Ask yourself, when was the last time you saw a fat old person? You have to think hard. Because there are no overweight, old people. You have not seen a single one in your life. Not a single time in human history has there been an obese centenarian. That would simply not be physically possible.

Leading by example: British actor and Academy winner Anthony Hopkins is sober for 47 years. He turned 85 on New Year’s Eve. Hopkins is in good shape and likely to be around for another while. (Guardian / Martin Schoeller)

Obese, that is a body mass index (BMI) above 30. If you’re serious about health, a BMI above 25 says you’re obese, facing an increased risk of heart and vascular diseases, of diabetes, cancer, you name it.

Of course, the politically correct will insist there is no proof obesity kills. Just use common sense. A heart that has to pump excessively, fatty blood vessels that can hardly provide the body with nutrients and oxygen, those are actually humanity’s biggest killers.

Discipline is the cure

The most common cause of death in both women and men is: heart disease. If you don’t sleep well, are short of breath, feel moody and tired, think about your weight.

The most effective cure is discipline – discipline to eat right and exercise. The cure is no magic. It’s all in the head.