Why is obesity considered deviant behavior?
mattschwartz01
Posts: 566 Member
in Chit-Chat
Why is obesity considered deviant behavior when we throw gobs of money at research for cures of ADHD, Bipolar disorder, cancer, etc. but almost none towards obesity? Obesity is an epidemic that will only get worse if we treat it with ridicule and disgust. It isn't a character flaw of someone that causes them to be obese. Obesity isn't deviance but a disease (like alcoholism) of sorts and if treated properly can be cured. By properly I mean addressing physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs of the obese person. McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King among others contribute mightily to the obesity problem.
As a society we also have to demand healthier products from the Food Industry and call the Food Industry on their so-called research to prove additives such as MSG and HFCS are safe. By making demands, I don't mean passing laws but refusing to eat at establishments that use trans fats, too much sugar, HFCS, and MSG. Hit the Food Industry where it counts - in the wallet. Americans need to take a more active role in their health and know that a pill will not cure everything.
As a society we also have to demand healthier products from the Food Industry and call the Food Industry on their so-called research to prove additives such as MSG and HFCS are safe. By making demands, I don't mean passing laws but refusing to eat at establishments that use trans fats, too much sugar, HFCS, and MSG. Hit the Food Industry where it counts - in the wallet. Americans need to take a more active role in their health and know that a pill will not cure everything.
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Replies
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Why is obesity considered deviant behavior when we throw gobs of money at research for cures of ADHD, Bipolar disorder, cancer, etc. but almost none towards obesity? Obesity is an epidemic that will only get worse if we treat it with ridicule and disgust. It isn't a character flaw of someone that causes them to be obese. Obesity isn't deviance but a disease (like alcoholism) of sorts and if treated properly can be cured. By properly I mean addressing physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs of the obese person. McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King among others contribute mightily to the obesity problem.
As a society we also have to demand healthier products from the Food Industry and call the Food Industry on their so-called research to prove additives such as MSG and HFCS are safe. By making demands, I don't mean passing laws but refusing to eat at establishments that use trans fats, too much sugar, HFCS, and MSG. Hit the Food Industry where it counts - in the wallet. Americans need to take a more active role in their health and know that a pill will not cure everything.
The cure is already known, stop shoving food in your mouth and eat less, maybe move a little more as well.
And please stop with the tinfoil hat stuff with HFCS and MSG, metabolically speaking, how is HFCS different from sucrose and how is MSG different than glutamate?0 -
If you need a huge, expensive study to tell you that the cure for obesity is to burn more calories than you eat, you fail at life.0
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Perhaps not as much as neurological disorders or cancer, etc., but a ton of money is thrown into fighting obesity.
Beyond the bevy of youth outreach programs that encourage activity--and their high-profile sponsors like the NFL, Boys and Girls Club, UnitedWay, etc.--there are a ton of corporations that put money towards fighting obesity.
Congress is currently pushing for stricter laws and we've seen recent failures in New York over limiting soft drink sizes, but even within the last month, Mars Candy [maker of M&M's, Wrigley Gum] has made an effort to raise money and interest in combatting obesity.
Regardless of whether or not grassroots efforts garner support, the easiest reason that obesity is this problem is twofold:
1. People are greedy; it is cheaper to produce unhealthy food and those with the money raise money for others with money to get elected and protect his or her interest.
2. People are hedonistic, selfish, lazy, and stupid. In 1964, the US Surgeon General established a link between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer. Almost 50 years later, people still smoke. Of course, there was already a correlation in studies by the tabacco industries, but that research was buried as it was inconvenient to point one--people are greedy.
I am not saying to give up on the world at large. But know where you have control. Your family--kids, if you have them--and the people you are with. People cannot make people change...but anyone can influence someone else to make that change his or herself.0 -
If you need a huge, expensive study to tell you that the cure for obesity is to burn more calories than you eat, you fail at life.
FTW0 -
1. Treating smokers with ridicule and disgust has helped to reduce the number of smokers. Same should apply to obesity. Don't underestimate the power of societal pressure.Obesity is an epidemic that will only get worse if we treat it with ridicule and disgust.
It isn't a character flaw of someone that causes them to be obese.
McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King among others contribute mightily to the obesity problem.
As a society we also have to demand healthier products from the Food Industry.
2. What does cause MOST people to be obese? Eating too much and not moving enough, perhaps?
3. Does someone force you to eat at those establishments?
4. Healthy foods abound, you just need to choose them instead of unhealthy foods.0 -
Fighting obesity means telling Companies how and what to sell to the customer.. that isn't going to happen with the current state of government in the US.. look at all the crazies in NY when you try to limit their soda intake.. or parents that complain the government is telling them how to feed their kids (or trying to make healthy meals at school)..
Its going to start with people taking responsibility for themselves, and as we all know that will never happen..0 -
Fighting obesity means telling Companies how and what to sell to the customer.. that isn't going to happen with the current state of government in the US.. look at all the crazies in NY when you try to limit their soda intake.. or parents that complain the government is telling them how to feed their kids (or trying to make healthy meals at school)..
Its going to start with people taking responsibility for themselves, and as we all know that will never happen..
Nor should it happen. It isn't the governments responsibility. I didn't need the government to tell me I was fat. I had a mirror for that. And I didn't need the government to regulate me into being in shape. I am an adult and can make my own choices.0 -
Well said @djeffrys10Fighting obesity means telling Companies how and what to sell to the customer.. that isn't going to happen with the current state of government in the US.. look at all the crazies in NY when you try to limit their soda intake.. or parents that complain the government is telling them how to feed their kids (or trying to make healthy meals at school)..
Its going to start with people taking responsibility for themselves, and as we all know that will never happen..
Nor should it happen. It isn't the governments responsibility. I didn't need the government to tell me I was fat. I had a mirror for that. And I didn't need the government to regulate me into being in shape. I am an adult and can make my own choices.
May I also add that when did people suddenly NEED a babysitter for every aspect of their life? Why do we NEED the government to mandate what is good and what is bad for us in order for us to supposedly make the RIGHT choice. Personally I think all these people that want BIG BROTHER to baby them need to put on their big boy/girl panties and start making their own decisions and taking responsibility for their own actions. Get off the teet people.0 -
Unfortunately, this question proves the fact that our generation is getting so lost in taking self control. They want the government, their parents, their spouses, etc to take care of them and tell them when they need a life change. Maybe even blame them for being overweight because they didn't "prevent" this. People need to start being more accountable for themselves these days. If you are overweight, okay. No problem, you can fix it. Don't blame someone else and sit back waiting for someone to take care of it FOR you.0
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Obesity isn't deviance but a disease (like alcoholism) of sorts and if treated properly can be cured. By properly I mean addressing physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs of the obese person. McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King among others contribute mightily to the obesity problem.
People drive themselves there though don't they? This isn't a disease but just a lack of education and/or a lack of will power to do what you know is the right thing to do.0 -
Economic influences contribute to obesity (low income areas have less access to fresh fruits and vegetables) and education hasn't been there for some people.
Depression, abuse, etc.. also lead to obesity. Substituting food for affection, feeding depression, etc.
It's easy to attack those you don't understand. You don't ridicule alcoholics or drug addicts for their choices, why is it so easy to do that to food addicts?
You would think that people on a website geared towards health and weight loss would be a bit more compassionate. I haven't seen that to be the case yet.0 -
Obesity isn't deviant. It's very common, and the solution is not for the obese to excuse themselves by saying they have a disease and can't help it.
Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own health.0 -
Obesity is crucial for the economy. Fast food nation's profits, pharmaceutical company profits all come in a significant part from obese people and more joining their ranks.
Fast food nation and pharmaceutical companies are the people who finance campaigns for presidents and governments.
As simple education program, teaching how to cook with fresh ingredients and making physical activity fun is all it takes. When you have a society that thrives on convenience, it's no surprise that food too becomes convenient.
"The Man" might slag off obesity in public, but "The Man" really wants more people to become obese.0 -
Deviant? Deviant means against the norm and obesity is becoming the norm.0
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No one is forcing people to eat at Mcdonalds or other fast food places. The "cure" for obesity is eat less move more. But I agree that often times, the emotional part of why someone overeats must be addressed.0
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Obesity makes people rich plain and simple. The truth is "they" don't care.0
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it sounds like you want them to throw money at the problem to make it go away rather than put in the hard work to make it go away.
education, hard work and an honest ethic is truly the cure for most societal ills. (I say most and not all...i stick by that)
teach yourself how to eat and burn calories, work HARD at your nutrition and your calorie burning....and be honest with your intake and your burns....and you will fix the problem...
it only takes one to do it, others will notice and start doing it too....
that's how this works....0 -
Obesity isn't deviant. It's very common, and the solution is not for the obese to excuse themselves by saying they have a disease and can't help it.
Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own health.
when did you become such a wizard at using the proper words in the proper sequence? where can i learn such wizardry?? :huh:0 -
If you need a huge, expensive study to tell you that the cure for obesity is to burn more calories than you eat, you fail at life.
*hi five*0 -
Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own health.
QFT.0 -
What makes you think people are more compassionate towards alcoholics and drug addicts? Also let's not forget that medicating oneself with alcohol, or drugs can make detox KILL YOU, whereas medicating with food and going healthy probably won't KILL YOU.Economic influences contribute to obesity (low income areas have less access to fresh fruits and vegetables) and education hasn't been there for some people.
Depression, abuse, etc.. also lead to obesity. Substituting food for affection, feeding depression, etc.
It's easy to attack those you don't understand. You don't ridicule alcoholics or drug addicts for their choices, why is it so easy to do that to food addicts?
You would think that people on a website geared towards health and weight loss would be a bit more compassionate. I haven't seen that to be the case yet.
As for McDonald's and lack of fresh veggies being why poor people are fat, I am poor, I am not fat. Just because you go to McDonald's doesn't make you fat, it doesn't make your body feel good over all but overeating IS WHAT MAKES YOU FAT. You eat a normal size serving of food from any place and the calories are similar, just what's inside the food isn't always healthy. Also if you are a food addict do what other addicts do, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Get off the couch, put down the chips, and go to someone for support. Just like alcoholics, and druggies, they have groups for support for that. In fact they pretty much have support groups for anything, and guess what? You can be poor and attend these.
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Obesity is crucial for the economy. Fast food nation's profits, pharmaceutical company profits all come in a significant part from obese people and more joining their ranks.
Fast food nation and pharmaceutical companies are the people who finance campaigns for presidents and governments.
As simple education program, teaching how to cook with fresh ingredients and making physical activity fun is all it takes. When you have a society that thrives on convenience, it's no surprise that food too becomes convenient.
"The Man" might slag off obesity in public, but "The Man" really wants more people to become obese.
or maybe.. just maybe.. instead of walking in the fields behind a plow and only being able to eat the foods you produce yourself on your own land with your own hands, we are now at a point where food is abundant and cheap and many people spend their days sitting at a desk behind a computer???
...nawww! couldn't be. worldwide food and pharmaceutical company conspiracies make much more sense as an explanation.0 -
1. Treating smokers with ridicule and disgust has helped to reduce the number of smokers. Same should apply to obesity. Don't underestimate the power of societal pressure.Obesity is an epidemic that will only get worse if we treat it with ridicule and disgust.
It isn't a character flaw of someone that causes them to be obese.
McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King among others contribute mightily to the obesity problem.
As a society we also have to demand healthier products from the Food Industry.
2. What does cause MOST people to be obese? Eating too much and not moving enough, perhaps?
3. Does someone force you to eat at those establishments?
4. Healthy foods abound, you just need to choose them instead of unhealthy foods.
To add to #4 - you vote with your wallet. If people chose to stop buying crap, there would be less crap on the marketplace. But once again, it's a choice.0 -
Fat people are rebels.0
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1. Treating smokers with ridicule and disgust has helped to reduce the number of smokers. Same should apply to obesity. Don't underestimate the power of societal pressure.
I don't know about that. It has made some people seem incredibly annoying though. *lights up*
No one shamed me into getting in shape and no one will shame me into quitting smoking. I made the choice for myself. I'm sure you all have plenty of habits I could treat you with ridicule for, tell you how disgusting I think you are. I prefer to just leave you alone and ask that you extend me the same courtesy.0 -
I work in public health, and I can assure you that for at least the past decade LOTS of money has been going into programs to get healthy foods into neighborhoods where it's lacking, exercise and fitness programs to seem "cool" to kids, fitness programs to community centers in at risk communitites, education, education,education, social justice and environmental studies, focus on built environment and obesity. . .LOTS of money has been thrown at the issues with obesity.
Advertisers have more money and "tasty" products. You don't have to sweat to enjoy their products. What do you think is going to sway more people? Advertising gimmicks and glitz or education about sweat and portion control?
sad, but true.0 -
I do think there are certain things that could be done, maybe nutrition classes in middle school, FREE sports programs, more pedestrian / bike friendly communities, etc.
But no, studies and money, and government regulation are not the answer.0 -
my obesity was caused by two things
1. I was being to lazy and not wanting to get off my butt and get moving
2. I was eating way beyond my proper portions or not eating enough most days
It is us who needs to take responsibility for our own actions. not the government. we can choose to eat mcdonald's or not to.
one the times I go out like when my child has away games I pre plan ahead of time by checking out the lowest calorie options.
I chose to be obese and weigh 250 pounds by my own actions. just like I am choosing now to do something about it. I lost 75 pounds thus far in doing so.0 -
It's because obesity is linked, falsely in my opinion, with laziness and gluttony. Sure, I think there are a small minority of obese people who are merely feckless. Most of them? I don't think so.
Still it's easy to giving obese people a metaphorical kicking. They have very little social empowerment so will rarely fight back. If anything they will accept it gladly because they undoubtedly deserve it because of their lack of willpower or something like that.
Telling an obese person that they could be slim if only they could eat less and move more is about as useful as telling a chronically shy man that he could get laid if only he could find some confidence. Sounds great but utterly useless advice in practice.0 -
I find this interesting.Obesity is an epidemic that will only get worse if we treat it with ridicule and disgust. It isn't a character flaw of someone that causes them to be obese. Obesity isn't deviance but a disease (like alcoholism) of sorts and if treated properly can be cured.
Alcoholism is a character flaw. Obesity itself is a descriptor, but the set of behaviors that lead to obesity are also a character flaw.
You know it's a flaw because obese people are killing themselves.
I think I feel you though, OP, and I get where you're coming from. While the thermodynamic solution to eradicating obesity is very simple (eat less/move more), the "culture of obesity" in the US in particular needs to be addressed.
I don't think Government intervention is necessarily the right idea, but I'd love it if everyone who coughs and shoots me dirty looks when I (like Brett) light up, would also make disgusted faces when obese people walk out of McDonalds, then we will make some positive progress in changing our culture from one of welcoming acceptance toward Obesity to fighting it for the scourge it really is.
I think that's a modest proposal.0
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