Fast food, less walking and exercise and poor habits all contribute to an overweight epidemic. Finding time to walk and exercise can be a challenge. What about turning down those desserts and fried foods? It seems that America is not the only country with this problem. - KL

Keith,

What is really scary are the epidemics of Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease associated with being overweight. A doctor told me that obesity is the single biggest reason Americans are ill, and said that we could save billions every year simply by eating less and exercising more. Two years ago, I visited my MD for a regular checkup, and he proceeded to scare me into losing 35 pounds. He said that, if I didn't, I would be diabetic and suffer all the things that go along with that. He specifically said "you'll go blind, and we may have to cut your feet off!" That was enough for me! I lost the weight (eating less and exercising more) and got my blood sugar and blood pressure back within normal limits. As Christians, we need to set the example. The last-listed virtue of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control and, apparently, it was listed last for a reason.

My nickname is Fat White Guy...any questions?

From high school through college and all of my adult life until about a year and a half ago... over 40 years, I was a runner. Due to an Achilles tendon problem (for which I had a corrective laser procedure in May) I have not been able to run since June of 07. As a result, I've picked up pounds and often felt sorry for myself. I'm adjusting to what may very well be "life after running" by learning to enjoy other forms of exercise and changing what I eat and the amounts I eat. My genetics and age seem to contribute to the ease of weight gain... I bought new pants yesterday with a larger waist. However, I believe with some commitment to the "intake" side of the equation and continued creativity to the exercise side of the equation, I can perhaps notch that belt a little tighter in a couple of months. Guess we'll see. :-)

Very timely blog Keith! Yes! I have currently been battling Anorexia for over 1/2 of the past year and have had a difficult time giving the control of it over to God. I've lost too much, too fast and am now facing the consequences. This past Sunday I gave in, and gave up. He is now in control. I have carried the weight of the world on my shoulders for so long and I have now won the battle by giving it to the one that can make it go away. There is victory in defeat! I hope to one day to be encouragement and hope to someone else but for now, it's one day and one meal at a time.
Here is Sunday! ;o) A new me!
http://path189.blogspot.com/2008/10/yesterday-just-another-day-nope.html

Are you kidding?
What a mean question.
Why did you have to bring that up.
Is it because you just got off a cruise where they have the famous 24 hour buffet? ha ha
Turning 40 was the deal breaker for me.
But I have to admit, I am the one at fault.
I can not eat like I did in my 10's & 20's,
and I have not adjusted my exercise levels to compensate.
I need some of that self control, and I get pretty sick and tired of baked chicken and vegetables for every meal, and so does my husband.
To answer your question honestly, yes, I am over whelmed by weight issues.

I am on a waiting list for bariatric surgery (specifically the Lap-band operation). This comes about after a lifetime of dieting, gaining and losing, with their concurrent emotional highs and lows. Is there anyone reading this who has any experience with this sort of thing?
I almost feel this is my last chance for a healthy life.