NationStates Jolt Archive

Obesity rates rose last year in every state but Oregon, according to an advocacy group that called on the government and the private sector to get more involved in Americans' battle with expanding waistlines.

The advocacy group, Trust for America's Health, said data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the percentage of obese adults for 2002-04 stood at 22.7 percent nationally. The percentage for the previous cycle, 2001-03, was 22 percent.

The state exhibiting the largest increase in obesity was Alabama. There, the rate increased 1.5 percentage points to 27.7 percent. Oregon's rate held steady at 21 percent.

The report said the states with the highest percentage of obese adults are Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Tennessee.

The states with the lowest percentage of obese adults are Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Montana. Hawaii was not included in the report.

An official with the Trust for America's Health said the United States is stuck in a "debate limbo" about how the government should confront obesity. She used the report to call for more government action on several fronts, such as ensuring that land use plans promote physical activity; that school lunch programs serve healthier meals; and that Medicaid recipients get access to subsidized fitness programs, such as aerobics classes at the local YMCA.

"We have a crisis of poor nutrition and physical inactivity in the U.S., and it's time we dealt with it," said Shelley A. Hearne, executive director of the organization.

Radley Balko, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute, said he is wary of the call for more government action on obesity. The institute is a think tank that prefers free-market approaches to problems.

"I think obesity is a very personal issue. What you eat and how often you exercise, if that comes within the government's purview, it's difficult to think of what's left that isn't," Balko said.

Health policy analysts maintain that obesity increases the burden on taxpayers because it requires the Medicare and Medicaid programs to cover the treatment of diseases caused by obesity. The report issued Tuesday said taxpayers spent $39 billion in 2003 for the treatment of conditions attributable to obesity.

The Trust for America's Health recommended mandatory screening for obesity among Medicaid recipients, as well as nutritional counseling.

"Better prevention and disease management programs will result in cost savings to the system as a whole," the report stated.

Balko said it's not clear the government really knows how to persuade people to make better decisions. He said open-ended entitlement programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, don't provide much of a financial incentive for people to watch their weight. The government just picks up the cost of treating diseases for those patients, regardless of the amounts, he said.

He prefers that the government give Medicaid and Medicare recipients an incentive to open medical savings accounts, which would allow them to save money when they did not access the health care system.

"If they knew they only had so much to spend, or what they did not spend could be saved, then maybe you could instill a certain sense of responsibility and ownership," Balko said.

Adults with a body mass index of 30 or more are considered obese. The equation used to figure body mass index is body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. The measurement is not a good indicator of obesity for muscular people who exercise a lot.




Linkage (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_he_me/obesity_state_rankings&printer=1;_ylt=AsYyqieSSWDVyNugGMD.i.1a24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)


Why is America so lazy and fat?

Well, when it comes to business, we're generally not that lazy, as for physical activity, yes, lazy is on a rise. DAMN REDNECKS!!!!!!!...and McDonalds

Why is America so lazy and fat?

it's all because of an evil duo that go by the code names ben & jerry

It's not just America, Western Europe is the same. We have too much food and have to do too little to get it, simple.
Make food more scarce by sharing it out or putting up the prices and giving the extra profits to starving nations, if there are no extra profits then we will simply have healthier nations and the producers can get a decent wage.

Well, when it comes to business, we're generally not that lazy, as for physical activity, yes, lazy is on a rise. DAMN REDNECKS!!!!!!!...and McDonalds
how does fat have anything to so with rednecks? some guy who goes to work in new york has no one to blame but himself for being fat, along with the rest of the fat population.

It's not just America, Western Europe is the same. We have too much food and have to do too little to get it, simple.
Make food more scarce by sharing it out or putting up the prices and giving the extra profits to starving nations, if there are no extra profits then we will simply have healthier nations and the producers can get a decent wage.
we dont need to overprice al foods. junk foods mostly along with meats going up a little bit. and fast food.

it's all because of an evil duo that go by the code names ben & jerry

Damn you Ben and Jerry!! Damn you all!!

Less physical labour, more stressful jobs. Less time for nutritious food, and more reliance on fast food. No one home to make the meals, so the whole family eats crap. And this isn't just happening in the US...it's happening everywhere there is a growing middle-class. Even CHILE is having problems with obesity now!

That's right folks...keep the woman in the kitchen, the man in the fields, and the kids in factories, and this will all go away :D

Americans sit watch tv as they do best and eat chips,cake,pie,pizza and get fatter

I wonder how people can stand to get fat? I'd hate it. People should get more exercise. And if healthier foods were cheaper than junk, the rich people who could afford liposuction would be the only fat ones. THat's why many people don't eat well, they can't afford it! I try to eat healthy and my parents complain about the price of my veggie burgers. If only capitalism could try being nice and health- conscience for once

We sit on internet forums all day. :)

It's not just America, Western Europe is the same. We have too much food and have to do too little to get it, simple.
Make food more scarce by sharing it out or putting up the prices and giving the extra profits to starving nations, if there are no extra profits then we will simply have healthier nations and the producers can get a decent wage.

I heard that France have much lower obesity rates than the US, while eating similar foods. Apparently however, the French generally eat smaller portions. I thought this was an absolute revelation in combatting obesity. Eat less food.

I think it's down to the type sof food we are eating not just how much. A modern chciekn contains 3 times as much fat as one did 30 years ago...much of the food out there seems to be processed...containing high levels of fat, salt and sugar...you are going to put on weight.

I live in Britain and if I'm doing a long drive and stop somewhere it is impossible to buy just an apple, my only options are chrisps and chocolate. Two things that will get you fat.

Of course parent sdon't let kids play outside because they are shit scared of someone killing their kid and instead let their kids watch TV or paly computer games all day.

It's just a nastly shitty cycle.

I think the government should jsut realise that putting big business ahead of people in this case is just wrong for everyone inclueding big business.

Less physical labour, more stressful jobs. Less time for nutritious food, and more reliance on fast food. No one home to make the meals, so the whole family eats crap. And this isn't just happening in the US...it's happening everywhere there is a growing middle-class. Even CHILE is having problems with obesity now!

That's right folks...keep the woman in the kitchen, the man in the fields, and the kids in factories, and this will all go away :D
I'm getting fatter but not because of these reasons. I've learned to cook too well ;)

America's getting fatter? Yay!

Happy Obesity Day, everyone! :D

Linkage (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_he_me/obesity_state_rankings&printer=1;_ylt=AsYyqieSSWDVyNugGMD.i.1a24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)

Why is America so lazy and fat?
It's funny, I notice that the legend that Republican-voting states (aka "red" states) have higher obesity rates than the more liberal states. Why do you think that is?

The problem is
1. lack of activity
2. too much fast food and too much frozen/pre cooked meals.
3. too much soft drinks, not enough water.

If people only ate home cooked balanced meals in modest proportions .. like say 5 or 6 small meals a day, instead of just 1 huge meal or 2 real big meals, drank water instead of soda and walked a bit, things would be much better.

Oh..and fruit for snacks instead of cakes or cookies. Can still eat some cake or some cookies every once in a while, but fruit mostly for snacking would help alot. Also eat bran and fiber cereal or health bars at least 3 times a week. :)

America might be getting fatter, but I (thank heavens) am not. my weight-gain seems to have more or less ended with my freshman year of college (skyrocketed from about 170 pounds to about 190 pounds... and have hovered around 190 ever since).

nah nah nah nah nahhhhh

That's right folks...keep the woman in the kitchen, the man in the fields, and the kids in factories, and this will all go away :D

Damn right. You never see any fat Chinese or Vietnamese people, do you?

:p

Hell, if we can't be the fittest, then at least we can be the fattest. WE'RE NUMBER ONE! WE'RE NUMBER ONE! WOOO!

i agree with the guy up there ^. its interesting that all the fat states are republican.

Europe...you're NEXT in line, and you'll all end up with fat asses eventually. Just wait and see.

Europe...you're NEXT in line, and you'll all end up with fat asses eventually. Just wait and see.

Europe gets in line after us, excuse me. *pouts*

i think its interesting that all the fat states are republican.

Well, Democrats are so worried about their images that it's natural they'd keep the pounds off.

Europe gets in line after us, excuse me. *pouts*

exactly. no CUTTING in line :p

Europe gets in line after us, excuse me. *pouts*

That makes sense, I mean, ya'll must have 10 times as many Outback Steak Houses as we do here, you're actually IN the Outback.

It's funny, I notice that the legend that Republican-voting states (aka "red" states) have higher obesity rates than the more liberal states. Why do you think that is?

They have money and can buy more food than food stamps allow.

That makes sense, I mean, ya'll must have 10 times as many Outback Steak Houses as we do here, you're actually IN the Outback.

"Outback steak house"? Well...

*throws a passing-by wild animal onto a barbeque*

Sort-of.

They have money and can buy more food than food stamps allow.

Funny; I thought the "blue" states in the USA were chiefly the higher-income states.

Rich people are less obese. The 'value' food in supermarkets is full of crap. Whole food and someoen to cook it makes the difference.

Funny; I thought the "blue" states in the USA were chiefly the higher-income states.

They are, at least in the cities and such. The red states are where the food comes from.

Damn. I'm sure I've seen an article recently about (nothern) Europeans getting fat - and fast. Why, oh why can't I find it now...

Well, us Finns are right behind you American and Australian lardasses. I don't want to say we are #1 or even #2, but we are gaining fast (pun intended).

What worries me is this: Obesity Task Force (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=8341) is after us fatsoes!!! It's somekind of Helth nutters' secret police, i swear! Their agent, Prof. James, says that"Finland was the only country in the world currently taking logical steps to address the timebomb of excess weight, which was now spiralling out of control."

Help us! Finnish fatties are opressed! (though, I have to say I liked the part where he said it's out of control...)

Americans sit watch tv as they do best and eat chips,cake,pie,pizza and get fatter
Because all Americans are fatasses that sit in front of the TV and eat all day. :rolleyes: That's how Lance won the Tour de France seven years in a row, right? Retard.

Linkage (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_he_me/obesity_state_rankings&printer=1;_ylt=AsYyqieSSWDVyNugGMD.i.1a24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)


Why is America so lazy and fat?
The article YOU posted said 27.7%, not 100%.

Why are you retarded?

The article YOU posted said 27.7%, not 100%.

Why are you retarded?

A bit sensitive, are we?

That's OK. Fat people can be cool too.

They are, at least in the cities and such. The red states are where the food comes from.
Yeah, nobody grows food in California.

A bit sensitive, are we?

That's OK. Fat people can be cool too.



And retarded people can start threads too.

A bit sensitive, are we?
I don't know what you mean. I was just asking an honest question. I really am curious as to why most people outside the US have their heads so far up their asses that all they can see is the propaganda in the media.

That's OK. Fat people can be cool too.
I'm sure they can. What's your point?

Damn. I'm sure I've seen an article recently about (nothern) Europeans getting fat - and fast. Why, oh why can't I find it now...

Well, us Finns are right behind you American and Australian lardasses. I don't want to say we are #1 or even #2, but we are gaining fast (pun intended).


Ans yet, BBC tries to promote the healthy Finnish life style to English people :D
(now there's a conspiracy)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3451491.stm

And retarded people can start threads too.


I though you loved me!

*jumps off bridge*

Because all Americans are fatasses that sit in front of the TV and eat all day. :rolleyes: That's how Lance won the Tour de France seven years in a row, right? Retard.
No, not all. You're sitting in front of computer screen :D

WE can hav our head up our ass because we dont let the poor rot, kill each like it was a war zone, invade a country that doesnt hav WMD even tho we said it did, let facists speak on the radio but ban communism, hav only 10% of our nation in possesion of a passport, be only 250 million people but use a quater of the worlds energy and finaly try to put a tax on MY COUNTRYS cashmeir because we think that is better to buy from desperate south americans rather than u

I don't know what you mean. I was just asking an honest question. I really am curious as to why most people outside the US have their heads so far up their asses that all they can see is the propaganda in the media.

I was under the impression that he was American...

And retarded people can start threads too.

Speaking of which, don't you have one to start?

;)

(I'm kidding, no offence meant. :p)

Ans yet, BBC tries to promote the healthy Finnish life style to English people :D
(now there's a conspiracy)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3451491.stm
That article is over a year old, you silly goose! Didn't you get the "Eat hamburgers and chips!"-memo earlier THIS year?

WE can hav our head up our ass
(laughing) You can and you do.

Why is America so lazy and fat?


Whenever I hear about the "epidemic of obesity," I can't help but think of how nations like Ethiopia would love to have an "epidemic" like that. I'd rather have too many people overweight than dying of starvation. All this "epidemic" proves is that we eat incredibly well in this country!

That article is over a year old, you silly goose! Didn't you get the "Eat hamburgers and chips!"-memo earlier THIS year?
I already admitted I'm getting fatter. I'm doing my share!

Whenever I hear about the "epidemic of obesity," I can't help but think of how nations like Ethiopia would love to have an "epidemic" like that. I'd rather have too many people overweight than dying of starvation. All this "epidemic" proves is that we eat incredibly well in this country!

Not necessarily. You can eat a tub of lard a day and get morbidly obese. That doesn't mean that you have healthy eating habits, or are eating "well".

I was under the impression that he was American...



Speaking of which, don't you have one to start?

;)

(I'm kidding, no offence meant. :p)

I know, I know-those little emoticons come in so handy.

Linkage (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_he_me/obesity_state_rankings&printer=1;_ylt=AsYyqieSSWDVyNugGMD.i.1a24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)


Why is America so lazy and fat?

For the same reason you are so stupid! Being fat and lazy are not synonymous. I have worked and busted my tail for many years and still was fat. The correct term is obese anyway. I have more to me than just extra adipose tissue. I have bones, blood, cells, a brain and in my case a heart which you obviously do not posess. Obese people can be found in every country so quit this crap!

Not necessarily. You can eat a tub of lard a day and get morbidly obese. That doesn't mean that you have healthy eating habits, or are eating "well".

But you ARE eating, and it STILL beats starvation!

Man.. after reading stuff like this I remember why I go to the gym and play soccer.

For the same reason you are so stupid! Being fat and lazy are not synonymous. I have worked and busted my tail for many years and still was fat. The correct term is obese anyway. I have more to me than just extra adipose tissue. I have bones, blood, cells, a brain and in my case a heart which you obviously do not posess. Obese people can be found in every country so quit this crap!


But the point is, there are more fat people in America than in any other CONTINENT!

But the point is, there are more fat people in America than in any other CONTINENT!

Well, when you have the most diverse and abundant supply of food in the world it will definitely affect your waistline (and...other regions). It's a side affect of affluence, I'd say.

But the point is, there are more fat people in America than in any other CONTINENT!
No your point was to be insulting and belittling. Oh and self righteous as well. Well , are you including Canada and Mexico in the continent? The US is bigger than most of the other countries could be a strong factor. There are more of us when comparing populations. There are many factor which go into obesity. Does this have to be so insulting?

No your point was to be insulting and belittling. Oh and self righteous as well. Well , are you including Canada and Mexico in the continent? The US is bigger than most of the other countries could be a strong factor. There are more of us when comparing populations. There are many factor which go into obesity. Does this have to be so insulting?

Dont argue with punks. The whole purpose was to offend and rile you up.

Well, when you have the most diverse and abundant supply of food in the world it will definitely affect your waistline (and...other regions). It's a side affect of affluence, I'd say.

My point exactly.

No your point was to be insulting and belittling. Oh and self righteous as well. Well , are you including Canada and Mexico in the continent? The US is bigger than most of the other countries could be a strong factor. There are more of us when comparing populations. There are many factor which go into obesity. Does this have to be so insulting?
They insult Americans in an attempt to compensate for their own inadequacies. That is the real root of Anti-American sentiment. Call attention to other people's flaws in order to draw attention away from your own.

Linkage (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_he_me/obesity_state_rankings&printer=1;_ylt=AsYyqieSSWDVyNugGMD.i.1a24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)


Why is America so lazy and fat?

more or less because we can be fat and we dont give a fuck what you think, it really sucks to be free huh? personally fat and happy or your some bitchy skinny foreigner.

why can't the south islands get over there petty differences and get on with life i really want to know if youve ever beento america and why you hate us so much.

it's all because of an evil duo that go by the code names ben & jerry
yes those tastey bastards with their half baked.. *drools*

americans being fat, starving africans, that says a lot. As corrupt as any dictatorship or terrorist state, yep.

WE can hav our head up our ass because we dont let the poor rot, kill each like it was a war zone, invade a country that doesnt hav WMD even tho we said it did, let facists speak on the radio but ban communism, hav only 10% of our nation in possesion of a passport, be only 250 million people but use a quater of the worlds energy and finaly try to put a tax on MY COUNTRYS cashmeir because we think that is better to buy from desperate south americans rather than u

Wow. Shut the fuck up you stupid fucking dumbass. Illiterate people like yourself shouldn't be posting on forums with (generally) intelligent conversation, as this one has. Who the fuck cares about "cashmeir"? maybe your country makes better cashmier, but apparently not. We live in a capitalist society, which functions under a certain premise, I don't know, maybe you've heard of it, it's called SUPPLY AND FUCKING DEMAND. Why shouldn't we import from the South Americans? they bust their asses in the fields all day, so maybe we can help them out and buy their product. But oh no, God forbid a horrible TAX get placed on your countries shit, looks like it's entire economy is going to collapse because America is the only place in the world that buys cashmier. By the way, that's called sarcasm dumbfuck. :sniper:

americans being fat, starving africans, that says a lot. As corrupt as any dictatorship or terrorist state, yep.
Smart guy aren't you? I direct you to the posts pointing out the growing problems in other nations as well.

Wow. Shut the fuck up you stupid fucking dumbass. Illiterate people like yourself shouldn't be posting on forums with (generally) intelligent conversation, as this one has. Who the fuck cares about "cashmeir"? maybe your country makes better cashmier, but apparently not. We live in a capitalist society, which functions under a certain premise, I don't know, maybe you've heard of it, it's called SUPPLY AND FUCKING DEMAND. Why shouldn't we import from the South Americans? they bust their asses in the fields all day, so maybe we can help them out and buy their product. But oh no, God forbid a horrible TAX get placed on your countries shit, looks like it's entire economy is going to collapse because America is the only place in the world that buys cashmier. By the way, that's called sarcasm dumbfuck. :sniper:

You used a gun smilie, and your calling HIM dumb...

americans being fat, starving africans, that says a lot. As corrupt as any dictatorship or terrorist state, yep.
In a corrupt dictatorship or terrorist state, the common people starve, while the people in power eat. That's why its Africans that are starving, and not Americans.

Your brain needs food in order to function properly. You look a little hungry.....

I don't know which is more disturbing.

americans being fat, starving africans, that says a lot. As corrupt as any dictatorship or terrorist state, yep.

America's getting fatter? Yay!

Happy Obesity Day, everyone! :D


This is crazy.

americans being fat, starving africans, that says a lot. As corrupt as any dictatorship or terrorist state, yep.

Yes, it shows what happens when you combine corrupt governments, failed socialist programs, and inefficent and improper distribution of aid. Many of these problems are a result of colonization, which America had no part in.

You used a gun smilie, and your calling HIM dumb...

You made a forum on fat people, specifically the tired old topic of Americans being fat. Such an Innovator, why don't you bring some more cutting-edge issues to the forefront, like that new story about an oil shortage or something.

In a corrupt dictatorship or terrorist state, the common people starve, while the people in power eat. That's why its Africans that are starving, and not Americans.

Your brain needs food in order to function properly. You look a little hungry.....


Nah, it doesnt have to so unilateral, it an analogy. But Im not going to bother arguing with you because you seem like conservative/mor dont rock the boat pedants.America supports terrorist, well now doesnt that make them terrorists.

You made a forum on fat people, specifically the tired old topic of Americans being fat. Such an Innovator, why don't you bring some more cutting-edge issues to the forefront, like that new story about the an oil shortage or something.

Oil shortage my butt. We can make oil. Why don't you fund it if your so smart.

The thing is its a problem with social equality across the world. America does alot of policing, but we also give billions in aid to countries, even countries that turn on us and use the weapons BACK we gave them.

So before you think that America is the problem, you have to realize that America is wasteful, but also gives a hell of a lot more away then Russia or China. This dealing is part of why so many hate us.

Europe...you're NEXT in line, and you'll all end up with fat asses eventually. Just wait and see.
I'm afraid you're right. Belgium sure is looking like that!

Well, Democrats are so worried about their images that it's natural they'd keep the pounds off.
I was hoping for a slightly less superficial answer!

They have money and can buy more food than food stamps allow.
lol, amusing, but not true. People in blue states are, according to all reports, just as rich than those in the other states, if not more so.

The thing is its a problem with social equality across the world. America does alot of policing, but we also give billions in aid to countries, even countries that turn on us and use the weapons BACK we gave them.

So before you think that America is the problem, you have to realize that America is wasteful, but also gives a hell of a lot more away then Russia or China. This dealing is part of why so many hate us.

Are you talking to me?

ya! y do people eat so much and excersize so little? it makes so sense to me!

read chomsky, look around for facts, because the amount of lies they (the american media/government) disseminate is heinous. Pure scum is the bush administration. Theyve already contradicted their policy of turning Iraq into a democratic state with the election.

ya! y do people eat so much and excersize so little? it makes so sense to me!

Because eating is usually more fun than exercising.

read chomsky, look around for facts, because the amount of lies they (the american media/government) disseminate is heinous. Pure scum is the bush administration. Theyve already contradicted their policy of turning Iraq into a democratic state with the election.


DO NOT hijack my thread, and make in into another iraq debate!

Wow. Shut the fuck up you stupid fucking dumbass. Illiterate people like yourself shouldn't be posting on forums with (generally) intelligent conversation, as this one has. Who the fuck cares about "cashmeir"? maybe your country makes better cashmier, but apparently not. We live in a capitalist society, which functions under a certain premise, I don't know, maybe you've heard of it, it's called SUPPLY AND FUCKING DEMAND. Why shouldn't we import from the South Americans? they bust their asses in the fields all day, so maybe we can help them out and buy their product. But oh no, God forbid a horrible TAX get placed on your countries shit, looks like it's entire economy is going to collapse because America is the only place in the world that buys cashmier. By the way, that's called sarcasm dumbfuck. :sniper:

You've gone quite too far.
Iranistacria: Official Warning for Flaming
Perhaps you should read The One-Stop Rules Shop in the Moderation forum, to see the rules of this forum.

Are you talking to me?

Yes....and I believe you knew that, that's why you didn't quote me properly.

ya! y do people eat so much and excersize so little? it makes so sense to me!

In America? Distance. Urban environments and rural areas. You need to drive to get anywhere. In the cities you walk. New Yorkers walk an average of 5 miles a day. Cars are useless in that city, so that's why NYC people are less 'fat'. Texas the large empty spaces are horrible for people. You have to drive and in Texas everything is big! It has 5 of the fattest cities in America there! Houston is the largest!

Sorry, I just get really pissed off on occasion.

Well...if anyone actually cares to hear some of my reasoning and stuff from a real life 'Obese' American student go ahead and ask me questions. I hope this is not 'hijacking' the thread. I am a northeast suburban student in high school who is currently losing weight and getting in shape.

Go ahead. Don't be shy.

Well...if anyone actually cares to hear some of my reasoning and stuff from a real life 'Obese' American student go ahead and ask me questions. I hope this is not 'hijacking' the thread. I am a northeast suburban student in high school who is currently losing weight and getting in shape.

Go ahead. Don't be shy.

What are/were your dementions?

Nah, it doesnt have to so unilateral, it an analogy. But Im not going to bother arguing with you because you seem like conservative/mor dont rock the boat pedants.America supports terrorist, well now doesnt that make them terrorists.
"conservative/mor dont rock the boat pedants"? :confused: I have no idea what that means.

Actually, you're not going to bother arguing with me because you realise your analogy was stupid.

Terrorists?!? :confused:
.....Oh, I get it. If you don't give food away, you're a terrorist. (laughing)

What are/were your dementions?

thats deliberate, isnt it?

Well...if anyone actually cares to hear some of my reasoning and stuff from a real life 'Obese' American student go ahead and ask me questions. I hope this is not 'hijacking' the thread. I am a northeast suburban student in high school who is currently losing weight and getting in shape.

Go ahead. Don't be shy.

Good luck and best wishes. Now is the time to get yourself in shape-it wont get any easier than it is right now.

I wonder if the American work ethic bears any responsibility for the rising levels of obiesity?

thats deliberate, isnt it?


Accualy, it was not intended to be insulting. I was just curious, and he did say to "ask away".

:headbang: They have money and can buy more food than food stamps allow.

Damm republicans anyway!!!!!!!!!! :sniper:
If the rich in this country actually gave a fuck then might not have the problem of too many people buying shitty food with foodstamos!
Give us living wage jobs (that's a national minimum wage of at least $12.00 per hour!) with affordable housing ($650 a month for a 3 -4 bedroom house wouldn't be too much to ask) and we might be able to afford to eat less fattening (ie fast food and snacks) food!

I wonder if the American work ethic bears any responsibility for the rising levels of obiesity?
That's a good question. Americans tend to work 2 to 3 times as many hours as people in other countries, and many American jobs involve sitting at a desk for the majority of the day. If someone is sitting at a desk for 60 to 80 hours a week, it cuts down on time that could be spent on exercise.

:headbang:

Damm republicans anyway!!!!!!!!!! :sniper:
If the rich in this country actually gave a fuck then might not have the problem of too many people buying shitty food with foodstamos!
Give us living wage jobs (that's a national minimum wage of at least $12.00 per hour!) with affordable housing ($650 a month for a 3 -4 bedroom house wouldn't be too much to ask) and we might be able to afford to eat less fattening (ie fast food and snacks) food!
I like this idea, although I don't share your hatred of people based on their political party.

Hell, I say let us continue to get fat. I believe it's my right to purchase any type of food at any time. It's my right to throw butter, lard, shortening, jello mix, waffle mix, sugar, corn syrup, bbq sauce, chicken strips, shrimp, taco sauce, reese's peanutbutter cups, and double fudge chocolate brownie ice cream into a big pot and mix them all together and enjoy them. Anyone who says that isn't my right deserves to get shot!(sarcasm of course) :D

That's a good question. Americans tend to work 2 to 3 times as many hours as people in other countrie -snip-
Awww! Why do you do that !?! We in communist Western Europe work 38-40 hours a week and still get fat! You are falling back from the lard train...

Damm republicans anyway!!!!!!!!!!
If the rich in this country actually gave a fuck then might not have the problem of too many people buying shitty food with foodstamos!
Give us living wage jobs (that's a national minimum wage of at least $12.00 per hour!) with affordable housing ($650 a month for a 3 -4 bedroom house wouldn't be too much to ask) and we might be able to afford to eat less fattening (ie fast food and snacks) food!

That would kill our economy and destroy hundreds of thousands of good jobs for the people that took the time to get the education and put in the effort to get them.

Minimum wage jobs don't deserve $12.00 an hour, and definitely don't deserve 3-4 bedroom houses for $650 a month. Teenagers could fill those jobs, and they require no kind of education or skill to work; the return on investment and productivity are so low that paying more money wouldn't do anything and only result in fewer jobs. Employment is not meant to be welfare; you earn what your work deserves. You don't pay a high wage for menial work that could be filled by minors and produces little of value with a large labor supply; these jobs would pay far less than the current minimum wage if it didn't exist.

Accualy, it was not intended to be insulting. I was just curious, and he did say to "ask away".

I was referring to your spelling of "dimensions".

What are/were your dementions?

Well when I was young I was really skinny, perfectly normal and healthy. Then I had seizures. They gave me medicine that first increased my hunger as a side effect. So I ate 2-3x what I normally could and this became a normal thing after years.

Then I was moved to a stronger medicine. The effect was devasting, I was being overdosed by 3x as much as I needed. This caused me to lose a massive amount of weight and I wouldn't eat ANYTHING for up to two days. I was completely devoid of the will to eat.

When the doctors found this out the government was infact called in to investigate. I resumed my normal medication then, it normalized me, but with increased hunger. I was emotionally scarred having known I was taking medicine that destroyed my ability to eat and cause me to loss a dangerous amount of weight so fast.

My weight grew. Even after I was removed of medicine. I had grown to accept my hunger as normal and eat as needed. Gaining weight at a steady pace. I drink diet soda and have light foods since last year, but still gained weight.

Problem was easy, lack of excerise. Schools here don't have good physical education programs, we get 30 mins of exerise a week first. In high school its an hour every 3 days basically. Now after you complete the class you don't have to do anything again in school. Thus force physical education is dropped. Other 'healthy' things are sports which are $100 a sport (per year) in my school. Not fun.

Now another thing is middle-class sucks. Junk food and other foods are cheap and easy to get. I rarely touch McDonalds now. A single 'meal' from that can have over 1.5x your daily intake needed. Fast food and easy prepared foods are loaded with fats.

This means fast cheap food is easier and more popular then healthy food. Why don't American's eat healthy foods, expensive. It also takes nearly an hour to prepare a dinner at my house. Then clean up afterwards. This is time-consuming for people who work and have 'social' lives. The solution is to buy cheaper, easy to prepare meals and eat those. Thus people get fatter from this food.

Excerise. Biking, walking and other activities are healthy, but due to the environment the nearest food store is 10 miles away. You aren't biking or walking THAT distance. School is over 15 miles for me and takes an HOUR to ride to on the bus. My school schdule is 9-11 hours a day. 8+ for sleeping means that alot of my schedule is gone. This hurried schedule means less time for healthy excerise and good meals. This time crunch is the source of my problem. It wasn't that people realize it, because everyone else looks fat or morbidly obese on television. Thing is you SLOWLY get into it.

If you watched Super Size Me, in the first 12 days of our 'hero' eating McDonalds 3 meals a day for 12 days he gained SEVENTEEN pounds. What does this MEAN!? It means that our food is fattening, and so fattening that you can gain over a pound a day from three simple meals.

As you get fatter your energy drops off. This lack of energy makes you lazier, this means you still eat the same, but lose less. Thus you get fatter and fatter, yet you don't know it! You can get physically addicted to the fast food, caffiene and other foods and drinks so you feel like shit without them. This means as American's the loss of our 'home-cooked' meals has been replaced with food that we are physically desiring instead of 'Hmmm, I think I need a burger.' it becomes "Uhhhh! I need another burger, I'll feel better after I've eaten". This is the source of our problems! Its no better then tobacco! All the western worlds are going to suffer from this dependancy on cheap, fast and easy food.

Its not exactly a 'it's our fault' thing, its a product of EVERYONE, its a cycle that not one person is responsible for, but its one that ONE person must do to fix. I been Mickey D clean for months now, I no longer have any desire for the burgers or food, in fact its DISGUSTING now that I taste alot of it. I can only enjoy the hash brown and breakfast meal max. Even the milk they provide makes me sick to my stomach. The food is horrible on a 'clean' system, but when you eat it you get used to it and like it. Same with my father, he would be sick for over an hour he had McDonalds, now he doesn't get sick at all and eats it more, what was a casual 'light' meal for a few rushed days became a strong part of his diet.

It's rather disgusting how places can get away with it, but they do cause they are big business, just has tobacco is. Though more subtle this is a dangerous thing, which I am purging from my body. I've lost 15 pounds and am much happier and active already! Got a ways to go back to normal though. (In fact I was just running outside for an hour before responding to this thread the first time. )

I was referring to your spelling of "dimensions".


Oh, that? Nahhh, I just can't spell worth shit :p

I like this idea, although I don't share your hatred of people based on their political party.


That was just in response to the "red" states thing. I am actually not even politically active and hate all political parties equally! :D

Let's put it this way, since you weren't meaning so much as why as how big.

Umm...I need 40" pants, when I started a few weeks ago it was hard as heck to get into 38" pants, now they are already seeming to be falling off. I have to pull them up alot. Though problem is I have no clothes to go into as I lose weight. I need to buy new pants....which cost $30 or so a pair here as I get thinner. A belt only goes so far before it looks like shit.

Hell, I say let us continue to get fat. I believe it's my right to purchase any type of food at any time. It's my right to throw butter, lard, shortening, jello mix, waffle mix, sugar, corn syrup, bbq sauce, chicken strips, shrimp, taco sauce, reese's peanutbutter cups, and double fudge chocolate brownie ice cream into a big pot and mix them all together and enjoy them. Anyone who says that isn't my right deserves to get shot!(sarcasm of course) :D



:p :p
Thats a hell of a mix!

Eep...yes it is. For a real disgusting thing you might want to take a look at a fast food restaurant ingredient list along with the 'health info'. You eat over a half pound of sugar sometimes with fast food meals, including drink.

Forgot to add: half. Pound is if you have 3 meals average.

That would kill our economy and destroy hundreds of thousands of good jobs for the people that took the time to get the education and put in the effort to get them.

Minimum wage jobs don't deserve $12.00 an hour, and definitely don't deserve 3-4 bedroom houses for $650 a month. Teenagers could fill those jobs, and they require no kind of education or skill to work; the return on investment and productivity are so low that paying more money wouldn't do anything and only result in fewer jobs. Employment is not meant to be welfare; you earn what your work deserves. You don't pay a high wage for menial work that could be filled by minors and produces little of value with a large labor supply; these jobs would pay far less than the current minimum wage if it didn't exist.


:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
You are right, teenagers COULD fill these jobs. I am not talking about work being welfare.Most of these jobs ARE filled by adults because the jobs are not wanting teenagers to work. I guess the numbers part was wrong, but the thing is, not even jobs that you have to have a good education for pay enough for peole to live.
I am a working mom with 2 children and a blind husband. Unfortunately, due to societial limitations, his is not working at this time. With what I make at work (Warehouse manager with 10 years experience) we barely make enough to scrape by. This is after getting a bacholers degree and waiting to start our family. I have been on food stamps and the extra that it brings in does help, even thou I would not get it if I hadn't needed it at the time.
The problem ( I believe) stems from the fact that most people in this country (USA) tend to not want to work and just have things handed to them on a silver platter. If we were paid a decent wage maybe we wouldn't have to ask the government for help and then be able to actually afford to buy the "right" foods and have the time to excersise.

Ha! I am a teenager and I've applied to every place in my area with 'Help Wanted'

So far:

1 count of not wanting to 'train' me
2 counts of we don't accept people under 18
8 counts of no reply or calls or questions asked

The jobs I applied for. 2 Stock shelves, 5 of cashier. 4 for cleaning.

I can't make a damn cent, if I could I'd go out and buy one of those twenty pound bags of rice and make some rice to go with my lean pockets or rice for a snack. Though they all can use us and for my opening hours I can get paid HALF minimum wage, I never got a single job. Weird huh? I try and try for a job to only have it filled by a 40 year old guy who does nothing, but glare at me when in the store to buy. He's supposed to be WORKING, not slacking off. I'd put all of them to shame by working. I'd have them out of a job...and then on welfare, meaning I'd be the bad guy. ;-;

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
You are right, teenagers COULD fill these jobs. I am not talking about work being welfare.Most of these jobs ARE filled by adults because the jobs are not wanting teenagers to work. I guess the numbers part was wrong, but the thing is, not even jobs that you have to have a good education for pay enough for peole to live.
I am a working mom with 2 children and a blind husband. Unfortunately, due to societial limitations, his is not working at this time. With what I make at work (Warehouse manager with 10 years experience) we barely make enough to scrape by. This is after getting a bacholers degree and waiting to start our family. I have been on food stamps and the extra that it brings in does help, even thou I would not get it if I hadn't needed it at the time.
The problem ( I believe) stems from the fact that most people in this country (USA) tend to not want to work and just have things handed to them on a silver platter. If we were paid a decent wage maybe we wouldn't have to ask the government for help and then be able to actually afford to buy the "right" foods and have the time to excersise.


Wow, my BS meter just broke...

Wow, my BS meter just broke...

Trust me, my father is in the same area. He is an electrician who has his license and lots of experience and everything. Yet he can't pull down the money alone to get what he wants. Smart people and experienced people don't get all the good jobs, many of them are working shitty ones because the job placements aren't open. If you get laid off from one company and have a high level of education chances are you aren't going back into the same field real fast, because if the economy is failing their why would another company have a sudden urge to pay highly for new people in the field with a downswing in the economy?

Its common to see that thing around here.

Edit: Let's not hijack the threads, but trust me, job placement and income stands a good point as why Americans are fat.

Trust me, my father is in the same area. He is an electrician who has his license and lots of experience and everything. Yet he can't pull down the money alone to get what he wants. Smart people and experienced people don't get all the good jobs, many of them are working shitty ones because the job placements aren't open. If you get laid off from one company and have a high level of education chances are you aren't going back into the same field real fast, because if the economy is failing their why would another company have a sudden urge to pay highly for new people in the field with a downswing in the economy?

Its common to see that thing around here.

Edit: Let's not hijack the threads, but trust me, job placement and income stands a good point as why Americans are fat.


Oh, it wasn't the part about the jobs, It was the part about being a mother with 2 kids and a blind husband.

Dammit! I'm charging them for my repair costs!

Awww! Why do you do that !?! We in communist Western Europe work 38-40 hours a week and still get fat! You are falling back from the lard train...
So you're admitting that Western Europeans are lazy and fat. Of course anyone who is willing to face reality was already well aware of that, its just refreshing to hear one of you admit it.

So you're admitting that Western Europeans are lazy and fat. Of course anyone who is willing to face reality was already well aware of that, its just refreshing to hear one of you admit it.
I wouldn't be in this poor excuse of a thread discussing, if I didn't hate that stereotype "americans are fat" (too).
And NO! I'm not agreeing about western Europeans. I do not have the stats, nor do I know their lifestyle....AS I do not have stats about northern europeans either... i used to, though... the OECD obesity stats are like 5-8% in favour of Europeans over NA people. Big deal. We are fat. Well, you are; I'm 178 cm and 82 kg.... but proud to be united with European fat!

Heh... in America the sterotype is American girls are fat, European girls are skinny, Asian women are smart, black women have butts.

This is a DUMB sterotype, but its becoming more true depending on how you look at it. America is not only the fattest nation, but its going for the stupidity to.

Heh... in America the sterotype is American girls are fat, European girls are skinny, Asian women are smart, black women have butts.

This is a DUMB sterotype, but its becoming more true depending on how you look at it. America is not only the fattest nation, but its going for the stupidity to.


I like big buts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny...

Cause we're all fed up with the rest of the world always on our asses about everything we do.

Obesity isn't as big a problem as they say. It's just health advocates and diet people wanting more money.

Heh... in America the sterotype is American girls are fat, European girls are skinny, Asian women are smart, black women have butts.

This is a DUMB sterotype, but its becoming more true depending on how you look at it. America is not only the fattest nation, but its going for the stupidity to.
It's impossible to give me a smart gal with some meat on her...?

Oh ya....with 30% of the nation being overweight...hmm not a problem? WRONG! We're FAT! We'll pay for that later.

America is not only the fattest nation...
No, actually I think that might be Samoa.

No, actually I think that might be Samoa.


No, it's the US. It's common knowlege.

I don't think raising the prices on junk foods would be even close to the best way to help the obesity problem. I don't think government or Big Business needs to get involved in solving these problems. This is each person's own problem. Raising costs directly harms people that have been a little bit more responsible when it comes to eating junk food. I also don't think taxpayer dollars need to be spent on making other people skinnier. There are just some things government doesn't really need to get involved with.

Sterotypical fat and SMART girl? No....I don't think that is possible. Sterotypes tend to be negative not positive.

Just like America being fat, well...its not so much of a sterotype as it is a truth now. Though I know alot of people who are muscle bound idiots in the 'overweight' catagory. Some can't even touch their toes or raise their hands above their head to touch each other. Muscle mass weighes more then fat. Yet they are still in the statistic which is wrong.

Cause we're all fed up with the rest of the world always on our asses about everything we do.

Obesity isn't as big a problem as they say. It's just health advocates and diet people wanting more money.

I want you to go out into a public place like an amusement park, shopping mall or school and tell me that obesity is not a problem in America. As to a solution, it's not the government's responsibility. Cheap exercise programs should be offerred for those who are interested, but most fat people I know don't seem to care that much. In light of this, I say it is both their fault and their problem. For most people with health issues I have compassion, but if you're sick because you're fat then except in extreme cases, you deserve it. Going for a walk isn't going to hurt you America.

No, it's the US. It's common knowlege.
(laughing)
Wow. You really are retarded.
http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/31597B84-782D-46D4-94C3-F43D74FAD85E/0/sma.pdf
First paragraph at the top of page two. You lose, kid.

Cause we're all fed up with the rest of the world always on our asses about everything we do.


Well there pretty hard to get away from

(laughing)
Wow. You really are retarded.
http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/31597B84-782D-46D4-94C3-F43D74FAD85E/0/sma.pdf
First paragraph at the top of page two. You lose, kid.

It's going down, they are fixing the problem. America is not. Besides in the terms of who, America is the largest POPULATION of obese people.

Though more specifically:

In many developing countries, obesity co-exists with under-nutrition – a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5.

According to the report, a phenomenal 61% of US adults are overweight or obese and just one third of the population are exercising for the recommended minimum of 30-minutes five times a week.

No...your wrong, and your report was out of date, because at the end of it, the rate had dropped to less then 53%.

I wonder how many pounds of lard each american eats every year in their food?

It's going down, they are fixing the problem. America is not.
America hasn't reached anywhere near that level of the problem.

Besides in the terms of who, America is the largest POPULATION of obese people.
Which is irrelevant because each country has a different size population. That's why we go by the percentage rate, which is significantly higher in Samoa to this day.

No...your wrong, and your report was out of date, because at the end of it, the rate had dropped to less then 53%.
(laughing)
53% is still a much higher rate than 27.7%. Squirm and cry all you want, but the fact remains that YOU LOSE. End of story.

America hasn't reached anywhere near that level of the problem.


Which is irrelevant because each country has a different size population. That's why we go by the percentage rate, which is significantly higher in Samoa to this day.


(laughing)
53% is still a much higher rate than 27.7%. Squirm and cry all you want, but the fact remains that YOU LOSE. End of story.

27.7%? Mine was quoted 61%. That makes no sense.

WOOO!!! Fat Pride! "Gets in his wheels chair with a fat pride flag in one hand and a hamburger in another"

27.7%? Mine was quoted 61%. That makes no sense.
Read the article that started the thread. That's what I'm referring to. I also made a typing error. The rate in the US is 22.7%, not 27.7%. It is less than half that of Samoa. That's right. The obesity rate in Samoa is more than twice that of the US. If this doesn't make sense to you, then its probably your mom's fault for dropping you on your head as an infant.

Less physical labour, more stressful jobs. Less time for nutritious food, and more reliance on fast food. No one home to make the meals, so the whole family eats crap. And this isn't just happening in the US...it's happening everywhere there is a growing middle-class. Even CHILE is having problems with obesity now!

That's right folks...keep the woman in the kitchen, the man in the fields, and the kids in factories, and this will all go away :D

Its so true women should be at home cooking those carrots I worked 10 hours a day picking

Less physical labour, more stressful jobs. Less time for nutritious food, and more reliance on fast food. No one home to make the meals, so the whole family eats crap. And this isn't just happening in the US...it's happening everywhere there is a growing middle-class. Even CHILE is having problems with obesity now!

That's right folks...keep the woman in the kitchen, the man in the fields, and the kids in factories, and this will all go away :D

Not only that, but longer hours, leaving less time available for exercise or physical activity...and less energy for same. Also, more of us work sedentary jobs than we used to. by trade, for example, I'm a "pencil-pusher." When i'm employed, my career field involves sitting at a computer and typing for eight to ten hours a day. How many calories do you think I burn doing that? I burn more calories walking to the smoking area during my breaks and lunch than I do in all the time I'm working!

but it is still physically and mentally draining, and for the most part, after a long hard day at work, all I want to do is put my feet up and relax. The last thing I really want to do is anything that resembles WORK.

And most Americans are pretty much the same way, and that is why we are getting fatter and fatter. we have not the time or energy for physical activity, because all our energy is sucked out of us by our jobs...for which we are paid a pittance. even preparing a nourishing balanced meal is too much like work after most days at work, and so you grab whatever can be quickly prepared and eaten in front of the TV....usually crap food.

Because of the "If I don't have to do anything... why bother?" and the "If it ain't broke dun fix it." attitudes... not that I'm blaming it on the traditionalists or anything... >.>

Linkage (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_he_me/obesity_state_rankings&printer=1;_ylt=AsYyqieSSWDVyNugGMD.i.1a24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)


Why is America so lazy and fat?
Hey, I'm doing my part! I accidentally lost 10 pounds, and now my doctor is mad at me...if I get skinnier he's gonna beat me with the sphygmomonometer!

Its George Bush's fault.

Hey, I'm doing my part! I accidentally lost 10 pounds, and now my doctor is mad at me...if I get skinnier he's gonna beat me with the sphygmomonometer!
You accidentally lost 10 pounds?

You accidentally lost 10 pounds?

I've been working on a new project, and I sometimes forget to eat because I am really into it. My doctor has fits because my weight will drop suddenly and he thinks I'm becoming anorexic or something. I can't be anorexic...I LOVE EATING.


By the way, I should hi to you. I haven't talked to you in quite some time. HI! :)
Hi, Stupid! :)

I think the main problem with obesity in the US is the accessibility of cheap junk food. I live in Canada, right next to the border, and every time I go to the US for a trip, I find a very noticeable difference in the sizes of people - and meal portions. A McDonald's small soft drink is the size of our large - and everything one the menu is bigger (and cheaper). Unfortunately the amount of obese people in Canada has really started to grow in the past few years as well, I see far too many kids walking around who really need to be put on a diet and enrolled in sports or some other form of P.E. - As several people mentioned, our lives have gotten far too sedentary, especially thanks to TV and the computer. I have to watch what I eat very carefully and make sure to exercise regularly, my third year at uni I was so busy studying that I did not exercise and ate piles of take-out and sweets, and gained 20 pounds over the span of a few months. Thankfully I managed to drag my ass off the computer once I realised I was starting to get plump.
Unfortunately though, a lot of people with unhealthy eating habits do not want to change them, and are content to just complain about being fat and do nothing about it - I'm stating this based on my own experience with close friends and coworkers - they just don't want to put in the effort to stick to a diet or exercise plan, some cannot even maintain one for more than a day before reverting to their face-stuffing habits :(

Hi, Stupid! :)
(laughing)
Do you remember your loving friend, Bombania? ;)

(laughing)
Do you remember your loving friend, Bombania? ;)
Dearie me, why yes I do! Long time no see.