The Most Underrated Cause of Obesity

The current obesity rates in America are indeed concerning, with approximately 45% of Americans being classified as obese. It is also predicted that nearly every other person in America could be overweight or obese by the end of the decade.

As a wellness coach and physician with over 20 years of coaching people here, I have a different perspective on the primary cause of obesity in America. While factors like poor food choices, lack of exercise, genetics, and the growing fast-food culture are often blamed, I believe that the most common cause is IGNORANCE. A factor that is widely prevalent in yogic culture and foreign to most western cultures.

Ignorance is as big a killer as obesity.

Ignorance, in this context, refers to a lack of awareness and understanding of one’s own body and mind, improper nutrition, adopting poor lifestyle choices, and failure to understand the consequences of one’s own actions. Many individuals are not adequately educated about the impact of their food choices, portion sizes, and the importance of regular physical activity. This lack of knowledge can lead to unhealthy habits and contribute to the rising rates of obesity.

Ignorance can hinder individuals from understanding the impact of their behaviors on their health and well-being. In the context of yoga, this kind of ignorance is referred to as Kleshas (obstacles to the inner self). To truly address and overcome obesity, it is essential to cultivate a shift in mindset. By increasing awareness and understanding of the consequences of unhealthy behaviors, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies and the importance of making conscious choices.

Yoga for Obesity

Incorporating yoga principles plays a vital role in this regard, as it emphasizes mindfulness, self-reflection, and self-awareness. By practicing yoga, individuals can develop a greater sense of connection between their mind, body, and overall well-being. This can lead to a transformative shift in mindset, enabling individuals to make sustainable changes and maintain a leaner and healthier lifestyle permanently.

Food Choices & Exercise

While it is true that many obese individuals in America are aware of the importance of good food choices and exercise, it is often the case that they choose to ignore these principles until they face the consequences of obesity-related illnesses. Simple and healthy food choices, when consistently followed, can have a significant impact on one's well-being.

When you read my booklet about the 15 rules of sattvic diet, you will have a much clearer understanding of the simplicity and benefits of making the right food choices and adopting healthy habits for life. 

Why do most obese people choose to ignore healthy food options unless faced with an illness? The most common reasons are that healthy foods are not appetizing enough or they are not filling enough, or some overeat as part of dealing with their stresses in life. I promise you that when you finish reading my book on OBESITY, you will realize how eating healthily can be simple yet effective and appetizing. It will also unlock doors to solutions to your underlying stresses in life. 

In other words, both Obesity and Ignorance can indeed be choices, but it's important to approach these issues with empathy and understanding. While many obese individuals are aware of their weight, it's essential to recognize that the underlying causes and challenges they face can be complex.

Self-Empowerment and Resilience

In situations where others may try to belittle or embarrass someone due to their weight, it's crucial to focus on self-empowerment and resilience. Rather than succumbing to shame or self-pity, which often leads to depression, the key is to identify the source of the problem, whereupon here it is ignorance, and address it constructively.

Truly, the root issues often lie deeper than what initially meets the eye. When it comes to obesity, the true obstacles preventing optimal wellness may perplex at first yet reveal themselves through repeated introspection.

• Lack of access to whole foods indicates greater societal flaws that need remedy. 

• Inability to sustain lifestyle changes points to gaps in education, support, and self-knowledge. 

• Remaining perplexed by problems accentuates the suffering and moves you further away from the source of the problem.

However, with reflection and community support, lights can be shone into dark corners. Through open yet thoughtful discussions, we can excavate multilayered challenges together and brainstorm realistic solutions. Recognizing our shared ignorance opens doors to growth. More importantly, reframing problems as opportunities empowers. If we approach obstacles not as insurmountable blocks but as valuable lessons, our minds unlock new answers. Just as challenges are not personal failures but calls to learning, they also tend not to be as complex as imagined. At the core, remaining blind to our blindness is the true impediment to obesity.

While information, resources, and guidance are pivotal to empowering individuals, true transformation ultimately depends upon one's internal motivation. Self-healing necessitates a willingness to gaze within, owning one's power and accountable agency.

Conclusion

My goal in writing this blog is to offer guidance compassionately, untying complex knots with patience and empathy. But remember, I cannot walk the path for you - that destiny remains in your hands alone, as does the key to unlocking greater wellness. When the thirst for the inner self grows relentless enough, all impediments fade, and former 'limits' melt away. Change truly starts from within, in stillness and by one's own volition - the rest falls into place with time.

On the other hand, note that one can only show the river to a thirsty dog. One can’t make him or her drink the water unless he or she is not thirsty enough. In other words, how thirsty are you to lose weight? If you are thirsty enough to learn whatever it takes and fix the problem once and for all, then you are on the right path here. Stop with that weight fluctuation. Stop using the camera photoshop to hide your body curves prior to posting your pictures. Stop feeling guilty after eating your favorite snack. Stop hurting yourself every single day and start living your life fully, wholly.  

Start nourishing your soul first, so you can enjoy your food as well as be free from obesity.  Let’s get started!