NationStates Jolt Archive

After reading a magazine article a few weeks ago, I've carried a running argument with a few regulars in my store. I'd like to put it out here for conversation.

The article was talking about wether or not saying a child or person is 'obese' was too harsh and could be damaging to self esteem. Instead of coming out and saying 'You're overweight' or 'You are obese', more and more doctors are opting for the less-offensive 'You are at risk for obesity'. This phrase is used even in extreme cases. At risk.

This baffles me. Are we so concerned about hurting a child's feelings that we're willing to dilute proper medical diagnoses? Are we willing to sacrifice a child's physical health for the sake of their mental health{This argument is ridiculous to me, but it was in the article}? Is keeping kids from being slightly offended reason enough to allow this to go on?

What is your take?

My own is that I would rather a doctor stopped fucking around, frowned at me, or my children, and said "Look, dude. You eat too much. You aren't at risk for obesity. You're obese. No, no. Scratch that, just to get the point across, listen. You're a disgusting piglet. Get your ass off the couch, onto a bicycle, and pedal to the market for fresh greens instead of to McD's.'

Is it just me, or is this getting ridiculous? I had my feelings hurt alot as a kid. It sucked at the time, but since I've grown older I realized that criticism is important in molding a kid. It needs to be -constructive- criticism, true, but I would rather have someone be all out rude and give the truth to my children straight, than for a doctor to pussy-foot around the issue, misleading us, in order to spare 'feelings'.

People have too many feelings, nowadays.

this is from my blog.

self-esteem

something totally wack about our culture is that we lie to people a lot. For example, we tell someone that they're pretty even if they weigh a thousand pounds and have three eyes. In the past, when people were ugly, they knew it. Other people told them. If one reads any book from the late 1700s-early 1800s period, this is obvious. One example of a book is Jane Eyre. People always told her she wasn't pretty. Another example is Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth's friend was ugly, and she knew it. But when people told her, she didn't cry. She just went off and married a really stupid guy. And I'm pretty sure this wasn't the only time period when people called their children ugly.

So there you have it...people nowadays are way too sensitive. They cry if you call them fat. This is opposed to the past, when being fat was a good thing. It meant you could eat food.

indirect quote from House, M.D

"I scold them after I cure them. You prefer to hold their hand nicely as they pass away."

Eh I'm blunt and honest. If you're fat, you're fat. If you're ugly, you're ugly (and yes I know I'm ugly don't bother pointing that out.) I think everyone should be as blunt and honest as I am. The world would certainly be a more intresting place.

If they're clinically obese, I don't see the service provided in saying "you are at risk for obesity." At that point, they're no longer at risk because they are obese. "You are at risk for obesity" would have been far more useful when they weren't yet obese. I don't see how informing them of their own medical condition should be damaging to their self-esteem. Most fat people aren't unaware of their situation.

Let's replace "You're at risk for obesity" with "You're just too damn fat!" :)

"Look, dude. You eat too much. You aren't at risk for obesity. You're obese. No, no. Scratch that, just to get the point across, listen. You're a disgusting piglet. Get your ass off the couch, onto a bicycle, and pedal to the market for fresh greens instead of to McD's.'

If someone said that to my kid, I would kick their ass, doctor or not.

However, if they said "you are obese, and not only is it affecting you quality of life, but you are at risk for major health problems if we don't start working on it now" I would be okay with that.

I don't see the big issue with calling a spade a spade, but you don't have to be an ass and tell a kid "you are a fat pig", there really isn't any reason for that, unless you just want to hurt them.

After reading a magazine article a few weeks ago, I've carried a running argument with a few regulars in my store. I'd like to put it out here for conversation.
[snip]
agreed, wasting too much time on this PC crap.

granted I would never say "you are Fat" but there are polite ways to get your message across.

another way is to get the person active without saying anything about their weight. say get involved with an activity they like.

I imagine I would not be the weight I am if I did more fishing, swimming and even was encouraged by my family to take up some sports I was interested in taking.

heck, even a martial arts class would've helped. :)

It bugs me when I see fat parents with fat kids. It's like a subtle form of child abuse. I don't care if you want to gorge yourself into oblivion, but it seems wrong to inflict that on a dependant.

It bugs me when I see fat parents with fat kids. It's like a subtle form of child abuse. I don't care if you want to gorge yourself into oblivion, but it seems wrong to inflict that on a dependant.
Yeah, but what about fat parents with rail-thin kids?
It looks like the parents are eating all their kids' food...

as I've said before, there are many more chins here than people...

Yeah, but what about fat parents with rail-thin kids?
It looks like the parents are eating all their kids' food...

You don't often see that. As long as they're not skeletal though I suppose.

You don't often see that. As long as they're not skeletal though I suppose.
My dad's a total fatass, and I'm 6' tall, and 145 pounds...

My dad's a total fatass, and I'm 6' tall, and 145 pounds...

I assume that your dad is not eating all the food tho'.

I'm with Smunkee. After a certain point, being direct becomes less helpful and more problematic than is really worth one's time. Now, if someone was overweight, and I was his doctor, I'd tell him, no strings attached. But I wouldn't rub it in his face in the most hurtful, obnoxious way possible.

Emotional attacks hurt the body the same way a punch to the stomach does. The brain registers it and it is proven, an emotional attack is as bad or worse then a physical attack.

Proper bedside manner is a must, but make sure its not sugar coated and its directed on its meaning, "You are at risk for obesity and related health effects, let's go over what can be done to bring down your weight to be safe."

"At risk for obesity", if you must bring up the painfully obvious. Most people prefer to be rude idiots, however... :rolleyes:

indirect quote from House, M.D

"I scold them after I cure them. You prefer to hold their hand nicely as they pass away."
While I love house you are apparently unwilling (in the analogy) to "nicly" hold their hand nor are you curing them ...

It only works if you are activly doing something to help rather then just refusing to be nice

"At risk for obesity", if you must bring up the painfully obvious. Most people prefer to be rude idiots, however... :rolleyes:
Agreed ... there is a difference between withholding information and just refusing to be an asshole

Short, sweet, and to the point is how I like it. :D

Personally, I think fat kids should have "fatty" tattoo'd on their foreheads, and be made to sing a song called "I eat too much, chubba chubba chubba plop" every day in front of their classmates.

Perhaps then, they wouldn't be fat.

Personally, I think fat kids should have "fatty" tattoo'd on their foreheads, and be made to sing a song called "I eat too much, chubba chubba chubba plop" every day in front of their classmates.

Perhaps then, they wouldn't be fat.

They should do it at the PTA meetings.

Personally, I think fat kids should have "fatty" tattoo'd on their foreheads, and be made to sing a song called "I eat too much, chubba chubba chubba plop" every day in front of their classmates.

Perhaps then, they wouldn't be fat.
That or depression and people being unreasonable assholes to them will make them eat

You can educate people without being deliberately despicable.

That or depression and people being unreasonable assholes to them will make them eat

You can educate people without being deliberately despicable.

Eh, softly cuddly feely crap doesn't work. They need cold hard truth.

Eh, softly cuddly feely crap doesn't work. They need cold hard truth.
In musical form.

In musical form.

Yea, someone really should write a song called "You're too damn fat"

Eh, softly cuddly feely crap doesn't work. They need cold hard truth.
I did not say coddle them either did I?

Honestly does not require insult nor deliberate embarrassment.

I did not say coddle them either did I?

Honestly does not require insult nor deliberate embarrassment.

Yea, well I prefer if someon tells me straight out, just be straight to the point, honest, and blunt. No beating around the bush.

Yea, well I prefer if someon tells me straight out, just be straight to the point, honest, and blunt. No beating around the bush.
Yup but making them to sing a song so that others can laugh at them is not required

Informing them that they are in fact obese and the health risks associated with that is plenty strait to the point and honest without being a dick

Yea, someone really should write a song called "You're too damn fat"

You sicken me. I bet you are fat to. :)

At a risk from obesity is the proper thing to say, IMO.

In this day and age, however - talk to the kids yourself if you don't believe me, I've worked in the field - I don't think a fat kid out there doesn't know that he or she is fat, and the doctor doesn't generally have to do more than hint at it to get it across.

What does need to be emphasized more is the positive state of what needs to be done, which is to say weight management options, and methods of becoming fitter.

It does next to no good to say "Hey, kid, you're too fat, go do something about it." Do what? By the time a child has reached the point of being obese, it's going to take a lot of work to turn things around. I could go on into details about how - as I said, I've worked in the field - but frankly, most kids need concrete suggestions. Discussion. In some cases, education about nutrition, exercise, etc.

Yup but making them to sing a song so that others can laugh at them is not required

Informing them that they are in fact obese and the health risks associated with that is plenty strait to the point and honest without being a dick

That could work. just replace obes with too damn fat, and we'll be set.

At a risk from obesity is the proper thing to say, IMO.

In this day and age, however - talk to the kids yourself if you don't believe me, I've worked in the field - I don't think a fat kid out there doesn't know that he or she is fat, and the doctor doesn't generally have to do more than hint at it to get it across.

What does need to be emphasized more is the positive state of what needs to be done, which is to say weight management options, and methods of becoming fitter.

It does next to no good to say "Hey, kid, you're too fat, go do something about it." Do what? By the time a child has reached the point of being obese, it's going to take a lot of work to turn things around. I could go on into details about how - as I said, I've worked in the field - but frankly, most kids need concrete suggestions. Discussion. In some cases, education about nutrition, exercise, etc.


Sounds reasonable to me ... I am not advocating coddling them but being a dick helps no one and is rather pathetic

That could work. just replace obes with too damn fat, and we'll be set.
Set on allowing you to feel justified in being an unreasonable dick to these kids

Not set on doing the right thing

Of course we could just put sport back into the school curiculum.

Set on allowing you to feel justified in being an unreasonable dick to these kids

Not set on doing the right thing

Which would get your attention more?

"You're at risk of obesity"

"You're too damn fat"

Of course we could just put sport back into the school curiculum.
Agreed ... school should be about their health mental and phisical

Which would get your attention more?

"You're at risk of obesity"

"You're too damn fat"
Both but one of the two would also make me defensive depressed and ostracised more then the other.

Both but one of the two would also make me defensive depressed and ostracised more then the other.

Well they would both be followed up with ways they can decrease their weight, but yea. I would make a sucky doctor I know.

Personally, I think fat kids should have "fatty" tattoo'd on their foreheads, and be made to sing a song called "I eat too much, chubba chubba chubba plop" every day in front of their classmates.

Perhaps then, they wouldn't be fat.

Ever dealt with real weight issues? Truthfully. Have you ever had to fight against slow metabolism, asthma, and trying to live a normal life to lose weight? If you haven't, you need to shut the fuck up. Now.

It's one thing to be honest "You are overweight. This will cause health problems. We need to fix this."

It's a whole nother thing to be a jackass about it. If you're gonna be a jackass, you are only demonstrating your own shortcomings.

Well they would both be followed up with ways they can decrease their weight, but yea. I would make a sucky doctor I know.
I agree with the education ... they need strict structure and as much information as they can get over and over

Dont get me wrong I am NOT saying to just say "oh well" I just dont advocate for being mean beyond what is nessisary for their health

Deliberaltly calling them names wont help and will make the mental situation worse then it is

I'm horribly offended when my doctor tells me I'm "a little pudgy" but I do realize that being blunt and to the point is the best route to take. Just thinking about it makes me pissed off... !!!!

Ever dealt with real weight issues? Truthfully. Have you ever had to fight against slow metabolism, asthma, and trying to live a normal life to lose weight? If you haven't, you need to shut the fuck up. Now.

It's one thing to be honest "You are overweight. This will cause health problems. We need to fix this."

It's a whole nother thing to be a jackass about it. If you're gonna be a jackass, you are only demonstrating your own shortcomings.
Which has been my point this entire thread

I'm horribly offended when my doctor tells me I'm "a little pudgy" but I do realize that being blunt and to the point is the best route to take. Just thinking about it makes me pissed off... !!!!

I like your doctor.

I like 'em too... it's just... GRRR! I know I am pudgy! :mad:

Ever dealt with real weight issues? Truthfully. Have you ever had to fight against slow metabolism, asthma, and trying to live a normal life to lose weight? If you haven't, you need to shut the fuck up. Now.

It's one thing to be honest "You are overweight. This will cause health problems. We need to fix this."

It's a whole nother thing to be a jackass about it. If you're gonna be a jackass, you are only demonstrating your own shortcomings.
If you're fat, it's your fault. It's not your metabolism; the "slow metabolism" myth is not based in scientific fact. The larger your body, the higher your basal rate is - if you're fat, you have a higher metabolism than I do. Our society is not willing to blame fatties for their own problems. They prefer to look for external reasons rather than accept blame. Fatties are fat because they don't move as much as thinnies do and/or eat more. Any other reason is an excuse.

If you're fat, it's your fault. It's not your metabolism; the "slow metabolism" myth is not based in scientific fact. The larger your body, the higher your basal rate is - if you're fat, you have a higher metabolism than I do. Our society is not willing to blame fatties for their own problems. They prefer to look for external reasons rather than accept blame. Fatties are fat because they don't move as much as thinnies do and/or eat more. Any other reason is an excuse.
While a lot of it is caused by that I have known a few people that were overweight yet worked on a farm their entire life ... they have done more work then you probably will in a lifetime

Then there are people like me and my brother that can eat more then I have ever seen them ever eat (and I lived with them for a year) and not put on an ounce (hell my bro is a computer programmer that sits for 17 hours a day) and he weighs 127 pounds

If you're fat, it's your fault. It's not your metabolism; the "slow metabolism" myth is not based in scientific fact. The larger your body, the higher your basal rate is - if you're fat, you have a higher metabolism than I do. Our society is not willing to blame fatties for their own problems. They prefer to look for external reasons rather than accept blame. Fatties are fat because they don't move as much as thinnies do and/or eat more. Any other reason is an excuse.

Thing is, once somebody is an adult, why should anyone care? It's their choice. As long as they accept the consequences, surely it's up to them, no?

Thing is, once somebody is an adult, why should anyone care? It's their choice. As long as they accept the consequences, surely it's up to them, no?
It's their choice, and therefore I get the right to mock them freely.

Too bad there isn't a medical cure for obnoxiousness and willful abuse of others.

It's their choice, and therefore I get the right to mock them freely.

Not really. Or are you saying we should be free to mock whomever because of how they choose to act/live?

Not really. Or are you saying we should be free to mock whomever because of how they choose to act/live?
Pretty much. You do not have the right to be protected from my words.

Pretty much. You do not have the right to be protected from my words.

I don't need protecting from your words. I'm just sure you have a double standard. I'll bet there are tonnes of things you think shouldn't be mocked.

I don't need protecting from your words. I'm just sure you have a double standard. I'll bet there are tonnes of things you think shouldn't be mocked.
Nope. I think everything should be mocked. I'm a cynical bastard.

If you're fat, it's your fault. It's not your metabolism; the "slow metabolism" myth is not based in scientific fact. The larger your body, the higher your basal rate is - if you're fat, you have a higher metabolism than I do.
The reality is a quite a bit more complex than that. Basal metabolic rates are to a large degree dependent on how much muscle tissue you have - not so much on total body mass. Fatty tissues consume little energy.

They also vary based on how you act. Your body's internal engines rev or slow in response to the things around them. Eat breakfast, and they'll pick up quicker in the morning. The faster your metabolism revs, the easier time you'll have exercising.

I could easily have 50 pounds more muscle tissue than someone who weighs a hundred pounds more than I do. My basal metabolic rate runs higher than that of people heavier than I as a result.

Further, because I am highly fit, it's easy for me to get exercise and burn extra calories. I may lose a pound a week while taking in 5,000 calories a day; meanwhile, a short fat person at my body weight may - even while exercising regularly - maintain weight at 2,000-2,500 calories or so.

indirect quote from House, M.D

"I scold them after I cure them. You prefer to hold their hand nicely as they pass away."
For the win!

The rapid rise in obesity in American children poses a tsunami like health crises that we will all be paying for in a couple of decades. My right to keep my money and the kid to keep the last 15 years of his life is more important than his feelings.

indirect quote from House, M.D

"I scold them after I cure them. You prefer to hold their hand nicely as they pass away."

nicely put.

unless you have a thyroid condition,etc...put the fucking fork down!

that was cynical and blithe from me...sorry to the folks that are obese out there.

i am blessed with a metabolism of a rhesus monkey.....but nevertheless..and i am not one to talk,considering how much beer i drink,if you dont have a medical problem,and look in the mirror..and are grossly overweight..how can you not stop shoving food down your throat?

i actually got divorced over this very issue.

my wife was 115 when we were married,we had a kid,and she could not stop eating..period...she went up to 225 and i begged her to stop eating so much.
she did not,i understand she had childhood trauma that she compensated for with food..i went to see her shrinks with her,i supported her...but i would not let her issues effect my kids...not to mention it killed me to watch her slowly kill herself...but she was not going to teach my kids to compensate with food...so eventually i left gher(and it had nothing to do with the fact that she was obes..)it had everything to do with what i feared she was teaching my children.

some have medical issues..understood...other's have emotional issues that need to be dealt with,and i was there to help..but if it is easier to choke down a hoagie and ignore the doctor...well...come on kids,it is an awful example on how to cope with issues.

i love her to this day,we talk all the time...but she will die young,cause she wont realize that at the very least she will get diabetes.

i will always help her...but my kids will not go in that direction...food is not a companion.

complicated issue,interesting as well...but it hits close to home for me.i have had custody of my kids for 5 years now,and it probably aggravated the issue with her,but as a parent..i did what was right for my kids,and i have been their for her.
her husband enables her...he lets her over eat so he can over drink.

glad i got my kids....like i am the pinnacle of saneness..lol

put it this way...she puts butter on pizza....arrrghhh

i feel so badly for her..but i am a parent first!

If you're fat, it's your fault. It's not your metabolism; the "slow metabolism" myth is not based in scientific fact. The larger your body, the higher your basal rate is - if you're fat, you have a higher metabolism than I do. Our society is not willing to blame fatties for their own problems. They prefer to look for external reasons rather than accept blame. Fatties are fat because they don't move as much as thinnies do and/or eat more. Any other reason is an excuse.

Tell you what, twit. Walk a mile in the shoes of someone who suffers from obesity and then come back and speak perjoritavely about them.

I'll bet your sorry ass you won't. You know why? Because once you're in a rut, fighting your way back out is beyond simply difficult. Habits form at a young age and are hard to reverse (in the case of eating too much), and exercise isn't enough on it's own to do anything about weight (most people just eat to make up for the calories they burn). Yes, people who are overweight are capable of losing weight. No, it is not something you just magically wake up and do without shit tons of effort.

Tormenting people who are overweight only makes you seem like an insensitive fuck.

The rise in obesity in our society coincides with a loss of personal responsiblity for one's own actions. I would not care what the hell they did to themselves if I was not going to end up paying for it. Look, I don't want to ruin any kids life but they really do have to shape up, or we will all be better off. Giving them a cookie and saying hey feel good about who you are , when they are decreasing their life expectancy with morbid obesity is just plain wrong.

Because once you're in a rut, fighting your way back out is beyond simply difficult. Habits form at a young age and are hard to reverse (in the case of eating too much), and exercise isn't enough on it's own to do anything about weight (most people just eat to make up for the calories they burn). Yes, people who are overweight are capable of losing weight. No, it is not something you just magically wake up and do without shit tons of effort.

Tormenting people who are overweight only makes you seem like an insensitive fuck.

Society, and that means you and me, are paying every day for the effects of obesity. The projected drop in life expectancy, rise in insurance, rise in healthcare costs, rise in medicaid, etc. along with the human element of not wanting to see others harm themselves so severely.....makes that tons of effort a necessary thing.

Society, and that means you and me, are paying every day for the effects of obesity. The projected drop in life expectancy, rise in insurance, rise in healthcare costs, rise in medicaid, etc. along with the human element of not wanting to see others harm themselves so severely.....makes that tons of effort a necessary thing.

Lawls Barry...

Let me know when they come out with the magic cure to obesity. 'Til then, don't speak of what you do not know. :)

And trust me when I say I pay a shit ton more than you do for the "effects of obesity" and I would give my right kidney to not suffer them.

Tell you what, twit. Walk a mile in the shoes of someone who suffers from obesity and then come back and speak perjoritavely about them.

I'll bet your sorry ass you won't. You know why? Because once you're in a rut, fighting your way back out is beyond simply difficult. Habits form at a young age and are hard to reverse (in the case of eating too much), and exercise isn't enough on it's own to do anything about weight (most people just eat to make up for the calories they burn). Yes, people who are overweight are capable of losing weight. No, it is not something you just magically wake up and do without shit tons of effort.

Tormenting people who are overweight only makes you seem like an insensitive fuck.

Here's my thoughts on this.

Fat people need to be prodded and pushed into doing more for themselves.

I'll admit, I've never been horridly obese. I weighed 200 for the good part of last year, before I really did anything to combat my weight. Thats not horrid for someone 5'9-5'10, but its overweight. I've never really been skinny. The worst part is, I'm really not that built at all; most of my weight is fat.

However, something clicked inside of me around the new year, and I forced myself to change things. One was going on a diet.

No atkins or south-beach bullcrap. A very simple diet. I ate less. I started slowly, then ate less and less as time went by.

I was getting into DDR more around that time, but I didn't play it nearly regularly enough for it to become a part of the equation.

I lost 30 pounds in three months, becoming 170 by March. It was one of the best feelings I had ever felt, too. Then I slowed down, and maintained that weight for a number of months.

I'm trying to cut down more. I'm at 165 right now, and would really like to reach 140 if possible.

Basically, if you want to lose weight, you can. Nobody is incapable of it. You just have to work on it, and unfortunatly, fat people are quite often lazy people, seemingly more than thinner/athleticly built people.

I think a little unkindness would do the job. It took a lot of self-hate for me to finally hit rock bottom, then start turning things around. Not being a total asshole, but people should be getting on fatties asses about losing weight, etc. And when they are working on losing it, give lots and lots of positive comments, reinforcement, etc, making them feel working on it is worth the bonus.

Lawls Barry...

Let me know when they come out with the magic cure to obesity. 'Til then, don't speak of what you do not know. :)

And trust me when I say I pay a shit ton more than you do for the "effects of obesity" and I would give my right kidney to not suffer them.

eat less and exercise more. That is the cure. People do it all the time. If more did I would not be paying as much for the mistakes of others. Their life expectancy would be longer. We would all be better off. The rapid rise of obesity in America's children is a grave threat and we must face it in spite of the potential for hurt feelings. I think human life is more valuable than that.

Here's my thoughts on this.

Fat people need to be prodded and pushed into doing more for themselves.

I'll admit, I've never been horridly obese. I weighed 200 for the good part of last year, before I really did anything to combat my weight. Thats not horrid for someone 5'9-5'10, but its overweight. I've never really been skinny. The worst part is, I'm really not that built at all; most of my weight is fat.

However, something clicked inside of me around the new year, and I forced myself to change things. One was going on a diet.

No atkins or south-beach bullcrap. A very simple diet. I ate less. I started slowly, then ate less and less as time went by.

I was getting into DDR more around that time, but I didn't play it nearly regularly enough for it to become a part of the equation.

I lost 30 pounds in three months, becoming 170 by March. It was one of the best feelings I had ever felt, too. Then I slowed down, and maintained that weight for a number of months.

I'm trying to cut down more. I'm at 165 right now, and would really like to reach 140 if possible.

Basically, if you want to lose weight, you can. Nobody is incapable of it. You just have to work on it, and unfortunatly, fat people are quite often lazy people, seemingly more than thinner/athleticly built people.

I think a little unkindness would do the job. It took a lot of self-hate for me to finally hit rock bottom, then start turning things around. Not being a total asshole, but people should be getting on fatties asses about losing weight, etc. And when they are working on losing it, give lots and lots of positive comments, reinforcement, etc, making them feel working on it is worth the bonus.

DDR!!!:D The key to any succesfull anything. We should ship some DDR's to Iraq. Amen.

DDR!!!:D The key to any succesfull anything. We should ship some DDR's to Iraq. Amen.

Yes, because the soldiers in iraq certainly have enough trouble getting a work out.

Im surprised MRE's didn't make me obese, actually. They had like 2k calories each I think... and I loved them, most of them, and ate most of them every time.

Tell you what, twit. Walk a mile in the shoes of someone who suffers from obesity and then come back and speak perjoritavely about them.

I'll bet your sorry ass you won't. You know why? Because once you're in a rut, fighting your way back out is beyond simply difficult. Habits form at a young age and are hard to reverse (in the case of eating too much), and exercise isn't enough on it's own to do anything about weight (most people just eat to make up for the calories they burn). Yes, people who are overweight are capable of losing weight. No, it is not something you just magically wake up and do without shit tons of effort.

Tormenting people who are overweight only makes you seem like an insensitive fuck.


i agree with you..and it is insensitive to ridicule overweight folk.

but as you stated..alot of it is learned behavior,and i got no end of grief for leaving my wife and taking the kids..cause i did not want them to learn that behaviour...and i assure it had nothing to do with her weight..i would be with her tomorrow...if we had no kids...but i could not in good consciense let my kids think it was normal to over eat to compensate for whatever.

Seriously though, kids are getting way too fat.Today there are nearly twice as many overweight children and almost three times as many overweight adolescents as in 1980. That is mind blowing bad news for those of us who want to see long and productive lives for everybody.

eat less and exercise more. That is the cure. People do it all the time. If more did I would not be paying as much for the mistakes of others. Their life expectancy would be longer. We would all be better off. The rapid rise of obesity in America's children is a grave threat and we must face it in spite of the potential for hurt feelings. I think human life is more valuable than that.

Hurt feelings? Hell with hurt feelings...

It's treating weight loss as though it's a magic and instantaneous effect that happens when people "Decide they don't want to be fat" which is idiotic. Weight loss is a painful, trying, and very difficult process.

I should know. I've been trying for years (with extreme lack of success).

Hurt feelings? Hell with hurt feelings...

It's treating weight loss as though it's a magic and instantaneous effect that happens when people "Decide they don't want to be fat" which is idiotic. Weight loss is a painful, trying, and very difficult process.

I should know. I've been trying for years (with extreme lack of success).

I never said it was easy. I said it was necessary to save my generation from a world of hurt. Check out my previous post.

Hurt feelings? Hell with hurt feelings...

It's treating weight loss as though it's a magic and instantaneous effect that happens when people "Decide they don't want to be fat" which is idiotic. Weight loss is a painful, trying, and very difficult process.

I should know. I've been trying for years (with extreme lack of success).

You can decide you don't want to be fat, though.

It all depends how much you're willing to work on it.

Just try this, honestly: Next time you're hungry, wait an hour before eating, unless its late. If its late, dont eat until the morning.

This will help get you used to the feeling of hunger. Its the hardest part to get through, was for me at least, but now I can go all day without eating; I usually dont, but have a few times when I was out and about while broke. Never got particularly hungry, yet lost weight.

The rise since 1980 is staggering. Almost impossible to believe. Somthing is seriously off center with what people are doing.

I highly doubt there is a single obese kid out there that doesn’t know, in painful detail, just how fat they are. But why limit this to obesity? When someone is stupid, don’t beat around the bush, don’t say ‘they have a learning disability’ just come out and say they are of below average intelligence.

There is no call to be mean spirited about this, but be honest and direct.

“You are obese. Now let us discuss how to change this…”

Obesity is not just your personal choice when my tax dollars have to pay for your health problems. That is when your behavior becomes my problem.

We could encourage this sort of thing in school – mandatory exercise programs. A healthy body helps make a healthy mind. If you are in poor physical shape, there is a greater likelihood of having difficulty learning, and not to mention the effect it has on mood. We could reduce the health problems and mood disorders of children (and thus adults as well – habits in childhood tend to carry on into adulthood) just by having an hour of a ‘health and exercise’ class every day (ya know… what used to be called gym?) where you get a minimum of 40 min of exercise plus some basic instruction about nutrition. Maybe once a month they can take a break from exercise and do full lesson on health and nutrition.

When it comes to adults, we could do the same sort of thing that we do with drunk drivers or people with too many points on their license. If you have a weight related health issue, you get mandatory health classes.

Just to let everyone know – I was a fat kid (not obese, but definitely overweight). I am now a fat adult, but the difference is that the fat is over top of a lot of muscle (I started doing weight training in college – not to mention working on my parent’s farm a lot as they started getting older). While I have a beer gut, I am no longer ‘at risk for obesity’ nor any weight related health problems.

To address something that was said earlier, you can have someone that eats right, exercises a lot, yet is still very fat. There is a very overweight guy that regularly runs marathons. This is a very rare circumstance though, and the vast majority of people who are fat need to start eating properly and get some exercise.

It all comes down to effort and personal responsibility.

Weight loss is a painful, trying, and very difficult process.



Actually, it's quite simple. Stop eating so much. Start exercising. That's it.

I hate all of this, "oh poor me, I'm fat, pity pity, it's not my fault this twinkie is in my mouth, pity pity."

Euphemisms suck, first of all. They're a load of bullshit that does nothing but make our society wallow even deeper into its own narcissistic morass of self-deception.

As for obesity: It can be the result of a lot of things. Habits learned early on, a lack of exercise, genetic factors, and one's general diet are all big factors. And it's very rarely an easy thing to lose weight, which is why it often takes some pushing and prodding from other people to actually get someone to make a change.

It is also hard to have a 2/3 rise in obesity in only 26 years. It is a staggering and unprecedent increase from a historical viewpoint.

It is also hard to have a 2/3 rise in obesity in only 26 years. It is a staggering and unprecedent increase from a historical viewpoint.
True. I blame the corporations (snack foods, fast food, soda, tv/video games and AUTOMOBILES). And of course the people who are stupid enough to get themselves brainwashed by advertising.

You can decide you don't want to be fat, though.

It all depends how much you're willing to work on it.

Just try this, honestly: Next time you're hungry, wait an hour before eating, unless its late. If its late, dont eat until the morning.

This will help get you used to the feeling of hunger. Its the hardest part to get through, was for me at least, but now I can go all day without eating; I usually dont, but have a few times when I was out and about while broke. Never got particularly hungry, yet lost weight.


or you could go on the crack head diet for a few months..promise it will melt the pounds away....lol

Actually, it's quite simple. Stop eating so much. Start exercising. That's it.

I hate all of this, "oh poor me, I'm fat, pity pity, it's not my fault this twinkie is in my mouth, pity pity."

in other words....put the fucking hoagie down...step back slowly with your hands in the air!

True. I blame the corporations (snack foods, fast food, soda, tv/video games and AUTOMOBILES). And of course the people who are stupid enough to get themselves brainwashed by advertising.

yeah, don't blame the company blame the consumer. If nobody bought those products the companies would not exist. I reject the notion that mcdonalds is at fault for obesity. Or that Honda is at fault for car accidents.

It's not what you're eating but how much of it that makes you fat.

A pound of bricks weighs the same as a pound of feathers.

(mind you, trying to subsist on half a McD's cheeseburger a day generally isn't a good idea)

Food that is bad for you has always been around.
Food that is good for you has always been around.

It is about what people choose to buy and eat. Personal responsibilty.

Look people, no matter what reasons you give for why a person might be fat, no matter where you assign the blame, it's still their fault. If they truly wanted to be thin, they could be. If they can't be arsed, they deserve all ridicule they get.

Look people, no matter what reasons you give for why a person might be fat, no matter where you assign the blame, it's still their fault. If they truly wanted to be thin, they could be. If they can't be arsed, they deserve all ridicule they get.

a tad harsh...maybe true..but still..harsh.

i am 5'11' and 160,so i aint exactly obese...but i realize there are medical conditions,and it is real.
if you use a condition as a crutch,let me be the first to say...the crutch will break!

I have never been obese and probably never will be. Nobody in my family is. That is why I resent it when I see this new tsunami wave of healthcare costs that will swamp my generation.

Actually, it's quite simple. Stop eating so much. Start exercising. That's it.

I hate all of this, "oh poor me, I'm fat, pity pity, it's not my fault this twinkie is in my mouth, pity pity."

Ever actually had to lose weight?

I don't mean putting off 10 pounds on some summer "swimsuit diet" I mean struggling against being really overweight and regaining your physical shape.

10 to 1 odds you haven't. Academic simplicity is totally different from simplicity in execution.

Ever actually had to lose weight?

I don't mean putting off 10 pounds on some summer "swimsuit diet" I mean struggling against being really overweight and regaining your physical shape.

10 to 1 odds you haven't. Academic simplicity is totally different from simplicity in execution.

So what? Is that an excuse of some kind? We never had this kind of rise in obesity before in history. Now in the past 25 years it has exploded at an alarming rate.

So what? Is that an excuse of some kind? We never had this kind of rise in obesity before in history. Now in the past 25 years it has exploded at an alarming rate.

An excuse for what? Not trying? No. Not succeding? Hell yes. Don't bitch about it until you've suffered through trying to fix it.

Experts attribute the growth of obesity to the growth of portion sizes. They've grown significant amounts.

And to the person who said that how much was more important than what, when it came to eating: Consider this: filling my stomache with chocolate has thousands of calories, whereas filling it with carrots has hundreds. Clearly the statement you made was false.

An excuse for what? Not trying? No. Not succeding? Hell yes. Don't bitch about it until you've suffered through trying to fix it.

Experts attribute the growth of obesity to the growth of portion sizes. They've grown significant amounts.

.

I see. Portion sizes increased. They did. But the food just doesnt jump in, people have to eat it. I can't fathom eating all that they put out at some resturants. And since when can we not cook for our selves and determine our own portions? It is cheaper and more fun.

Ever actually had to lose weight?

I don't mean putting off 10 pounds on some summer "swimsuit diet" I mean struggling against being really overweight and regaining your physical shape.

10 to 1 odds you haven't. Academic simplicity is totally different from simplicity in execution.

Fuck you.

Ever had someone say to you "Wow! You're so huge! How disgusting! You're so fat" *slap to your fat ass to make sure you know you're fat* No? That's too bad because all I hear is, "Wow! You're so little! How cute! You're so short" *tap on the head to further exclaim my shortness* Do people think I have not noticed? Do they feel they are the first to see and that they must tell me?

The next time you say "wow, you're so little and cute! Do people call you shortie?" I hope I'm standing there to say, "No, fatass"

Don't try that "it's so hard" bs on me. You say it'll take you years to get thin? No shit, it took you years to get that fat. At least you can change. I am stuck at 5' for the rest of my life.

oh go eat something

We could bring back the draft as well as school sports of course. If everyone had to do three years in the millitary after high school (no skipping for college or other BS) that would help too.

The next time you say "wow, you're so little and cute! Do people call you shortie?" I hope I'm standing there to say, "No, fatass"

Don't try that "it's so hard" bs on me. You say it'll take you years to get thin? No shit, it took you years to get that fat. At least you can change. I am stuck at 5' for the rest of my life.

oh go eat something

Oh yes, because the two states are completely and totally comparable. A destructive, unattractive, debilitating disfigurement versus a physical shortcoming at worst given to causing people to mistake you for younger than you are. Definitely similar in all ways, shapes, and forms.

I don't call short people shorty (although if it makes you feel better, I will), and I expect people to return the favor and not call me fatass (without at least asking permission and being granted it first).

Don't be an utter twit, because you have no idea what you are talking about.

I see. Portion sizes increased. They did. But the food just doesnt jump in, people have to eat it. I can't fathom eating all that they put out at some resturants. And since when can we not cook for our selves and determine our own portions? It is cheaper and more fun.

Wait... You expect people to have a motivation to make an effort to look after themselves, think for themselves, and not depend on others to do so for them?

In case you hadn't noticed, the vast majority of people in the world don't have the free will and self-determination to think for themselves on such simple issues as what to wear. How on earth do you expect them to make life changing descisions? (Yes, I mean this. No, I don't see it as an excuse at all. I see it as typical human stupidity)

Oh yes, because the two states are completely and totally comparable.

I'm glad we agree.

A destructive, unattractive, debilitating disfigurement.

At least you're being honest about what you've done to yourself.

Don't be an utter twit, because you have no idea what you are talking about .

I'm pretty sure I have an idea. Instead of sitting on your fat lazy ass, posting on the forums, why don't you get up, gee, I don't know, MOVE!

As much as you may hate it, the formula is very simple.
Expend more calories than you take in and you will lose weight.

If you can't seem to get it, that's your problem.
There are no tricks. You're just lazy.
Go away

People, people, calm down. There is no need to resort to personal insulting or flaming.

Fuck you. You've never even fucking had to try it, so stfu and go back to crying about the awful state of being short :rolleyes: . As if you could ever hope to even understand the situation.

Would you like some cheese with that whine?
Better yet, some ice-cream?

moo

People, people, calm down. There is no need to resort to personal insulting or flaming.


Oh, but fat people jiggle so much when you prod them....

Would you like some cheese with that whine?
Better yet, some ice-cream?

moo

Your level of maturity is overwhelming. Truly, it does credit to all of humankind.

I meant (and continue to mean) that until you had actually had to try and lose weight on a serious level you had no place offering opinions on how easy or difficult it was.

Oh, but fat people jiggle so much when you prod them....
I have insulted no-one personally.

Eraclea']Emotional attacks hurt the body the same way a punch to the stomach does. The brain registers it and it is proven, an emotional attack is as bad or worse then a physical attack.

Proper bedside manner is a must, but make sure its not sugar coated and its directed on its meaning, "You are at risk for obesity and related health effects, let's go over what can be done to bring down your weight to be safe."


Oh the irony!:p

Your level of maturity is overwhelming. Truly, it does credit to all of humankind.

I meant (and continue to mean) that until you had actually had to try and lose weight on a serious level you had no place offering opinions on how easy or difficult it was.


Yes, I know my maturity is overwhelming. Truly, all of humankind should follow suit.

If I have no place in offering opinions on how easy or difficult it is to actually try and lose weight, because I have never been fat, then you also have no place, in so much that you have never actually lost the weight.

But, that is no matter, seeing as how you have yet to give any opinion in the area of weightloss except extreme "motivation and effort." Both of which you seem to lack. So really, you've done nothing in this forum but try to explain your fatness to us all.

Please, do not fret. We understand. You are fat and have resigned yourself to it, or in otherwords, you are complacent with blaming your excessive weight for your fatness. Very logical, indeed.

Of course we could just put sport back into the school curiculum.

Screw that, I liked sport before I came to high school. Its actually my teachers that demotivated me. One a complete ass-hole whos a left-over from the feminist movement and the other would be cool. Except hes not.

Yea, someone really should write a song called "You're too damn fat"

You’re too damn fat


You are too damn fat kid,
Why are you like this?
Is it your parents fault?
Or what about that disease
Why are you like this?
What have you done to yourself?

(Chorus)
I don’t think it is
It’s your fault you’re a fat kid
No sugar coating for you
You’re a fat kid
There nothing you can do!

Get on your bike and take a pedal to the market
Not to McD’s, you’re going to get fatter there
Down you go to the market and get a stick of celery
And maybe a real meat pie kid
We don’t want no fat kids,
No chicks or guys
Get of your fat ass and ride your bike

(Chorus)
I don’t think it is
It’s your fault you’re a fat kid
No sugar coating for you
You’re a fat kid
There nothing you can do!

Yes, I know my maturity is overwhelming. Truly, all of humankind should follow suit.

If I have no place in offering opinions on how easy or difficult it is to actually try and lose weight, because I have never been fat, then you also have no place, in so much that you have never actually lost the weight.

Assumptions, assumptions. Been there, done that. A spike in my asthma and general laziness brought that to a close. So much for your allseeing assumptions, eh?

But, that is no matter, seeing as how you have yet to give any opinion in the area of weightloss except extreme "motivation and effort." Both of which you seem to lack. So really, you've done nothing in this forum but try to explain your fatness to us all.

Please, do not fret. We understand. You are fat and have resigned yourself to it, or in otherwords, you are complacent with blaming your excessive weight for your fatness. Very logical, indeed.

Hardly. I'm trying to remind twits who insist that weight loss is only "A resolution away", that they are ignorant of that which they speak, and that it is not an easy process at all. I agree that being overweight is a negative thing for which only the individual can be blamed (in most cases. There are some outliers like people who inexplicably gain massive amounts of weight due to genetic dissorders. They are rare, though, and barely worth mentioning), but I also want people who then return with baldfaced condemnations to step back and consider the question rationally, rather than from the perspective of: "Oh look. There's a fat person. Let's go poke fun at it."

See, that was cool back in primary school, just like beating up the short kids and throwing spitballs at the teacher. Unfortunately, the first habit appears to have stuck with many people until adulthood.

Insults won't work.

I had a doctor try that very trick when I was 11: He called me "fat." And he went on about it for quite some time. As if I didn't know it and get told it all the time by all the assholes in school!

My response? To fire my massive, uranium-powered I.G.N.O.R.E. Cannon. The same Cannon which kept me from committing suicide because of all those asshole comments made by twit gradeschoolers. His remarks went straight into the trash bin, labeled as useless commentary from a jerk.

Better would have been to simply use the full and correct medical term: morbid obesity. Morbid. That concept is hard to ignore and easy to understand. And scary as hell. Just typing the name gives me shivers. Lose weight and avoid cracks from those who are jerks = unimportant. Who cares what jerks think?!? They are nothing but worms, and their opinions do not count.

To an 11 yr old, avoiding early death is still not paramount (any adult age to a young kid is considered OLD, it's just a matter of degree), and hearing that they can die of obesity may not have an immediate effect either, but it's definitely more important than what some insulting "person" says.


As for the suggestion of forced exercise at school, that's no good--there was gym class when I went to school. Guess what? Obesity + Gym class = you suck at gym class! (Therefore you get teased even more, which is NOT a help, it just makes you HATE gym, and by extension, exercise!)

IMO it'd be better to encourage--not force--kids to PLAY outside more in activities they find fun. Fun is key: Kids will do FUN things on their own. Making sure exercise is considered FUN rather than work (or worse) will do a lot to increase the amount of it people do.

But if the kid has spent most of his/her life with TV/video games as their main entertainment, the parent (or other knowlegable adult) will have to suggest some outdoor activities, and explain how to do them: They won't figure out what to do out there by osmosis! I suspect that some kids now don't even know the rules to simple outdoor games that were common as early as 30 years ago. So, they'd need to be given suggestions and rules for a variety of outdoor activities, so they don't end up loitering around outside the back door with dumb looks on their faces (I have seen my neighbor's kids stand around in just that way, with NO clue what they could possibly do in their VERY BIG yard!)

With the proper planning, however, the idea that exercise = FUN should be communicable. If the kids think it's fun, they'll do it automatically, and the health benefits will just happen (provided the kids don't take in even more calories than they run off, of course).

We could bring back the draft as well as school sports of course. If everyone had to do three years in the millitary after high school (no skipping for college or other BS) that would help too.
That BS as you call it has served my country more then three years wasted.

yeah, don't blame the company blame the consumer. If nobody bought those products the companies would not exist. I reject the notion that mcdonalds is at fault for obesity. Or that Honda is at fault for car accidents.
While I do not agree that mcdonalds is responsible for obesity, your analogy is false in the fact that Honda CAN me responsible for car accidents … lets say they make and put out a knowingly defective upper idler arm and someone looses control. I would call them at fault

Too bad there isn't a medical cure for obnoxiousness and willful abuse of others.
if there were I doubt they would let me be the one to administer it.

After reading a magazine article a few weeks ago, I've carried a running argument with a few regulars in my store. I'd like to put it out here for conversation.

The article was talking about wether or not saying a child or person is 'obese' was too harsh and could be damaging to self esteem. Instead of coming out and saying 'You're overweight' or 'You are obese', more and more doctors are opting for the less-offensive 'You are at risk for obesity'. This phrase is used even in extreme cases. At risk.

This baffles me. Are we so concerned about hurting a child's feelings that we're willing to dilute proper medical diagnoses? Are we willing to sacrifice a child's physical health for the sake of their mental health{This argument is ridiculous to me, but it was in the article}? Is keeping kids from being slightly offended reason enough to allow this to go on?

What is your take?

My own is that I would rather a doctor stopped fucking around, frowned at me, or my children, and said "Look, dude. You eat too much. You aren't at risk for obesity. You're obese. No, no. Scratch that, just to get the point across, listen. You're a disgusting piglet. Get your ass off the couch, onto a bicycle, and pedal to the market for fresh greens instead of to McD's.'

Is it just me, or is this getting ridiculous? I had my feelings hurt alot as a kid. It sucked at the time, but since I've grown older I realized that criticism is important in molding a kid. It needs to be -constructive- criticism, true, but I would rather have someone be all out rude and give the truth to my children straight, than for a doctor to pussy-foot around the issue, misleading us, in order to spare 'feelings'.

People have too many feelings, nowadays.
There is nothing practical to be gained from behaving as you describe. Insulting children or telling them they eat to much will not improve their health. Indeed, it is likely to increase the risk that they will form unhealthy habits and attitudes about food and body size.

All this bullshit about "eating too much" and "being too lazy" makes me laugh. "Overweight" is largely defined by aethetics these days, and rarely has much to do with actual health. Individuals with BMIs around 35 have longer life expectancies than their peers with BMIs of 25, yet 25 is deemed to be "high normal" for BMI. Plenty of thin children are not getting enough exercise or eating balanced meals, yet because they are thin we don't deem them "at risk" for anything. We don't suggest that such children be targetted by bullying tactics, because they're conforming to our standard of beauty...and that's far more important than health!

It amazes me that you would prefer for your doctor to lob pointless insults at your children, as opposed to giving you medical information about them. What, are you scared by the big words? You'd rather he make irresponsible (and quite possibly incorrect) assumptions about the roots of your children's medical problems, as opposed to actually focusing on facts and solid diagnoses? What if your child were gaining weight because of an as-yet-unidentified illness? Would you prefer your doctor simply take one look at the chubby kid, assume they were eating too much fast food, and send him on his way?

Newsflash for the terminally stupid: thin =/= healthy. Fat =/= unhealthy. If you don't like that your doctor is a qualified medical professional, feel free to seek out a quack to service your family.

It would be bad enough if people were content to work themselves into a panic over this non-issue, but now we've got people who are determined to convince themselves that they're doing somebody a favor by calling them a "fat pig." We've got lazy, rude people who can't be bothered to show simple courtesy, yet are willing to waste tons of time and energy convincing everybody that it's productive or somehow helpful to insult people who aren't skinny.

If you want to make fun of fat kids, you're nothing special. Fat kids have been picked since before you were born. The world will probably always have some bullies in it. Just don't try to convince yourself that your behavior is noble or pragmatic, or novel.

You like to insult people who don't fit your personal aesthetic. You don't feel like spending the time to learn about human physiology, the medical realities of weight and body type, or anything else that might give you a fact to stand on. You're not alone. You're not special for this, and you're not proposing anything new or interesting.

Eh, softly cuddly feely crap doesn't work. They need cold hard truth.

Number one, if someone is fat im willing to bet they dont need a doctor or anyone else to tell them that, so just saying your fat go lose weight isnt going to give them any new information. What it may do is alienate them from returning to the Doctors on future visits because they are too embarassed to be having the you are too fat discussion every time they go, and they will consequently not be getting medical care that thier life may depend on in other non weight related issues. So its a fine line between helping someone by telling them things or actually losing ground in the long run on the patients health.

There is nothing practical to be gained from behaving as you describe. Insulting children or telling them they eat to much will not improve their health. Indeed, it is likely to increase the risk that they will form unhealthy habits and attitudes about food and body size.

All this bullshit about "eating too much" and "being too lazy" makes me laugh. "Overweight" is largely defined by aethetics these days, and rarely has much to do with actual health. Individuals with BMIs around 35 have longer life expectancies than their peers with BMIs of 25, yet 25 is deemed to be "high normal" for BMI. Plenty of thin children are not getting enough exercise or eating balanced meals, yet because they are thin we don't deem them "at risk" for anything. We don't suggest that such children be targetted by bullying tactics, because they're conforming to our standard of beauty...and that's far more important than health!

It amazes me that you would prefer for your doctor to lob pointless insults at your children, as opposed to giving you medical information about them. What, are you scared by the big words? You'd rather he make irresponsible (and quite possibly incorrect) assumptions about the roots of your children's medical problems, as opposed to actually focusing on facts and solid diagnoses? What if your child were gaining weight because of an as-yet-unidentified illness? Would you prefer your doctor simply take one look at the chubby kid, assume they were eating too much fast food, and send him on his way?

Newsflash for the terminally stupid: thin =/= healthy. Fat =/= unhealthy. If you don't like that your doctor is a qualified medical professional, feel free to seek out a quack to service your family.

It would be bad enough if people were content to work themselves into a panic over this non-issue, but now we've got people who are determined to convince themselves that they're doing somebody a favor by calling them a "fat pig." We've got lazy, rude people who can't be bothered to show simple courtesy, yet are willing to waste tons of time and energy convincing everybody that it's productive or somehow helpful to insult people who aren't skinny.

If you want to make fun of fat kids, you're nothing special. Fat kids have been picked since before you were born. The world will probably always have some bullies in it. Just don't try to convince yourself that your behavior is noble or pragmatic, or novel.

You like to insult people who don't fit your personal aesthetic. You don't feel like spending the time to learn about human physiology, the medical realities of weight and body type, or anything else that might give you a fact to stand on. You're not alone. You're not special for this, and you're not proposing anything new or interesting.

amen sista'

Fuck you.

That's too bad because all I hear is, "Wow! You're so little! How cute! You're so short" *tap on the head to further exclaim my shortness* Do people think I have not noticed? Do they feel they are the first to see and that they must tell me?

At least you can change. I am stuck at 5' for the rest of my life.

oh go eat something


Short angry people make me point and giggle.

Fuck you.

Ever had someone say to you "Wow! You're so huge! How disgusting! You're so fat" *slap to your fat ass to make sure you know you're fat* No? That's too bad because all I hear is, "Wow! You're so little! How cute! You're so short" *tap on the head to further exclaim my shortness* Do people think I have not noticed? Do they feel they are the first to see and that they must tell me?

The next time you say "wow, you're so little and cute! Do people call you shortie?" I hope I'm standing there to say, "No, fatass"

Don't try that "it's so hard" bs on me. You say it'll take you years to get thin? No shit, it took you years to get that fat. At least you can change. I am stuck at 5' for the rest of my life.

oh go eat something

I am also very small (though I think I'm about an inch taller than you are, mwa ha ha!), so I can resonate a bit with what you have said.

At the same time, however, I have watched my mother struggle with her weight for most of my life. So I also have to disagree with a lot of what you said.

My mother received the "fat kid" treatment advocated by some people on this thread. Throughout her childhood, she was constantly yelled at for being too chubby and too fat. This encouraged her to pursue all manner of diet regimes, and had her weighing 95 pounds when she was a freshman in college. I guess that the insults "worked," since she was a very very thin and very very small person.

Of course, this also resulted in her metabolism being fucked up beyond all reason. She was told, "You're fat, you eat too much!" So she would stop eating. Her body adjusted to "famine" conditions, and left her in a situation where eating more than 900 calories a day would cause her to gain weight rapidly.

Having two kids resulted in weight gain that she couldn't control (since it is 100% normal and necessary for a woman to gain weight while pregnant), and her fucked up metabolism meant that it was physiologically impossible for her to lose her pregnancy weight for many years. So for my entire childhood, my mother hated her body. She's a perfectionist, and a very intelligent person, so of course she blamed herself for failing to lose weight. Never mind that she did absolutely everything in her power, and it was biology that thwarted her.

If you want to pretend like all fat people are just lazy buggers who can't be bothered to lose weight, that's your business. I'd recommend you not embarass yourself by blathering such nonsense around people who have a clue, of course, but it's up to you.

If you want to pretend like fat people are too stupid to understand the concept of "eat less, exercise more," you feel free to come tell my PhD-holding mother that she's a dumbass. I'd love to watch her correct you.

Losing weight is easy for some people, much like how some people will gain muscle faster when they work out. Other people have a more difficult time of it. Unless you've taken the time to get to know every individual fat person, as well as getting all the information about their individual physiology, you're making an ass of yourself by claiming that you know what's best for them.

Some people will not be thin even when they are at the peak of health, just like some people will never be taller than 5'. It is stupid to insist that everybody force their body to conform to one particular shape, particularly since many people will be forced to sacrifice their health and well-being to do so.

If you want to pretend like all fat people are just lazy buggers who can't be bothered to lose weight, that's your business. I'd recommend you not embarass yourself by blathering such nonsense around people who have a clue, of course, but it's up to you.

If you want to pretend like fat people are too stupid to understand the concept of "eat less, exercise more," you feel free to come tell my PhD-holding mother that she's a dumbass. I'd love to watch her correct you.

Losing weight is easy for some people, much like how some people will gain muscle faster when they work out. Other people have a more difficult time of it. Unless you've taken the time to get to know every individual fat person, as well as getting all the information about their individual physiology, you're making an ass of yourself by claiming that you know what's best for them.

Some people will not be thin even when they are at the peak of health, just like some people will never be taller than 5'. It is stupid to insist that everybody force their body to conform to one particular shape, particularly since many people will be forced to sacrifice their health and well-being to do so.

Indeed. Hunger, eating, and obesity are all part of an internal biochemical cycle that most people's minds have little or no control over.

As for exercise, yes I exercise far more than the average person. But exercise isn't the cure for most obesity - in fact, it can exacerbate the hunger.

Let's say you run a mile. That's 100 calories burned right there. A typical burger at Burger King is over 1000 calories.

If exercise were the cure for obesity, we would burn far more calories during exercise.

In my case, I discovered long ago that excess hunger (in me) was stimulated by insulin response (I am not diabetic, but I noticed that I was hungrier a few hours after eating a sugary meal or drinking a sugary drink).

I don't eat sugar. Haven't for years. And although I wasn't fat to begin with, I found that I'm no longer hungry all the time.

But, that isn't what might work for everyone else. There's a lot of biochemical variation from one person to another. Yes, it pays to exercise, and it pays to watch what you eat. But tinkering with your diet without the help of an expert bariatrician, and starving yourself (if you feel hungry all the time on your diet, it's fucking wrong) is a ticket to damaging your body.

[QUOTE=Secret aj man
i love her to this day,we talk all the time...but she will die young,cause she wont realize that at the very least she will get diabetes.

[/QUOTE]

Maybe the reason your reacting so strongly is that you ignorantly believe this.

If someone said that to my kid, I would kick their ass, doctor or not.

However, if they said "you are obese, and not only is it affecting you quality of life, but you are at risk for major health problems if we don't start working on it now" I would be okay with that.

I don't see the big issue with calling a spade a spade, but you don't have to be an ass and tell a kid "you are a fat pig", there really isn't any reason for that, unless you just want to hurt them.
For me, I'd kick the ass of any doctor who was as sloppy as to use terms like "fat pig."

I have eyes, doc. I can look at my body for myself. I'm totally surrounded by a culture that is obsessed with thinness. I am constantly reminded of how important it is to not be FAT, eeeeew, FAT FAT FAT!! The news features weekly stories about how horrid and fat our country is becoming, and how important it is for us all to join diet clubs and buy exercise equipment.

I can get all that by myself, thank you. I can see if I'm fat or not. If I'm going to pay for a doctor's visit, the doctor had better not waste my time and money spouting the same tired lines that I can get from the 11:00 News.

If I go to a doctor, I want MEDICAL information. "You are a fat pig" is information that can be obtained, free of charge, from such brilliant minds as we've seen featured on this thread. If I'm going to pay a specialist to provide me with medical information and advice, I want to get what I'm paying for.

For me, I'd kick the ass of any doctor who was as sloppy as to use terms like "fat pig."

I have eyes, doc. I can look at my body for myself. I'm totally surrounded by a culture that is obsessed with thinness. I am constantly reminded of how important it is to not be FAT, eeeeew, FAT FAT FAT!! The news features weekly stories about how horrid and fat our country is becoming, and how important it is for us all to join diet clubs and buy exercise equipment.

I can get all that by myself, thank you. I can see if I'm fat or not. If I'm going to pay for a doctor's visit, the doctor had better not waste my time and money spouting the same tired lines that I can get from the 11:00 News.

If I go to a doctor, I want MEDICAL information. "You are a fat pig" is information that can be obtained, free of charge, from such brilliant minds as we've seen featured on this thread. If I'm going to pay a specialist to provide me with medical information and advice, I want to get what I'm paying for.

Actually, I don't want to hear anything bad come out of a doctor's mouth if he or she doesn't have a real, viable solution to the problem.

Doctor: "You're dying"

Me: "Fuck you, I already know that. What am I paying you for?"

Doctor: "Oh, you want a solution. Well, I can't help you. I'm only practicing."

Indeed. Hunger, eating, and obesity are all part of an internal biochemical cycle that most people's minds have little or no control over.

As for exercise, yes I exercise far more than the average person. But exercise isn't the cure for most obesity - in fact, it can exacerbate the hunger.

Let's say you run a mile. That's 100 calories burned right there. A typical burger at Burger King is over 1000 calories.

If exercise were the cure for obesity, we would burn far more calories during exercise.

In my case, I discovered long ago that excess hunger (in me) was stimulated by insulin response (I am not diabetic, but I noticed that I was hungrier a few hours after eating a sugary meal or drinking a sugary drink).

I don't eat sugar. Haven't for years. And although I wasn't fat to begin with, I found that I'm no longer hungry all the time.

But, that isn't what might work for everyone else. There's a lot of biochemical variation from one person to another. Yes, it pays to exercise, and it pays to watch what you eat. But tinkering with your diet without the help of an expert bariatrician, and starving yourself (if you feel hungry all the time on your diet, it's fucking wrong) is a ticket to damaging your body.

It is also deeply stupid to use body shape as an indicator of your personal health.

Think about it: we don't look at somebody who is 6'5" tall and think, "What a sloppy, disgusting tall person. They should hunch over until they're shorter." Because that would be stupid. Forcing their tall body to fit into a short-person space would lead to all manner of joint and muscle problems, and wouldn't result in them being any healthier simply because they conform to our preference for shorter people.

There are some people who will have wide hips or (gasp) a convex belly when they are at their most healthy weight. There are bodies that are best off when they carry 10% body fat, and there are bodies that will only function at their best when they have 25% body fat.

Eating balanced, healthy meals is a good thing. Getting regular exercise is a good thing. Pretty much EVERYBODY can benefit from eating well and getting regular exercise, whether they are thin or fat! But being healthier doesn't necessarily mean getting skinnier. Plenty of people aren't going to lose much weight even if their health drastically improves...and so what?! The goal should be helping people to be healthy, not making them UNhealthy in favor of making their bodies fit a very narrow definition of beauty.

It is also deeply stupid to use body shape as an indicator of your personal health.

Think about it: we don't look at somebody who is 6'5" tall and think, "What a sloppy, disgusting tall person. They should hunch over until they're shorter." Because that would be stupid. Forcing their tall body to fit into a short-person space would lead to all manner of joint and muscle problems, and wouldn't result in them being any healthier simply because they conform to our preference for shorter people.

There are some people who will have wide hips or (gasp) a convex belly when they are at their most healthy weight. There are bodies that are best off when they carry 10% body fat, and there are bodies that will only function at their best when they have 25% body fat.

Eating balanced, healthy meals is a good thing. Getting regular exercise is a good thing. Pretty much EVERYBODY can benefit from eating well and getting regular exercise, whether they are thin or fat! But being healthier doesn't necessarily mean getting skinnier. Plenty of people aren't going to lose much weight even if their health drastically improves...and so what?! The goal should be helping people to be healthy, not making them UNhealthy in favor of making their bodies fit a very narrow definition of beauty.


As far as fitness goes, I figure that if I'm feeling good, and can run three miles in 18 minutes, and do the physical things I like to do without being overly fatigued, and the doctor tells me my blood pressure, cholesterol, and other tests are well within norms for my age, then I'm good.

Then again, other people may not feel the need to be so physical, and for them, it's just fine that the doctor tells them that their tests are well within norms. No need for running, etc.

Actually, I don't want to hear anything bad come out of a doctor's mouth if he or she doesn't have a real, viable solution to the problem.

Doctor: "You're dying"

Me: "Fuck you, I already know that. What am I paying you for?"

Doctor: "Oh, you want a solution. Well, I can't help you. I'm only practicing."
Indeed.

If I come in with sunken eyes and a raging fever, Doc doesn't get money for simply looking at me and saying, "You look like shit." Doc doesn't get money for saying, "You look tired. You should sleep more." Doc gets money for giving me new information and medical advice on how to treat my problem.

It just takes the right tone of voice and attitude.

Kids respond to truth. A kid won't like being told he's fat, but chances are, he already knows.

Grblnstench']A kid won't like being told he's fat, but chances are, he already knows.
That's one of the bits that I find most amazing: there are people who seem to actually believe that it is possible for a fat kid to NOT KNOW he is fat these days. They actually seem to think that fat people DON'T KNOW that fat is hated in our culture. Give me just a small break.

Fat people aren't any dumber, on average, than thin people. They see the same movies as thin people. They read the same newspapers and magazines. They watch the same TV. They hear the same conversations floating around in public. They KNOW. They do not need you to point out that they are fat.

Fuck you.

Ever had someone say to you "Wow! You're so huge! How disgusting! You're so fat" *slap to your fat ass to make sure you know you're fat* No? That's too bad because all I hear is, "Wow! You're so little! How cute! You're so short" *tap on the head to further exclaim my shortness* Do people think I have not noticed? Do they feel they are the first to see and that they must tell me?

The next time you say "wow, you're so little and cute! Do people call you shortie?" I hope I'm standing there to say, "No, fatass"

Don't try that "it's so hard" bs on me. You say it'll take you years to get thin? No shit, it took you years to get that fat. At least you can change. I am stuck at 5' for the rest of my life.

oh go eat something


Warned for flaming.

I'm glad we agree.



At least you're being honest about what you've done to yourself.



I'm pretty sure I have an idea. Instead of sitting on your fat lazy ass, posting on the forums, why don't you get up, gee, I don't know, MOVE!

As much as you may hate it, the formula is very simple.
Expend more calories than you take in and you will lose weight.

If you can't seem to get it, that's your problem.
There are no tricks. You're just lazy.
Go away


Take a vacation. Really.

You’re too damn fat


You are too damn fat kid,
Why are you like this?
Is it your parents fault?
Or what about that disease
Why are you like this?
What have you done to yourself?

(Chorus)
I don’t think it is
It’s your fault you’re a fat kid
No sugar coating for you
You’re a fat kid
There nothing you can do!

Get on your bike and take a pedal to the market
Not to McD’s, you’re going to get fatter there
Down you go to the market and get a stick of celery
And maybe a real meat pie kid
We don’t want no fat kids,
No chicks or guys
Get of your fat ass and ride your bike

(Chorus)
I don’t think it is
It’s your fault you’re a fat kid
No sugar coating for you
You’re a fat kid
There nothing you can do!

Forumbanned for flamebaiting

I'll bet you mods just luuuuuuuuuv topics like this one, right Kat? No chance for flame wars in a thread like this, no sir...