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Tuesday, June 19, 2007 12:00 AM

Lose weight! Feel great! Well, maybe not

A new weight loss drug hits the shelves -- but is taking it worth the side effects?

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  • Wednesday, June 20, 2007 06:57 AM

    We have a big problem in this country...

    ....that can't be fixed by a pill.

    The reason why people are overweight and out of shape is because of our culture.

    People live in areas where it's difficult to exercise - either by choice (ie: buying a McMansion in a remote development with no sidewalks) or by need (ie: living in an area where exercising outdoors is dangerous). Add in a horrendous commute and no wonder people don't exercise. And after all of that driving, the easiest thing is to hit the drive through, rather than prepare a healthy meal.

    I have the good fortune of living and working in a beach community. I run every morning on the boardwalk and walk 3 blocks to work. I have plenty of time to both exercise and make healthy meals. I have low blood pressure and am not overweight. But I realize that 90% of Americans are not in my shoes.

    We have to change our whole mindset about what is important. Good health is (or should be) more important than extra square footage on our homes.

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