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How do you feel about Obesity

Discussion in 'Health and Fitness' started by Big E, Jan 13, 2009.

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What is Obesity In your opinion

Poll closed Jan 14, 2009.
  1. It is controllable its their own fault

    25.0%
  2. Its a disease, and or an addiction

    33.3%
  3. Its not a disease, but they do need support

    33.3%
  4. other

    8.3%
  1. Big E

    Big E Plus sized porn star

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    I have heard many different takes on this subject. Of course most obese people will tell you that its a disease, an addiction, but of course above all else it is not something most of us want to be. Most smaller people or even those who have been slightly heavy at one time or another feel it is a controllable problem and that heavy people are just big and heavy because they are lazy.


    How do you feel about the subject?
     
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  2. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

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    I think this has the potential to be a really good thread.

    Honestly I think a lot of it depends on your mood. Obviously skinny people can be unhappy and obese people can be happy, but that's not what I'm saying.

    When I'm down I tend to eat a LOT more than when I'm normal. About a month ago I realized that I was at the highest weight of my life (220) and while thats not horrible at 6'1 it was getting a bit out of controll. Mostly through will power I've dropped 15 pounds and don't have much more to go. So through my experience I think it's something people can change if they really want to. Though it's obviously not easy.

    Edit: Since the poll is up now, I think I have to go with the third option. I think part of having will power is having people who support it.
     
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  3. finsgirlie

    finsgirlie break my Luxury Box

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    It's not JUST obese people who say that Eric. This past year my resolution was to tone up and luckily my insurance covers nutritionists, so I saw one once a month. On many occasions she explained how she had some clients who were quite large and literally ADDICTED to food. They would say how they weren't physically hungry but in their minds, they HAD to have that food they were thinking about. She has been in the business for about 19 years, so I have a pretty good feeling she's seen it and heard it all.

    Good thread topic, don't expect to get a lot of honest answers, people are very very touchy about their weight, and the internet is a great way to hide it.
     
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  4. Regan21286

    Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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    Actually it can be all 3. For some, it's a medical condition, not just any psychological condition.
     
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  5. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    I really don't know to be honest. If its genetic or some sort of imbalance then it would be a disease or close to one. but I'm not to sure the proof for that is there yet........
     
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  6. finsgirlie

    finsgirlie break my Luxury Box

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    ah, true...thyroid, or medications. my mom had low blood pressure and her cardiologist put her on salt tabs and steroids, she puffed right up.
     
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  7. Big E

    Big E Plus sized porn star

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    I will tell you how I view it personally and this is me, not anyone else. For me its NOT a disease, but it is a reflection of how I am internally. If your not healthy mentally you wont be physically. I have been trying for well over a yr now, and I did great the first 6 months, I lost 50 lbs, and I felt great. Then I started hitting barriers, started getting discouraged, on and on, bottom line, for me I am not happy with who I am, so I eat, and I dont stop thinking about it, and I hate that. I hate being heavy, I would give anything to not be big. I have gained almost all of my weight back, so I am trying a new approach.
     
  8. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    All of the above...

    I come from a big family, was borderline obese myself but managed to lose 60 lbs (hmm maybe that means i was obese lol...)and counting over the last year and a half. So it can be controlled. But part of it is addiction, part laziness, and part disease for some. It's an easy thing to slip into, depending on body type/family history (poor eating habits are passed on) and can be quite difficult to overcome. Especially if it's something you've lived w/ for a long time, making a change in behavior/attitude all the more difficult.

    Kind of annoys me when people see fat people and think they're just lazy. Making the necessary changes to lose weight is hard. It takes more than just saying it's as easy as dieting.
     
  9. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    It's any of the above.
     
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  10. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    I wouldnt say it's a disease because I've seen no proof of that. Am I going to become fat by being in contact with fat people? Genetic or hereditary? Don't think so. The only thing obesity could really be linked with is other problems such as thyroid issues, etc.



    Is it an addiction? Maybe. Obviously not a chemical dependency, but some people might be hooked on food. I would say that it's a mental issue though, def not a physical need to keep eating. Comfort food, Binge eating, Just plain bad habits, could all be sources. People fall into routines and build up processes in their minds. Eating like that kind of reminds of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and there could def be a link.



    Is it lazy? If you tell me you're not happy being fat and want to lose weight and can't, then I would ask what the problem is. If the answer is something along the lines of can't get motivated, don't know how, can't stick with a program, then Yes I believe there is def some laziness involved.



    I checked controllable. Reason being that unless you have a medical issue that results in your weight gain or inability to lose weight, it is your fault. If there is no medical issue, then it really is only a question of motivation, proper methods, and commitment.
     
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  11. Firesole

    Firesole Season Ticket Holder

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    For me its both being lazy and a disease/addiction. I never have gotten addicted to drugs or alcohol, and yes I've done plenty of both. But food definitely has its affects on me. I will crave certain foods at certain times of the week. And even though I'm presently working out again and trying to get back to my former skinny self, when I see certain TV commercials for certain foods, it just makes my mouth water. I was just thinking to myself last night that I wish I could go through some sort of hypnosis that would cause me to dislike the foods that I love, that way it would force me to only eat healthy.

    I think part of it is laziness, because for me I started gaining weight by being lazy, by procrastinating and finding excuses not to exercise, that which has really slowed down my metabolism. I've gained close to 100lbs in 10 years. It's been a constant struggle to maintain the diets and exercise plans once you gain the weight. When I was fit and in shape, it was way easier to stay thin.
     
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  12. funkdat

    funkdat New Member

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    I see this the same way as you, and think for some it is a disease, but for me i only get " fat " when my life is in the crapper.

    Just about everyone has a vice and just about everyone has at some point self-medicating to just not deal with what ever is going in there life.

    The worst part is society is harder oh "fat" people then they are on hard core drug user's.

    Like if guy is a complete loser and shows up to a party with some coke, some X, pills, odds are he's getting some.You take that same guy and take away his drugs toss 50 LBS on him, odds are girls won't spend much time talking to him.

    When i'm around 190lbs " i'm 6 feet tall " women/girls hoot and holler at me from there cars, and i really don't have to ever a approach or hit on them cuzz a'lot of them will come up to me and start talking to me.Once i get over 230lbs it's like i'm a ghost.

    p.s. i'm a guy....
     
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  13. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

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    The funny this is that it also works in reverse. If your body is miserable your mind will be too. They both just feed off of eachother. It causes you to just dig yourself deeper.
     
  14. Big E

    Big E Plus sized porn star

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    Yeh I agree with that, its a cycle.
     
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  15. Sethdaddy8

    Sethdaddy8 Well-Known Member

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    i think some people have genetic predispositions, some develop thyroid and physiological issues, and some just can't control themselves. but i do think there's a solution to each problem, but unfortunately in many cases it requires extreme discipline and hardwork. if it were easy, no one would be obese..or overweight for that matter.
     
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  16. Sethdaddy8

    Sethdaddy8 Well-Known Member

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    i'd like to add, im one of the fortunate ones, where if i stop working out or eating well, i actually lose weight. its not in my genes to be overweight. so when i wpork out, and make a tough regimen, and then fall off for weeks/months at a time, its not really a huge problem. But E, you may need to make a realistic schedule that isn't a a burden, that you won't tire of. And you need to constantly get some physical workout in, and eat well on a daily basis. but make it so, that it isnt an intrusion on your life.
     
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  17. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    That's why I picked other.
     
  18. DrAstroZoom

    DrAstroZoom Canary in a Coal Mine Luxury Box

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    Just had to pick on this point ... there are plenty of diseases that aren't communicable.

    As to the larger question: there is some obesity that is purely due to biochemical problems and some that is due to simple overeating. However, the distinction isn't terribly important when you consider it is incumbent on any person diagnosed with a disease to treat it -- regardless of the cause.
     
  19. Regan21286

    Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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    Obesity in itself seems like a symptom or result of some disease but I don't think it's necessarily a single disease unto itself. Epidemic is maybe too hard a word that's often used to describe the issue of obesity because there are so many different factors. Hard for me to pick other or the one I did but I went with the least vague one. Because in all cases, they do need support. Either way, all 4 options are equally valid and it always depends on the case because obesity is such a vague category.
     
  20. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    I never got that when I was 190ish, though I sure as hell felt a lot better about myself. I'm 230ish now (6' also) and am altering what I eat and how much in an effort to get under 220 at least.

    It's tough with my work to get something I like and that is good for me, since I am on the road so much. During the day I go with other people to lunch, and at night I get back to the hotel and really don't feel like doing much. I couldn't even prepare a decent meal if I wanted to.

    That's why I am just trying to pick smarter things and smaller portions.
     
  21. FinSane

    FinSane Cynical Dolphins Fan

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    i was against obesity before i was for it.
     
  22. JCowScot

    JCowScot So funky the dead dance

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    Obesity is a hard one to pin down. I think that everyone has control over what they do, for the most part. It is just harder for some to control the signals from their brain and/or physical urges, whether due to genetics or chemical imbalances or neural anomalies.

    For some (like those w/ OCD), the urges can be almost impossible to control. Likewise, someone w/ severe neural damage cannot control the movement of their body at times, no matter what they do. The actions that cause obesity can fall into this category. However, I believe that 80% of the time, they do not.

    I think it is important for someone that is struggling w/ obesity to find a positive, disciplined person to help them and hold them accountable. In fact, the more people the better. They need someone who is not going to be afraid to push them past their limits, chastise them when they are wrong and build them up when they are down. Like any other disease, this person is going to need a network of support to make it through and become healthy once again. Granted there are those few that CAN do it all by themselves, but by and large people are going to need multiple sources of support, encouragement and accountability.

    By no means is obesity out of one's control. You just may have to work a little harder to get what you want, but that will make it all the more sweeter when you finally reach your goal.
     
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  23. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    IMO, Obesity is sort of one's own business, but I also think it can lead to serious health problems, problems that are well known, yet the behaviour is engaged in anyway.

    To me, that makes it sort of an addiction in the sense that long term health is traded for short term pleasures.

    I also think one can be obese, but somewhat healthy, but society frowns so heavily on obese people that it is just assumed that obese=unhealthy.
     
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  24. daphins

    daphins A-Style

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    Could go around all day about this...

    There are obviously medical conditions that can affect one's weight. Whether you're aware of it or not there are thyroid and other problems (hormone balancing drugs, etc.) that cause nearly uncontrollable weight gain, though I think this is the minority.

    I also think it has a lot to do with habits passed down from parents.

    I personally am as out of shape as I've ever been and am 180 lbs. Both of my parents are "heavier" and I'm not particularly impressed with their eating habits (way more Ice Cream, Cupcakes, and instant pizza's than I like to see). I was blessed with a fast metabolism when I was younger and that along with my athletic lifestyle (HS sports and rigorous weightlifting) made up for the fact that my family didn't have an inherently healthy lifestyle. Now at the age of 25 I've moved back home temporarily and am getting more and more out of shape. I understand why it's happening, I am coming off of 5 years of college in an incredibly hard major that ruined my schedule. I averaged about 4 hours of sleep a night, ate like crap, and didn't have time for exercising (literally, didnt have time..not didnt "make" time). I'm struggling with depression after a hard breakup and 7 months of unemployment, and on top of that I'm eating the foods that they have around (not bad but once again not god). I'm not "overweight" per say but I'm very unhappy with my physique...getting a belly and have no muscle definition at this point...somethings gotta give.
     
  25. Crappy Tipper

    Crappy Tipper AKA Hero13

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    Every person is different, every person has gotten to that point by different means. stress eaters, lazy, addictive personalities whatever it is can only be an answer to that one person.

    Personally I am overweight, though currently trying to get back down to about 205 or so. This much I can say my being overweight is the side effect of other aspects of my life and not the cause of any of the problems.

    I spend a lot of time in a car for work, eat crap food and work an insane amount of hours then when I have a day off last thing I want to do is go to the gym.

    Trying to change that now because I want to be the healthy dad to be a good example for my son.
     
  26. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    It is one's own business. But I don't like how society thinks it's wrong or insulting to call a fat person fat. I think part of the reason our country is so overweight is because so many people treat the situation so delicately like it's a secret that someone is obese.
     
  27. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    I disagree with that slickj, someone who is obese is reminded constantly that they are fat, it never ends.

    Now boil it down, if one is fat, does not exercise, and has a family history of Diabetes, or heart disease, or high blood pressure, things are going to turn out 1 of 3 ways, or all three, a someone who gives half a damn should mention what will happen...constantly, but don't be a jerk about it.
     
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  28. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    You never know though. If there were more jerks then maybe more obese people would be motivated? I'm halfway kidding. I wouldn't be an *** and tease someone just bc their fat. Sad to say though that many overweight people are more motivated to lose weight to look better, rather than to get healthier and live longer.

    My point was that our society is geared to be sympathetic towards it more than it is to be proactive.
     
  29. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    IMO it's a disease for a small segment of the population, but for 80% - 90% of the people who are heavier than they want to be, it's about priorities.
     
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  30. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    Or lack of commitment/drive.
     
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  31. Firesole

    Firesole Season Ticket Holder

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    E, what did you do to lose the weight, and what changed that caused it to come back?
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
  32. daphins

    daphins A-Style

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    Or a difference in priorities.

    People grow u, the get families, they have kids, they have money problems, less time, etc. etc. etc.

    I'm a big fan of taking care of ones self but I understand that other people might have things on their plate that I don't have to deal with.
     
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  33. Big E

    Big E Plus sized porn star

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    lol....if I knew that...


    For one I switched gyms and I stopped eating right.
     
  34. Firesole

    Firesole Season Ticket Holder

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    But what was your diet like? I only ask to see if the one I'm doing is comparable. My goal is basically the same, 50lbs in 6 months.
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
  35. Big E

    Big E Plus sized porn star

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    At one point I was eating alot of grilled chicken, and I almost never ate fast food at all, no sweets, etc. That is a huge change, that I did., and have to do again. I also brought my own food to work which helped.
     
  36. daphins

    daphins A-Style

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    I've always thought that diet and small decisions go a long way. I try to walk everywhere that I can, always take the stairs, etc. Just little things like that. I've cut pop out of my diet (which helps a lot. Dunno, i need to start getting to the gym here pretty.
     
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  37. Firesole

    Firesole Season Ticket Holder

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    Pop? Why was your dad a part of your diet?









    Ooooh you mean soda...
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
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  38. Firesole

    Firesole Season Ticket Holder

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    I can do the no fast food thing and bring my own lunch. The problem is my portion size I believe. My wife is a great cook(which is why I married her) and sometimes she puts a little too much on the plate.

    The desserts and sweets are also my Achilles.
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
  39. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    Sooo tell her you wana lose some lbs and to cut down the portions.

    She sure can't be mad at you for that.
     
  40. funkdat

    funkdat New Member

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    Well it also comes down to your genes and dna as well.I mean their are a'lot of skinny unattractive people walking around.

    I know from my past having a job where i'm on my feet all day helps.

    You should look into them frozen dinners a'lot of them don't have a'lot of fat or calories..............Lena Cuisine are the best i think.

    Firesole........ i'm not a Doc' but when i go on a diet i only take in 1'000 calories a day, many days i don't even take that much in.

    I only drink one 12oz drink a day that's not water.Start drinking loads of water, water , water!!!

    Start some kind of working out, i would start off slow but after six weeks i'd be working out for 1 hour 1/2 every other day.Nothin' bust a gut like fast pace walking and doing sit ups.I'd tell you to start lifting weights but when trying to only lose pounds then doing loads of push up's is better.

    Anyways this diet also has one day in a week that you pick where you can eat and drink whatever you want.

    I've done this diet when i've gotten over 220 and every time the 1st week i lose 10 LBS and the next 3 weeks i'll lose 5 pounds every week.

    Like i said i'm not a Doctor,and even my Doctor is not a " fan " of my diet but she is amazed at how fast it works.
     
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