Aren't you a little tired of the "Obesity Epidemic"?

BinaryPulsar

BMI does take frame size into account. That's why there are ranges.

No, it doesn't. BMI takes only *2* factors into account. Height & Weight. That's it. Period.

If that was true, as you say, they would be no ranges for "healthy", "overweight", and "obese".

It does take "frame sizes" into account, which is why a BMI of 18.5-14.9is healthy. If it didn't take frame size into account, it would be: BMI of 22 is healthy. Everything else is bad.

This is correct, on average, and by keeping the chart within that range it is a safe range for most people. Some people will fall .1 or more out of the range and it's no reason to freak out. The doctor evaluates it based on the individual: how they look, what their blood tests say, body composition, past history of their size, family history of size to account for genetics.

xinit0

I hope we all know that part of the reason that "Everyone is overweight" is that they changed the standards of the BMI -- I think around 2000 --- so that all these people who were considered average were now overweight. Part of the reason I don't like all this talk is that it doesn't take into consideration the "why" rather than the "how."

I'm sure it's been mentioned already...

"In 1998, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brought U.S. definitions into line with World Health Organization guidelines, lowering the normal/overweight cut-off from BMI 27.8 to BMI 25." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index

This didn't magically CHANGE people - it changed the classification of a population. The CDC and the NIH certainly didn't do it on a whim, either. I'm sure there are people who would have pushed to have the cut-off raised to 30, but so what? It's a number.

CrazyTrackLady

This thread is full of semantics - you don't need a BMI scale to see when someone is overweight/obese.

In my lifetime it has gone from the odd person I remember being over weight, to nearly half of the people I see. Heck in the school yard there was usually just one or two overweight kids. Now you you go in and there is huge numbers.

And of course, MFP is full of people looking to do something about it, but usually when shopping I see huge amounts of junk going into peoples trolleys... what you are doing and eating doesn't apply to the general populace. Peoples shopping baskets/trolleys show this. And the supermarkets have this data to back it up.

The shelves are full of junk too - because thats what people are buying - they stock what will sell. Its a fact, not a made up issue.

I live in an area in the US where there is a high rate of obesity. It's alarming. And being a teacher, I see it more and more among the young children, from kindergarten up and through middle school (I teach in a k-8). One of the subjects I teach is health. I have the kids spend an entire month working on a project where they compare the nutritional information of similar fast food menu items. They then have to report their findings to the rest of the class. They learn about fat, sodium, sugar and caloric content. They learn maximum and minimum requirements. They learn that it isn't what you eat as much as it is how much you eat. They learn that exercise is important.

I'm trying very hard to educate my 6th grade students and build in them an understanding that right now, at THEIR age, is the time when their bodies begin to change. And the decisions and choices they make today will come back to affect them in the future. As much influence as I might have, it simply boils down to this: parents need to be the change they want in their kids. Without parental buy in, support and modeling, today's chubby kids will be tomorrow's obese adults.

I believe health should be taught to all kids everywhere so that we can grow a society of kids who know the dangers of an unhealthy diet and what that means for your body. Kids don't get obese on their own, because usually it's not the 6 y/o doing the groceries! Education is power.

You're preaching to the choir, darlin'. :flowerforyou:

Unfortunately, we need the parents to buy into this idea. Parents are a child's FIRST and MOST POWERFUL influence in regards to behavior and habits. Teachers can only do so much. And the nano-second a parent is told by ANYONE that what they're feeding their child is "bad", the first response given is "it's none of YOUR business what I feed MY kid". So, mandating healthy eating won't work, and we all know government needs to stay out of our personal choices, right?

No adult wants to be told what to do - that's a fact. So, they continue to participate in destructive behaviors, and they procreate and raise their children "as best they can or know", and then the vicious cycle continues again and again and again.

And then decades later, voila -- a society of morbidly obese adults and obese children -- who are wondering "How did we get to this place?" and a government that wants us to do something about it, but won't mandate it for fear of lost votes and accusations of "being too into our business".

It's a real Catch-22, isn't it?

coreyreichle

If that was true, as you say, they would be no ranges for "healthy", "overweight", and "obese".

If it was not true, it would ask for other measurements besides height and weight.

Let me guess? You're another special snowflake, who is a "healthy fat"?

Hexahedra

This thread is full of semantics - you don't need a BMI scale to see when someone is overweight/obese.

In my lifetime it has gone from the odd person I remember being over weight, to nearly half of the people I see. Heck in the school yard there was usually just one or two overweight kids. Now you you go in and there is huge numbers.

And of course, MFP is full of people looking to do something about it, but usually when shopping I see huge amounts of junk going into peoples trolleys... what you are doing and eating doesn't apply to the general populace. Peoples shopping baskets/trolleys show this. And the supermarkets have this data to back it up.

The shelves are full of junk too - because thats what people are buying - they stock what will sell. Its a fact, not a made up issue.

I live in an area in the US where there is a high rate of obesity. It's alarming. And being a teacher, I see it more and more among the young children, from kindergarten up and through middle school (I teach in a k-8). One of the subjects I teach is health. I have the kids spend an entire month working on a project where they compare the nutritional information of similar fast food menu items. They then have to report their findings to the rest of the class. They learn about fat, sodium, sugar and caloric content. They learn maximum and minimum requirements. They learn that it isn't what you eat as much as it is how much you eat. They learn that exercise is important.

I'm trying very hard to educate my 6th grade students and build in them an understanding that right now, at THEIR age, is the time when their bodies begin to change. And the decisions and choices they make today will come back to affect them in the future. As much influence as I might have, it simply boils down to this: parents need to be the change they want in their kids. Without parental buy in, support and modeling, today's chubby kids will be tomorrow's obese adults.

I believe health should be taught to all kids everywhere so that we can grow a society of kids who know the dangers of an unhealthy diet and what that means for your body. Kids don't get obese on their own, because usually it's not the 6 y/o doing the groceries! Education is power.

You're preaching to the choir, darlin'. :flowerforyou:

Unfortunately, we need the parents to buy into this idea. Parents are a child's FIRST and MOST POWERFUL influence in regards to behavior and habits. Teachers can only do so much. And the nano-second a parent is told by ANYONE that what they're feeding their child is "bad", the first response given is "it's none of YOUR business what I feed MY kid". So, mandating healthy eating won't work, and we all know government needs to stay out of our personal choices, right?

No adult wants to be told what to do - that's a fact. So, they continue to participate in destructive behaviors, and they procreate and raise their children "as best they can or know", and then the vicious cycle continues again and again and again.

And then decades later, voila -- a society of morbidly obese adults and obese children -- who are wondering "How did we get to this place?" and a government that wants us to do something about it, but won't mandate it for fear of lost votes and accusations of "being too into our business".

It's a real Catch-22, isn't it?

Part of the role of government is to regulate people's behavior when it becomes more detrimental than beneficial to our society. Think of the speed limit on the highway and seat belt requirements for cars. I'm sure somebody at some point argues that people should be free to drive as fast as they want (because they paid for the car with their own money) with or without seat belt, but considering the number of accident casualties on the road it's obvious that many people can't be trusted with the freedom to drive over 70 mph.

The fact that a third of us are obese and another third overweight shows that we aren't doing well with this freedom, and there's a cost to it. The more people get hospitalized for obesity-related illnesses, the more all of us pay for health insurance.

BinaryPulsar

If that was true, as you say, they would be no ranges for "healthy", "overweight", and "obese".

If it was not true, it would ask for other measurements besides height and weight.

Let me guess? You're another special snowflake, who is a "healthy fat"?

Could you try making your points without resorting to using a phrase that makes you sound like a special douche flake?

CrazyTrackLady

This thread is full of semantics - you don't need a BMI scale to see when someone is overweight/obese.

In my lifetime it has gone from the odd person I remember being over weight, to nearly half of the people I see. Heck in the school yard there was usually just one or two overweight kids. Now you you go in and there is huge numbers.

And of course, MFP is full of people looking to do something about it, but usually when shopping I see huge amounts of junk going into peoples trolleys... what you are doing and eating doesn't apply to the general populace. Peoples shopping baskets/trolleys show this. And the supermarkets have this data to back it up.

The shelves are full of junk too - because thats what people are buying - they stock what will sell. Its a fact, not a made up issue.

I live in an area in the US where there is a high rate of obesity. It's alarming. And being a teacher, I see it more and more among the young children, from kindergarten up and through middle school (I teach in a k-8). One of the subjects I teach is health. I have the kids spend an entire month working on a project where they compare the nutritional information of similar fast food menu items. They then have to report their findings to the rest of the class. They learn about fat, sodium, sugar and caloric content. They learn maximum and minimum requirements. They learn that it isn't what you eat as much as it is how much you eat. They learn that exercise is important.

I'm trying very hard to educate my 6th grade students and build in them an understanding that right now, at THEIR age, is the time when their bodies begin to change. And the decisions and choices they make today will come back to affect them in the future. As much influence as I might have, it simply boils down to this: parents need to be the change they want in their kids. Without parental buy in, support and modeling, today's chubby kids will be tomorrow's obese adults.

I believe health should be taught to all kids everywhere so that we can grow a society of kids who know the dangers of an unhealthy diet and what that means for your body. Kids don't get obese on their own, because usually it's not the 6 y/o doing the groceries! Education is power.

You're preaching to the choir, darlin'. :flowerforyou:

Unfortunately, we need the parents to buy into this idea. Parents are a child's FIRST and MOST POWERFUL influence in regards to behavior and habits. Teachers can only do so much. And the nano-second a parent is told by ANYONE that what they're feeding their child is "bad", the first response given is "it's none of YOUR business what I feed MY kid". So, mandating healthy eating won't work, and we all know government needs to stay out of our personal choices, right?

No adult wants to be told what to do - that's a fact. So, they continue to participate in destructive behaviors, and they procreate and raise their children "as best they can or know", and then the vicious cycle continues again and again and again.

And then decades later, voila -- a society of morbidly obese adults and obese children -- who are wondering "How did we get to this place?" and a government that wants us to do something about it, but won't mandate it for fear of lost votes and accusations of "being too into our business".

It's a real Catch-22, isn't it?

Part of the role of government is to regulate people's behavior when it becomes more detrimental than beneficial to our society. Think of the speed limit on the highway and seat belt requirements for cars. I'm sure somebody at some point argues that people should be free to drive as fast as they want (because they paid for the car with their own money) with or without seat belt, but considering the number of accident casualties on the road it's obvious that many people can't be trusted with the freedom to drive over 70 mph.

The fact that a third of us are obese and another third overweight shows that we aren't doing well with this freedom, and there's a cost to it. The more people get hospitalized for obesity-related illnesses, the more all of us pay for health insurance.

Unfortunately, this is a topic that won't get much government intervention because of backlash. Look what happened in NY with the whole "supersized soda" issue -- it was met with angry mobs demanding the mayor's resignation for being so bold as to tell people they can't get big sodas anymore. How DARE HE???

There are a lot of suggestions out there to change school system lunches. While this is great, it won't work either because the kids will just refuse to eat the healthier foods and resort to bringing their crap from home.

PARENTS need to step it up and make better choices for their children and enforce better eating habits. We need to cut this monster off at its' head, and that head is the one who sits at the head of the table.

stardancer7

When you see documentary footage shot in the fifties and sixties, people look skinny. The two things I noticed immediately when looking at 'mission control' footage for example--not a woman in sight and skinny men wearing ties.

aliencheesecake

It's tempting to blame society instead of examining our own issues. The BMI model is more relevant at the population level, which is why you can have very muscular people with a BMI that indicates they are overweight or obese. However, most people are not that muscular. And when you look at the BMI of your average American, it is too high.

I think it's reasonable to ask whether a high BMI is inherently a bad thing. That's what nutritional science has to establish, which it has. A BMI of 30 or above is linked to numerous health issues and a shorter lifespan, while a BMI of 25 or less leads to much better outcomes. That's good enough to conclude that being obese is not good for your health and has little to do with aesthetic reasons, such as not wanting to see fat people.

Thank you. As tired as I am of women (and men too, but especially women) being held to ridiculous body standards, I'm also tired of ppl not owning their behavior. There is such a thing as going to far with the idea of "loving and accepting" your body. It's not meant to be an excuse to be complacent about health. There is a reason we are warned not to be overweight or obese by our doctors, and it goes beyond aesthetics. It's bad for your joints, your heart, and a host of every fat perso othern body symptoms. Why SHOULD they change the standards of weight and size, just because a larger number of people are an unhealthy weight? I know it's hard to lose weight, but denying it by saying it's "normal" to be bi

BinaryPulsar

I just want to say that I have mentioned that people can fall slightly outside of the "healthy range" of the BMI, on either end, and still be both fit and healthy. There are many factors (as have been discussed extensively on mfp). But, you can tell by looking at oneself if you are over-fat or underweight (plus the evaluations by the doctor that I mentioned above). Sometimes in my adult life I have fallen below what is considered to be the conventionally understood "healthy range". I am small framed and have always been fit and active as a dancer (and never ate a low calorie diet). And all my doctors have said that I am extremely healthy, not underweight, and that I am healthier slightly below than if I were to be slightly above. Because I do have a very small frame. The upper limit of the healthy BMI is not a healthy limit for me as an individual. And that is the reason there is a wide range on the BMI range. It's not intended for one person, it is intended for people of different frames and various other factors. But, it's not a perfect science that applies fully to all people. People with an extra small frame can fall below and people with a larger from can fall above (and I mean slightly). It is a guideline, not the absolute be all and end all to be applied without common sense.

Iwishyouwell

This thread is full of semantics - you don't need a BMI scale to see when someone is overweight/obese.

In my lifetime it has gone from the odd person I remember being over weight, to nearly half of the people I see. Heck in the school yard there was usually just one or two overweight kids. Now you you go in and there is huge numbers.

And of course, MFP is full of people looking to do something about it, but usually when shopping I see huge amounts of junk going into peoples trolleys... what you are doing and eating doesn't apply to the general populace. Peoples shopping baskets/trolleys show this. And the supermarkets have this data to back it up.

The shelves are full of junk too - because thats what people are buying - they stock what will sell. Its a fact, not a made up issue.

All of this.

carolyn000000

It's the governments fault.
No, Its the fast food industry.
No, my parents are to blame.
It is soda pop addiction.
My past has turned me into an emotional eater.
The portion sizes are bigger.
I have fat genes
I am big boned
I have a thyroid problem
I am to stressed
They changed the BMI
Someone was mean to me today
I had a bad day
My leg, arm, or back hurts, can' workout
I am too tired
I just want to love myself the way I am


JUST STOP!!!! Move more, eat less. I am not judging, I have used most of these excuses myself. IT GOT ME NO WHERE. If you are fat, you are fat. Face it and do something about it. It is unbelievably painful, but until you take some personal responsibility you will remain the same.

SteelySunshine

It's the governments fault.

I am pretty sure the government could do something about additives, gmos, growth hormones, and put a limit on how much sodium and other ingredients that can be trigger foods go into foods. But that isn't to say people can't take matters into their own hands and say I am not buying Tabasco Cheezit's cuz I will eat the whole box and I am going to avoid foods that are gmo and have growth hormones.

No, Its the fast food industry.

I actually don't like fast food much with a few exceptions. But, this is probably one of the better choices for most people when they eat out. Most burger places have this thing where they have different sized burgers, fries, and sodas. So it's really weird to me when people say fast food makes you fat. Nu uh, it might be the triple cheese burger instead of a normal sized sandwich and it might be the super sized fries instead of the kid sized, but it's not fast food per se.

No, my parents are to blame.

This is often true that parents can leave people with long lasting issues that won't just go away cuz you are a tough guy and can handle whatever they dished out. Not to mention what food habits parents teach. However, it's your body to take care of when you reach adulthood and it's not really going to affect your parents if you abuse yourself with too much junk food or just plain too much food and whatever else you use to self medicate.

It is soda pop addiction.

I lost 20 pounds giving up regular soda. I found them again a couple years later. But, be that as it may drinking sugar probably isn't a good idea.

My past has turned me into an emotional eater.

Really you want to mock people for this. Yes it's a real problem and yes the person has to deal with it. But, it's a real issue and maybe you had this issue then you are what mocking yourself? It makes no sense. I do think people should seek therapy if this is the case for them. Instead of just going oh well that's the way I am, I eat a pint or more of ice cream when I am upset. The response to this is to tell the person that says this to get counselling. Not, go oh you are just making excuses.

The portion sizes are bigger.

This is true as well. If someone says this to you tell them to order a take out container at the same time they place their order or to split their order with a companion if they can agree to eat the same thing. It works for me every time and I don't leave still hungry.

I have fat genes

There actually is a fat gene. I don't know how many overweight people actually have it though. Assume if you are fat you have it and then create a calorie deficit it will still result in losing weight.

I am big boned

Wow now body shaming. Do you really want to go there and say having a large frame can't happen? Really? Any frame size can get fat. But, it doesn't mean different frame sizes don't exist.

I have a thyroid problem

Some people do and some are on my FL and they are losing weight. It's petty to say they are making an excuse for their weight.

I am to stressed

Tell me about it. I have spent way too much time in the forums.

They changed the BMI

BMI is a stupid measure anyway. They should just measure BF%. And look at other health markers.

Someone was mean to me today

Stress is a trigger for a lot of people. Ask them if they would be interested in learning yoga instead of diving into a bag of chips.

I had a bad day

See above.

My leg, arm, or back hurts, can' workout

Well anyone can cut calories. I think I wouldn't encourage someone to work out with an injury without a doctor checking it first.

I am too tired

See above including having a doctor check out the possible reasons for low energy.

I just want to love myself the way I am

Most people should learn to do this and if they have health issues they need to address those issues. It's sort of like you know part of loving yourself. If a family member was sick they would take them to the doctor most likely. So if you love yourself you will try to be healthier.

I understand what you are saying about excuses. Making excuses doesn't make people healthier or help in losing weight. But, there are often issues that need to be addressed. And if they are your issues by all means make fun of yourself for them and keep doing what you are doing you will lose weight despite yourself. If it's someone else making the excuse let them know how they can overcome that issue instead of thinking they are just making an excuse that has no valid basis. Most excuses have an element of reality about them. But, most issues can be over come even if it takes some planning and lifestyle change.

PS I don't think you were actually trying to be mean. But, a lot of this seemed a bit insensitive even if it was directed towards yourself.

carolyn000000

I apologize for coming across as insensitive, I am mostly angry at myself for using excuses in my own life. I suffer from PTSD so I know a lot about stress eating, also had a bad childhood, I could go on and on. But in the end, food only makes things worse and we feel even more miserable than before. I wish I knew a gentler way to say food is not the answer, but I don't. I used to say, I had a bad day, so I am going to eat this quart of ice cream, Now I say, no, I am too good for that, Pray, work out, talk to a friend, or something instead. Many people are in slavery to food and see no way out, when they just have to chose to be free. I Know it sounds ridiculous when you are battling with over eating, I just kept searching and searching (took about 10 years) but finally found they way out. I still struggle every day but it does get easier.

pcastagner

I apologize for coming across as insensitive, I am mostly angry at myself for using excuses in my own life. I suffer from PTSD so I know a lot about stress eating, also had a bad childhood, I could go on and on. But in the end, food only makes things worse and we feel even more miserable than before. I wish I knew a gentler way to say food is not the answer, but I don't. I used to say, I had a bad day, so I am going to eat this quart of ice cream, Now I say, no, I am too good for that, Pray, work out, talk to a friend, or something instead. Many people are in slavery to food and see no way out, when they just have to chose to be free. I Know it sounds ridiculous when you are battling with over eating, I just kept searching and searching (took about 10 years) but finally found they way out. I still struggle every day but it does get easier.

Guilt is not a helpful emotion.


Lots of people here want everything to be black and white. EITHER it's personal responsibility, OR it's a social responsibility.

Those people are what I call "idealists". Generally they only see evidence that fits their ideals.

The reality is more like a subtly shifting interplay between self and environment, which brings both personal and social issues into play.

JessHealthKick

I have been living in Japan for almost a year, and saw a pretty obese person the other day. I stopped and my jaw almost dropped. I can count how many obese people I have seen on ONE hand. I can only think of ONE student in campus I have seen who is obese.

Obesity gets excuses from many, but in some countries it isn't really a thing. People care about how much they put in their mouths, food servings are smaller and there are calorie counts everywhere. Do they do it for healthy or vanity? I would say more vanity. Whatever the reason here, it is so much better than the west (I'm from Sydney, Australia).

I am going back to Sydney in a month and I am horrified, I don't know what I will be able to have when eating out on university days, and I think I am going to be overwhelmed by how many overweight/obese people there are, and how little clothing people wear in general (very conservative here bar the mini skirts)

IAteBethDitto

I don't really understand the debate in this thread. Are some people saying that the 'obesity epidemic' seems worse than it really is because the range for a normal BMI was reduced?

Let's face it, this issue could certainly be a political bandwagon. It's a complex one and mechanisms of causation are not brilliantly understood. Therefore there's lots of room for debate (as we've shown).

BMI is a bit of a spurious statistic when it comes to individual health. That's because it's a population stat, and population stats can't predict anything about individuals (look this up in a basic stats textbook if you don't believe me). That's why good doctors try to personalise their approach.

That's also why we need to look after our own health, and educate ourselves to the best of our ability about the true nature of things in the world. Otherwise we're likely to become the plankton at the bottom of the food chain, preyed on by peddlers of any old crap.

CrazyTrackLady

I have been living in Japan for almost a year, and saw a pretty obese person the other day. I stopped and my jaw almost dropped. I can count how many obese people I have seen on ONE hand. I can only think of ONE student in campus I have seen who is obese.

Obesity gets excuses from many, but in some countries it isn't really a thing. People care about how much they put in their mouths, food servings are smaller and there are calorie counts everywhere. Do they do it for healthy or vanity? I would say more vanity. Whatever the reason here, it is so much better than the west (I'm from Sydney, Australia).

I am going back to Sydney in a month and I am horrified, I don't know what I will be able to have when eating out on university days, and I think I am going to be overwhelmed by how many overweight/obese people there are, and how little clothing people wear in general (very conservative here bar the mini skirts)

Diets (meaning the general types of foods a population eats) are regional. Years ago, Japan's diet includes high amounts of fish and seafood, which is much healthier than the US diet that is more meat and potatoes driven. When Japan started to open fast food places and become more "Western" in their habits, the diets changed. They went from healthy eating to a more processed food, high fat, high sodium laced diet. That's when issues of heart disease began to rise in Japan.

In Guam, 6 out of every 10 people are morbidly obese. I blame Spam for that.

France, however, has low incidences of heart disease, but they eat high fat foods: cream, pastries, etc. How have they managed it? They are more active. Parisians walk more than they drive a car. They drink wine daily (in moderation of course).

The Mediterranean diet is the healthiest diet of all. It's primarily seafood. They use a lot of olive oil too.

I know many people say the food industry isn't to blame for our obesity issues, but to me, the proof is in the HFCS laced pudding: the areas of the world where obesity rates are high have more highly processed, deep fried, HFCS laced, crap food for sale and eating than other areas where they pull things from the sea and off the vines/trees. There IS a correlation between it all, and to deny that the food industry has anything to do with it is just wrong.

Yes, we MUST take personal responsibility for what we eat, but when we have all this crap at our fingertips, it makes personal choice much more difficult.

IAteBethDitto

Thing about this is, though, that I grew up in rural Ireland in the 1970s where there was no junk food. It was all plain, 'clean' fare. Plus everybody was pretty active.

(Amusing historical sidebar: - I had my first taste of Coke at my 16th birthday party, and immediately threw it up through my nose. I had my first taste of McDonalds aged 18, when I went to college in London.)

And yet back in the 1970s in rural Ireland there were fat people. Most of the girls in my school were chunky (I was the exception, and used to be called skeleton - o if they could only have seen me a few months ago). I get my old school photos out now and yes, the fat people still look properly fat. It wasn't an artefact of my imagination.

So I am sceptical about the whole emphasis on junk food as a culprit in fatness. I'm not saying we should just embrace it uncritically, but the situation is clearly a lot more complex than that.

CrazyTrackLady

Thing about this is, though, that I grew up in rural Ireland in the 1970s where there was no junk food. It was all plain, 'clean' fare. Plus everybody was pretty active.

(Amusing historical sidebar: - I had my first taste of Coke at my 16th birthday party, and immediately threw it up through my nose. I had my first taste of McDonalds aged 18, when I went to college in London.)

And yet back in the 1970s in rural Ireland there were fat people. Most of the girls in my school were chunky (I was the exception, and used to be called skeleton - o if they could only have seen me a few months ago). I get my old school photos out now and yes, the fat people still look properly fat. It wasn't an artefact of my imagination.

So I am sceptical about the whole emphasis on junk food as a culprit in fatness. I'm not saying we should just embrace it uncritically, but the situation is clearly a lot more complex than that.

I hope I don't come across as culturally insensitive or stereotyping, but isn't the Irish diet laden with starchy foods like potatoes? That might be the causation/link to why there are heavy folks in Ireland. I know when I stopped eating a lot of starchy foods, I dropped weight quickly.

I live in the midwestern US. Lots of obesity because of the hearty foods served to pad our bodies through the "winter" months, so to speak. Can't prove it, but it's just a lot different than the California diet ideals.

IAteBethDitto

Thing about this is, though, that I grew up in rural Ireland in the 1970s where there was no junk food. It was all plain, 'clean' fare. Plus everybody was pretty active.

(Amusing historical sidebar: - I had my first taste of Coke at my 16th birthday party, and immediately threw it up through my nose. I had my first taste of McDonalds aged 18, when I went to college in London.)

And yet back in the 1970s in rural Ireland there were fat people. Most of the girls in my school were chunky (I was the exception, and used to be called skeleton - o if they could only have seen me a few months ago). I get my old school photos out now and yes, the fat people still look properly fat. It wasn't an artefact of my imagination.

So I am sceptical about the whole emphasis on junk food as a culprit in fatness. I'm not saying we should just embrace it uncritically, but the situation is clearly a lot more complex than that.

I hope I don't come across as culturally insensitive or stereotyping, but isn't the Irish diet laden with starchy foods like potatoes? That might be the causation/link to why there are heavy folks in Ireland. I know when I stopped eating a lot of starchy foods, I dropped weight quickly.

I live in the midwestern US. Lots of obesity because of the hearty foods served to pad our bodies through the "winter" months, so to speak. Can't prove it, but it's just a lot different than the California diet ideals.

Sure, could be - I was never keen on spuds as a kid, so that might also have something to do with the difference between me and the others. As might the butter used to lubricate said spuds!

My main point was that my childhood experience makes me think that the availability of junk food is only a small piece of the puzzle.

Matt_Wild

It's the governments fault.

I am pretty sure the government could do something about additives, gmos, growth hormones, and put a limit on how much sodium and other ingredients that can be trigger foods go into foods. But that isn't to say people can't take matters into their own hands and say I am not buying Tabasco Cheezit's cuz I will eat the whole box and I am going to avoid foods that are gmo and have growth hormones.

No, Its the fast food industry.

I actually don't like fast food much with a few exceptions. But, this is probably one of the better choices for most people when they eat out. Most burger places have this thing where they have different sized burgers, fries, and sodas. So it's really weird to me when people say fast food makes you fat. Nu uh, it might be the triple cheese burger instead of a normal sized sandwich and it might be the super sized fries instead of the kid sized, but it's not fast food per se.

No, my parents are to blame.

This is often true that parents can leave people with long lasting issues that won't just go away cuz you are a tough guy and can handle whatever they dished out. Not to mention what food habits parents teach. However, it's your body to take care of when you reach adulthood and it's not really going to affect your parents if you abuse yourself with too much junk food or just plain too much food and whatever else you use to self medicate.

It is soda pop addiction.

I lost 20 pounds giving up regular soda. I found them again a couple years later. But, be that as it may drinking sugar probably isn't a good idea.

My past has turned me into an emotional eater.

Really you want to mock people for this. Yes it's a real problem and yes the person has to deal with it. But, it's a real issue and maybe you had this issue then you are what mocking yourself? It makes no sense. I do think people should seek therapy if this is the case for them. Instead of just going oh well that's the way I am, I eat a pint or more of ice cream when I am upset. The response to this is to tell the person that says this to get counselling. Not, go oh you are just making excuses.

The portion sizes are bigger.

This is true as well. If someone says this to you tell them to order a take out container at the same time they place their order or to split their order with a companion if they can agree to eat the same thing. It works for me every time and I don't leave still hungry.

I have fat genes

There actually is a fat gene. I don't know how many overweight people actually have it though. Assume if you are fat you have it and then create a calorie deficit it will still result in losing weight.

I am big boned

Wow now body shaming. Do you really want to go there and say having a large frame can't happen? Really? Any frame size can get fat. But, it doesn't mean different frame sizes don't exist.

I have a thyroid problem

Some people do and some are on my FL and they are losing weight. It's petty to say they are making an excuse for their weight.

I am to stressed

Tell me about it. I have spent way too much time in the forums.

They changed the BMI

BMI is a stupid measure anyway. They should just measure BF%. And look at other health markers.

Someone was mean to me today

Stress is a trigger for a lot of people. Ask them if they would be interested in learning yoga instead of diving into a bag of chips.

I had a bad day

See above.

My leg, arm, or back hurts, can' workout

Well anyone can cut calories. I think I wouldn't encourage someone to work out with an injury without a doctor checking it first.

I am too tired

See above including having a doctor check out the possible reasons for low energy.

I just want to love myself the way I am

Most people should learn to do this and if they have health issues they need to address those issues. It's sort of like you know part of loving yourself. If a family member was sick they would take them to the doctor most likely. So if you love yourself you will try to be healthier.

I understand what you are saying about excuses. Making excuses doesn't make people healthier or help in losing weight. But, there are often issues that need to be addressed. And if they are your issues by all means make fun of yourself for them and keep doing what you are doing you will lose weight despite yourself. If it's someone else making the excuse let them know how they can overcome that issue instead of thinking they are just making an excuse that has no valid basis. Most excuses have an element of reality about them. But, most issues can be over come even if it takes some planning and lifestyle change.

PS I don't think you were actually trying to be mean. But, a lot of this seemed a bit insensitive even if it was directed towards yourself.

So only obese people have these issues? Bull. Take some acceptance you have caused your level of weight. Whatever that is. You can only blame your parents for so long. You move out, you grow up. Are you parents still to blame, 5, 10, 15, 20 years later?

WE ALL KNOW WHAT IS HEALTHY. We all know that if you eat a diet mainly of high calories food stuffs and move around very little we will put on weight. Its not magic science, not hard to believe.

My parents have been overweight nearly all my adult life. I understood from an early age my health was my responsibility and have always looked after it.

One has to take responsibility. One chooses to buy ones groceries and chooses to eat them. The person to blame? YOU!

carolyn000000

It's the governments fault.

I am pretty sure the government could do something about additives, gmos, growth hormones, and put a limit on how much sodium and other ingredients that can be trigger foods go into foods. But that isn't to say people can't take matters into their own hands and say I am not buying Tabasco Cheezit's cuz I will eat the whole box and I am going to avoid foods that are gmo and have growth hormones.

No, Its the fast food industry.

I actually don't like fast food much with a few exceptions. But, this is probably one of the better choices for most people when they eat out. Most burger places have this thing where they have different sized burgers, fries, and sodas. So it's really weird to me when people say fast food makes you fat. Nu uh, it might be the triple cheese burger instead of a normal sized sandwich and it might be the super sized fries instead of the kid sized, but it's not fast food per se.

No, my parents are to blame.

This is often true that parents can leave people with long lasting issues that won't just go away cuz you are a tough guy and can handle whatever they dished out. Not to mention what food habits parents teach. However, it's your body to take care of when you reach adulthood and it's not really going to affect your parents if you abuse yourself with too much junk food or just plain too much food and whatever else you use to self medicate.

It is soda pop addiction.

I lost 20 pounds giving up regular soda. I found them again a couple years later. But, be that as it may drinking sugar probably isn't a good idea.

My past has turned me into an emotional eater.

Really you want to mock people for this. Yes it's a real problem and yes the person has to deal with it. But, it's a real issue and maybe you had this issue then you are what mocking yourself? It makes no sense. I do think people should seek therapy if this is the case for them. Instead of just going oh well that's the way I am, I eat a pint or more of ice cream when I am upset. The response to this is to tell the person that says this to get counselling. Not, go oh you are just making excuses.

The portion sizes are bigger.

This is true as well. If someone says this to you tell them to order a take out container at the same time they place their order or to split their order with a companion if they can agree to eat the same thing. It works for me every time and I don't leave still hungry.

I have fat genes

There actually is a fat gene. I don't know how many overweight people actually have it though. Assume if you are fat you have it and then create a calorie deficit it will still result in losing weight.

I am big boned

Wow now body shaming. Do you really want to go there and say having a large frame can't happen? Really? Any frame size can get fat. But, it doesn't mean different frame sizes don't exist.

I have a thyroid problem

Some people do and some are on my FL and they are losing weight. It's petty to say they are making an excuse for their weight.

I am to stressed

Tell me about it. I have spent way too much time in the forums.

They changed the BMI

BMI is a stupid measure anyway. They should just measure BF%. And look at other health markers.

Someone was mean to me today

Stress is a trigger for a lot of people. Ask them if they would be interested in learning yoga instead of diving into a bag of chips.

I had a bad day

See above.

My leg, arm, or back hurts, can' workout

Well anyone can cut calories. I think I wouldn't encourage someone to work out with an injury without a doctor checking it first.

I am too tired

See above including having a doctor check out the possible reasons for low energy.

I just want to love myself the way I am

Most people should learn to do this and if they have health issues they need to address those issues. It's sort of like you know part of loving yourself. If a family member was sick they would take them to the doctor most likely. So if you love yourself you will try to be healthier.

I understand what you are saying about excuses. Making excuses doesn't make people healthier or help in losing weight. But, there are often issues that need to be addressed. And if they are your issues by all means make fun of yourself for them and keep doing what you are doing you will lose weight despite yourself. If it's someone else making the excuse let them know how they can overcome that issue instead of thinking they are just making an excuse that has no valid basis. Most excuses have an element of reality about them. But, most issues can be over come even if it takes some planning and lifestyle change.

PS I don't think you were actually trying to be mean. But, a lot of this seemed a bit insensitive even if it was directed towards yourself.

So only obese people have these issues? Bull. Take some acceptance you have caused your level of weight. Whatever that is. You can only blame your parents for so long. You move out, you grow up. Are you parents still to blame, 5, 10, 15, 20 years later?

WE ALL KNOW WHAT IS HEALTHY. We all know that if you eat a diet mainly of high calories food stuffs and move around very little we will put on weight. Its not magic science, not hard to believe.

My parents have been overweight nearly all my adult life. I understood from an early age my health was my responsibility and have always looked after it.

One has to take responsibility. One chooses to buy ones groceries and chooses to eat them. The person to blame? YOU!

Thank you, that is all I was trying to say. Maybe you have good reasons, excuses or whatever, but at some point you have to let go or remain the same.

SteelySunshine

I apologize for coming across as insensitive, I am mostly angry at myself for using excuses in my own life. I suffer from PTSD so I know a lot about stress eating, also had a bad childhood, I could go on and on. But in the end, food only makes things worse and we feel even more miserable than before. I wish I knew a gentler way to say food is not the answer, but I don't. I used to say, I had a bad day, so I am going to eat this quart of ice cream, Now I say, no, I am too good for that, Pray, work out, talk to a friend, or something instead. Many people are in slavery to food and see no way out, when they just have to chose to be free. I Know it sounds ridiculous when you are battling with over eating, I just kept searching and searching (took about 10 years) but finally found they way out. I still struggle every day but it does get easier.

Oh I had a sense that you meant no harm and were trying to be helpful actually. But, I also know how the list reads. I hear/have used those excuses/reasons myself. But, the thing is to work on those issues and not dive into a gallon of ice cream. In some cases it will mean modifying what you eat and not working against the behavior. It really is possible to make a big bowl of salad and dive into that instead for example. Eventually those urges to eat your feelings do go away when you stabilize your hormones and work toward a healthier attitude. If you want to sub for a bag of chips I find a cucumber or two with lemon and a bit of salt works really well. I also have to work on how to talk to people that make excuses. So, far I am doing much better at offering up suggestions without sounding insensitive. It's a struggle, but I think I am getting there.

SteelySunshine

It's the governments fault.

I am pretty sure the government could do something about additives, gmos, growth hormones, and put a limit on how much sodium and other ingredients that can be trigger foods go into foods. But that isn't to say people can't take matters into their own hands and say I am not buying Tabasco Cheezit's cuz I will eat the whole box and I am going to avoid foods that are gmo and have growth hormones.

No, Its the fast food industry.

I actually don't like fast food much with a few exceptions. But, this is probably one of the better choices for most people when they eat out. Most burger places have this thing where they have different sized burgers, fries, and sodas. So it's really weird to me when people say fast food makes you fat. Nu uh, it might be the triple cheese burger instead of a normal sized sandwich and it might be the super sized fries instead of the kid sized, but it's not fast food per se.

No, my parents are to blame.

This is often true that parents can leave people with long lasting issues that won't just go away cuz you are a tough guy and can handle whatever they dished out. Not to mention what food habits parents teach. However, it's your body to take care of when you reach adulthood and it's not really going to affect your parents if you abuse yourself with too much junk food or just plain too much food and whatever else you use to self medicate.

It is soda pop addiction.

I lost 20 pounds giving up regular soda. I found them again a couple years later. But, be that as it may drinking sugar probably isn't a good idea.

My past has turned me into an emotional eater.

Really you want to mock people for this. Yes it's a real problem and yes the person has to deal with it. But, it's a real issue and maybe you had this issue then you are what mocking yourself? It makes no sense. I do think people should seek therapy if this is the case for them. Instead of just going oh well that's the way I am, I eat a pint or more of ice cream when I am upset. The response to this is to tell the person that says this to get counselling. Not, go oh you are just making excuses.

The portion sizes are bigger.

This is true as well. If someone says this to you tell them to order a take out container at the same time they place their order or to split their order with a companion if they can agree to eat the same thing. It works for me every time and I don't leave still hungry.

I have fat genes

There actually is a fat gene. I don't know how many overweight people actually have it though. Assume if you are fat you have it and then create a calorie deficit it will still result in losing weight.

I am big boned

Wow now body shaming. Do you really want to go there and say having a large frame can't happen? Really? Any frame size can get fat. But, it doesn't mean different frame sizes don't exist.

I have a thyroid problem

Some people do and some are on my FL and they are losing weight. It's petty to say they are making an excuse for their weight.

I am to stressed

Tell me about it. I have spent way too much time in the forums.

They changed the BMI

BMI is a stupid measure anyway. They should just measure BF%. And look at other health markers.

Someone was mean to me today

Stress is a trigger for a lot of people. Ask them if they would be interested in learning yoga instead of diving into a bag of chips.

I had a bad day

See above.

My leg, arm, or back hurts, can' workout

Well anyone can cut calories. I think I wouldn't encourage someone to work out with an injury without a doctor checking it first.

I am too tired

See above including having a doctor check out the possible reasons for low energy.

I just want to love myself the way I am

Most people should learn to do this and if they have health issues they need to address those issues. It's sort of like you know part of loving yourself. If a family member was sick they would take them to the doctor most likely. So if you love yourself you will try to be healthier.

I understand what you are saying about excuses. Making excuses doesn't make people healthier or help in losing weight. But, there are often issues that need to be addressed. And if they are your issues by all means make fun of yourself for them and keep doing what you are doing you will lose weight despite yourself. If it's someone else making the excuse let them know how they can overcome that issue instead of thinking they are just making an excuse that has no valid basis. Most excuses have an element of reality about them. But, most issues can be over come even if it takes some planning and lifestyle change.

PS I don't think you were actually trying to be mean. But, a lot of this seemed a bit insensitive even if it was directed towards yourself.

So only obese people have these issues? Bull. Take some acceptance you have caused your level of weight. Whatever that is. You can only blame your parents for so long. You move out, you grow up. Are you parents still to blame, 5, 10, 15, 20 years later?

WE ALL KNOW WHAT IS HEALTHY. We all know that if you eat a diet mainly of high calories food stuffs and move around very little we will put on weight. Its not magic science, not hard to believe.

My parents have been overweight nearly all my adult life. I understood from an early age my health was my responsibility and have always looked after it.

One has to take responsibility. One chooses to buy ones groceries and chooses to eat them. The person to blame? YOU!

So riddle me this. Why is it other countries don't have this issue as much? Is it because their people are so much more disciplined than the US. Or is it because the culture and types of foods they eat are different and don't promote obesity? If what parents do don't cause problems for their children for decades then parents should be able to dish out whatever and not worry about their children as adults, right? Because they will be able to make their own choices as an adult. And of course people of normal weight have issues from their childhood. I have known a lot of normal weighted alcoholics and drug addicts. Funny thing is most people don't point fingers at them in such an accusatory manner when they talk about their crappy childhoods, they suggest counselling even though they might think that the behavior is gross or disgusting and they might think the person is a mess. But, in general people seem more accepting of the fact that addiction is a disease even if it is self inflicted.

I really don't care what your attitude is. It affects me not at all. But, it will hinder you if you run into issues.

NonnyMary

Well i have said some of those same "excuses" but for me they are a reality. yes i get stressed and yes I get emotions and so my choice was to eat, and 99% of the time choices were unhealthy.

so now when i see the old stress or emotions come my way, i can choose now to deal with them differently. so yeah i do feel those "excuses" you listed, and they are a reality, but i can choose to react to them differently now.

And I do believe this is a true reality - food has certain things about them that are addictive. To me they are. But I can choose not to let it rule me. I just choose to stay away from them or eat a little bit which wont kill me.
but i do think food can be addicting if we let it.

Like that stupid MacDonalds commercial now shown - people shoving what looks like a HUGE actually delicious looking cheesrburger at my face. Its almost rude how they show it like that in the commercial. My mouth begins to water when i see my favorite fast food on the tv. and i have Hi-def tv too.

but i deal with it. and if i am not as successfuy one day, i am working on going to the next level of eating healthy. I'm now dealing with the issue of cooking more home made food and eating that.

getitamb

To be honest, the only obesity epidemic I'm paying attention to is the one around my midsection.

Right?

Iwishyouwell

Thing about this is, though, that I grew up in rural Ireland in the 1970s where there was no junk food. It was all plain, 'clean' fare. Plus everybody was pretty active.

(Amusing historical sidebar: - I had my first taste of Coke at my 16th birthday party, and immediately threw it up through my nose. I had my first taste of McDonalds aged 18, when I went to college in London.)

And yet back in the 1970s in rural Ireland there were fat people. Most of the girls in my school were chunky (I was the exception, and used to be called skeleton - o if they could only have seen me a few months ago). I get my old school photos out now and yes, the fat people still look properly fat. It wasn't an artefact of my imagination.

So I am sceptical about the whole emphasis on junk food as a culprit in fatness. I'm not saying we should just embrace it uncritically, but the situation is clearly a lot more complex than that.

The traditional Irish diet is very heavy in bread, potatoes, and other starches. It's an excellent diet for those who are extremely active, like manual laborers, but is potentially horrendous for people who aren't very active.

The Irish are also well know to enjoy quite a bit of alcohol, another major contributor to obesity when consumed in excess.

I don't believe anybody is saying that junky, processed food is the singular cause of obesity; you could get fat eating nothing but "clean" foods as well. Junky, processed food just happens to be an enormous contributor.

LexiAtel

America's problem is not really obesity, it's the lack of education...in conjunction with the laziness. It's the video games, it's the ipads, the iphones, the computers... Devices that make our lifestyle easier, is making our health decline.

They took out home ec from the schools... you know, the class that taught us how to cook, clean, shop right, and all that mess?

They keep saying Americans need to lose weight, but do not set up programs to educate us about proper health and how to make our own HEALTHY meals at home...

They don't teach us portion control anymore.

And I wont go into why I think this is all allowed, as it would start a political discussion here.

CrazyTrackLady

America's problem is not really obesity, it's the lack of education...in conjunction with the laziness. It's the video games, it's the ipads, the iphones, the computers... Devices that make our lifestyle easier, is making our health decline.

They took out home ec from the schools... you know, the class that taught us how to cook, clean, shop right, and all that mess?

They keep saying Americans need to lose weight, but do not set up programs to educate us about proper health and how to make our own HEALTHY meals at home...

They don't teach us portion control anymore.

And I wont go into why I think this is all allowed, as it would start a political discussion here.

6th grade health teacher here. As much as I agree with you about the lack of EDUCATION people receive regarding eating right and exercising, there is one major problem with your suggestion: PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO LISTEN. And parents don't want to be told by anyone how or what to feed their children. That's "too much interference" from outside sources.

I spend a LONG time teaching my students how to make responsible choices and the correlation between high amounts of junk/fast food and long term health problems as adults. But, my responsibilities and influence ends at the end of the day when those kids go home.

Funny story: I had a student whose eyes were really opened to the issue of high levels of sodium in fast foods. He was appalled at the amount in a McDonald's Quarter Pounder. His mom took him to a McDonald's one day because they were running out of time to eat between events. She pulled into the drive through and he immediately screamed "MOM!!! Do you realize that ONE quarter pounder with cheese has more than a half day's entire sodium content in it? That's GROSS!" The next time Mom ran into me at school, she marched up to me and said "WHAT are you teaching these kids? My son yelled at ME for buying him McDonald's! You've turned him into some sort of food Nazi!" Fortunately, this mom is a good friend of mine and a health nut normally, so I didn't take that as a slam. However, it does go to show that parents are truly in control of their child's nutrition, and if they don't want to make the changes, then the changes will not happen.