Who's Fault is it we're fat??

[sigirl]

I've seen discussion about this sort of scattered around the boards, but what intrigues me is the POLITICS of the situation...

I feel like everytime i turn around, somebody's trying to ban something...

So what do you guys think?? Am I the only one that thinks all the fuss is just BS??

[decadence]

In simple terms your topic can be looked at in relation to the supersize McDonald's issue and we can say 'Well they don't HAVE to eat it - it's not as if the food is thrust by someone else into their mouth orifice and they're raped by fries'. :p

In wider terms though, there probably are socio-political issues. For example, lower income families often eat foods particularly processed foods which are cheaper. Those cheaper foods are poorer quality in that they have higher fat contents. So it isn't always a clear choice for people in terms of eat it or skip it since they may not have vast food options to choose from.

[DeltaSigStan]

Why am I fat?

I saw the food, I saw I had money, I bought it. I ate it. It was ALL me, no TV, no movie, no song influenced it. Now it's on me to lose it. Plain and simple.

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by decadence
For example, lower income families often eat foods particularly processed foods which are cheaper. Those cheaper foods are poorer quality in that they have higher fat contents. So it isn't always a clear choice for people in terms of eat it or skip it since they may not have vast food options to choose from.

Low income people get food stamps. They can buy veggies, salads and chicken etc if they want to. They dont want to. So I'm sorry but I think that's an excuse. Its always easier for all of us to slide by a fast food place and pick up something...

Bottom Line its our choice. Its obviously our choice to be fat.

[_Lisa_]

I've been overweight ever since I was a child. I was a 9lbs baby when I was born-and I'm not the only overweight person in my family. Both of my parents are overweight, as well as my sister, my living grandmother (as well as my deceased grandmother), both of my dad's brothers & his sister, and my mom's sister & brother. I never knew either of my grandfathers but I have seen pictures-and yes, they were both overweight. My immediate family (Mom, Dad, & sister) have alway advocated healthy meals and snack options to choose from. Since diabetes, cancer, & heart disease run in my family we have always taken good care of what we eat as well as we have a membership at the YMCA that we regularly attend (no longer together, mostly on our own now that my sister & I have grown up). Both my mother & I have seen numerous doctors & dieticians but nothing has really been successful. I am still considered medically obese & my only option to lose the weight is surgery. My dietician has given me tips to help stay the weight I am but like all of the other dieticians that I've seen (& that have seen my long medical history) will admit, I've got no hope.

And I definitely don't agree that being fat is always the person's fault. It isn't a fair statement to make when there are always exceptions.

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by crzychx


And I definitely don't agree that being fat is always the person's fault. It isn't a fair statement to make when there are always exceptions.

You are correct..there are always exceptions...and obviously this particular case wouldn't be what people are talking about. I think people are talking about those that choose to eat Mcdonalds, BK, and other poor dietary choices....and then either try to sue, complain or get disability because they're now obese...:rolleyes:

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by DeltaSigStan
Why am I fat?

I saw the food, I saw I had money, I bought it. I ate it. It was ALL me, no TV, no movie, no song influenced it. Now it's on me to lose it. Plain and simple.

Thumbs up. I knew exactly what ice cream (and cookies and cake and candy and everything that's not meat!) was going to do to me.

I don't think it's socioeconomic. There are fat people in every stratification of people you can choose. People are fat because food tastes good and they're lazy.

Sure, there's the small minority of fat people who have a thyroid problem or some other health issue that is causing their fat, but for the majority of people - it's the food.

[AOIIBrandi]

I was a little overweight for a while... It stemmed from being out of college, freshly married, and having extra money. I can agree with what DeltaSigStan said. I could afford to eat all this good food, on the surface it's good for you (steak, vegetables, seafood...dessert - well maybe not everything) and then you start looking at the butter, cheese, heavy cream, sugar content and you don't have to wonder any more where the fat started piling on.

There are exceptions to the weight problem (medical conditions...), but on the whole I believe that it is a personal problem. Most people don't have to have a weight problem if they eat right and have a little will power (easier said than done I know)

[Tom Earp]

Old Dr. said if it tastes good, spit it out!

Changed Dr.

If I like it, F Them, I like what I eat, I cook it and eat what the Hell I want!:D

Oh god super size is making kids fat! Parents are making Kids Fat, Moms dont cook at Home and they go out! Never say NO to Your Kids, you will or can get busted for child abuse whether you did it or not!:eek:

Damn, getting hungry!:D

[James]

If its fat its your fault. Simple.

There are very few medical conditions that will make you permanently fat. And . . many of them are caused by being fat.

I got fat after going through the windshield of my car, but i didn't have to let myself get like that . . . I made conscious decisions to eat and drink certain things. *shrug* We are rarely helpless.

I was looking through a medical text from the 50's where they were showing how they controlled the wight of several people with metabolic disorders.

I will say that it can be harder for some people to lose the fat. Especially if you are really far away from your goal weight and don't really know much about dieting and training.

Most dieting and training is counter-intuitive, which means that what you think is right . . . is usually wrong.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by Love_Spell_6
Low income people get food stamps. They can buy veggies, salads and chicken etc if they want to. They dont want to.

These things are much more expensive than the "bad for you" foods that will go much further.

[deuika]

A Few Points

Low Income People Don't Get Food Stamps, To Qualify You Have To Be Basically Homeless..That's Not Called Low Income, It's Called POOR!

People who say it's anybody's fault have never been overweight and those negative attitudes contribute to the problem, but eh,
"It Ain't My Fault":rolleyes:

Not everyone who is overweight is that way because they can't put the food down, ever thought to imagine that different foods make people overweight? Whereas you could eat a turkey sandwich and be fine, my cousin who gains wait from any carb that touches her mouth can't.

Let us not generalize, because just because things are simple for you, or even if you have struggled with your weight and succeeded, as have I. One must understand that everyone's situation isn't the same.

Saying "It's ALL Your Fault You're Fat" is like saying "It's All Your Fault You're Poor"

Equally Ridiculous Statements

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by deuika
People who say it's anybody's fault have never been overweightI was overweight, and it was my fault. I lost 40 pounds in 6 months because I decided to do something about it, and I'm still losing weight.

[James]

Well I respectfully disagree. Although fault might be a loaded word. Would you agree thats its your responsibility that you are fat? That you have ownership of your situation regardless of how it happened?

That might simplify it a bit. No matter whose fault you believe it is, it ends up being your responsibility.

Originally posted by deuika
A Few Points

Low Income People Don't Get Food Stamps, To Qualify You Have To Be Basically Homeless..That's Not Called Low Income, It's Called POOR!

People who say it's anybody's fault have never been overweight and those negative attitudes contribute to the problem, but eh,
"It Ain't My Fault":rolleyes:

Not everyone who is overweight is that way because they can't put the food down, ever thought to imagine that different foods make people overweight? Whereas you could eat a turkey sandwich and be fine, my cousin who gains wait from any carb that touches her mouth can't.

Let us not generalize, because just because things are simple for you, or even if you have struggled with your weight and succeeded, as have I. One must understand that everyone's situation isn't the same.

Saying "It's ALL Your Fault You're Fat" is like saying "It's All Your Fault You're Poor"

Equally Ridiculous Statements

[deuika]

I never said there was NO responsibility to be placed on the overweight person. But no one knows everyone's situation, generalizations are just plain wrong.

PhiPsiRuss...Congrats on the weight lost :)

My point is simply "If you don't know, you don't know."
Which kindly means unless you have dealings with every overweight person in the country, you really don't know.

[James]

I have decided thats its your fault deuika . . .

Everyone pay heed! Its deuika's fault that not all people have a six-pack for abs . . stone her ;)

Originally posted by deuika
I never said there was NO responsibility to be placed on the overweight person. But no one knows everyone's situation, generalizations are just plain wrong.

PhiPsiRuss...Congrats on the weight lost :)

My point is simply "If you don't know, you don't know."
Which kindly means unless you have dealings with every overweight person in the country, you really don't know.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by James
I have decided thats its your fault deuika . . .

Everyone pay heed! Its deuika's fault that not all people have a six-pack for abs . . stone her ;) I agree. The great San Francisco earthquake of 1905 was deukia's fault too.

[deuika]

tehetehe

Just don't tell Rumsfield, They may put me on the "Watch List":eek:

[decadence]

Originally posted by James:
Everyone pay heed! Its deuika's fault that not all people have a six-pack for abs . . stone her ;)I didn't know deuika was female. Anyway, was just posting to say your post James reminded me of Monty Python and the Life of Brian! :)

[kappaloo]

For most people, it's their fault. (well, children excepted) There are some people where it is genetics etc... and some people are just meant to be bigger - not everyone is meant to be slim-slim.

I'm overweight right now.
I need to lose weight.
I'm not going whine and say poor me.
I know what I have to do to lose weight, and one day I'll do it. (umm, after graduation - school stress is a killer for my gym/diet schedule - my fault of course)

However, call me fat and I'll still want to hurt you.

[aggieAXO]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
Old Dr. said if it tastes good, spit it out!

Changed Dr.

If I like it, F Them, I like what I eat, I cook it and eat what the Hell I want!:D

Oh god super size is making kids fat! Parents are making Kids Fat, Moms dont cook at Home and they go out! Never say NO to Your Kids, you will or can get busted for child abuse whether you did it or not!:eek:

Damn, getting hungry!:D

Why does MOM have to cook? Why can't dad get off of his lazy a$$ and cook something. Just because I have ovaries and uterus does not mean I like or want to cook.

[mrblonde]

ouch

[DeltaSigStan]

Originally posted by aggieAXO
Why does MOM have to cook? Why can't dad get off of his lazy a$$ and cook something. Just because I have ovaries and uterus does not mean I like or want to cook.

If Tom cooks the same way he posts, I don't think I'll be trying his paint chip and cow brain omelette any time soon.

Unless he gave me a box of Cubans....

[AXJules]

Originally posted by DeltaSigStan
If Tom cooks the same way he posts, I don't think I'll be trying his paint chip and cow brain omelette any time soon.


LOL agreed....

But seriously, unless you are being held hostage, you have control over what goes in your mouth. If you can't afford healthier food, you can't afford it...but it is still your (I don't think the word 'fault' applies, I'll agree w/ James and say 'responsibility')you're fat. Ultimately it is you putting xyz into your body.

What about this...let's say you're sick for half of senior year, and as a result you don't go to school much and fail your classes. You didn't try to be sick, so it's not your 'fault', per se....but is it someone elses fault? No. You might not have done it deliberately but you had control over going or not going to school. The blame or responsiblity falls on you.

[Munchkin03]

Hormonal problems aren't the overwhelming reason for obesity in this country--you'd have a hard time believing it, what with so many people blaming their weight on hormones or thyroidal problems.

I see classmates of mine who, in one minute complain about how they need to lose weight, and then will eat a Rice Krispies treat and a Mountain Dew--for breakfast. Those things are certainly cheaper than getting a piece of fruit and bottled water--but seriously. So much of health maintenance is all about RESPONSIBILITY.

[FAB*SpiceySpice]

Originally posted by Munchkin03
Hormonal problems aren't the overwhelming reason for obesity in this country--you'd have a hard time believing it, what with so many people blaming their weight on hormones or thyroidal problems.

I see classmates of mine who, in one minute complain about how they need to lose weight, and then will eat a Rice Krispies treat and a Mountain Dew--for breakfast. Those things are certainly cheaper than getting a piece of fruit and bottled water--but seriously. So much of health maintenance is all about RESPONSIBILITY.

Totally agree with you!!! I eat healthy 99% of the time, even more so than I did when I lived at home with my mom who told me what I could and could not eat. I watch what I eat now b/c *I* want to, not b/c someone is making me. But I still go out just about every weekend and drink my weight in alcohol (or somewhere close to it anyway ;) ) so that pretty much cancels out all my exercise and healthy eating I do during the week. Yeah if I quit drinking so much I'd probably lose a lot of weight, but frankly I don't care enough to do that right now, but it's my fault if my butt gets too big, not the beer's fault. :D
Being fat is not something anyone enjoys and while I understand that it's genetic or caused by an illness sometimes, the majority of the time it's just b/c we eat what tastes yummy and cheap, excercising is not as easy as sitting on the couch and watching TV, and just by basically being irresponsible. I am guilty of this, and so is about 90% of the rest of the world. I wish everyone would just quit blaming everything that goes wrong with them on something else and just suck it up and come to terms with it already. :rolleyes: :D

[AlphaGamDiva]

my favorite thing dealing with this whole "blame" thing is that commercial for that new diet pill where the guy/"doctor"/QUACK says that new studies "prove it's not your fault you're fat"....but that it's b/c of a hormone.....so, i just have a HORMONE problem?! and your lil white pill will FIX THAT?!?! YIPPEEEEE! and all this time i thought i was maintaining my weight by drinking a diet coke with my burger and fries....i wondered why i had to LAY DOWN to button my pants........ uh......no. :p

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

ppl are so stupid, and so willing to believe anything as long as they are not to blame.

shEEsh!

[krazy]

You hit the nail on the head... No one wants to take responsibility for their actions. Now, this is our problem as Americans... Everyone is so detached... I am not saying that ALL overweight people are to blame for their weight, there are probably many exceptions, but to think that everyone who is overweight has a hormone imbalance is preposterous. People need to eat more moderately and get a good deal of exercise, and they will be fine. It is as simple as that. No one needs to cut a bunch of stuff out of their diet, or take any weird pills... Work Out, then you will look good.

[ZeroCool]

Not to be insensitive, but if you're getting fat, its your own fault.

[ISUKappa]

I also think a lot has to do with not only what you're eating but how much. Portion sizes are out of control in this country. Compare fast food restaurants around the world: A large fry and drink at a McDonalds in England are the equivalent to a medium fry and drink in the US and people still complain it's too small. Bigger does not always equal better in the food world. And many people don't actually realize how many calories they're really taking in.

It wasn't until I started keeping a food diary that I started losing weight and I had to write it down, no matter what. Even if it was a giant KitKat bar and a 64oz Pepsi, it went in the book. It made me accountable for everything I was putting in my mouth

[James]

It also depends on how much of a veritable wilder beast you have become .. . 10 pounds or less to lose necessitates small changes .. . 30 plus . . is a project.

[krazy]

I see classmates of mine who, in one minute complain about how they need to lose weight, and then will eat a Rice Krispies treat and a Mountain Dew--for breakfast. Those things are certainly cheaper than getting a piece of fruit and bottled water--but seriously.

I am not trying to be nit-picky, but this just is NOT true... You can get a banana for like 20 cents at the grocery store... Not to mention a Gallon of Mineral water for under a buck. Use an old water bottle, fill it up from the tap if you must, but you can get fruit and water every day for less than 50 cents, I do it all the time.

People love to make Obesity a class issue, but it just isn't one... It is all about making healthy decisions, and learning moderation for the times that you decide to splurge on less-than-healthy foods...

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by krazy
I am not trying to be nit-picky, but this just is NOT true... You can get a banana for like 20 cents at the grocery store... Not to mention a Gallon of Mineral water for under a buck. Use an old water bottle, fill it up from the tap if you must, but you can get fruit and water every day for less than 50 cents, I do it all the time.

People love to make Obesity a class issue, but it just isn't one... It is all about making healthy decisions, and learning moderation for the times that you decide to splurge on less-than-healthy foods... This is so true. Fresh fruit is much cheaper than twinkies (http://twinkies.com/index.asp).

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally posted by ISUKappa
I also think a lot has to do with not only what you're eating but how much. Portion sizes are out of control in this country. Compare fast food restaurants around the world: A large fry and drink at a McDonalds in England are the equivalent to a medium fry and drink in the US and people still complain it's too small. Bigger does not always equal better in the food world. And many people don't actually realize how many calories they're really taking in.

It wasn't until I started keeping a food diary that I started losing weight and I had to write it down, no matter what. Even if it was a giant KitKat bar and a 64oz Pepsi, it went in the book. It made me accountable for everything I was putting in my mouth

Portion size is a huge issue for North Americans.

I went to the abseball game the other day and roderd a hot dog and some fries. Not the healthiest meal, but I was starving and there isn't much choice there and I should have brought something with me, I didn't. The size of the hot dog was a normal hotdog (not a jumbo or a susage...one like you'd get out out of one of those packs), very small and it was only a handful of fries. So I ordered a drink to go with it and I asked for the smallest size. Well the smallest size was 24oz.!!!!! Thankgod I was drinking diet coke (I drink diet coke because I am a diabetic), but damn, if you're ordering a coke that's 24 oz. all the time no wonder you're fat!

24oz is too big and I didn't have a choice in size. Now ultimately I could have had a choice to buy a water or drink diet or not buy it all, but a Coke once in a while isn't going to kill you, it would be nice to have the option of getting a smaller size.

[XOMichelle]

Its OUR fault we are fat. We are programmed to like food because we need it to live, and when we have excess, we act like dogs act, and we eat too much.

I wanted to do a research project in college to find out what really makes people fat, and why people in lower socioeconomic classes have a higher incidence of obesity. However, I ran out of time. Someday I'll go back and do it....

[krazy]

Originally posted by XOMichelle
Its OUR fault we are fat. We are programmed to like food because we need it to live, and when we have excess, we act like dogs act, and we eat too much.

I wanted to do a research project in college to find out what really makes people fat, and why people in lower socioeconomic classes have a higher incidence of obesity. However, I ran out of time. Someday I'll go back and do it....

I hate to sound stereotypical, and I hope I don't offend anyone, but I would guess it is because of a lack of nutritional knowledge. This type of information is not taught in schools, it is not taught by most doctors, and apparently not within many households. To be nutritionally savvy, you have to find this out yourself. It takes research, and I really believe schools should teach this type of information. They need to inform people, so that they can make their own decisions, rather than just eliminate the vending machines. This does not teach anyone anything, and I fear that this trend of "food type elimination" that is so prevelant in our society is going to lead to many food disorders and obsessions. It just isn't natural... Moderation and willpower need to be taught and followed. It is the individual that ultimately decides... unless it is an overpowering medical problem...

[AGDee]

I agree that schools need to be teaching these things. I was quite surprised when my kids started school and I got notes home that they had snacks twice a day and I wasn't sending anything. Sorry, but I don't think my kids need to eat breakfast at 8:00, have a snack at 9:30, lunch at 11:30, snack at 2:00 and then another snack in latch key at 3:30! I don't send snacks for my kids during school because they don't need them! I tell them that if they want to save the yogurt, fruit or veggie from their lunch for snack, they can do that. I do send them a snack for latch key (fruit or cut up veggies) because 11:30-5:30 is a long time to go without anything. However, I just found out that my son has been purchasing snacks from the snack cart (cookies, ice cream, hostess products) every day with his meal account! The kid is 8! I had to send a note to school to not let him do that. Why do they even make that stuff so freely available? I've been trying very hard to get our family into a healthy eating habit (and have lost 23 pounds myself in the process!) and I feel like the school is just sabotaging it! (their dad sabotages it too, for every pound they lose at my house, they gain a pound at their dad's house).

</rant>

Dee

[swissmiss04]

Being overweight is not easy. I'm sure all of us (overweight or not) can agree. Genetics play a role, but you will be less heavy if you stick to a healthy regimen. I can't stand people that gripe about needing to lose some pounds yet they eat the junkiest, greasiest food and park in the closest spot. People are under some delusion that to be fit you must live off carrot sticks and go to the gym 3 hours a day, and if you can't do that then you must deal with being overweight. Not so. I get sick of all these diets and pills and quick fixes. Not to mention the terrible imbalance of resources. If people would just moderate their eating habits (oh my gawd) and maybe get off their *sses every now and then, our national epidemic would be cut in half. Not everyone is meant to be a size 4, but I doubt that many people are meant to be obese.

[Taualumna]

I think it's true in regards to portion size. If you go to Starbucks in North America, the smallest size on the menu is a "Tall". You can still ask for a "Short" coffee, but it isn't on the menu. "Short" is saved for kids' drinks. However, if you go to Starbucks in say, Hong Kong, you can still find short lattes on their regular menu listing.

[krazy]

swissmiss04 you are right. Not everyone can be a supermodel, but if they follow moderate eating habits, and make the mjority of their diet healthy food, they will be healthy. Add exercise to that and people can really make strides in weight loss.

[33girl]

Originally posted by krazy
I am not trying to be nit-picky, but this just is NOT true... You can get a banana for like 20 cents at the grocery store... Not to mention a Gallon of Mineral water for under a buck. Use an old water bottle, fill it up from the tap if you must, but you can get fruit and water every day for less than 50 cents, I do it all the time.

That's the key point: AT THE GROCERY STORE. If you purchase fruit from Au Bon Pain or one of those type places, you get gouged on it, same with bottled water. The key is planning in advance.

And reusing old bottled-water bottles is really not the most sanitary thing but that's another thread :) If you want to bring water to work with you buy a water bottle at Target.

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by 33girl
That's the key point: AT THE GROCERY STORE. If you purchase fruit from Au Bon Pain or one of those type places, you get gouged on it, same with bottled water. The key is planning in advance.

And reusing old bottled-water bottles is really not the most sanitary thing but that's another thread :) If you want to bring water to work with you buy a water bottle at Target.

That's exactly what I was saying...someone, in their self-righteousness, misconstrued my words. At my grad department's snack bar (hardly a site of class warfare), a Rice Krispies treat is 75 cents, a banana is $1.00. A Coke is 75 cents, a bottle of water is $1.00, and juice is $1.50. If you have $1.50 in your pocket, the nearest ATM is a 5 min. walk, and you have 2 minutes to get to your next class, what are you going to do?

I normally bring a yogurt and some water. Some go to the snack bar, wait in line, and are a few minutes late. Others run for the vending machine. That's why they are OBESE and can't walk up the stairs. Not class. Convenience and a lack of planning.

So, my point still stands. Everyone needs to take responsibility, and I certainly do, but the fact that--in many cases, the snacks and junk food are more convenient and cheaper--still stands.

[krazy]

That's exactly what I was saying...someone, in their self-righteousness, misconstrued my words.


Whoa... I assume you are talking about me. If so, sorry I offended you. I just meant if you plan ahead, it is easy to buy healthier foods. Your point regarding on-campus eating is valid, but if we are talking about obesity as a class problem, we need to look beyond the campus. Healthy foods can be affordable if they are purchased at a normal grocery store. I think we agree on this, and you stated the point very well, so there is no reason to go on. I do not think I was acting in a self-righteous way, sorry if I was...

[Coramoor]

Pop is probably one of my main culprits.

Is there any restaurante's in the country that serves something besides pop to drink?

I could order juice or milk, but they charge you a buck twenty five per refill. I'm not going to pay thirteen dollars for a seven dollar meal b/c I order a few refills...

[AGDee]

unsweetened iced tea or waters.. no calories, free refills

[Coramoor]

I don't mind water or iced tea...but sometimes something with some flavor is nice too.

[swissmiss04]

Pop...yankee. Just kidding! :)

I drink sweet tea. Yes I know it's empty calories, but considering I eat very little fried food and absolutely no dairy products (think about everything I can't eat) I figure I'm entitled to something nutritionally naughty. If I find myself gaining weight I switch to unsweet for a while.
Another option is Propel water. That stuff tastes awesome and has only 30 calories per bottle. I almost can't work out w/o some. It hydrates like water w/o giving you the empty sloshy feeling.

[nucutiepie]

Originally posted by ISUKappa
I also think a lot has to do with not only what you're eating but how much. Portion sizes are out of control in this country. Compare fast food restaurants around the world: A large fry and drink at a McDonalds in England are the equivalent to a medium fry and drink in the US and people still complain it's too small. Bigger does not always equal better in the food world. And many people don't actually realize how many calories they're really taking in.

I'm studying abroad right now and I didn't really realize just how large American portions are until I went to an American chain restaurant in the country I'm in right now. (We were feeling homesick). I was OVERWHELMED by the amount of food on my plate - it was seriously 3 to 4 times what a local restaurant would serve.

[Optimist Prime]

Its not all BS. 60% or whatever the Health Professor said of U.S. citizens are overweight and I think its like between 20-30% are considered obese. That's epidemic. Its the food we eat. It really is bad for us.

Speaking of McDonald's, has anyone else noticed, that everytime they're in court, they win. And then within the next month change policies to whatever the other side said. They sued two enviornmentalist guys in England into proverty and then adopted an "eco friendly" stance. And after the fat kid case, they start marketing salads and water.

[krazy]

C'mon... They have been making salads and water since I can remember. The reason they have won in court is because the people suing them have no case. Why should they be sued? Why is it their fault that people can't handle their own dietary responsibilities? The portion sizes are what Americans want, that is the problem. We don't want to be responsible, so we blame fat and carbs, and HFCS, and everything else out there. What we need is will power and self control.

It is just like what Coramoor said; she gets a few refills. Well to be rather blunt, you shouldn't be getting a few refills. It is not healthy to be drinking that much of ANYTHING, except for water. Be it milk, tea, coffee, soda (diet or otherwise), a serving is like 12 ounces. If you have 3 glasses of something at a restaurant, it is like 48 ouces, WAYYYY too much.

I am not familiar with the enviromental guys from Europe, so I won't speak to that.

[Rollergirl2001]

I think that it is the people's fault. Why? Because they make poor choices. Don't blame fast food, because some of them have healthy choices, like salad and low- carb burger. it's just that people would make poor decisions. However, I think that fast food should offer more healthy choices, like veggie burgers. I think that the Canadian McDonalds offer veggie burgers. Why not in the states?

At my school, the smallest drink that they offer for a soft drink is 22 oz. They used to have 16 oz, but it was discontinued last school year.

[krazy]

I agree with part of what you are saying, but it angers me to think that people are placing blame on the fast food companies... You don't have to eat that stuff, at all. But if you DO want to eat it, shouldn't you be allowed to eat it? Yes, you should. People are so quick to place blame, and love to be a victim. It makes me sad.

[ASTATEPIKE]

Originally posted by crzychx
I've been overweight ever since I was a child. I was a 9lbs baby when I was born-and I'm not the only overweight person in my family. Both of my parents are overweight, as well as my sister, my living grandmother (as well as my deceased grandmother), both of my dad's brothers & his sister, and my mom's sister & brother. I never knew either of my grandfathers but I have seen pictures-and yes, they were both overweight. My immediate family (Mom, Dad, & sister) have alway advocated healthy meals and snack options to choose from. Since diabetes, cancer, & heart disease run in my family we have always taken good care of what we eat as well as we have a membership at the YMCA that we regularly attend (no longer together, mostly on our own now that my sister & I have grown up). Both my mother & I have seen numerous doctors & dieticians but nothing has really been successful. I am still considered medically obese & my only option to lose the weight is surgery. My dietician has given me tips to help stay the weight I am but like all of the other dieticians that I've seen (& that have seen my long medical history) will admit, I've got no hope.

And I definitely don't agree that being fat is always the person's fault. It isn't a fair statement to make when there are always exceptions.


Well, I'm not going to get into the specifics of whether or not it's your own fault if you're overweight (I'm not saying one way or the other) - However, in reference to Gastric Bypass Surgery - did you know 1 out of every 200 who get the surgery die? But, there is another great surgery you can get! Have your jaw wired shut for 8 weeks. No joke! I'm being serious, I recently had to have reconstructive jaw-surgery to align my jaw properly. Since May 12 of this year to the present day - I have lost 12 lbs - and I only weighed 155 to begin with. You can't eat virtually anything other than liquid (and here's a hint after your jaw is healing you really don't want anything anyways) - I'd recommend going to a Doc and having him break your jaw and wiring shut - or just have it wired shut - much less likely to kill you than Gastric Bypass. I hope this didn't come across wrong - I really mean it - try it as opposed gastric surgery. Just a thought.

[Lady Pi Phi]

There's yet another surgery.

The gastric band. The jist of it is, they put a band around your stomach that restricts the amount of foud that can be consumed. When you eventually reach your desired weight the band is removed and your stomach has shrunk.

[krazy]

Originally posted by Lady Pi Phi
There's yet another surgery.

The gastric band. The jist of it is, they put a band around your stomach that restricts the amount of foud that can be consumed. When you eventually reach your desired weight the band is removed and your stomach has shrunk.


Certainly didn't work for the Wilson Phillips girl... I think that resorting to surgery is somewhat of a drastic measure... It scares me that so many people are doing it. We need to learn portion size in this country. It is vital. Eat the food you want to eat, just don't hog out on it.