I read an interesting statistic in one of the London newspapers before Christmas (The Metro I beieve it was), that quoted the following statistics.

The number of people admitted for obesity problems to UK hospitals rocketed by 60% between 2008 and 2009. That is a serious increase. The admissions related to treatments such as organ failures, Type 2 diabetes or heart disease (directly related to obesity). It was noted that surgical procedures such as stomach stapling are also included in these numbers. The figure in the UK alone was 8,085 admissions in one year.

The reason I raise this point is because my obeservations over the past decade teaching, coaching and speaking to thousands of people, is that when human beings are not fulfilled, feel depressed or have a serious lack in their lives, food is often an immediate source of comfort. It is used as a way of “filling” a void that exists in their lives. The eating starts small and then can become compulsive.

Bearing in mind that we have arguably experienced the largest recession (credit crunch) in our living history then it is my belief that there is likely to be a direct relationship between the poor economic climate of the general public and the type and amount of food they eat.

People tend to eat worse in times of economic strife – meaning, poor quality food, larger amounts of it (often snacking and eating “crap” basically). This leads to a negative spiralling effect. Energy drops, depression can even set in, the mindset shifts further and further into the dark pit and the apathy grows stronger. This leads to inactivity, a drop in self-esteem and the cycle continues.

Not a happy subject – but one to be aware of. You are what you eat. Let me say that again – you are what you eat. If you want to increase your mental awareness, aptitude, attitude, energy, passion, vitality, virility and wealth – then start to look at what you eat and what you drink. I will talk more on this over the coming months. The biggest thing to remember here is that the largest cause of premature deaths is degenerative diseases – period (as the Americans would say). Which can be stopped through correct diet and in particular by avoiding obesity.