Our Toxic Environment

Capitalism and Free Markets

The people of the United States (and many other countries as well) are becoming much more overweight, and, in fact, just quite recently

The levels of obestiy are so unprecendented in human history, that it makes sense to step and look at a bigger picture. Large economic expansion occuring over the past 100 years have brought about great efficiencies in agricultural production as well as the design of very appetising foods.

In free markets individuals make countless purchasing decisions. These decision direct the evolution oF industries. The right of the individual to choose is paramount. Many large industries have spring up and evolved to satisfy the many human wants and desires as reflected in markets. Besides trying to lower prodcution costs, industries also seek to stimulate or encourage demand for their product. Food industy has studied its consumers - you and I - to learn what foods might be irresitible.

As a person gains weight they may begin to find it more difficult to by physical active. The risk is a downward spiral in which a person can not exercise to burn calories, but needs to do so ever more.

This amplifies the effect of weight gain for the typical person. it beomces even more difficult to exercise.

Consumer Choice Drives Markets

The markets are driven by what people want. Food, housing, lifestyle, automobiles, electronic media. We have chosen them.

Many policies aimed at obesity prevention seek an environmental solution.

We hedge and say that tough the environment is much worse now and should be changed, that the only solution is to seek the change of people. So many factors have changed so quickly that the environment can not be fixed quickly enough.

Why the new environment is so toxic that environmetnal policy changes can not hope to catch up and counter the many changes that are here to stay. If were just say the effect of a single industry than maybe restrictions would work but so many industrties are involved and will offer so much resistance

Consider this list. All play a part in our obesity crises. These industries have thrived on the choices humans have made. They are unlikely to be able to adapt

Automobile

Fast Food

Agri Business

Consumer Electronics.

Pharmaceuticals.

We must go back to the source of what drives the demans for the products of these industries.. there ne public health concern, bypassing smoking. This site has been developed by experienced cyclists to help people lose excess and then maintain a healthy weight through cycling.