problem, but
behind their chubby faces and pot-bellies, they are just medical time-bombs
waiting to go off. An overweight person has increased risks of falling prey to
hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, cancer and many other
debilitating diseases. These potentially
deadly conditions are in addition to the sheer weight that the person have to
lug around every day, making it hard to walk for a distance, climb stairs, or
even just to get up from a chair.
I know some overweight people and very one of them already has some kind of
physical or health problem. One of my classmates is grossly overweight. While we
run and play in the field, he just sits under the tree because he cannot keep up
with us. He gets breathless easily and has to rest. My overweight uncle spends
most of his time in front of the
idiot box munching
yet another box of snacks. He is a real 'couch
potato'. Already he ahs had a couple of toes amputated because of his
diabetic condition. Yet he does not exercise or do something to reduce his
weight.
Buying clothes off the rack is also another problem for the overweight
person. They usually have to have their clothes specially tailored. This incurs
greater expenses. Furthermore the range of clothes they can choose from is
limited to the skill of their tailor.
Being overweight is certainly no fun, and is definitely hazardous to health.
Unless the person has some kind of illness that causes him or her to be
overweight, it is possible to reduce one's weight with proper diet and
exercises. It is better to keep within the normal range and stay healthy as much
as possible. We do not need weight problems. Living is much more pleasant and
enjoyable without them. |
