I admit I fell deeper into a sedentary lifestyle over the past couple years. Always fat (220-230 lbs) but I never had injuries or limited. I climbed Mt Fuji and Mt Hallasan in the same year (tallest mountain in Japan/Korea respectively) with little difficulty.

But god damn once i got up to 250 it was like everything was falling apart. Blood pressure was awful, resting pulse was 80, felt like trash all day.

I quit my desk job and picked up a more physical job. I dont even touch a computer most days. Lost 30 lbs in 5 months without any other changes and I feel great again. Still need to lose 40 or so more, but the improvement has already done wonders for my mental health.

Where there is a will there is a way. They have no will of their own, so there is no way they can change unless commanded, but who would tell them to sort their lives out and would they even listen? I think not.

've noticed that people in their early 30s right now are in really bad shape, even worse than people who are in their 40s despite the age difference.

I can guess why. The late 20s/early 30s is when youth fitness starts to wear off. If you were in decent shape, and mildly active, you can eat poorly and get away with it. I worked out in my 20s for strength, not to lose weight. I'd walk miles just with friends just as part of hanging out. Age, responsibility, maturity, etc changes that.

NOW, have that point in life happen during years of Covid, and you have people overeating without realizing they aren't exercising, because they barely had to think about exercise before.

I actually think that's where a lot of "long covid" comes from.