It always comes down to individual choice. But capitalism thrives on over consumption of everything. As Americans we consume much more of the Earth's resources than any other country, from consumer goods to energy. Our advertising promotes overconsumption and a life style few can afford. But credit card companies come to the rescue giving you a means to finance your dreams while you sink further into debt. Who tells us to buy this junk, $249.8 billion spent on advertising each year. Sure everything is an individual choice, but the system stacks the deck starting with a childhood advertising bombardment.

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The health information available is dwarfed by the fast food advertising budget. Sure good information is out there is you have a mind to search for it, obviously few people do or we would not have an obesity epidemic.

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I agree that when confronted with a problem it's pointless to lean on an excuse. I've always struggled with my weight--but it's my own damn fault. I know exactly what a healthy diet is for me because I bounce between healthy eating and maintaining a good weight and slipping back into bad habits and letting the pounds creep back on. I blame no one but myself, I like sweets and I like to snack at night. Nothing forces me to do that, it's simply a lack of willpower.

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But I'm also aware that there are outside influences that make our world as it is and contribute to the problems we face.