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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Right?

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.