A fat rant.

[Moxie]

I put this in the moral and religious forum because body weight and body image has become a religion onto it's self because of the media's fixation with women and their weight. Obesity and body weight is often reported in the media as a personal moral issue, like one decides to be FAT or over weight. The gal in the video is amazing, drop dead gorgeous with her head screwed on straight. I enjoyed it so much I had to share it. I hope it doesn't offend anyone, I don't have a a problem with my weight so I am not sure how bad it can be for those who do. I do not mean to offend, and I hope I haven't. It starts out cheesy but stay with it, it's worth it.

A Fat Rant:

[DogOnPorch]

Good vid...and I'm 100% behind her message.

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You don't need a pickup line. Just glance at a woman from across the room. Glance - don't stare.

---Jenny McCarthy

[Moxie]

I like her attitude, and I don't think she is fat just curvy. I had hoped the gals would give me an opinion, not a word from the gals yet.

[ScottSA]

Fat is a health issue. It's just peachy to spit defiance at everyone, but when I have to pay for an operation because her ankles or knees can't carry the weight she so loudly flings around, anymore, then it's not quite so heroic anymore. And "fat bigot?" Because some guy isn't turned on by her and won't ask her for a date, he's a "fat bigot?"

Edited October 27, 2007 by ScottSA

[Higgly]

Weight is a very difficult issue thwt we all wrestle with. There are temptations everywhere and there is so much conflicting information. Whatever our political differences might be, good luck with your struggle.

[marcinmoka]

Well made, and often clever, but......

2 Parents? I thought is was as simple as not consuming more calories than you use.

http://www.boreme.com/media/yr2006/gaultier-fat-model.jpg

Health reasons aside, I think Gaultier made a valid point on aesthetics by using the above model. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to claim I am a bigot because it is not the most appealing to my eye, well that would make the party claiming to be victim of bigotry be bigots themselves.

[marcinmoka]

While we are on the topic, would someone dare call a man a "hair bigot" because he prefers brunettes, or a woman a "nose biggot" because she prefers men with smaller noses?

[geoffrey]

Fat is not ok. Not so long as I'm paying for public health care out of my taxes. It's a health issue.

Being fat should be taxed just like smoking. In a private system, higher fees could be assessed to those at higher risk. Being fat is a higher risk.

Whether it's wrong to find fat people unattractive, I don't think so. Everyone has their preferences. I think someone overweight clearly doesn't care much for their health though, which it's generally the end of that thought for me.

Her bitching about clothes is just as annoying. Skinny people have the same problems. There is simply not as big a market for those so far from the standard sizing distribution.

[Moxie]

Fat is not ok. Not so long as I'm paying for public health care out of my taxes. It's a health issue.

Being fat should be taxed just like smoking. In a private system, higher fees could be assessed to those at higher risk. Being fat is a higher risk.

Whether it's wrong to find fat people unattractive, I don't think so. Everyone has their preferences. I think someone overweight clearly doesn't care much for their health though, which it's generally the end of that thought for me.

Her bitching about clothes is just as annoying. Skinny people have the same problems. There is simply not as big a market for those so far from the standard sizing distribution.

Recent studies have found a link between obesiety and a virus, it's not conclusive but it's a remarkable find.

I'll tell you want geoffrey when we can tax the "Stupid" the "Annoying" and "Religious Fundies" than I'll consider taxing someone because of their weight. Dare to dream the dream that you can incarcerate "Fat" people for their own good geoffrey.

I always find it amusing when a man labels a women "Fat", why? Because they are usually short and bald and ugly as an ape.

[August1991]

Fat is not ok. Not so long as I'm paying for public health care out of my taxes. It's a health issue.

I'm not so sure about this.

Fat people don't live as long as people with an appropriate weight.

Obesity could shorten the average lifespan of an entire generation — today's children — by two to five years, according to a controversial new life-expectancy analysis.

This could have a major effect on Medicare when obesity-related illnesses kick in, according to the researchers from several universities and hospitals. And it will affect Social Security because there will be fewer older people, they say.

Life expectancy in the USA is now at a high of 77.6 years. If the researchers' predictions hold true in the next 50 years, it would be the first reversal in life expectancy since the government started keeping track in 1900.

About 16% of kids today are overweight, and another 15% are at risk of becoming too heavy, which increases their chance of ailments such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

USA Today

People who live shorter lives don't receive the same (state-organized) pension. This saving has to be weighed (sorry) against any extra costs that fat people incur on our (state-organized) health system. As a quick calculation, if fat people live three years less on average, then they receive roughly $36,000 less in pensions than other, healthy people.

Incidentally, I take a similar view of smokers. They pay into a (state) pension scheme but on average they collect less - if they collect it at all.

The simple fact is that on average, fat people won't live as long as people of normal weight. Within the constraints we face, we all make choices in life and this is just another one.

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BTW, I thought that a large part of health care costs were incurred in the last year of life but I found this on the Internet:

Research on healthcare spending shows that end-of-life costs tend to account for a minority of total costs to healthcare systems; research from both North America and Europe shows that acute healthcare costs during the last year of life account for only about 10 to 12 percent of total healthcare budgets.

CHRSF

What are "acute" health care costs? Anyway, 10% is still a large part but it's not significant. About 60% of Canadians die in a hospital.

Edited October 28, 2007 by August1991

[Liam]

I can't watch the video while at work, but will try to remember to watch it at home sometime.

For some people, being large is not a choice -- some people are just endomorphs and a small percentage of people have glandular issues that cause them to weigh more. But one's weight is a choice for the vast majority of people. I don't mean that some people choose to be fat, though some may, but people make thousands of choices in their daily lives which will either result in being healthy or being unhealthy. Each of us can decide what to eat, when to walk or when to drive, when to turn off the TV and get some fresh air, how much water to drink, and when to push that extra serving of pasta away. Some people do have less self control than others, but no one is entirely powerless in the face of temptation.

Edited October 29, 2007 by Liam

[stevoh]

Some people do have less self control than others, but no one is entirely powerless in the face of temptation.

You haven't tried my wife's cheesecake.

[jazzer]

Whether it's wrong to find fat people unattractive, I don't think so. Everyone has their preferences. I think someone overweight clearly doesn't care much for their health though, which it's generally the end of that thought for me.

I think that's a little general and oversimplified. Here's a different view

In the past, many people thought that obesity was simply caused by over-eating and under-exercising, resulting from a lack of will power and self-control. Although these are significant contributing factors, doctors recognize that obesity is a complex medical problem that involves genetic, environmental, behavioural, and social factors. All these factors play a role in determining a person's weight.

Recent research shows that in some cases, certain genetic factors may cause the changes in appetite and fat metabolism that lead to obesity

[OhCanadienne]

Being fat should be taxed just like smoking. In a private system, higher fees could be assessed to those at higher risk. Being fat is a higher risk.

Quick note on this - We lived in the states (Nebraska) for many years, our employer (it was a small company) didnt have health insurance benefits for his employees - so we tried to purchase private health insurance on our own. I thought they might turn us down cause we smoked. To our surprise, they didnt care about that at all. We were turned down because both hubby and I were 20 lbs overweight. They said there are far more and higher costs to them with obesity than smoking ever created. I believe it.

Now I'll go watch the videos in the posts.

[ScottSA]

I think that's a little general and oversimplified. Here's a different view

In the past, many people thought that obesity was simply caused by over-eating and under-exercising, resulting from a lack of will power and self-control. Although these are significant contributing factors, doctors recognize that obesity is a complex medical problem that involves genetic, environmental, behavioural, and social factors. All these factors play a role in determining a person's weight.

Recent research shows that in some cases, certain genetic factors may cause the changes in appetite and fat metabolism that lead to obesity

The more detailed analysis you submited says exactly the same thing with big shiny werds. Except of course the genetic slant, which is self evident, but I suspect very much less an issue than it appears here to be. Fat people are generally fat because they eat too much, like both statements claim...even though one calls it "behavioural."

[geoffrey]

Recent studies have found a link between obesiety and a virus, it's not conclusive but it's a remarkable find.

Bullshit. People eat too much. You can always eat less (or more healthy) or exercise more. All of this political correctness is enabling a very dangerous addiction. Being fat is no different than puffing a smoke. It should be shunned and shamed by society.

I'll tell you want geoffrey when we can tax the "Stupid" the "Annoying" and "Religious Fundies" than I'll consider taxing someone because of their weight.

If you can show me how being religious, annoying or stupid affects your risk to the health care system, I'll be on board with that.

Dare to dream the dream that you can incarcerate "Fat" people for their own good geoffrey.

No need to incarcerate. Just have them pay for their habit. Just like smokers and drinkers do.

I always find it amusing when a man labels a women "Fat", why? Because they are usually short and bald and ugly as an ape.

Why would that be the case? Those seem like the type that may have to go for someone that isn't at the height of attractiveness. I'm not getting into a pissing match here on this though.

Not liking fat women is no different than not liking blondes. It's personal preference from a sexual point of view. I would never allow body type to influence a professional judgement unless it was clear the person would likely not be healthy enough to fullfill a position or something like that.

If someone can't take basic care of themself or doesn't want to, what does that really say about the person. The one in this video isn't really that fat or anything, and she seems to take relatively good care of herself. I'd hire her. I'd do business with her. But I wouldn't sleep with her, just not my type.

I wouldn't date a smoker just like I wouldn't date a food addict or an anti-exercise type.

I thought they might turn us down cause we smoked. To our surprise, they didnt care about that at all. We were turned down because both hubby and I were 20 lbs overweight.

In our system, someone 20lbs overweight and I pay the same... despite the fact that I'm a much much lower risk of cardiovascular issues or diabeties.

I pay more for car insurance because I'm under 25. People overweight should pay more for health care. They are a higher risk. Simple.

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Being fat is a simple equation. You consume more calories than you burn. Correct one or both and your no longer fat. Anyone can walk, most don't. It shouldn't be an option to be out of shape and a burden on the rest of us.

[Frankie]

I think in most cases, obesity is unhealthy. Like mentioned in here, it is a result of over-eating and under-exercise, which are both negative health issues, and shouldn't be glorified. But there can also be healthy fat people, who might have a proper stable calorie intake, and just carry weight from their unhealthy choices in the past, and in their youth and childhood. But I think it's mostly not the case. Underweight in our society is also just as bad a health risk I think and just as serious in our countries.

No one should ever be judged for their appearance either, or any other problem for that matter that they might be slacking in their life, good or bad. But we live in an imperfect world and that's not always the case. The bottom line is, to be comfortable with your self image, and if you desire to change yourself to better your health, do it.

[ScottSA]

No one should ever be judged for their appearance either, or any other problem for that matter that they might be slacking in their life, good or bad.

That is so value laden a statement that it doesn't even make sense. The truly sad thing is that you probably believe it too.

[geoffrey]

Your right Scott. People discriminate daily. I pick between Vietnamese and Japanese food for lunch, am I racist for going for Sushi? I pick between a German and Japanese car, I went German, am I anti-Japanese?

Personal preference has everything to do with it. We judge whether we want to or not. People need to get over it. You cannot possibly be expected to like every possible trait in each individual out there.

[Frankie]

Your right Scott. People discriminate daily. I pick between Vietnamese and Japanese food for lunch, am I racist for going for Sushi? I pick between a German and Japanese car, I went German, am I anti-Japanese?

Personal preference has everything to do with it. We judge whether we want to or not. People need to get over it. You cannot possibly be expected to like every possible trait in each individual out there.

I meant, "to form a negative opinion about someone" in the sense of the word. Based on problems they might be having.

[jazzer]

The more detailed analysis you submited says exactly the same thing with big shiny werds. Except of course the genetic slant, which is self evident, but I suspect very much less an issue than it appears here to be. Fat people are generally fat because they eat too much, like both statements claim...even though one calls it "behavioural."

So what part of doctors recognize that obesity is a complex medical problem don't you understand?

[White Doors]

Jesus Geoffrey. We get it. You have a german car. how nice.

you can move on now.

[Rue]

So what part of doctors recognize that obesity is a complex medical problem don't you understand?

All of it.

Look I do not doubt for some of us, we bring fat on by poor lifestyle and eating choices and so we are individually responsible for the messes we make-I accept Geoffrey's comment but to an extent. On the other hand, there are people with chronic illnesses or specific medical conditions and so they do not choose to be fat and have no control over it and some people have severe mental illnesses that manifest with over or under eating and have to be distinguished from those of us who have choice and choose to be gluttons.

We need some perspective when deciding what is revolting.

Now for me I find all humans disgusting. Think about it- we come into the world leaking fluid and we depart doing the same. In between are gross. We burp, phart, grow things we do not want to, emit horrible odours and smells and substances, and our orificies are full of strange substances.

Human bodies are by nature yechy. I mean please try write a romantic poem about snot or eye crust or pus or tooth decay oh never mind.

So I find all humans gross equally. Never met a human that doesn't leak something and have some sort of offensive smell. So with that in mind when my wife asks me if she is fat, of course my answer is, "uh um uh well I mean Paris Hilton is dumb." (and please do not tell me she has eye crust its not possible stop)

[Amazing Atheist]

Some people NATURALLY carry around an extra few pounds etc. these people I have no problem with.

If you eat fast food 2 or 3 times a week and you are 50 kilograms over weight as a result then I have a problem not so much with you but your lifestyle.

This self destructive life style leads to major medical expenses that I have to pay for in my taxes when these people have heart attacks and get ailments like diabetes for example.

If you are fat as a result of eating shitty food then yes you are disgusting and should be ashamed of yourself. If you are fat as a result of bad genetics or other medical reasons like glandular problems that are beyond your control well your alright because it is beyond the realm of your control.

I am sure people here will be pissed at me for saying what I did but it's true. Sometimes the truth hurts but oh well deal with it.

So for those who's fatness is caused by self abuse your the only ones who can fix your problems. This I know from personal experience... Yes I too was a fatty but I started eating right and began to do this thing invented way back in the day called exercise and it works.

[jazzer]

Well, good for you AA. I still think obesity is not all cut and dried, black and white. At least you don't lump all overweight people in the same category as a couple of poster from this thread.