The strength of our outdated subconscious programs is surprisingly high. Keep in mind that all of us are busy surviving and keeping our energy balance. As we empirically observe that certain activities bring us good energy and happiness, we continue engaging in these activities although logically, we know it is illogical.
Overeating in America is one of those learned energizers which are similar to psychotropic drugs - they keep us going in short term but harm us in long term.
You will find that people coming to the colony would retain many of their habits for a long time. Some of the habits we have soaked with mother's milk (as to say very early in development), some are in patterns of our peripheral neurons. Still, it is possible to change them. Bashar gives excellent self-development tools and advice on how to change the outdated habits.