Fat is the new smoking

Interesting topic. I don't think being fat is the same thing as smoking, smoking is something people choose do to themselves knowing that it could cause them health problems. I know people who eat less than me but are obese while I'm just slightly overweight. It's not their fault IMO.
And besides I've been raised by (now former) smokers who very much believe that disciminating against smokers is interfering with our democracy...so I might be biased as well- although I don't entirely agree with them in that issue. I just think we are turning everything into a commodity and i'm not okay with that, our health is not a commodity, it's not something we can just put a price tag on and charge extra the ones who deviate from the norm of a healthy individual..
That's why I'm very much against examining people before giving them their insurance quotes...It's wrong IMO. Even someone with cancer should be able to get insurance after diagnosis if they didn't previously have insurance. That's just another one of the reasons why having private health insurance is wrong IMO but I dont' want to get off topic...

I read the article. I could lose a few pounds and I just did quit smoking earlier this month. I'm curious as to how 'we stop letting them do that'.

This country has gone way beyond the limits.I am sick and tired of the stuff that they run on us from day to day.

well, if it's done like smoking, 1st there will be higher insurance premiums, then higher-calorie/fat-containing foods will be majorly taxed, then insurance will discontinue paying for obesity-related health problems, etc.

won't work, but it won't stop 'them' from doing it.

I disagree with the article. He sure is jumping on the victimization wagon; too bad he's not a black,middle aged woman, he would have been especially blessed.
I don't mind the smoking laws. I doubt many smokers would like me blaring my punk rock outside their bedroom window anymore than I used to like tolerating their smoking in public places.
And while I agree that many people have health issues that interfere with their ability to stay in shape (me included - I'm now 142 and only 5'2", with possible autoimmune disorder as a cause, and neck injury preventing effective exercise - I can easily walk 11 miles and not be sore, because I used to wait tables, so my need for exercise is like a Border Collie's ), it is also a proven fact that overweight is associated with health problems, which will make for other problems.
So, IMO, there will always be discrimination and we must do what we can - better ourselves if we can, accept it if we can't. But as a middle-aged, overweight (around the middle, only, with lots of ugly water retention), minority woman who is becoming aware of the harsh realities more each day, I refuse to become a victim and a whiner. My God still loves me, and so do my cats

Well, there's a lot in the blog that I disagree with as well, but I think the basic point is sound. It is insane that a company can -- legally -- choose to not hire you because you're overweight or a smoker and would raise their insurance premiums. A person's health (and ultimately their life) shouldn't be a number on a financial spreadsheet, but as long as we have this screwed up health care system where the insurance company is out to make money from our health or lack thereof, we're always going to have that.

As for what's next, the answer is genetic screening. Most of the technology is already here, but the costs are too high right now. Give it 10-20 years though, and a genetic screening will be a routine part of your doctor's visit. Then, it won't be a matter of what you smoke or eat, but rather your genetic code. If you have a gene that predisposes you for cancer or heart disease, you'll either be uninsurable or you'll pay sky-high premiums. I wonder what the 'just put down the $%^& pork rinds' crowd would say when they're fired because of their genes.

Meat eaters, pet owners and people who wear leather are already targeted. It's called the AR and our stupid government who listens to their nonsense and pass ban laws. This IS already happening big time.
I agree It's time the people take back our country from all this stupid government control. We do not need laws to protect us from ourselves. What was the latest stupid thing I heard. Over weight people contribute to global warming?? For God's sake, when are people going to wake up and get this nonsense stopped.

My brother says that when we get Universal health care it will be like the military and people will be put on "fat boy" programs if they are overweight.
Being overweight will not be allowed, just like in the military.

Wasn't there a big deal a few months back about the elderly not getting expensive treatment because they were old and going to croak anyway under a new universal health plan?

That's interesting that your brother thinks so....I think it would be the opposite,since health insurance is private they are trying hard to find ways to get more money out of people. I mean, I've passed through most european countries' airports and in so many of them you still find smoking areas. That's out of the question for a US airport and in most of Europe health insurance is universal....My parents were shocked to see how much social stigma is attached to smoking here and how discrimated smokers are, while in Europe that's just not the case.
As far as the military- I didn't even know you are allowed to be considered for the military if you are overweight. I have a friend who is trying to enlist in the marines but they are saying he needs to lose some weight and are not accepting him.

That may just be an over-reaction since that hasn't happened in other countries with universal health care.

It seems to me that the fear surrounding universal health care in the US comes from an acute lack of knowledge on how it works and your brother is a perfect example of how fear of the unknown can lead to erroneous conclusions.

Yes, your friend is correct. But many people in the military gain weight after they have enlisted and are already in the military. You don't just have to be certain weight to enlist, you have to stay in shape while you are in the military.

Heidi, I didn't make myself clear, I was talking about the 90% or more that are overweight because we eat to much and not because we have any underlying medical problems.

A good start would be making safe places for people to exercise (many don't have access to a safe place in their neighborhood) and also making access to fresh foods (fruits and veggies) closer and more available, much like fast food, soda, colas, junky foods are available pretty much everywhere for cheap to feed the masses.

Also, lives are expected to be SO busy to even be able to live somewhat in a home or feed themselves, with long and/or congested commutes, most with busy children, most people working two jobs as work hours are getting longer and longer, now how are we going to FORCE people to exercise too in between everything else? Most jobs are sedentary and in offices.
Furthermore, what about the people that are fat due to steroids during chemotherapy or a sickness, will they earn a temporary relief? What about those that seriously are overweight due to health issues? Or they don't have a leg or are crippled in some way? Oh well, suck it up and work three times as hard and not enjoy food as much?

Cafeteria foods for children and hospital foods leave a lot to be desired, they are shameful. Many Americans lack education on reading labels and how to eat properly and then they lack the time or space (for storage of food or preparation or the items required to prepare and fix the food) and in many cases the funds to be able to fix good meals. Being fat is a complex problem where there are no easy answers for the masses.
A recent TIME article pointed this out when they studied the problem. The TIME featured a boy on the front eating an ice cream cone, it was fairly recent I believe, out last year.

I know I am barely 5'2 and very healthy, but I have to REALLY restrict what I eat due to my height. I tend to get fat quick, it is even worse due to my genetics (it has been proven some racial groups tend to gain weight more easily). My "normal" weight is around 165-170 with working out 2-3 times a week and eating whole foods (no processed foods or sodas, etc.). I have to literally work my butt off to be at 130, and I do because to me it is worth it, but it takes a massive amount of time and commitment to work out this much and a lot of money to eat right and extra time and planning to prepare all meals and snacks. I am lucky enough to have a safe place to run. Many people don't have that, especially females. It can become dangerous for many females to exercise alone outside of their home. And many people can't afford a gym or don't have access to one.

The problem is the military is full of people that have underwent a physical and are for the most part "healthy" and in a culture that values exercise as a part of their "job", not an outside activity for which many do not have the resources and/or support. I think comparing the military to general civilian life isn't an accurate comparison.

I agree completely! When my mom was in the hopsital, she wasn't under dietary restrictions and got the regular meal. Two nights a week she got - roastbeef over bread w/ gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn with butter, and a piece of cake. While all that is great comfort food, how is that balanced? It's all starch which turns to fat. Where was the salad? Broccoli? anything green? Even my mom, who wasn't the best eater saw something wrong with that.

At least in school we usually got a small portion of salad or applesauce or something. Of course, this was back in the 70's-80's so I don't know how it is now. But, this was also back in the time when kids actually PLAYED during recess instead of sitting in the corner and checking their text messages or listening to their IPODs.

Actually, there are requirements. They can sign up and fill out all the paperwork, but they can't go to bootcamp until they meet the "minumum requirements" which do include weight vs height. At least, that's the way it was when my ex-boyfriend signed up. He basically starved himself to get into the army by the deadline they gave him. I'm just assuming it is the same today.

So, the military now will take someone who is 300 lbs and work with that person to get their weight down to finish bootcamp?

That's just sad! Wonder if he will feel the same when he gets old and needs medical assistance!

At least in this country any person, no matter who they are, child, elderly, rich or poor will be seen by a Dr. They may have to have gov. assistance to pay for it, but they certainly are not told they have to be put on a waiting list to be seen for their medical needs, especially emergency medical needs.

I think to ever say one country has superior quality over another is just not seeing the whole pic. Im certainly not saying the US doesnt need an overhaul, but to say one system is better than another is not right either.

My Sis and nephew were both put off in Canada for serious conditions that they had to come to the US to seek treatment for because it wasnt offered quick enough there.

Where there is a will there is a way. We all have dozens of reasons and excuses not to eat right and exercise but that is all it is, excuses. Millions of people, somehow, do exercise and eat right so it can be done. We just find excuses not to do it.

A safe place to exercise could be your living room floor. Grocery stores are everywhere and sell fruits and vegetables. Time? Anyone that really wants to can find a half hour a day to exercise.

And no one is talking about the few percent of people that are overweight because due to medical problems. But many more will develop medical problems from overeating, still their own fault.

Hmmm, I went through 5+ months of Chemo with no steroids, I'm sure some people have to be on steroids, I just didn't have to.

You make it sound so easy, too bad complex social issues aren't always so clear cut.
No everyone has to do anything at all. I know someone that stays very thin and never exercises and eats terrible. Then I know another person who eats diet pills like candy. But here I am exercising all the time and eating perfectly for years and I still couldn't get that skinny unless I pretty much stopped eating for long periods of time and I refuse to take diet pills (or any pills, hence the whole reason I eat right and exercise, LOL!).
Some people are naturally thin, some are not. Nothing in life is fair. But should we as a society really deem someone's worth just by looking at them and automatically deciding they are ALL "that way or this way" (hair color, skin color, height, shirt color, weight, etc.)? I don't feel comfortable with doing that on a mass scale.

And OT - but I didn't know you were a cancer survivor. The person I know going through cancer right now has gained weight from the steroids during treatment. It really bothers them, but they were told to expect it.

Not everything is a "complex, social" issue. Good grief, 90 % or more of obese people are that way because they can't push that chair away from the table. That is not a "complex social issue", it is gluttony.

We all need to eat eating so much and exercise. I know everyone's metabolism is different, so? Some people have to try harder than others, so?

Why do people always want to make victim's of themselves? Geesh

Personal responsibility, put that fork down, step away from the table.

And, PLEASE don't bring up the small percentage of people that are obese due to medical problems, I am NOT talking about them.

It actually IS a social issue/problem with many complex factors.
I would like to know your thoughts about this article
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ar...813984,00.html

I think what has been done to Native Americans is horrendous and it makes me sick.

That said, and with the notable exception of the above, I believe the powers that be want us to be victims. We, as the masses, the middle income, physically healthy masses have a choice whether to eat healthy, sparingly and exercise or not.

I will always believe that all but a small percentage of people are overweight because of their/our own gluttony and laziness. Period.

The "victim" card holds no water with me. And all the excuses in the world solves nothing.

I am Native American. Weight is a struggle I fight everyday from a very young age and watch those around me fight, but then again who doesn't think about weight and fight it in this society, most people do. Diets and diet books and pills are a multi billion dollar industry. I am "winning" but it is not a small feat, but I am not a victim, I can control my own destiny and my life is very good, I am thankful every day. I know there are a lot of people like me out there. My weight will always be a struggle and I have made peace with this. I don't pity myself, but I do know myself. I know the risk factors involved in being obese, which is why I work hard to prevent that from happening to me. Everyone is different in that respect, with height/weight, male/female, mental health, physical health, young, old, etc. etc.

But the point was some groups of people can't be judged the same, like the poor. Life is very different as the article said for a child being raised in a nice neighborhood in Colorado where you can bike around and be involved with nature and have access to more whole foods vs. being raised in small cramped apartments in the hood where you can't bike, outside is dangerous, and grocery stores are few and far between but small markets with candy and other junky cheap snacks can be found close by. Many poor individuals really don't have access to fresh whole foods or a crime free place to really exercise. This complicates things. Millions are overweight and obese, meaning to me it is a public health crisis and public epidemic with no easy answers. If it were easy, we would "fix" it. It is more complex than it looks on the surface level. It has many factors, most people work jobs nowadays that are sedentary in nature unfortunately, work those for 8-9 hours a day plus driving instead of being able to walk/bike (also sedentary) and getting ready then come home to fix dinner (or like most Americans, pick something up real quick and convenience food/snacks are usually not healthy for us), maybe take their children to an event, and then bed and do it again. School lunches leave a lot to be desired, most children's diets are horrible (as well as adults), fast food and processed fake food is abundant and cheap and marketed to the maximum.

That article explained the socio-economic factors and demographics that are a factor better than I can. Thank you for reading it.

This reminds me of a story:

Wow, Nekochan, that is powerful and eye opening. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that does happen down the road.

I just don't have the energy to go on about how I think that being fat is not the person's fault it's not like people say that the majority of fat people are that way due to lack of exercise..I mean since there is such a huge population of overweight people in the US it makes sense that it would be this way but that's not the whole story. Clearly there are those who really are fat due to their own lifestyle choices..
But I know many many people for who it's genetics. It's not even a medical condition such a thyroid condition or anything like that, it's simple genetics- my dad included. He is normally 230 pounds but works hard to stay at 170 which is perfect for him. If he eats normally he tends to gain weight and as soon as he catches the scale rising he starts to eat fuit salads for dinner. Is that normal? I don't think so. But that's what keeps him at a healthy weight...

I think processed foods have a LOT to do with weight gain and obesity. If you only eat REAL food---even steak and butter, and even if you eat too much of it---you won't be nearly as heavy as someone who eats Cheetos and TV dinners. Unfortunately, processed food is cheaper and easier than real food. I try to eat real food, but it's just so expensive and hard to do. I can keep a $3.00 TV dinner in my freezer for a year and nuke it in 5 minutes, but real food takes a lot of preparation and time, spoils quickly, and costs twice as much. I really do think that's a huge factor in American obesity.