#9: Obesity

[Blue Thunder]

Here is some information for you all:

-Recent studies are showing overweight (not obese per se) people might have a slightly longer life expectancy than "normal" weight or underweight people.
-Obese people are more likely to survive more aggressive surgeries, as the weight they lose won't affect anything. A thin person, losing weight though is BAD.
-It is better for your health to be fat than really thin.

Ok well I think the results of these studies just don't mean anything. Let's break these down.

For the first statement, the word "might" is used. This isn't anything new. Of course the odd fat person is going to live a long life. But on average, you will find that obese people have a significantly shorter life span.

Second statement may be true. But hey wait, obese people are also more likely to have that surgery in the first place. ;p

Third statement... not only is this incredibly vague, but it also draws no comparison to what is defined as an average weight person. It compares being overweight to being underweight, which is the basis of no sane arguement in this context.

Yes, the first argument is controversial. Some studies support the evidence, while others say it slightly reduces life expectancy. (By about 2 years or so)

Yes, that's exactly what I thought when I first read that. =p But logically, it would be true.

As for the third statement, you could summarize as this: Who is more likely to live to life expectancy:

-A starving person
-A REALLY fat person (I.e BMI over 45)

That's an extreme example, but that is how I interpret the study.

I dunno. Maybe I was just tried of seeing people saying "fat people must go to weight loss clinics" and "fat = death sentence", or other similar phrases.

this is obviously not an american problem. I just don't understand why people abuse what they are given. If we were intended to be fat then this planet would be much more easier to scale. Yet if we were slim we are more flexible, supple and faster to move around the world.

We were ment to be slim.

Also why does our skin stretch when we are fat? Surely we wouldve evolved skin that wasn't affected if nature intended us to be fat...

The reason is because fat cells (or adipose cells) take up space, albeit a tiny amount. However, as you gain more of these cells/tissue, they need to have more room, which is what causes the skin to go "out". As you gain more adipose cells/tissue, your skin will continue to "stretch" further out.

I think that's how it happens.

 

[Zyflair]

Why even compare fat people to thin? Why not just be in between? This current topic is getting nowhere.

 

[Blue Thunder]

Some people here have the idea that being fat is one of the worst things ever, and needs to be taken care of ASAP. However, the really thin people are also at a great health, perhaps more so than those morbidly obese.

But yes, being in between in the best way. Most agree on that. Most though aren't in that "in between" section. Two-thirds of America is already considered overweight (and the recent fat report isn't showing signs of decline...only more fat people), and then we have the teen girls and young women who are ridiculously skinny. I'd say only about 20% of America is in the healthy weight range. I'd imagine a similar ratio for other countries.

 

[Ka$h Money]

I was reading this and I was like, "Wow!" All of you people wanting to change fat people think that a person who is overweight is like some alien in society. Geez people, you want to chance society into some sort of perfect race of ultra skinny people. Come on, like that is going to happen. Obviously being overweight is a bad thing, but its not your job, or the government's job to change the habits of overweight people, it's that person's decision to make that change to improve their lifestyle. Statements like the one I bolded above are completely absurd. I will admit that I am not your vision of the perfect citizen (In your case skinny), but saying that fat people are not as smart as skinny people is just the same as saying one race is better than another. Again, I'll admit I'm a little overweight, but I graduated valedictorian of my high school class, and I don't think this statement makes any sense; besides I know A LOT of stupid skinny people (it works both ways). Also, I don't care if you "googled it", trying to change someone because of the way they look is wrong.

I am not singling out fat people. They could be extremely smart already (trust me I know a few) but if they lost weight their brain would be more sharp and have a quicker reaction time. I am just trying to put accross the negatives of being overweight. It is the truth and you should check it out. I hate people jumping to conclusions (its really annoying) did I say being slim automatically makes you superior in intelligience to fat people? I know the are very slim people who aren't intelligent.

So your argument is obsolete as your are trying to say being fat is fine. You say it isn't but you are arguing a fact. Do not listen to him saying this is some sort of discrimination or racism it isn't. I am simply trying to help others understand why being overweight is not good for you.

If you can't do anything about it, its obviously not your fault and I am not refering to you (you are not inferior and you can be as smart as anyone on this planet as long as you try )

You shouldn't say my argument is obsolete because you obviously didn't understand my argument, I never said that being overweight was fine (you should have read what I typed). My argument was based on the fact that you people are trying to change fat people just because they're obese. You say it isn't discrimination, but it totally is discrimination (racism is discrimination against a certain race) since you want to make some sort of law or something through the government in order to get a perfect society. Well guess what, society isn't perfect. There will always be fat people, skinny people, and people in between, you cannot change that fact. Like Medaforcer said anybody can lose the weight, but you have to try first. It shouldn't be your job or the government's to change someone because they are obese. And besides are you willing to help every person who weighs over say 250 pounds or so? I don't think so. All I'm trying to say is that it has to be the person's own choice. Not yours or anybody elses.

So you are basically saying it is wrong to call obese wrong? How is this creating a perfect society, this is creating a healthier, better society. I am merely trying to explain why being fat is bad for you yet you seem to act as though it is fine. This is not discrimination as I do not act on any prejudice towards overweight people. Many are my friends and I seek not to hurt them but to help as I am doing on these forums.

Please recosider what you are saying, it seems as though that you believe fat people are some different race, they are not they are equal to us

 

[doodad126]

You know what, kashmaster, I see your point now, I will reconsider my views. We need to make sure all obese people get skinny now! Society would just be better if thin people help obese people to be thinner. You sure are right, the only way to create a better society is if obese people get help. I sure am glad that people like you are trying to help someone who won't help themselves. Good thing you know what is best for those people. You should just take control of their lives entirely. Then, with all of your help, we will have a better society.

Also did you really read what I wrote, come on man, I even made it bold for you. How many times do I have to repeat what I already said? This is what I feel (and previously said), "Obviously being overweight is a bad thing, but its not your job, or the government's job to change the habits of overweight people, it's that person's decision to make that change to improve their lifestyle." I know being obese is bad but I don't think other people should have control over other people's lives, just because they weigh more. Besides, what's this, "they are not they are equal to us" kind of junk; I already said I'm a little overweight, I guess I'm not one of youhen t.

 

[Ka$h Money]

You know what, kashmaster, I see your point now, I will reconsider my views. We need to make sure all obese people get skinny now! Society would just be better if thin people help obese people to be thinner. You sure are right, the only way to create a better society is if obese people get help. I sure am glad that people like you are trying to help someone who won't help themselves. Good thing you know what is best for those people. You should just take control of their lives entirely. Then, with all of your help, we will have a better society.

Also did you really read what I wrote, come on man, I even made it bold for you. How many times do I have to repeat what I already said? This is what I feel (and previously said), "Obviously being overweight is a bad thing, but its not your job, or the government's job to change the habits of overweight people, it's that person's decision to make that change to improve their lifestyle." I know being obese is bad but I don't think other people should have control over other people's lives, just because they weigh more. Besides, what's this, "they are not they are equal to us" kind of junk; I already said I'm a little overweight, I guess I'm not one of youhen t.

This is not the job of me or the government I know but do you think if an overweight person was given the opportunity to become slim would they pass it down? Seriously, they would love to have that chance. It is just they lack motivation thus not allowing them to do anything with their fat. And again I will say being overweight does not make you different from anyone else. We are all humans end off and share the same rights.

If you don't understand what I am trying to put across then fine, tits your loss not mine.

 

[doodad126]

I never said they wouldn't pass down an opportunity to get slim. I think people who are overweight should try to get thinner, I know I want to. But I don't think that it should be forced onto obese people. I see your point entirely, but I don't think that you see mine. You want me to see your view on this subject but you are not even attempting to comprehend my opinion. I understand your point perfectly clear, but I disagree. I don't have to accept your view just as much as you have the right not to accept my opinion. Obviously, you are the type of person who wants to change other peoples opinions simply because they disagree with you.

 

[Ka$h Money]

I never said it had to be forced upon them, obviously there are other methods but many don't have the will power to lose weight. Those people should get the opportunity to lose weight and live life to the fullest extent. Also I do disagree but never force an opinion on someone, I am simply contradicting yours.

 

[doodad126]

Did you ever consider the idea that maybe obese people, who don't have the will power to lose weight, are living their life to the fullest in their own eyes? Maybe that is the way they want to live. Before you want to help someone you should see their opinion first. It's kind of like saving someone's life when they are trying to commit suicide. Also now don't say I'm saying it's okay to be fat, I'M NOT.

 

[Ka$h Money]

I am just saying I believe most people don't like being fat so what you said doesn't really make sense. You are telling me people like to have a chance of diabetes, less mobility and so on?

 

[Juliacoolo]

Did you ever consider the idea that maybe obese people, who don't have the will power to lose weight, are living their life to the fullest in their own eyes? Maybe that is the way they want to live. Before you want to help someone you should see their opinion first. It's kind of like saving someone's life when they are trying to commit suicide. Also now don't say I'm saying it's okay to be fat, I'M NOT.

You are right in this post. People may like being fat, and don't want to change. It is OK to be fat, but most people don't want to.

The govt. should make it affordable and simple to lose weight and stay health, but it shouldn't be forced apon us.

 

[doodad126]

Juliacoolo, I completely agree with you. thank you very much. Finally somebody sees my point. Also kashmaster, a lot of obese people don't think about those things unless it becomes a problem in their life. Besides most obese people don't care about how fast and far they could run. As long as they can get to one place or another they're probably happy. Not every person is a health-nut, and you shouldn't try to force them to be one.

 

[Ka$h Money]

If you are obese you will be experiencing the 10 things I stated previously already. So they you are telling me that obese people want pain in their life? Also mobility isn't about how fast you can run but how able you are to move. Lots of obese people have trouble getting up of bed, walking and so on. So if you give them an opportunity to change this surely they would? Also I am not forcing, they don't have to but some people don't know what is best for them, whilst others do

 

[doodad126]

do you like taking my words and twisting them into what you want them to be? I never said obese people enjoy pain.
If you have to give someone an opportunity to lose weight someone will take it, but don't you think the opportunity is already there? Anybody has the opportunity, someone like yourself doesn't have to give it to them first. It's kind of like how every person has the capability to be intelligent, but some people don't take the time to study. If obese people would take the time they can lose the weight. However, if you personally want to help obese people in your spare time, by all means do it. I see nothing wrong with that

 

[Ka$h Money]

Yes but it is willpower/determination with anything, I understand that but if you sent a kid to say a private school they would more likely succeed in an education. So the same can be said about obese people. You give them a FREE/CHEAP alternative they will take I know for a fact.

 

[doodad126]

well first of, nothing in life is free, everything cost money. But its sort of like how people stop smoking. Smokers can go buy Nicorette, but nobody is handing it out to them. They have to get it themselves if they want to stop. The same goes for obese people. Anybody could lose weight as long as they change their daily habits (by eating less and exercising more), you don't have to create a program to help them go to the fruit and vegetable stand and the gym. That is when their personal willpower takes over. If they really want to lose weight these are the first initiatives. Besides what kind of alternative can you offer that is FREE or CHEAP?

Also you said give a a free/cheap alternative and gave an example such as private school. Last time I checked, private school costs money out of your pocket. I know I wasn't offered private school for free. Also, you can get just as good of an education at a public school, than you can get at a private school. It all depends on the student.

 

[Ka$h Money]

When I was talking about a private school I was implicating as an analogy that the government was the one who had to dish out in order for it to work. I completely understand your point about will power, but I am saying the government could stop spending money on say silly things, especially say NASA, its good that we can learn about space and so on but shouldn't we care more for the people? Why spend money on something which isn't needed so much but spend it where it is needed sooo much.

Also if we could find a way to say make healthy food cheap, say roughly the same price as fast food then were on a roll. Then you make more places making healthy food easy to get and little cooking time and finally we will start a new society.

I understand what your on about doodad126 but I believe that it is possible to make losing weight easier.

Just a little question, since you say you are overweight what is stopping you from losing weight?

 

[doodad126]

Well I do believe the government is extremely wasteful in some regards, but I think that it would take too much time to get a program for every obese person. If the government could spend to help those people, then they should. But I just don't think it would be a very efficient system. Besides couldn't someone just go to their personal doctor to see a nutritionist if they want to lose weight, instead of having to go through the government first.

Well your talking about making healthy food cheap, I agree with that. But the prices of organic foods and healthier options is just too expensive. I don't know if there is a way to make fast food healthier. Its more efficient to fry something in hot oil instead of baking it. We'd need some sort of alien technology to cook food healthy and as fast as fast food. It would be funny though to go through the drive-thru and waiting for 1/2 hour waiting for your food.

Also about your last question, its not really having the opportunity to lose the weight, if I wanted to I could. I want to lose the weight at my own pace, besides...you haven't tried my family's fried chicken.

 

[infmach]

The problem really is the cheap it is, you know, junk food. Before, fat people were the rich people, now any person can be fat. But as any problem in your body, you have to go to the doctor to tell you what to do.

 

[Ka$h Money]

Well I do believe the government is extremely wasteful in some regards, but I think that it would take too much time to get a program for every obese person. If the government could spend to help those people, then they should. But I just don't think it would be a very efficient system. Besides couldn't someone just go to their personal doctor to see a nutritionist if they want to lose weight, instead of having to go through the government first.

Well your talking about making healthy food cheap, I agree with that. But the prices of organic foods and healthier options is just too expensive. I don't know if there is a way to make fast food healthier. Its more efficient to fry something in hot oil instead of baking it. We'd need some sort of alien technology to cook food healthy and as fast as fast food. It would be funny though to go through the drive-thru and waiting for 1/2 hour waiting for your food.

Also about your last question, its not really having the opportunity to lose the weight, if I wanted to I could. I want to lose the weight at my own pace, besides...you haven't tried my family's fried chicken.

Well over here since SO many things are going wrong, GPs don't have the time to help you lose weight or the NHS for that matter. You could serve fresh cold salad, thats a start. Easy to prepare and quite cheap.

I believe that because we are bombarded with fast food joints we are just tempted. As I said way before we need more salad bars or something.

Lol on the fried chicken, but why don't you lose the weight and then eat your fried chicken moderately