Skinny Wallets = Obesity = Skinnier Wallets
Think the lack of jobs and toned down Independence Day Celebrations are bad enough? Think again. Not only are we getting sparklers instead of fireworks this year, but the recession will probably increase our waistlines in the process.
Here’s how it works. The recession means most of us have less money, which means we are buying cheaper food: processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat, rather than healthier but more expensive options such as fresh veggies and fruits. Furthermore, many people are being forced to go out and work two jobs, or to work longer hours, just to make ends meet. So instead of having one parent at home or being able to work part-time and devote time to cooking, we are grabbing a cheap bagel oozing with transfats, carbs, and grease rather than making a healthy meal at home. Less money and more hours spent at work also mean less time and funds to work all those extra calories off at the gym.
But don’t you dare worry about all this—because if you do, your stress and depression levels will just increase your chances of becoming obese even more. And more obesity—the national rate is between 25% and 30%—leads to lower productivity and higher healthcare costs. In the year 2000, obesity cost us $117 billion in hospital bills and lost work days, and this number has risen since then. In the last year alone, another 5.5 million Americans joined the ranks of the obese.
It all makes sense in a tragic sort of way. The recession increases obesity which decreases our productivity which in turn leads to more stress about money, and more obesity—a seemingly inescapable cycle of depression and donuts, moonlighting and late night pizza slices.
Fear not, the solution is in our hands (or rather, in our fridge). Strapped for cash? Buy food in Chinatown or at a market instead of some expensive grocer. Can’t spare money for the gym? How about we hit the park instead?
Go on. We’ll be doing our wastelines, and the economy, a favor.
