Hacker News Reader

Comment by sowut | Hacker News Reader

there's a popular trend that has been gaining momentum over decades that has people so disconnected from reality that they think a pill can replace proper diet, exercise, and in this case, the sun.

there is an obesity epidemic in this country at the root of many ailments (inflammation is the root of many diseases) and you have politicians pitching policies about bringing the cost of "drugs" down to treat these ailments but we have no mainstream leaders with mainstream policies advocating for health and fitness to fix the root issue.

we're going in the wrong direction and something has to change.

View on HN

> advocating for health and fitness to fix the root issue.

Do you know any GP's / doctors? They'll all tell you that's the first line they repeatedly recommend to their patients. It barely works, because mostly that has to come from intrinsic motivation. And then they proceed to the "well if they won't eat healthier and exercise, what else is going to do something for them..."

"we have no mainstream leaders with mainstream policies advocating for health and fitness to fix the root issue"

Not true, virtually all mainstream people, i.e. celebrities, are incredibly fit.

I mean, J Lo has a six pack and has for decades. Nobody cares though.

The obese celebrities are the odd ones out, and they're typically ridiculed and hated beyond belief. This idea that the obesity epidemic can be fixed with bootstraps is just not one based in reality.

that's the second time i've said "mainstream leaders" with "mainstream policies." what i'm saying has nothing to do with celebrities

If you want mainstream politicians to address obesity, that means taking aim at the food industry and the healthcare industry. Not every day people - because that doesn't work and never has.

We've done it before, with the Tabacco industry, but food is different. Food is a unique kind of addiction because you can't stop it completely. Also lots of people are fundamentally anti-regulation, so.

Sounds like Steve Jobs eating carrots to beat cancer

or, you know, sounds like this whole thread is full of people who are confused as to why you can't just take vitamin d supplements and hide from the sun

Reply on news.ycombinator.com