Obesity Epidemic and Fat Acceptance

[Star]

Obesity Epidemic And Fat Acceptance

I've been reading a lot of articles lately.... first off I don't know if this has been addressed or discussed on here yet, but awhile ago there was an article posted by one of the bloggers on Marie Claire's website. (don't stop reading just because I mentioned Marie Claire!)

http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/dating-blog/overweight-couples-on-television

In the article, she essentially condones obesity- in a very mean way. Some quotes:

Hmm, being overweight is one thing — those people are downright obese! And while I think our country's obsession with physical perfection is unhealthy, I also think it's at least equally crazy, albeit in the other direction, to be implicitly promoting obesity! Yes, anorexia is sick, but at least some slim models are simply naturally skinny. No one who is as fat as Mike and Molly can be healthy. And obesity is costing our country far more in terms of all the related health problems we are paying for, by way of our insurance, than any other health problem, even cancer.

So anyway, yes, I think I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other ... because I'd be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room — just like I'd find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair.

Seems a bit harsh. While reading it, I thought to myself 'God, I'm just as bad sometimes.' Because I myself am VERY against being overweight, and not having any physical exercise. IS obesity something that we should be 'accepting' about? Although I'm completely against racism in all forms, obesity is (in most cases) a choice. It's the person's choice to not work out, to choose unhealthy food, to just accept that they are fat. In no way shape or form is the human body supposed to look like a rolling, circular, sweaty blob. Overweight people create health problems for themselves, and then expect to get some sort of respect for it? Are they going to go to the doctors and hear "Well, you're 100 lbs overweight. But don't worry, you're BEAUTIFUL!" I'm sorry to say that is the exact reason that there is an ''obesity epidemic''- because fat people seem to think that they are normal. Save some disorders (because there ARE conditions that cause individuals to gain wait, but I refuse to believe that counts for the 30% or so of America that is now considered obese) there is NO excuse for this 'epidemic'.

However, on a different level, I get that I'm being horribly *****y and assholish about this. But it's just so horrible to think about all the wasting and over-eating that happens in the west when there are people who don't have any food- and it's supposed to be bad to condone that kind of behaviour?

MSN responded to the Marie Claire article:

http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/health-fitness/diet/ee-article.aspx?cp-documentid=26210307

It's attitudes like this one that make overweight people prey to all kinds of quick weight loss schemes that simply result in their gaining even more weight. Or it keeps them shut inside away from the world because they're embarrassed to be seen.

It goes on to essentially re-iterate the fact that although it is OBVIOUSLY unhealthy to be obese, people shouldn't judge the overweight because it's always such a daunting task to become in shape. Although I agree with this (and do feel bad about things I have said in the past), I think that SOCIETY as a whole is to blame - making fast food so available, no healthy choices, people having to pay money to become fit.....


So yes. Do you think that the obesity epidemic is something that should be accepted? Should an extremely overweight and unfit individual be considered 'normal'?

Is there a solution to the 'epidemic'?

Discuss.

 

[SuperFerret]

Being morbidly obese is unhealthy, therefore those people won't live quite as long, therefore there would be less people in the world, therefore there will be more available food, therefore people will be able to eat more, therefore extinction. Problem solved.

 

[Star]

But they'll have kids who'll they'll feed unhealthy foods and raise with unhealthy attitudes and the cycle will continue......?

 

[Figs]

I don't believe in making fun of fat people but I do not like enablers. I think people just need to stop being lazy and try to eat healthier food and excercise more.

I see where you're coming from Star in your original post, near the bottom, but you can excercise without having to pay much. Walking and or jogging is good cardio. As for fast food, yes it's very tempting but no one forces anyone to eat that junk.

My gf and I do admit that it is a bit more expensive to eat healthy, cooking up meals every night, that is another factor that makes it hard to stop eating fast food which can be relatively cheaper.

 

[NotAHenchwench]

But they'll have kids who'll they'll feed unhealthy foods and raise with unhealthy attitudes and the cycle will continue......?

And the sadder part? 20 years of emotional abuse revolving around food and 13 years of therapy can't fix that.

This is a real difficult topic, Star. I'll admit I'm very surprised you're bringing this up. I can completely understand people who are detested by obese individuals. It's unsettling to see someone who could possibly let themselves go like that, for whatever reason. I realize this kind of behavior is extremely disgusting to some individuals.

There's honestly nothing that I can say [or really want to say] to you that will make you think differently about human beings. Because even though people only see the fat, there's a human being underneath there. Someone who is in an unbelievable amount of emotional pain. Someone who is trapped in their own ****ing body.

And worse than just fat breeders breeding more fat eaters? It's a cycle. I'll give you an example, and I'm putting myself out there in case there's some poor ***** like me:
Your mother makes you eat WAY too much food [legit, spaghetti with ketchup was a popular, daily dinner item in my house], and then if you say you're full and don't want any more, you get punished for wasting food because there isn't enough money to buy more. Then, you go to school, get made fun of for being fat. A habit forms where you turn to food for comfort. The cycle continues your entire life, and instead of people trying to help, you get people who would rather say that you "sit around and eat butter all day" when they know nothing about you, your lifestyle or any of your history.

It is not my intention to defend anything, but if I can make one person think twice before rushing to judgement because it's easy, then my job is done.

And one note to anyone out there who feels trapped. You are not alone.

 

[Manic]

In before Chicken Scratch says something that'll no doubt piss me off.


The way I see it, being fat due to unhealthy habits is like smoking. Chastising doesn't work. Making fun doesn't work. Inspiration and fear, however, work wonders. I started hitting the gym because I talked to people who lost a lot of weight and thought "Why not me?" People who go around saying stuff like "YOU'RE DISGUSTING AND EVERYTHING THAT'S WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY" send me into a fit of depression that can only be cured by ice cream. I'm serious. Reminding me how fat I am only makes me reach for comfort food. And quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if that was true for others.

A certain level of vanity also works. When I stopped going to the gym for a few months, I went right back as soon as I had to start sucking in my gut just to button my vests.

I do agree that fast food is far far too available. Drinks are too sweetened, too. Have you seen the amount of sugar in your average bottle of pre-made iced tea? There's no way in hell I'd use that much sugar if I brewed my own. Also, I'd use real sugar.

 

[BestGirl]

NotAHenchwench, did you ever tell your mom she was making too much food?

 

[JP]

Star, you fattie.

But, in all seriousness, being overweight has always frightened me. I'm not fat my any means, and I'm thankful for that, but my entire family is fat, or get fat at a certain age, so I fear it's inevitable. And I eat the WORST things on a daily basis, so I'm not helping the cause. But, it's tough. My mom and grandma a big ladies, but they don't sit around eating all day. Quite the contrary, they eat very healthy. Yet they can't lose wait. I've watched enough Biggest Loser to know that woman struggle to lose wait, and it's a lot harder than men.

 

[SuperFerret]

I still think that this is more of a personal problem that individuals need to deal with than a societal problem or "epidemic" (which it's not).

 

[NotAHenchwench]

NotAHenchwench, did you ever tell your mom she was making too much food?

Well when I was that young, my way of telling her that it was too much was that I was full and didn't want to eat any more. Please keep in mind that she had been feeding me this way [and according to her, 3 hotdogs is a serving size for a 4 year old] since I was a baby.

If I told her it was too much, she'd get angry and things got physical on more than one occasion. So I just learned to shut the hell up, and eat my food.

 

[SuperFerret]

I didn't graduate to three hot dogs until I was about 12.

 

[AndThePickles]

I do not condone obesity, but it is also a very difficult situation in terms of helping people. While I would personally love it if someone dangerously overweight would go to a dietitian, a trainer, therapist, whatever is needed, who am I to make them do so? Every adult is responsible for their own life decisions and whether or not to choose to be healthy.

So, although I don't think that a person who is so fat that they have to live in bed should be considered "normal," what is the solution? You can't force someone to help themselves, even if it is for their own well-being. While someone out there might be incredibly thankful that someone offered to help, you've also got people who take joy in obesity. There are websites out there where people compete to see who can gain the most weight, post sexual pictures of their weight gain, etc. So, clearly some people won't take or want the help.

Japan has an interesting take with their annual waistline measurement requirements.

 

[Wylie Times]

Don't be an *******....It really is just that simple. People shouldn't be accepting of theobesity epidemic but the things the come out of peoples mouths regarding overweight people is disgusting at times. If I see a person who is obese I just think to myself "that sad on many levels" I don't go out of my way to insult and embarrass that person.

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

You shouldn't make fun of fat people. I mean, you can, have at it, they are pretty funny, but just don't make the mistake in thinking that you're helping them by making fun of them.

They're are certainly a lot of factors that bleed into the obesity epidemic from lack of education, to access, to food deserts, to costs, and so on. Obesity will never go away, but it can probably be significantly reduced. You personally don't have to accept being fat though, nor do I believe you have to accept the fatness of others. You ultimately choose the company you keep.

 

[Kane52630]

I cant post it but look up on youtube "louis.c.k. videogames tv nutrition" and its exactly what I think about this

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Star's crusade is like a wildfire lol

There are websites out there where people compete to see who can gain the most weight

www.bigguts.com

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

I cant post it but look up on youtube "louis.c.k. videogames tv nutrition" and its exactly what I think about this

I'll pretty much agree with anything Louis CK says.

 

[AndThePickles]

www.bigguts.com

That's the one!

 

[Wylie Times]

And exactly how did you two come across that site?

 

[knowsbleed]

Umm... Star... I think you're misusing "condone".


Eating healthily is actually addicting to me. I find that when my girlfriend or I cook healthy foods, more vegetables, very few meats maybe using tofu as a substitute (pretty much Japanese style cooking)... I feel the same satisfaction... because really and truly, that's all my body needs. I don't feel as sluggish, I don't get headaches as much as I used to and I'm maintaining my weight goals.

I know it's hard start eating healthy, but if you really put forth the effort... the benefits are pretty damn amazing.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

And exactly how did you two come across that site?

A while back, the participants of the Fitness thread used to get a chuckle out of that place. Not sure who found it though.

Eating healthily is actually addicting to me. I find that when my girlfriend or I cook healthy foods, more vegetables, very few meats maybe using tofu as a substitute (pretty much Japanese style cooking)... I feel the same satisfaction... because really and truly, that's all my body needs. I don't feel as sluggish, I don't get headaches as much as I used to and I'm maintaining my weight goals.

I know it's hard start eating healthy, but if you really put forth the effort... the benefits are pretty damn amazing.

This makes it sound like meat is unhealthy. Dead animal is like 60% of my diet, but I understand what you mean about Japanese cooking not consisting of too much meat. It seems like Korean food is where all the meat is.

 

[Kurosawa]

I've had bad issues with my weight my entire life, and even though I've always been able to work and am relatively healthy, I have never been in good shape. Almost every person I've known with weight issues has other, more serious emotional issues, myself included. It's especially bad in America, where many of us are fat, lazy and miserable. Self included. A lot of people eat to deal with emotional stress and that is one of the worst things you can do. And a lot of people do it.

So if you see an obese person, realize that in all likelihood their weight is the least of their problems.

 

[knowsbleed]

This makes it sound like meat is unhealthy. Dead animal is like 60% of my diet, but I understand what you mean about Japanese cooking not consisting of too much meat. It seems like Korean food is where all the meat is.

I'm just trying to cut down on the amount of meat I ingest daily. I don't really want 60% of my diet to be meat products, but that's just my goal. It's moreso an experiment of sorts, to see how it will affect my body/energy levels and whether I will crave it or not. My craving is leaning toward not missing it so much and I'm seeing positive results so far energy-wise. But there are Japanese dishes that are comprised primarily of meat... I'm just cooking and eating the ones that don't.

 

[Silvermoth]

I don't see how it's anyones business if someone is overweight. That's their life, they don't have to live yours. What does weight have to do with a person's character or their level of genorosity or politeness?

I hate when people come out and say stuff like "we have to stop enabling fat people and telling them it's ok". As a gay guy, I know where that sort of thinking goes. It's not anyone else's business to decide what you should eat or what being healthy is for you.

 

[knowsbleed]

Being gay isn't physically unhealthy... it will not kill you to be gay.


In some parts of the world, it could get you killed... but I digress.