RE: Obesity (was Extropic Priniciples)

From: Dickey, Michael F (michael_f_dickey@groton.pfizer.com)
Date: Wed Mar 05 2003 - 16:57:51 MST

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    "People already addicted to food would be encouraged to increase consumption
    further. Thus exacerbating the food shortage which exists n many parts of
    the world. "

    I dont consider the shortage of food in many parts of the world to be
    related whatsoever to the food supply in general. There is more food
    produced and more food and calories per capita in the world than there has
    ever been before. The only reason it doesnt get to the places that most
    need it is because they are typically ruled by corrupt despotic dictators
    who dont care about their people. Such a device would have little to no
    effect on food shortages because of 3rd world tyrants. In fact, it would be
    better, becaue conspicuous consumption would increase demand, and production
    would increase, and prices would drop further. The cheaper food is the
    harder it is to keep out of the hands of people.

    "Burning more calories also does nothing to encourage cardiovascular
    health."

    Of course not, but lugging around pounds of lard does! Besides, cancer is
    most directly related to diet and obesity, and that kills far more people
    (reduces the number of people-years) than cardiovascular disease. Indeed,
    the major and overwhelming successes we have had at combatting heart
    diseases are the main reasons why cancer occurances are rising in the
    postindustrialized west. We have to die from something.

    "The heart is a muscle and like any other muscle it stays in
    tone by the training effect achieved by exercise. Too much cholesterol or
    homocysteine in your system and you still may have plugged arteries. You may
    look skinny but still die of a heart attack or stroke. "

    So take it upon yourself to think of a device that will combat these issues,
    artery srubbing implants, artificial hearts, etc. etc. Or we could try
    really hard to convince each and every single person in the world to eat
    right and excersize...

    "I guess what I'm saying is the benefits of good diet and exercise still has
    many health benefits that outweigh just having a high metabolism."

    Absolutely!!! but having this calorie burner would be far better than being
    grossly overweight.

    "If people could stay skinny without eating right or exercising the net
    effect might be more people dieing prematurely!"

    Possibly, but I would consider that highly unlikely.

    Michael Dickey

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