Healing obesity and hunger at the same time- that’s Pounds for Poverty’s mission

by Elad Levinson

It may seem strange to consider these two epidemic and catastrophic disasters in the same breath or same category. Really isn’t obesity and over eating just a matter of will power and determination to resolve? Many feel that the poor and the hungry, through their own efforts could rectify their situation also. From many perspectives, they share a cultural belief that the problem is personal, individual and a matter of intention and effort to solve.

We don’t look at either that way. We assert that hunger and obesity or simply over consuming are cultural phenomena and that we can solve both in tandem. It is a curious paradox- that on one hand it is up to the individual to do their part in helping themselves and, on the other hand, it is also a much bigger problem than any individual can solve.

In one big way, hunger is a redistribution problem- some have too much while many have too little. I know it is not that simple. Our insight is that by exchanging our tendency to over do (food, spending, alcohol, sugar) and convert the money to a donation to a charity fighting hunger like Second Harvest (our featured charity this quarter) the donor builds a foundation to change for the better. In a very real way everyone is better for the exchange and how often does that happen?

I have learned that one of the quickest ways to improve my positive feelings about myself is to give to something of value to the recipient. It makes me feel more self worth and improves my reputation with myself which has suffered mightily with over eating and weight gain. My insight about the relationship between hunger and over consuming came out of personal experience. In my case, I have had a sincere desire to be of service to others for my whole lifetime.

In Alcoholics Anonymous and the other 12 Step Programs, giving back is a key to recovery. In most religions, compassion in the form of action- charity is considered to be a central tenet of the good life.

When giving to others is coupled with mindfulness training the combination is a remedy to over eating and over consumption. Mindfulness is the practice of training the mind to be sharp, clear, insightful and receptive. All of these qualities are needed by the person who is attempting to make a significant change in their health and to lose weight.