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@markrjohnson
Whilst some people have genuine endocrine imbalance issues which promote obesity the majority of individuals who fall into the "overweight" category do so through lifestyle choice.
I find it amazing that the media refer to an "obesity epidemic", as if its something you can catch!
We have a vastly energy rich lifestyle, practically unlimited access to high calorie/sugar foods and no reason (beyond personal pride/choice) to exercise.
The majority of those who are classed as being overweight ignore a simple truth: If you eat a lot you get fat. After all no one ever woke up and found they had suddenly gotten fat overnight.
Now I like to live in a country where I can choose my lifestyle, and others have that choice, be it food, drugs, ciggs, couch potato, or alcohol. But whichever "unhealthy lifestyle" group you are in the simple truth is that on average you will be a larger net drain on the public finances then someone who leads a moderate and healthy life. But the healthier lifestyle person has no choice as to whether they pay for the lifestyle choices of others.
No moral judgment, more a financial reality in a society struggling to meet competing fiscal demands.