Basic Pursuits

In a recent paper published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, writers address what they call "post-prandial dysmetabolism." It's what happens in your body after you eat junk, "The highly processed, calorie-dense, nutrient-depleted diet favored in the current American culture..." or too much of anything.

They say that post-prandial dysmetabolism is an "independent predictor of future cardiovascular events."

One or our favorite writers, Australian Craig Harper, takes us to the woodshed again. This time writing for Lifehack, he refelects on life and thinking in Fat City, where most of the people are fat, like in most of the English speaking world.

I remember reading one of Dean Ornish's books in the 90s. He was addressing the complaint of some that they couldn't lose weight. It was in their genes. Their whole family was overweight. Wasn't their fault. Ornish's reply was classic.

"Then why is the dog fat?"

Now comes news from the American Kennel Club Humane Fund that "Up to 40 percent, or 17 million dogs are carrying excess weight which could cause future health problems..."