Attitudes of people with different levels of fitness and wei

TitanGM

Is not that fit people are specialists on the field that makes them talk no-nonsense when it comes to nutrition and exercise, but their actual experience and success into constantly maintaining their bodies into that fit level.
As for the obesity, a lot of factors contribute to that, but in the end it all comes down on how people accept their situations. If you observe carefully, successful people tend to face the problem and figure a way out according of what they want to achieve, while passive ones tend to make excuses in order to stay on the comfort zone (such as metabolism, have no time, i have kids to feed, i injured my left knee a year ago etc..). Is that simple. (unless you suffer from a rare health problem or dysfunction)

iuangina

Here's my thing...if you have a medical condition that is causing you to gain weight - go to a doctor and figure out what you can do to fix it. If you sit around and complain about how you have this or that, you are failing to take responsibility for yourself. It's not about trashing someone or telling they they suck at life.

fastbelly

Couldn't agree more with the OP. I for one made excuses for years to friends and even family as to the reason of my weight problem, and you know what? The answer was just in front of me... lack of action, take decisive action today and most of you won't have a weight problem in a couple of years time....

What are a couple of years for a lifetime of health? Just put in the effort, it is well worth it.

yoovie

if we are all snowflakes how can you make a generalization like that?

Because whilst people are all individuals, there are commonalities that lie in us all.

Just like all snowflakes may be different, if you attack those bad boys with a hair dryer they are all going to suffer the same fate...

yes but blow dryers dont make you lose weight. we are talking about the shape of a snowflake not its "genetic makeup"

omg thank you for the laugh of the day. hahahahaha good luck!

tunktunk5583

I actually think the complete opposite of the OP. I think its nonsense that an obesity epidemic that has skyrocketed in the USA since the late 1970s and is spreading through the rest of the world is a psychological disorder.

I think its nonsense that naturally skinny people who have not experienced chronic hunger can understand what an obese person goes through.

And I've been skinny and fit most of my life. Its not until the last couple of years that my body stopped tolerating certain foods, and exercise had absolutely nothing to do with it. I do twice as much exercise at 30 than I did at 18 and I have to eat less in order to stay thin.

As a naturally skinny person, I agree with this.

The fact is, scientists who study obesity and weight loss aren't entirely sure what the causes are, much less how to address them. They are still learning about how the body and metabolism work in regards to weight gain. There are scientists looking into genetics, some have pinpointed what may be a obesity virus, and then there are hormonal issues. Add to that the rapidly-changing lifestyles of the modern post-industrial society and there is no way that anybody can say there's one simple answer.

Some people are lazy, yes. Some people have psychological issues of food addiction. But, I really don't think there would be an overwhelming issue of obesity if it were really so freakin' simple.

Oh boy. No. I'm sorry but I disagree.

A-as you get older your body changes. When I was in college, I would eat entire loaves of bread (YES the entire loaf) in one sitting (and that was not my only meal of the day)...yet I somehow managed to maintain my weight at 112-115. I'm closer to 30 now and gained 20 lbs in 2 months living and eating just as I have been. This is just a part of life.

B-sure there is a percentage of people who have issues uncontrollable weight gain (i.e. the 120lbs baby who keeps on growing) but I think it's safe to say the majority of people gain weight because of food and physical activity (and this doesn't just mean working out, this means walking to the store instead of driving etc). Moreover...we have become dependent on vehicles and technology to get us from point A to point B. I mean just because you're on an escalator doesn't mean you have to stand and make the escalator do all the work...

C-ever try on a US size 6 from the 60's-70's? How about compare that with a US size 6 today. Clothing companies' base their sizing measurements on their target market and if you are like me an appreciate vintage clothes, you know better than buy a size small from the 60's unless you're under 100 lbs. Now now, it's no scientific study but it's pretty obvious indicator that waistlines have definitely grown.

m16shane

Hi My name is Shane, and I'm fat! But I was fatter! Every person is different to some degree. I'm not going to pretend to walk in anyone shoes except mine. Though since I've been walking in my shoes my whole life. I found out this, EXCUSES GET YOU NO WHERE! I finally accepted that I was FAT, OVERWEIGHT, OBESE, and whatever word you could call me. The simple truth was I was not healthy. I've went from 311.5 lbs to 238.7lbs. I've still got a ways to go but I know how for me. WORK HARD AND EAT HEALTHY! Again all people are different. Though more excuses you have the less results you will see! GOOD LUCK!

Mission2Me

great glad i could help.

point is we are not made of the same things as snowflakes. diet and exercise is a given, but not everything works for everyone the same way. all snowflakes melt in the sun. people on the other had who have a completely different composition that snowflakes do different things....some cant get any darker, some tan, some burn.

reneegee23

We're working against millions of years of evolution, folks. Instead of eating whatever is in front of us because our survival depends on it, many of us now have to put thought and restraint in regards to what we eat. This is a learned behavior, not an evolved one. This is a challenge.

I've been overweight basically since puberty, with admitted eating disorders, and I'm really shocked that it's taken me THIS long to learn (or accept) the most basic nutritional information. Many people like me are sadly very undereducated or miseducated about the basics.

As for society accepting overweight people, that's a tough one. I honestly feel that overweight people will never be fully accepted (I have never fully accepted myself/body) because of how humans have evolved. Our instincts tell us to pick the fittest mate we can find. What makes us human is our ability to be compassionate. A compassionate society is a healthy society and a healthy society is made up of healthy people.


Also, can I just say: FIRST WORLD PROBLEM.

stargreen25

I am one of those "fat" people...I agree with you too many people make excuses. I know why I am "fat" just didnt want to do any thing about it until now. Good luck to all of you! No matter the reason "Why"...I hope you find happiness in all you do!:happy:

yoovie

great glad i could help.

point is we are not made of the same things as snowflakes. diet and exercise is a given, but not everything works for everyone the same way. all snowflakes melt in the sun. people on the other had who have a completely different composition that snowflakes do different things....some cant get any darker, some tan, some burn.

giggling to death. Ok Im out. Seriously now.

grinch031

A-as you get older your body changes. When I was in college, I would eat entire loaves of bread (YES the entire loaf) in one sitting (and that was not my only meal of the day)...yet I somehow managed to maintain my weight at 112-115. I'm closer to 30 now and gained 20 lbs in 2 months living and eating just as I have been. This is just a part of life.

Some people continue eating ad libitum even as they age without gaining weight. Does their body not age? Does their metabolism stay constant from age 18 to age 50? Or could it be their body fat regulation and eating habits adjust appropriately in relation to the slowing down of their metabolism with age? There must be some physiological reason to explain this, but I think when people can't they just resort to declaring its psychological and can be treated behaviorally.

Mission2Me

great glad i could help.

point is we are not made of the same things as snowflakes. diet and exercise is a given, but not everything works for everyone the same way. all snowflakes melt in the sun. people on the other had who have a completely different composition that snowflakes do different things....some cant get any darker, some tan, some burn.

giggling to death. Ok Im out. Seriously now.

have a nice day. :drinker:

drewbird911

Great thread, very thought provoking.

PearsPeppersandPeanutButter

I've never been severely overweight, but I have always wanted a better body and it hasn't been until recently that I realized this better body has never shown itself because I have never been willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen. I always wished and hoped for a better and made excuses but never really buckled down and analyzed my lifestyle habits. Now that I have and I have stuck with my habit changes and are adopting them as new habits, I have seen the greatest difference in how I feel on the inside and outside.

I reflected on why I would eat certain foods, and when I was eating certain foods, when I would let myself overindulge and gorge on fatty fried foods. I reflected on my desires and dreams for myself and how my lifestyle has inhibited the choices that I have made and opportunities that I have passed up because I lacked the confidence and knowledge to just do it.

Monti_e_lmt

Having being on MFP for a few years more recently I have started to look at the forums.

I have a genuine observation and wonder if people agree with me and what their opinion is. I am not meaning to be in any way offensive.

I notice that fitter / correct weight people seem to have a more no-nonsense approach - to get fit you exercise , lots , and eat less because you are overweight because you eat too much.

Overweight people seem to be constantly in denial and bringing up health and metabolism issues that are, whilst unfortunate in those they affect, rarely the true reason that is eating too much. The word 'fat' on here almost seems to be a massive insult

I saw a program on TV where someone had to have a leg cut off from health complications that were simply overweight - but there was no addressing of the weight problem just the acceptance of the situation -- if I had a leg cut off because of weight I would glue my mouth shut!!

So it always gets me wondering is the denial and political correctness that prevent appropriate honesty a major cause of the increasing trend of obesity??

Interestingly enough I'm English and find American posters on here (in a country with more obesity) very quickly flare up at the use of the fat word. As do the larger posters (I admit I am judging this from profile pictures) you wont see a toned person defending metabolism as a major cause of obesity - even if they once weighed 20 stone

I am American, and I totally agree with this. I even used to be a person who blamed my weight problems on my thyroid and my metabolism. But I don't anymore. I realized my entire life I have sabotaged my diet by sneaking and eating out of rebellion because I didn't like the adults insulting me when I made the mistake of saying I was hungry, so being 4 or 5 years old I didn't know how to fix stuff so I ate mayonnaise sandwiches or bread by itself. That started my obesity. As I got older I had many opportunities to get my butt in gear, in my adult hood I maintained at 200 lbs, what I would give to have that as a starting point again because between 2009 and 2011 I put on an extra 30 lbs. THAT opened my eyes, I know exactly what caused it and I am working on those problems. "I have trouble commiting to things. I at least can pin point every problem I have that is holding me back, I just don't know how to conquer them. I love to watch "I Used To Be Fat" and they say that is a huge part of succeeding in weight loss is knowing what causes it so you can avoid it in the future. I wish I had a trained to kick me into gear. I have trouble making myself do things I don't want to do. And I have trouble saying no to myself if I want something." That is an excerpt from my profile. Not all Americans blame their problems on other people. But I will say this, if healthy food was as cheap as unhealthy crap like ramen noodles or McDonalds, I think many families would be a little smaller, And the reason there is so much hype about the word fat is because it's hurtful and many see it as prejudice, and get as offended as someone getting called a gay slur or a racial slur. Some believe that overweight people are a minority and feel at home around others like us that don't judge. But many take it a little far by defending obesity, that there is nothing wrong with it, that life is too short to deprive yourself, eat what you want, fat is beautiful. But what they won't see is the health problems that come with it. They don't know how wonderful it is after you start exercising on a regular basis and your energy skyrockets, even after one week (happened to me once, I was so hyper) They just plain don't want to change. Change is a hard thing to accept, and have the will to do. I am slowly trying to change. I have a lot of trouble with will power, but what some people don't realize is that, this is not a diet, this is not a temporary thing to lead to permanent results, this is a lifestyle change, the solution has to be permanent if you want permanent results. Lifestyle changes are not a light switch you can flip, it takes steps. Good luck in you journey everyone, and for those who have made it, thank you for showing me it is possible because sometimes it feels like it is impossible. :flowerforyou:

chrishgt4

Not only that, we can't live in an environment where you have to prepare your own food and take it wherever you go because you can't trust it is even possible to find healthy food outside of your home.

I know exactly what you mean with that - the problem is the public want it. There just isn't enough demand for decent food, or at least the margins in it are lower meaning they would have to charge more. People won't pay more, they would rather have a cheap convenient McDonalds than pay a bit more and get something decent.

I wish there was enough demand for a chain of healthy fast food places (and I mean healthy, not pseudo-healthy).

This is what I mean by society having to change. Supply and demand - it's simple economics. and it's very sad that it has got like this.

amoffatt

I know my answer will upset a few members here, but I do agree with you.
Basically, YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT - if you eat excessively, the extra calories need to go somewhere, so they stick around,
our lower parts of the bodies, ie bottoms, thighs and tummys.

Eating less with some exercise, (don't need to go mad), not only helps you feel good, but benefits your health, not only at this current time of your life but for future. its only until you train your stomach to receive and digest less food,

This is correct yet eating healthy as well for there are soooo many arguments when it comes to eating more to help lose weight because overweight people are told they eat too much, then not enough!:grumble:

kristers03

My whole family is large as well. Obesity doesn't run in my family, poor eating habits do!

Absolutely love this!!!!!

Gwoman2012

A-as you get older your body changes. When I was in college, I would eat entire loaves of bread (YES the entire loaf) in one sitting (and that was not my only meal of the day)...yet I somehow managed to maintain my weight at 112-115. I'm closer to 30 now and gained 20 lbs in 2 months living and eating just as I have been. This is just a part of life.

Are you blaming a 20 lb weight gain in 2 months on age-related metabolism slow down?

If I gained 20 lbs in 2 months with absolutely no diet or fitness changes whatsoever I would be running to the doctor's office.

Mission2Me

I know my answer will upset a few members here, but I do agree with you.
Basically, YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT - if you eat excessively, the extra calories need to go somewhere, so they stick around,
our lower parts of the bodies, ie bottoms, thighs and tummys.

Eating less with some exercise, (don't need to go mad), not only helps you feel good, but benefits your health, not only at this current time of your life but for future. its only until you train your stomach to receive and digest less food,

This is correct yet eating healthy as well for there are soooo many arguments when it comes to eating more to help lose weight because overweight people are told they eat too much, then not enough!:grumble:

exactly.