Why do Americans care so little about their health?!

Why do Americans care so little about their health?

In a such a wealthy and powerful country, where almost everyone has access to clean healthy food, I do not understand why so many people choose to neglect their health. America is obviously overrun with obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc. and yet American's knowingly choose to lead inactive and unhealthy lifestyles void of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

2 weeks ago
My apologies, I should have put "most Americans" (over 50% are obese).

There are many reasons American's are fat!

1. A lot of American's think they eat healthy and they don't. They bury their heads in the sand.

2. Here in the states there is allot of conflicting nutritional advice. For example, the food pyramid is complete hogwash. Follow it and you are sure to be unhealthy. Much of what is preached to the public about health is largely regulated by big business.

3. Many people procrastinate taking care of themselves. (ex. "I'll start Monday")

4. Life in the US is set up for driving and sitting on our butts. We are fed the idea that we need to go to the gym to get exercise or do a video. Then we have to be "motivated" to do it.

5. Some people believe that you need money to be thin. To afford a personal trainer and a nutritionist.

6. Doctors don't tell you you are fat and insurance companies often do not cover obesity treatments adequately.

7. It is a taboo topic. No one wants to admit the obesity is why they are unhealthy. They blame it on other things like genes, or their bad knees.

There are plenty of reasons why. I do think that some serious things need to change here if the obesity rate doesn't start to go down.

1. Build housing and stores for WALKING to.

2. Have an independent watch dog type group come out with really good nutritional info (the FDA is too corrupt)

3. Have the health care industry and insurance companies take more of an interest in preventative medicine.

4. Have government programs like food stamps and WIC provide cooking and nutrition classes.