Obesity is a problem with our population today; I don't think anyone would deny that. But can obese persons avoid being obese? Or is that just the way they were designed to be. To many the answer is either one or the other, however I believe that it is a combination of both nature and nurture. Some people are at higher risk of obesity than others, but I firmly believe that everyone can be fit. It's no secret that Americans have the stereotype of being overweight, so why would we be the only country with that stereotype if it is natural? We have lots of fast food, and lots of people who lead lazy lifestyles. A study by Treuth et al showed that there are genes that affect whether someone is prone to be obese, but they also show that the environment and habits have almost as much importance. This article supports my view that some people have the odds stacked against them, but through hard work can remain in shape and fit. My response to the issue: Eat better and exercise more. If everyone followed that simple formula (some have to try harder) obesity wouldn't be an issue. Nature may be a factor in the obesity debate, but nurture is the most important and influential side to this debate.
http://www.ajcn.org/content/78/6/1051.full
Is this your entry for Blog 1? I'm confused and this wasn't categorized... More and more countries are having problems with obesity. Genes are one issue, but we also need to take a look at lifestyle -- working long hours, driving everywhere, convenient processed foods, etc.