Re: “Sloth and excess guilty for obesity” Oct. 8, 2009

To the editor:

As an exchange student studying at Western, it was inevitable that I would experience some cultural differences during my year in Canada.

I studied in England for two years prior to coming to Western, and expected the Canadian university lifestyle would not be too dissimilar. However, I was shocked to notice the nutritional choices that a vast number of students make at Western on a day-to-day basis. It only takes a quick look around the University Community Centre’s cafeteria to notice that despite a large variety of eateries, the choice of good, healthy food is relatively low in comparison to the fatty burgers, Chinese food and donuts.

One thing I have learned is that British and Canadian students love nothing more than indulging in a greasy pizza or chips especially when staggering home from a night of drunken antics. I could not believe, however, that students are able to purchase Domino’s Pizza and Subway through their student meal plans; surely the University cannot claim it is trying to promote healthy eating?

It seems all too simple for just-out-of-home teenagers to take the easy options when selecting food and just opt for pizza and chips. Of course part of the university experience is making decisions and learning from mistakes, but the university should be doing more to help students make the right choices. A quick glance around the UCC at lunch time, and it’s clear the vast majority of students have given in to the temptation of a high sodium, high fat, fast-food meal.

When you’re trying to fulfill a busy academic and social lifestyle, grabbing some quick food is an important part of the day, but when big pictures of burgers and greasy Chinese food is all you’re confronted with, it’s all too easy to give in to temptation.

The University has exceptional recreation facilities and seems to have invested substantial amounts of money in promoting physical health through fitness classes, varsity and intramural sports, which means all students, can be involved in physical activity. It seems, however, that the University still has a long way to go in helping students make healthy choices in terms of nutrition.

—Tom Clements
Classical Studies III