Why People are Getting Fatter ?

Why People are Getting Fatter ?

In Western countries, the food supply contains increasing amounts of hidden fats. In years past, you could see fat slathered over the weekend roast and notice that the roast potatoes soaked it up. You could also see the fat on the edge of chops and the slabs of butter that went on to bread. Nowadays we are less aware of the fats in the food supply, and some fats have managed to create such a good impression for themselves that many people are unaware of their true nature. Margarine, for example, is more than 80% fat - the same high percentage as butter - yet most people think of it as being somehow less fatty.

Snack foods and fast foods are great contributors to fat intake. Who would have guessed that a modern-day hamburger has around 30 grams of fat, compared with 18 grams in the old-fashioned variety? And how many people know that the smaller the French fries, the greater their fat content? And did you know that the average Australian now buys four meals a week away from home, many of them fatty fast foods?

Even though some people cut the fat off their meat and there are reduced-fat dairy products, low-fat dressings and mayonnaises, and fat-reduced pies, spreads and ice-creams, we are still eating a lot of fat. Most people don't realize it - many buy fat-reduced products and then eat twice as much of them!

All kinds of fat make you fat, although some are otherwise quite beneficial. The fats in avocado, olive oil, fish, nuts and seeds are very good for you, but they are just as fattening as other harmful fats.

Exercise, or rather the lack of it, also has a lot to do with body fat. Most people spend so much time sitting in cars, at a desk or watching television that they have little time to be physically active. When people walked more, had more active jobs and had more active leisure time, most stayed slim.

The pursuit of excellence in sport has also meant that fewer people play sport. Many who aren't champions think they should watch rather than play. Children, in particular, feel foolish if they don't excel at sport, and many stop playing sport entirely.

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