Fat Acceptance...

[shellybaxter]

Respectfully, I think the point some people have (myself included) is that while it is OK (actually fine I guess) that overweight people have a "positive body image", it is not HEALTHY. In any way, shape, fashion or form. None. The adverse health effects are numerous, proven & undeniable.

If a "large" person believes that their lifestyle is good, they are fooling themselves. Denial of an unhealthy lifestyle does not make it ok. I link them into the same category as smokers, alcohol & substance abusers.

The thing is that, in most (but not necessarily all) cases, this is due to a sedentary lifestyle & an unwillingness to make the right decisions for a healthy lifestyle. It's easier to cry for "acceptance" than it is to lose the weight. That would take work.

JimB - I just thought you might find this article regarding obesity and health interesting.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,401823,00.html

Perhaps its not as black and white as you've made it in your head

 

[Instinct27]

JimB - I just thought you might find this article regarding obesity and health interesting.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,401823,00.html

Perhaps its not as black and white as you've made it in your head

Am I reading the article wrong?

In the study, about 51 percent of overweight adults, or roughly 36 million people nationwide, had mostly normal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood fats called triglycerides and blood sugar.

So Overweigt = 49% abnormal...

Almost one-third of obese adults, or nearly 20 million people, also were in this healthy range, meaning that none or only one of those measures was abnormal.

So Obese = 66% abnormal...

Yet about a fourth of adults in the recommended-weight range had unhealthy levels of at least two of these measures. That means some 16 million of them are at risk for heart problems.

So Normal weight = 25% abnormal...

 

[shellybaxter]

Am I reading the article wrong?


So Overweigt = 49% abnormal...


So Obese = 66% abnormal...


So Normal weight = 25% abnormal...

Your reading it right - attitudes like the one posted seem to state that all obese people have unhealthy issues - like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc and this article shows that that is not true - infact over half do not have these issues.

Some obese people, like all other people, have lots of health issues and some don't

 

[Instinct27]

Your reading it right - attitudes like the one posted seem to state that all obese people have unhealthy issues - like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc and this article shows that that is not true - infact over half do not have these issues.

Some obese people, like all other people, have lots of health issues and some don't

I get your point. Regular health visits should be a good way to find out if it's healthy or even necessary to lose any weight. Fat and fit is a reality.

 

[Par8hed]

I get your point. Regular health visits should be a good way to find out if it's healthy or even necessary to lose any weight. Fat and fit is a reality.

Maybe it's me, but the way I interpret the numbers you are at least twice as likely to have issues if you are overweight.

"Fat and fit is a reality" seems to be taking some liberty with the conclusions.

 

[JimB.]

mB - I just thought you might find this article regarding obesity and health interesting.

Please tell me where I have used the terms "all" or "every" in my posts. I have indicated there is no "black & white". Once again, I have stated there are exceptions and variances to any group. Don't go puttin' words in my mouth.

And since you are tossing articles, check out this:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26143460/

"WASHINGTON - People who want to live a long and healthy life might want to take up running.

A study published on Monday shows middle-aged members of a runner's club were half as likely to die over a 20-year period as people who did not run.

Running reduced the risk not only of heart disease, but of cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, researchers at Stanford University in California found."

and to the previous poster that asserted medical costs were greater to those who exercised due to injury:

"The study also showed that people cannot use the risk of injury as an excuse not to run — the runners had fewer injuries of all kinds, including to their knees."

 

[Todd&Copper]

But they are not affecting your health.

I cannot help that I am pooh sized. I'd rather not get into why as it is no one's business but mine and my doctor's. I am always watching what I eat. I have no choice. But, I am not fat because I am lazy or a glutton. It would be nice if people wouldn't just assume that and treat me like dirt. Compassion is too much to ask for I guess.

However a smoker CAN stop smoking if they are willing to put forth the effort. (believe me, I know)

If they are not willing, then they are just polluting my air and my lungs.

I think there is a big difference.

OMG! Talk about ignorant rude comments. Then move to another seat if I or some other as you call us fat people are in your way!!! And don't start that nonsence about only paying for one admission, seat or whatever.

Again so quick to judge others. Shame on you!!

Oh for Christ's sake...that was just a "brilliant" response. Please share more words of wisdom.

Seriously, what am I supposed to do when a fat person sits ON ME (on part of my leg) b/c s/he is too big to stay in their half of the designated seat and there are no other available seats for my 1 hour trip home in the evening???? Very often the bus fills to capacity before the last stop in the city, and we're not permitted to stand on the commuter buses, so I just have to suffer for someone else's corpulence. You are all so quick to pile on the smokers, but in most public places, smoking is not permitted and you can move around and get away from the smoke. What about when I am trapped on a bus, wedged in by someone who is so "accepting" of his or her fat self as to not acknowledge the discomfort s/he is causing others? I think all of you who are so quick to condemn me for my feelings are just as rude as you seem to believe I am being.

 

[shellybaxter]

Please tell me where I have used the terms "all" or "every" in my posts. I have indicated there is no "black & white". Once again, I have stated there are exceptions and variances to any group. Don't go puttin' words in my mouth.

And since you are tossing articles, check out this:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26143460/

"WASHINGTON - People who want to live a long and healthy life might want to take up running.

A study published on Monday shows middle-aged members of a runner's club were half as likely to die over a 20-year period as people who did not run.

Running reduced the risk not only of heart disease, but of cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, researchers at Stanford University in California found."

and to the previous poster that asserted medical costs were greater to those who exercised due to injury:

"The study also showed that people cannot use the risk of injury as an excuse not to run — the runners had fewer injuries of all kinds, including to their knees."

Jim - I have to admit, I only read your first post. I only looked at the first page of this thread because I thought it had the potential to be a very hurtful topic. In your first post you used words like "unhealthy lifestyle" and "most" which gave me the impression that you felt that the majority of "large" - as you put it - people were choosing a lifestyle that you equated to alcohol and drug abuse. I thought your take was a bit extreme and when I happen to see this article this morning I thought it might allow you to think about your beliefs. Sorry if I offended you. I agree that running can be healthy - no agruement there - I just wish you'd except that being heavy doesn't make a person completely unhealthy.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Seriously, what am I supposed to do when a fat person sits ON ME (on part of my leg) b/c s/he is too big to stay in their half of the designated seat and there are no other available seats for my 1 hour trip home in the evening???? Very often the bus fills to capacity before the last stop in the city, and we're not permitted to stand on the commuter buses, so I just have to suffer for someone else's corpulence. You are all so quick to pile on the smokers, but in most public places, smoking is not permitted and you can move around and get away from the smoke. What about when I am trapped on a bus, wedged in by someone who is so "accepting" of his or her fat self as to not acknowledge the discomfort s/he is causing others? I think all of you who are so quick to condemn me for my feelings are just as rude as you seem to believe I am being.

I try my very best to NOT to sit on people; I often "hang" over the outside edge of the seat so as not to intrude on my fellow commuters' space. I try to make the accommodation as best I can, and I am aware of others' discomfort although, again, I'd be curious just how many "normal" sized people actually fit wholly on their own seat. I think many people encrouch on the seat next to them, and don't even realize it. I understand about commuting. I've been commuting into NYC for over 20 years, so I know all about being uncomfortable. What about those women that carry purses the size of suitcases, or multiple bags and insist on leaving them on the seat next to them, so you can't sit; what about the men who have to sit with their legs almost in a split position so they don't squash their "maleness"; and the people who bathe in their perfume each morning or don't bother to shower at all; and again, what about those people that chat the entire commute on their cell, or listen to their music at an ear splitting level? All of these things make the commute unpleasant but there's really not much that can be done. I just think that society, as a whole, find its acceptable to "pick on the fat kid" so to speak.

 

[tinkntraining]

Don't worry they're being bombarded with the same "you're only a worthwhile human being if you're thin" messages that the rest of us are.

As opposed to those non-dangerous, safe messages on other websites, messages like "you're ONLY a worthwhile individual if you're a size 2?"

I have read 10 pages of this thread, and usually, I refrain from posting my opinion on controversial threads (such as this) because I truly believe you are not going to change anyone's mind, so why bother....but on this one, I must speak....

Four years ago, my 10-year-old daughter started middle school. One day in gym, the kids were weighed -- not privately, but where other kids could see the child's weight. My daughter (who has always been a little on the chubby side) was so embarrassed by her weight (which, at most, was 15 pounds more than the other kids) that she swore right then and there to never be embarrassed of her "number" again. So, what did this worldly, wise 10-year old do? She stopped eating. It was very subtle at first (she pushed her food around on her plate to make it look like she'd eaten, threw her lunch away when she got to school, cleaned off her plate before I had a chance to see how much was gone.) Everyday, I thank God that I had read about the warning signs and sought help. But 10? My baby was 10 years old.

Long story short -- my beautiful, smart 10 year old had become a victim of adolescent anorexia. In less than 1 month, she lost more than 30% of her body weight. Couldn't keep her body warm anymore, had keytones in her urine, because her body was feeding off it's own muscle when all the fat reserves had been used. Lost her hair by the clumpfuls. Heart rate was high and erratic. Working toward her black belt in Tae Kwon Do, she had to drop out becaus she had no energy to go to school, much less to exercise. Thank God, we found a hospital who specialized in adolescent anorexia and a year and a half later, (and alot of blood, sweat, tears, prayers and counseling sessions) my daughter has "recovered".....I say "recovered" because its something we'll have to watch for life, because the recurrence percentage in adolescence is off the charts.

My point is this: Does every slightly overweight child become anorexic? Of course not. But if even one child resorts to starvation to gain acceptance in society and to fit the "ideal" weight, it's one too many...please, people. Just learn to accept people for who they are, not what they look like. Don't make assumptions based upon a number on a scale or the size on the back of a pair of pants.

If it were YOUR 10-year-old daughter who bravely fought this fight, you'd be shouting about "fat acceptance" from the top of your rooftops.

Oh, and where is the back of the line to sit by Tina? Count me in!

 

[pooh6890]

I love karma. When I was a child, I was a little chubby. By today's standards, nobody would have batted an eyelash at me, but up until puberty when I thinned out nicely, I was chubby. I had a cousin who dearly loved to tease me and call me "Jumbo."

Guess who got fat and lost most of his hair in his middle age?

Normally I wouldn't take the least bit of joy in something like that, but he was downright mean about it. Just hateful. So I can't help myself.

I love karma too. My ex-husband used to call me the most vicious names regarding my weight. After 15 years, now he is fat and bald and his new wife is fat too. I just have to smile.

 

[MushyMushy]

Seriously, what am I supposed to do when a fat person sits ON ME (on part of my leg) b/c s/he is too big to stay in their half of the designated seat and there are no other available seats for my 1 hour trip home in the evening???? Very often the bus fills to capacity before the last stop in the city, and we're not permitted to stand on the commuter buses, so I just have to suffer for someone else's corpulence. You are all so quick to pile on the smokers, but in most public places, smoking is not permitted and you can move around and get away from the smoke. What about when I am trapped on a bus, wedged in by someone who is so "accepting" of his or her fat self as to not acknowledge the discomfort s/he is causing others? I think all of you who are so quick to condemn me for my feelings are just as rude as you seem to believe I am being.

But you make it seem like *only* fat people can encroach on your space like that. Are you honestly saying that you don't see people of all sizes being extremely rude like that? I can't tell you how many times I've been nearly knocked to the ground by briefcases, backpacks, small kids, had laptops encroaching on my space... and by people of all sizes.

We get that you're disgusted by fat people. But what do you think the solution should be that allows for dignity and humane treatment for all involved?

 

[DawnCt1]

b
now, is it discriminatory (or politically incorrect?) for me to expect to enjoy the concert? (that I PAID for?) or the same on the airplane. should I have said, "ok, you have 'special needs' because you are overweight (and I understand your plight) so I'll just make due with HALF a seat, when I am claustrophobic already?
I really don't care WHY you weigh that much. I'm SURE you are a very nice person and have struggled with weight issues all your life. maybe it is a medical issue. I have NO predjudice against you. BUT, I STILL want the WHOLE seat I PAID for.

Apparently it is and we are considered selfish for not wanting to "share" it. I don't get it.

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

If we accept overweight people, then everyone will become overweight! Wow, how stupid...

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

Seriously, what am I supposed to do when a fat person sits ON ME (on part of my leg) b/c s/he is too big to stay in their half of the designated seat and there are no other available seats for my 1 hour trip home in the evening???? Very often the bus fills to capacity before the last stop in the city, and we're not permitted to stand on the commuter buses, so I just have to suffer for someone else's corpulence. You are all so quick to pile on the smokers, but in most public places, smoking is not permitted and you can move around and get away from the smoke. What about when I am trapped on a bus, wedged in by someone who is so "accepting" of his or her fat self as to not acknowledge the discomfort s/he is causing others? I think all of you who are so quick to condemn me for my feelings are just as rude as you seem to believe I am being.

I feel the same way as you. At PSU, the seats are enough for a normal weight person. The people that sit near us have to be 10x my size and take half my seat. I am so uncomfortable. One lady actually had the nerve to turn around and tell me "You should really learn how to share!" THE NERVE! Buy 2 seats if you are that fat. I sat with my knees in her back the rest of the game. She took 3/4 of my legroom up! Gosh, buy 2 seats!

 

[DawnCt1]

Your reading it right - attitudes like the one posted seem to state that all obese people have unhealthy issues - like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc and this article shows that that is not true - infact over half do not have these issues.

Some obese people, like all other people, have lots of health issues and some don't

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are not the only health related problems. Cancer rates are higher in women with increase abdominal fat. Joint and mobility issues, etc. My MIL is essentially housebound because her weight has resulted in permanent back pain, hip pain, she has already had knee replacement surgery, etc.

 

[Planogirl]

Not to mention that extra weight can be hard on the joints.

So what is the solution? I see people discussing the problem but not the solution. It's hard to know what to do isn't it? Imagine the difficulties faced by the overweight person.

 

[Todd&Copper]

But you make it seem like *only* fat people can encroach on your space like that. Are you honestly saying that you don't see people of all sizes being extremely rude like that? I can't tell you how many times I've been nearly knocked to the ground by briefcases, backpacks, small kids, had laptops encroaching on my space... and by people of all sizes.

We get that you're disgusted by fat people. But what do you think the solution should be that allows for dignity and humane treatment for all involved?

If someone has a backpack or a briefcase that is in my way, I can ask them to move it. If it is a person's body fat, what am I supposed to do? As them to shift their girth out to the aisle or something? Then I'd be considered rude beyond belief.

I get that you are fat or used to be fat or have a fat spouse or a fat child (or someohow, someone who is fat has made a difference in your life), but you and the other plussies seem to be having a hard time understanding that there are times and circumstances when your largess does encroach on others, and those of us who are offended by it are being viewed as rude and inhumane.
And yes, I am a little digusted by the obese, because by and large there is something that they can do about it but lack the motivation and/or self control to do it. I am amazed that the fat people who feel they are powerless against their bodies do not se the obvious similarities between themselves and smokers who *know* that smoking is detrimental to health but feel powerless to quit. Maybe I am a little sanctimonious because I found the strength to lose weight and become more healthy, much like a former smoker feels superior to those who are still addicted to the cancer sticks. I am sorry you and other find that so offensive.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

If someone has a backpack or a briefcase that is in my way, I can ask them to move it. If it is a person's body fat, what am I supposed to do? As them to shift their girth out to the aisle or something? Then I'd be considered rude beyond belief.

I get that you are fat or used to be fat or have a fat spouse or a fat child (or someohow, someone who is fat has made a difference in your life), but you and the other plussies seem to be having a hard time understanding that there are times and circumstances when your largess does encroach on others, and those of us who are offended by it are being viewed as rude and inhumane.
And yes, I am a little digusted by the obese, because by and large there is something that they can do about it but lack the motivation and/or self control to do it. I am amazed that the fat people who feel they are powerless against their bodies do not se the obvious similarities between themselves and smokers who *know* that smoking is detrimental to health but feel powerless to quit. Maybe I am a little sanctimonious because I found the strength to lose weight and become more healthy, much like a former smoker feels superior to those who are still addicted to the cancer sticks. I am sorry you and other find that so offensive.

Wow, it must be tough being so perfect. I guess we should all strive to be more like you, although I am a little disgusted by the ignorant. TINA, MOVE OVER GIRL, I'M COMING TO SIT NEAR YOU.

 

[MushyMushy]

If someone has a backpack or a briefcase that is in my way, I can ask them to move it. If it is a person's body fat, what am I supposed to do? As them to shift their girth out to the aisle or something? Then I'd be considered rude beyond belief.

I get that you are fat or used to be fat or have a fat spouse or a fat child (or someohow, someone who is fat has made a difference in your life), but you and the other plussies seem to be having a hard time understanding that there are times and circumstances when your largess does encroach on others, and those of us who are offended by it are being viewed as rude and inhumane.
And yes, I am a little digusted by the obese, because by and large there is something that they can do about it but lack the motivation and/or self control to do it. I am amazed that the fat people who feel they are powerless against their bodies do not se the obvious similarities between themselves and smokers who *know* that smoking is detrimental to health but feel powerless to quit. Maybe I am a little sanctimonious because I found the strength to lose weight and become more healthy, much like a former smoker feels superior to those who are still addicted to the cancer sticks. I am sorry you and other find that so offensive.

Um, no it's not rude to ask them to move. They're human beings for crying out loud! Just say, "You're in my space, would you mind moving over?" I'm sure there are SOME ways they can shift around to make you less uncomfortable. It bothers me too, but you're just downright ignorant about it (shifting their "girth" into the aisle? come on!).

And I doubt that you're just a *little* disgusted by obese. I've been reading you loud and clear for a long time on this. I normally don't remember what people say from thread to thread, but you've been blatant enough about your disdain that it's hard to forget.

As a former smoker, I don't feel superior to smokers. I feel compassion for them.