Obesity - the win-lose situation

[Flor]

Yes, Justin and Abeced, you are both so right. It's a great function of self-awareness and discipline. And head knowledge doesn't always translate into behavior. Plus, don't you both, as Americans, detect that sense of entitlement in too many folks over here? It's embarrassing! The notion that food could be used as a reward, especially bad food with lots of empty calories. If I were heavy I'd have a hard time being credible as a nurse. It's hard enough as it is! Granted there are a few people who have true physical illnesses or treatments that cause excess weight gain, but most fat people simply eat too much. It ain't rocket science.

 

[-Carlos-]

I am one of those that is morbid obese. I am currently trying to remedy a sleep apnea problem before I enter surgery. That's right, surgery. I will be in the hospital after a procedure known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve. It basically is the removal of about 60% of my stomach. Rapid weigh loss follows with high protein diet. I am a part of an online and in-person support groups and the process toward my operation date (still undetermined) are going smooth. I need to lose over 100 pounds so this operation is greatly needed.

 

[Peronel]

Schools here are also introducing a system where students can purchase junk food twice a year only (why they shoudl be allowed at all is beyond me). I believe that kids will simply go elsewhere for their junk food.

How about higher taxes on fast food or junk food? Up the GST on these types of foods. Some other ideas:

- graphic public promotion campaigns (in Oz we had some very graphic Transport Accident Commission ads showing vehicle accidents, why not show the consequences of obesity just as graphically?)
- government grants for local producers to enable them to more efficiently grow their produce and pass the savings onto the consumers. I don't know about other countries, but healthy food is not that cheap here at the moment)
- doctors refuse to operate on patients who smoke, why not refuse obese patients? At least until they make a considered effort to change their lifestyle.
- change health education in schools. It's just not working. Here we learn about the healthy food pyramid, about adequate exercise, about consequences of obesity - it hasn't really had an effect (fifth highest obesity rate in the world). Home economics classes are also to blame - we are taught to cook cakes, slices, fried foods instead of salads or healthy casseroles.
- encouragement of participation in community weight loss groups. Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig et al are great, but are not affordable for everyone.

Our town has recently upgraded the area near our lake with new walking tracks and playground equipment. It's encouraging to see people using the natural features of our community.

 

[MonkeyCatcher]

- doctors refuse to operate on patients who smoke, why not refuse obese patients? At least until they make a considered effort to change their lifestyle.

I don't think that this is right at all. Not all people are obese because they stuff their faces with junkfood and don't do any excerise.