By Dr. Rick Tague

The Real Answer May Surprise You

I usually ask patients why they think they’re overweight.  Too often the answer is predictable.  “I don’t have self-control.”  Or, “I’m too lazy to exercise.”  The fact is that overweight individuals are typical of all Americans.  95% of Americans do not exercise regularly, even though everyone is aware of the benefits.

So, not exercising is not the cause of obesity.  Otherwise, 95% of Americans would be obese!  And, I’ve never seen any research to support the notion that overweight individuals suffer from a lack of “self-control”.  They tend to be successful in their careers, their families, and in their personal lives. After treating thousands* of patients, I have not seen that lack of self control is any more common in overweight individuals.