It Was Easier To Lose Weight Before

IT WAS EASIER TO LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE THE 1980’S (IT’S TRUE!)

A new study published in Obesity Research and Clinical Practice finds that people eating and exercising the same amount as people 40 years ago in the 1980’s are fatter today. This study found that it is harder for adults today to maintain the same weight as individuals 30 to 40 years ago doing the same level of eating the same foods and exercise. The study monitored the data of 36,400 Americans from 1971 to 2008. They group the data by food, age, activity, and Basal Metabolic Index. They found when comparing the same amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate and exercise in today’s test subjects, the current day group was 10% fatter than the 1980’s group.

Firstly, people today are exposed to more chemicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration that are contributing to weight gain. Today more pesticides are used as well as chemicals used in food packaging that are altering the body hormonal processes. Secondly, the use of prescription drugs has dramatically increased. Many of these drugs are anti-depressants linked to weight gain. The United States represents 6% of the world’s population, yet consumes 90% of all tranquilizers. And thirdly, the microbiomes (gastro intestinal bacteria) of North Americans (Canada, US and Mexico) has changed from the 1980’s to today. It is a known fact that certain types of gut bacteria cause a person to gain weight. North Americans are eating more meat and animal products than a few decades ago. These animal products are treated with hormones and antibiotics in order to promote the growth of the animal. The ingestion of these chemicals has changed the gut microbiomes in our bodies. The old saying “You are what you eat” should now be changed to “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT HAS BEEN EATING”!

Another difference between today and the 1980’s is the increased consumption in artificial sweeteners. This has played a role in todays weight gain, again due to the chemical cocktail produced within the body.