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| 2/3d's US overweight or obese????
Posted: 7/5/2008 9:25:39 PM |
We only get one body apiece. Why in the world don't we take care of it? ... because some of us have never learned to value 'ourselves'. Learning to love oneself and find value in oneself isn't simple. As a society we need to teach our children and each other that we are ALL important... and that in the end we are the only ones who will really take care of ourself.
The most compassionate thing I think I can do for someone that has allowed themselves to get in poor physical condition is to point it out to them without suger coating the issue. Someone needs to slap them in the face (figuratively speaking).... Thanks, but no thank you. I've been slapped in the face repeatedly... even when I didn't have a weight problem. As a matter of fact, the fear that was held by a parent that I would follow in the foot steps of the other parent's family and become obese was so intense and judgemental that in effect it created a self-fulfilling prophesy. There I was, at the age of 15 yrs... 5' 5", 128 lbs, 14.8 % body fat... and still being told I needed to lose another 15-20 lbs. Even then as a young teenager I 'KNEW' the information was wrong... but coming from a loved parent had its effect.. after YEARS of such comments... to the point that I began to hide food, and began gaining weight. The issue pervaded everything. I was a top athlete, on the athletic council, and even at 175 lbs in grade 12 was awarded the top female athlete of the year award... but, nevertheless, from the time I was only 128 lbs.. I FELT obese. I used to HEAR comments. I used to FEEL stares. I was of NO VALUE -- in spite of volunteering for various organizations, working part-time, being active in school communities, playing sports, having an 85+% average, and being a 'good' girl -- because I wasn't 'thin' enough.
There are psychological issues that are imbedded in obesity. Being slapped in the face may work for some people, but not everyone... probably not even most. Do you not think that we face such slaps in the face regularly. From the look someone gives, to being ignored like you're as stupid as you are fat? Yes, I agree, being honest is important. I have a colleague I was studying neuroscience with at University and she took me aside and made a comment on how beautiful I was, but that I needed to do something about my weight. At first it was good.. it was a kind and supportive. However, by the fifth or tenth time, it became a nuisance. And yes I did want to make changes in my life, but going through a divorce from an abusive ex-partner while managing two children under the age of ten without any help, studying behavioural neuroscience AND working just didn't leave the options open for me financially or in regards to time.. to manage my issue. An excuse? -- take it as you will. In hindsight I have concluded that my life would have been better managed had I not attempted to do so much and instead focussed on getting my physical health back. At the time, I couldn't see that.. I NEEDED to finish my education and get a good job.
As for finding someone who is a good friend and would prefer to walk with us than eat with us... not an easy task per se... but I honestly believe that we find what we're looking for... So, take a close look around you and let others know what kind of person you wish to be spending your time with.. The likelihood is that you will find someone with similar needs also looking around.
>>> I can't believe how many pages filled up here when I was gone.. lol. I have enjoyed reading through the various information provided and the sound comments that have been shared. I agree with the idea that making rude comments, assuming people 'shovel food' or are 'lazy' will not change anything... and of course, I have no patience for negativity.
That being said, I still believe the concept of how poverty is linked into this 'epidemic' for lack of a better word is being minimalised and trivialized. That portion of our society cannot afford to purchase nutritional food at the required level much less get a membership at the gym or buy a treadmill to take home. They cannot afford to put their children into active sports, or to purchase sports equipment that the children could use recreationally. As for going out to the park to do their exercises... often they don't even have the appropriate clothing to wear, never mind stepping out into society after already feeling as though they are being judged and persecuted by others.
>>> Omans, can I say you look great?! If not, too late :tongue: I said it already. Congratulations on your lifestyle change. My son, who is only turning 16 yrs old, has dropped from 260 lbs (omg - he wouldn't get on the scale and let us know how much he weighed) down to 201 lbs in just over 1 yr now. At 5' 11 1/2 " with a solid frame.. he's a good weight.How one may ask? Well, first of all, he found football and fell in love. He started 'spring ball' with the grades 9 and 10's last year... then was allowed to join varsity in the fall.
At that point he had already lost about 20 -35 lbs because of the intense workouts but after varsity ended the coach said if they wanted a starting position they had to work out at least three times per week. Instead, wanting to get an opportunity to play Full Back, he worked out five times per week. By December, he reduced it back to three times, but picked up boxing the other two days per week. Finally, this spring ball, he began training entirely with the team again, and got to run the ball as FB. He's now into soccer for the summer and will be restarting boxing and weight training next week. This past week he spent at an elite football training camp being trained by Canadian University and American College coaches and trainers. Heck, that is where he lost his last 5-6 lbs. For several days they were running 2 hr training sessions, in full equipment, THREE TIMES a day. The kids ate and slept and drank water... in between training.. lol.
I think it's amazing how his body has changed and morphed. He's lost almost 60 lbs of weight, and obviously more of fat because he's been developing muscles and it weighs more. Yes, he has changed his diet somewhat, but not entirely... and so in his case, the biggest proponent of his weight loss has indeed been exercise. He went from working intensely at winning in World of Warcraft... to winning football. For me, he's inspiring... and from what you have said about your change... you are as well. Congratulations to everyone who has already or is making changes to themselves... I wish you continued success on your journey! | |
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| 2/3d's US overweight or obese????
Posted: 7/5/2008 11:22:11 PM |
>>> Omans, can I say you look great?! If not, too late  I said it already. Congratulations on your lifestyle change. My son, who is only turning 16 yrs old, has dropped from 260 lbs (omg - he wouldn't get on the scale and let us know how much he weighed) down to 201 lbs in just over 1 yr now. At 5' 11 1/2 " with a solid frame.. he's a good weight.How one may ask? Well, first of all, he found football and fell in love. He started 'spring ball' with the grades 9 and 10's last year... then was allowed to join varsity in the fall.
thanks :)
At 16 yrs old, his body is burning weight off so easily. Any kid who works out hard at that age can be ripped. Testosterone levels and metabolism are really high. I see weight as a number, I think at 6 foot ... 200-205 is really good. I'd have him clean bulk then cut back down. | |
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| 2/3d's US overweight or obese????
Posted: 7/6/2008 12:31:05 PM | The only thing that puzzles me is the way some doctors deal with the obese.
I have a family member that is very heavy and her doctor not only gave her a handicapped tag for her car, he also wrote her a prescription for an electric scooter.
She needs to be more active, not less. Since then she has done nothing but gain more weight. | |
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| 2/3d's US overweight or obese????
Posted: 7/6/2008 12:55:43 PM |
I have a family member that is very heavy and her doctor not only gave her a handicapped tag for her car, he also wrote her a prescription for an electric scooter.
Doctors see obese people everyday, as I'm sure most would recommend diet and exercise, alot of obese people will refuse to do what they say and therefor keep going back to the doctor because of the medical issues due to them being over weight. The doctor will do what they can to ease the pain and/or suffering a patient has (the doc knows that if she's not going to lose weight, that a heart attack could be right around the corner and will do what he can to prevent that), and if walking is causing the patient suffering, then they will issue a handicap tag and scooter.
She needs to be more active, not less. Since then she has done nothing but gain more weight.
She needs to be active and she's NOT being active. That's not the doctors fault. She can go to see a dietition who will make up meal plans specifically for her, she can get a personal trainer who will work with her to lose some weight, she can join a group such as "Curves" or another weight loss program suited for those who want to lose alot of weight. There are plenty of things that she could and should be doing... and relying on a doctor to get her to lose weight is not one of them. By taking the handicap tag and getting a scooter and not getting active or changing her eating habits, she is the only one to blame... not the doctor.
So many excuses.... | |
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| 2/3d's US overweight or obese????
Posted: 7/6/2008 1:01:16 PM | | I am not blaming the doctor. I agree with you she brought this on her self. My point was that he shouldn't have given her the handicap tag and scooter. Walking would be very good for her. | |
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| 2/3d's US overweight or obese????
Posted: 7/6/2008 1:25:40 PM |
The only thing that puzzles me is the way some doctors deal with the obese.
When I was seeing a Dr regularly, I asked my Dr about weight loss surgery. He asked me how I got to his office that day. I told him, "I walked, like I always do." He replied that 1. Even though I am very over weight I don't quallify. 2. He explained that he really didn't LIKE that option. 3. I being so active all the time, he would refuse to sign for any special papers if I did qualify.
I loved that Dr very much. He listened to me and paid enough attention to my day to day life to know me well enough to know I would do well losing weight in a gym.
As I have posted about before, another Dr, when I was having "female" issues... instead of listening to where my pain was and what was going on, he instantly told me it was because I was fat. He told me to go home, lose weight, then he will look into things. A year later (and lots and lots of bleeding) I had to have an overy removed and a mass taken out of my uteris. BOTH could have been prevented... a year earlier.... had the Dr cared about something other than my being fat. | |
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