People are constantly being dictated to what they should or should not consume. The reason Australians are stacking on the weight is that they eat too much-processed food whether they eat in or out. Their busy, demanding lifestyles leave them stretched and stressed for time to worry. 

As a regular traveller I notice the (significant) number of fat Australians when I return from overseas. You go to the shopping centre and its obvious.  That and tatoos.

I've often lamented that people who smoke, do drugs, drink to excess and eat themselves into heart disease should not be able to access free health care which those of us who look after ourselves are then asked to pay for.

Whilst I agree with a universal health system this should have strings attached.  People who effectively and intentionally self harm their bodies should not be covered.  That way people get to exercise their democratic rights and make choices.  If nothing else it would see a lot more healthy citizens as occurs in Europe.

Just another example how we are following the Americans and their love of junk food.

They need to get on a bicycle. It is supported exercise, does not put extra strain on joints, and increases fitness and is something just about everyone can do, all of which aids fat loss. 

Why I keep mentioning to eat more veggies and fruit. Most people eat too much protein, white carbs, processed junk, and sugar, without doing any exercise as well. Yes a real burden on the heath system. Just buy real wholefood, eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit with half at least being raw and you are half way there.

Do you grow your own fruit & veg Suze? I have always been a big fruit and veg eater. Even as a child my mother never had to trick me into eating my peas or beans .. even pumpkin. Tho I did draw the line at marrow and sprouts. Back to the subject at point.. you only have to walk down a CBD street to see people of both genders that are clearly over sized. I too blame their busy lifestyle and processed foods. The food manufacturers should be hung from the nearest tree for providing the rubbish they do. You can not remove the excessive salt fom a Campbells can of soup or deli bacon or salamis.. the excessive saturated fat from some margarines.. one Lurmack.. think its name is has 47% sat fat. You can not remove the excessive sugar from your fav Tim Tam biscuit, Cadbury chock block. Either you dump this unhealthy rubbish or put up with whatever these greedy mult nationals deem to foist onto us.

Unless airlines and other organisations start taking drastic steps, obesity will reign supreme. Unhealthy people will continue to be a burden on the taxpayer. I recently travelled on Thai Airways business class, obese passengers are banned and also parents with young children. Had a dream of a flight. Parents should be the ones to watch what their offspring eat, but since they don't they have to face the repercussions.

Is Australia's very generous welfare system contributing to generational obesity?

Is Australia's very generous welfare system contributing to generational obesity?

Yes I am much clearer and sharper than ever before because I do not get tired easily, have heaps of energy. It is not about eating vegan rather eating whole food plant based diet, there is a difference, I eat real food still. And you can do this on a budget, packaged food is so much more expensive and you eat more because you are never getting enough nutrients so you crave more food.

we grow lots of veg in our small back patio area....ate some lovely silverbeet last night...from garden pot to cooking 5 mins