FC Community
Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Debate & Discuss => Topic started by: shernajwine on July 15, 2010, 04:40:30 pm
-
I read a blog recently where the question was asked "should fat people pay more taxes"
I quote a man who refers to himself as SkinnyMan from KY
WELL, SHOULDNT THEY? THEY CONSUME MORE RESOURCES,AND THEY ARE AN EYESORE ON THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. I SAY ALL US THIN PEOPLE SHOULD TRY AND PASS A "FAT TAX". AFTER ALL, THEY ARE EATING MORE, DOING LESS, AND RAISING EVERYONES HEALTH INSURSANCE RATES WITH THEIR CLOTTED ARTERIES ANDDOUBLE BYPASSES. PLUS WE SHOULD GET A TAX BREAK JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THEIR DISGUSTING FAT BODIES.IT IS TIME FOR THE PIGS TO PAY A PIG TAX. MAYBE THAT WOULD GIVE THEM SOME INCENTIVE TO SLIM DOWN, OR AT LEAST GIVE THE REST OF US WHO HAVE TO LOOK AT THEIR HUGE BUTTS A TAX BREAK. WHOS WITH ME?
Although this person was probably just trying to bait people into an argument, it's not really that unusual for overweight people to be discriminated against.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2008/03/31/36791.aspx
Discrimination against overweight people - particularly women - is as common as racial discrimination, according to a study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University.
what do ya think? have you seen this kind of discrimination or been discriminated against for your weight...or any aspect of your appearance for that matter?
-
I don't agree with the way "SkinnyMan" worded his argument, but I do agree the rest of America should not have to pay for people who don't take care of themselves.
-
i was overweight from elementary school. i was called thunder thighs, shamoo, any name dealing with being fat, i was probably called it.
we grew up eating Mediterranean types of food because my dad is middle eastern. our diet was not woefully unhealthy. yet i ended up along with all my siblings to be overweight. i think for anyone that thinks fat people are fat because they did it to themselves should read this article.
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/09/the-real-cause-of-obesity.html
Modern medical science has gone a long way toward explaining the causes of obesity, and the bottom line is clear: obesity is not a personal choice. The obese are so primarily as a result of their genes.
it has taken me quite some time but through a lot of exercise and drinking meal replacement shakes twice a day. i'm close to my goal weight!
-
This is kind of a personal issue. If your fat just lose the weight. Big deal. Just stop having so many twinkies!
-
:cat: I know that many overweight people could do something to help themselves. But there are those overweight ones who have health issues, including thyroid problems. Some thinner people judge "a book by its cover," and that is wrong. You never know what someone is going through. It may also involve heredity. It would be quite interesting if that thin man listed above has a weight issue hit him one day.
An example of something one of my children went through when in middle school: he has rheumetoid arthritis in his ankles and in his eyes. He's worn glasses since a young child. His lenses were thicker than normal (we actually started paying more for the "thin" kind so they didn't look so thick). This one classmate gave our son a fit about "4 eyes" and "coca cola eyes." Well, after the summer break, guess who came back to school wearing glasses?!! His weren't as thick, but he was upset that he even had to wear glasses. He even apologized to our son about what he had done and said.
-
should fat people pay more taxes
Well don't they already? I mean...as far as food consumption goes...
I also dont agree with how crazy skinnyman presented his post. But he does make some interesting points. I'm not sure if this is certainly discrimination unless you're incapable of taking care of yourself. But even then that variable is hard to discern.
The thing with our culture is we're really pushing for acceptance of 100% material-characteristics rather than physical-characteristics. "Does he have a good job?" "Where does he go to school?" "Where does he live?". This is fine and dandy but there's no concentration on well-being. I've seen a lot of 'stay in shape' ideas fail with people because they rarely stick with it. So we need to put a hardcore emphasis on these things or I fear we'll turn out like the people presented in Wall-E. Putting a tax on 'fatness' or a tax-break on staying in shape may be an interesting incentive for people to take care of themselves. I'm not sure if I'd be for it. I'd like to hear more peoples ideas first.
Also I think once the zombies attack, fat people are going to be the first to die so....
http://tf2wiki.net/w/images/a/ac/Scout_dominationhvy08.wav
This one classmate gave our son a fit about "4 eyes"
I always thought this was one of the most idiotic retorts of all time. Tell him 4 eyes are better than 2. Also tell him to never hit a guy with glasses. He should use his fists.
it has taken me quite some time but through a lot of exercise and drinking meal replacement shakes twice a day. i'm close to my goal weight!
Nice work, soldier!
-
My HS issues had to do with racist classmates more than anything else. There was a guy that I only hung out with once and he HATED "fat people." He made a comment about a certain buffet and how he never ate there because seeing all the fat people made him want to vomit, etc. Big turn off. I have never been overweight, but that made me feel like he only cared about physical appearance.
-
"the bottom line is clear: obesity is not a personal choice. The obese are so primarily as a result of their genes."
I wholeheartedly disagree! I'm going to sound like a horrible person by saying this, but I think most obese people who blame it on their genes use it as an excuse. In almost all cases, being overweight is the direct result of a person's LIFESTYLE (whether they were raised that way or became obese later in life). We know this because the trend of obesity is going up in America as convenience foods and activities requiring little exercise become the norm.
We've all seen incredible weight loss stories (The Biggest Loser, anyone?) where all it took is the person finally getting their stuff together and adopting healthy habits. I think genes play a small role in terms of how fast your metabolism is, how easily you can put on muscle, and things like that -- but all this means is that some people have to work a bit harder to stay in shape than others.
The truth is, fast food tastes better than beans and rice, exercise takes discipline, and people can be very weak when it comes to ridding themselves of their destructive habits. While it's a person's "right" to live a lifestyle that sustains obesity, the rest of America shouldn't have to pay for that person's health bills when they inevitably inherit the diseases that are associated with their unhealthy lifestyle.
-
well i never used my genes as an excuse but it doesn't change the fact that genetics played a part in my struggle with weight. my daughter got lucky and got her dad's genes where weight is concerned. she may grow up and have an unhealthy lifestyle (where nutrition is concerned) but she will never struggle with weight.
i agree that people who are obese do not have to stay that way. but because it is harder to obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle with a predisposition to pack on the fat.....people give up due to low self esteem and lack of emotional support from people around them. being obese and facing the discrimination of being overweight causes psychological issues that cause depression and stress. stress in itself causes a hormone to increase that furthers weight gain!! it's a vicious cycle.
i don't think americans should have to pay for people being "fat" per say but its more concerning that people face discrimination and prejudice and ridicule for something that starts with a genetic predisposition to be overweight.
-
i don't think americans should have to pay for people being "fat" per say but its more concerning that people face discrimination and prejudice and ridicule for something that starts with a genetic predisposition to be overweight.
Again, is it really that much of a genetic predisposition, though? Or does it have more to do with the fact that we're not living in small tribes anymore where food is scarce? Most people are not toiling the farms (burning calories) to produce their wares... If there was really something significant to this genetic claim, then why do we not see people looking like Arnold naturally? We don't because it takes HARD WORK to look like a body builder...just like it's going to take HARD WORK to undo a lazy lifestyle. But it can be done.
Another thing to consider is that we don't give alcoholics a free pass just because they may be genetically pre-disposed to like the taste of alcohol! In most cases, it boils down to a choice.
While I don't think a person should be cruel to an obese person and get in their face and call them names, it is not a lifestyle that should be passively supported or just "tolerated"!!!
-
Fat people Tax. So let's see, if you loose weight then you are good to go?
Nah, it would probably be like taxing all of the junk food or something.
-
i don't think americans should have to pay for people being "fat" per say but its more concerning that people face discrimination and prejudice and ridicule for something that starts with a genetic predisposition to be overweight.
Again, is it really that much of a genetic predisposition, though? Or does it have more to do with the fact that we're not living in small tribes anymore where food is scarce? Most people are not toiling the farms (burning calories) to produce their wares... If there was really something significant to this genetic claim, then why do we not see people looking like Arnold naturally? We don't because it takes HARD WORK to look like a body builder...just like it's going to take HARD WORK to undo a lazy lifestyle. But it can be done.
Another thing to consider is that we don't give alcoholics a free pass just because they may be genetically pre-disposed to like the taste of alcohol! In most cases, it boils down to a choice.
While I don't think a person should be cruel to an obese person and get in their face and call them names, it is not a lifestyle that should be passively supported or just "tolerated"!!!
well i think it's more to do with genetics in some cases, but i agree with you on the rest. and i'm definitely 100% for educating people about nutrition. there is loads of misinformation out there and if people better understood what certain foods did to their bodies they could make better decisions about what to eat.
i guess i'm just more sympathetic to their plight because of having been obese and understanding the psychological part of it. i have also been an alcoholic and i can relate to the psychological part of that too ;)
i have been through a lot in my 30 years lol
-
i have been through a lot in my 30 years lol
Sounds like it! But hey, if we can get through our challenges, we come out all the stronger! :thumbsup:
-
i have been through a lot in my 30 years lol
Sounds like it! But hey, if we can get through our challenges, we come out all the stronger! :thumbsup:
oh absolutely! ;D
-
Obesity.....at least some of it, is hereditary. In my family, it's been true. That doesn't mean you can't be the best you can be. It does take some hard work, and a willingness to rise above what's stacked against you (like the gene link). It can be done. I've lost 53 lbs. so far, and going for my last 30. I've tried every diet in the book, the answer is good nutrition and a lifestyle change to eating how and what. It's taken almost 10 months so far, but I'll keep it off. My eating habits will never be the same. Everybody has to find what works for them. The young lady that drank the protein drinks worked for her......good. It would have never worked for me, but proper nutrition works for everybody. However, not everybody eats the same portions, or foods. It's finding what works for you. Not just until you get the weight off, but for the rest of your life. Your body will stop losing weight when it reaches it's proper mass. Then the rest is just maintaining. Something your body pretty much helps you do anyway. Sometimes 140 lbs. for a woman 5' 6" is an ideal weight. Sometimes not. I don't believe much in weight charts, as everyone is different. I did follow a plan that's been around for a long time with the best clinical trials. It works for me. :)
-
the answer is good nutrition and a lifestyle change to eating how and what
i agree 100%. when i started delving into nutritional research it amazed me the things i didn't know! it is absolutely about good nutrition. and the amazing thing is that when your body starts getting good nutrition it does more that cause you to lose weight. you're skin looks better, your hair, your insides start working like the properly oiled machine it was created to be!!
i think there is just too much false information out there and people selling quick solutions to desperate people who will spend ridiculous amounts of money rather than change their habits.
it's unfair that it is harder for some than others but it comes down to making a choice and changing no matter what you have to do to get the result you are after. no matter how difficult, you wake up and make a choice to do it right that day and just take it one day at a time.
Annella that's so awesome you were able to lose weight and overcome your 'bad' genes! :thumbsup:
-
I see both sides of the argument here, but I tend to side with a yes on the fat tax. I think that things like candy and pop should be taxed higher and that is the best way to actually have a "fat tax". I mean, what are you going to do? Have people get on a scale every time they go to H&R Block???
-
Just thought of something else-Did you guys know that Medicaid (at least Illinois Medicaid) is paying for gastric bypass surgery now?? What do you think about everyone else's tax dollars going towards that sort of thing?????
-
Shernajwine, you said some great stuff also. I forgot about how it does make your body "work" like it's suppose to. Your whole body benefits, inside and out. I also try to drink 3 quarts of water a day. Makes your skin glow, eyes sparkle, and hair healthy/shiny. That's because our bodies are "processing" the "real food" we eating I also purchase organic as often as possible.
-
Bypass Surgery is forced starvation, and should only be considered in rare medical cases where the life is threatened, not for just losing weight. A friend of mine had it. She had a couple heart attacks, and her Dr. approved her for it. If you ask some people who have had it......some would rethink it. I know of someone else who had it done, and she went right back to her heavy weight in a couple years. Weight should be lost naturally. Just sayin.............
-
klkwid......fat tax? Oh like how the price of cigarettes have gone way up? People will still pay what they want for what they want!! Adding a tax on candy, soda, etc., isn't going to make a difference. People have got to have the "want to" to make better choices in what they eat and drink.
-
klkwid......fat tax? Oh like how the price of cigarettes have gone way up? People will still pay what they want for what they want!! Adding a tax on candy, soda, etc., isn't going to make a difference. People have got to have the "want to" to make better choices in what they eat and drink.
that's true Annella. also taxing junk food is essentially taxing everyone, which defeats the purpose of singling out fat people.
and i do understand the other side of the coin, my sister is overweight and despite losing her son in a custody battle and facing jail time for non payment of child support, she still refuses to get a job cuz.....she has a bad back and wants to claim disability.... :angry7:
this is ridiculous. she may have a genetic predisposition to be overweight but that is just plain laziness. although i know skinny people who live off welfare cuz they are too lazy to work. so i don't think the answer is taxing certain people. i think the answer is stricter welfare policies and more investigation into welfare fraud.
-
klkwid......fat tax? Oh like how the price of cigarettes have gone way up? People will still pay what they want for what they want!! Adding a tax on candy, soda, etc., isn't going to make a difference. People have got to have the "want to" to make better choices in what they eat and drink.
Exactly-that's the point. If people want to continue to eat like crap, then let them be taxed on it. The tax dollars should go towards health research, Medicare, and other health related places. Same with the cigarette tax-maybe if we continue to tax the crap out of these things, we will get out of debt as a country one of these days.
-
Bypass Surgery is forced starvation, and should only be considered in rare medical cases where the life is threatened, not for just losing weight. A friend of mine had it. She had a couple heart attacks, and her Dr. approved her for it. If you ask some people who have had it......some would rethink it. I know of someone else who had it done, and she went right back to her heavy weight in a couple years. Weight should be lost naturally. Just sayin.............
Actually, since gastric bypass is a relatively new procedure, they are still doing studies on it and are starting to find that it really isn't helping as much as they thought it would. I'm cutting and pasting an article from theheart.org (you have to be a member to view it so I can't put in the link) regarding the lack of long term reduction in incidence of heart attack. I think that there is a healthy weight for everyone-people are not meant to look like models all the time and it's actually supposed to be healthier to have a couple extra pounds on you. I also believe that in the cases of major obesity and morbid obesity, we need to take responsiblilty and stop blaming it on genes. There's way too much "it's not my fault" in this society....
Bariatric surgery fails to reduce risk of MI long term
October 28, 2009 | Michael O'Riordan
Washington, DC - A long-term prospective study of bariatric surgery for weight loss in obese individuals showed the procedure has no effect on the rates of MI when compared with individuals who underwent conventional care.
While the rates of MI were equivalent in follow-up out to 20 years, investigators suggest there was a significant effect of surgery on fatal and nonfatal MI in subjects with elevated baseline glucose levels.
Dr Lars Sjöström
"Patients with elevated glucose levels are at higher risk, and it is reduced with surgery," lead investigator Dr Lars Sjöström (Gothenburg University, Sweden) told heartwire. "For patients with lower glucose levels, those below the median, glucose levels aren't reduced as much, so we're unable to reduce the outcome on myocardial infarction in the same way when compared with those who have higher levels."
He cautioned, however, against making too much of the MI benefit with surgery in patients with elevated glucose levels, because the analysis was post hoc and needs to be confirmed in other studies.
The results of the study, an analysis of the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, were presented here this week during the late-breaking clinical-trials session at Obesity 2009.
Mortality benefits observed earlier
The SOS study was initiated in 1987 and is a prospective, matched, surgical-interventional trial that includes 4047 obese subjects at 25 surgical departments and 480 primary-healthcare centers.
Regarding the primary end point of the study, investigators showed that 10 years after bariatric surgery, the procedure was associated with a 29% reduction in total mortality when compared with conventional treatment [1]. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007. Other analyses have shown that surgery was also associated with reductions in the incidence of new diabetes mellitus and reductions in cancer in women. As recently reported by heartwire, there is also growing enthusiasm for performing bariatric surgery, even in people who do not meet the definition of obese, in response to evidence suggesting that the procedure can "cure" diabetes.
In this analysis, investigators presented data on the secondary end point, the effect of bariatric surgery on fatal and nonfatal MI. Patients were well matched regarding clinical characteristics, including baseline body-mass index. As reported previously, patients who underwent surgery lost significantly more weight after one, two, and 15 years, although the weight loss occurred primarily in the first year. From baseline, surgical patients lost approximately 30 kg in the first year compared with just 1 kg in the conventional-treatment arm.
After a median follow-up of 12.9 years, investigators showed there to be essentially no difference in event rates between the two treatment groups. The cumulative incidence curves were separated maximally after 11 years but later converged. Overall, there were 104 MIs in the surgery arm and 113 events in the control group. As noted, only patients with elevated blood glucose levels at baseline—those with levels higher than the median 4.72 mmol/L—had a reduction in MI events, and this finding was driven by the benefit in men only.
Sjöström said the overall results are "discouraging" and pointed to the low event rates in SOS as a possible reason for the negative findings. He said other studies have shown a benefit of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular disease event rates, including one that suggested a 50% to 60% reduction in risk. He cautioned, however, that these are retrospective studies, and the field is littered with conflicting findings.
"There are a number of studies that have shown that weight loss is associated with improved cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting perhaps that weight loss would also be associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease," said Sjöström. "However, the controlled, prospective interventions proving that weight loss is in fact associated with decreased cardiovascular disease have so far been lacking."
-
also taxing junk food is essentially taxing everyone, which defeats the purpose of singling out fat people
I would have to disagree with that. It wouldn't affect me, or others like me, who don't buy 'junk food' as a rule. I would be more than willing to pay extra tax for the few items in that category I buy in a year's time. This is like saying the high taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products affects everyone. It doesn't affect people who don't smoke or use any tobacco products, period.
I think it might be a great idea to make it so anyone who is receiving food stamps/food cards is exempt from being able to buy non-nutritional foods with them. They can't use them to buy alcohol, tobacco, and a few other things, but yet they always seem to be able to pull money out to pay for them. If they want junk food, then let it be out-of-pocket too.
-
i have bee slightly over weight almost my whole life and it has nothing to do with the way i eat or exercise, i eat possibly 2 meals a day and exercise atleast an hour a day , but still dont lose anything!!! Doctors dono why i cannt lose it but i just dont :dontknow:
-
also taxing junk food is essentially taxing everyone, which defeats the purpose of singling out fat people
I would have to disagree with that. It wouldn't affect me, or others like me, who don't buy 'junk food' as a rule. I would be more than willing to pay extra tax for the few items in that category I buy in a year's time. This is like saying the high taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products affects everyone. It doesn't affect people who don't smoke or use any tobacco products, period.
I think it might be a great idea to make it so anyone who is receiving food stamps/food cards is exempt from being able to buy non-nutritional foods with them. They can't use them to buy alcohol, tobacco, and a few other things, but yet they always seem to be able to pull money out to pay for them. If they want junk food, then let it be out-of-pocket too.
you have a point there! i agree people with foodstamps should not be allowed to buy junk with it!
-
klkwid, it's a scientific fact that some generations "carry" a fat gene, and pass it down the line (heredity). There are so many things passed down generation after generation. A lot of your Cholesterol readings are from family heredity. I was like tiffkk09, where I did everything I knew what to do at the time, and still remained heavy. I've NEVER been a lazy person. What works for one person, does NOT work for another. Also, some prescribed medication can put weight on you faster than food.......did you know that? All of our bodies process everything we put into our mouth differently. The very enzymes that break down food, in our different blood types are a factor. Did you know that? Does the acid in your intestines break down food correctly? There are so many variables as we're all original. There is no cookie cutter way to lose weight. Research and find what works for you. Believe me, I've done the homework.
It's ignorance that lumps everybody in a "lazy" group. This label is so insulting to those of us who battle with this everyday of our lives....like tiggkk09. My heart goes out to her, because I know the struggle. Does everyone who have Diabeties put themselves there? Juvenile Diabeties? Allergies? Asthma? Heart Disease? High Cholesterol? All of these, and more, have a hereditary imprint.
Yes, some people are not willing to lift a finger, and sit around eating junk food, and have no intention of losing anything, but NOT EVERYBODY. It took me years to find what worked for me. All the while crying inside because I could see the disgust in people's eyes. It's easy to judge someone else, when we don't have to fight the battle ourselves.
-
Well i agree with alot of what has been said so far... some people are overweight due to medication, or because of what they eat (ie junk food or a lot of fastfood) or hereditary. But there is one thing i would like to also point out, there is alot more growth hormones/steroids given to animals in which we consume. Think about it, what ever a cow, chicken, fish etc eat , it affects their mass (what WE eat) which in turn, when we consume them, it is absorbed into our systems. Pesticides and other things are used in vegetables aswell to make them grow faster and/or keep insects off them, which ironically enough, effects us aswell! I can honestly say that although i am overweight myself by 100 lbs (by AMERICAN standards) i dont eat junk food or food with high fat content. I eat more veggies than i do meat, and maybe once a month i will eat out at mcdonalds or wendys or a restaurant and eat small portions of everything. So its not always HOW MUCH of what we eat but what is in those foods that make people over weight.
And yes medication will make you retain weight/water or certain medical conditions will create the inability for one to burn off calories or eliminate the excess fluids/weight that one will carry
-
:cat: I'm off and on steroids a lot because of my asthma/allergies. It's a constant battle with the weight (not to mention emotions) with these. I work hard to lose or maintain the weight and then here come the steroids adding it back on. One thing I have discovered that has helped some with the weight, when on steroids, is to constantly drink water, and eats fruits and veggies. This is combined with the walking. This last time on steroids, I actually lost 2 lbs. It's hard work! (P.S. I never had any weight problem until asthma/allergies hit with a major force. We (drs. and I) are still trying to get it in more control.)
-
Good point marieelissa. Also, a lot of people on food stamps buy a lot of their food at places where it's cheap.....and usually processed (Dollar stores, Food outlets, etc.). It's sad that cooked food in the store is off limits to them, as nutritional meals can be made from....like a whole cooked chicken. A whole cooked chicken that's been already roasted in the Supermarket is a very good value. I buy them frequently and pay $6.99 (or less on sale) for one, sometimes two. You can strip the meat off the bones and use it for casseroles, chicken salad, etc. It's cheaper than buying a raw one, seasoning it, and baking it in my own oven.
Good nutritional food isn't cheap. It's priced high, and still going up and up. You also have to know how to prepare food (cook from scratch). I buy organic as much as possible. I'm not on food stamps, and can afford quality food (organic, health food stores, etc.), my heart goes out to those who cannot. I know there are nutritional programs at hospitals that will teach correct nutrition and they're free. Farmers markets are great for organic fare, if your fortunate to live in an area that has them. It's sad that the richest nation in the world still has hungry people, or people that cannot eat correctly. I have a retirement income from working all my life, but some don't. Our economy now is hurting so many families that can't even find work. They have to feed their families the cheapest they can. Food banks don't offer a lot of natural foods or produce. Usually processed outdated varieties.
I know that there are a lot of people that just use the system to provide for them. They stand with their hand out every month, but there are those that really need the help, like single moms. The hardest job in the world. Those poor women that are raising their children by themselves through no fault of their own. Our welfare system here in California has been revamped and is still changing. They are training women on welfare with job skills to got out and find a job. It's slow going, but working. I just hope there are going to be enough jobs for family providers as it is. There's no easy answer.
-
I personally think they should. This coming from an overweight woman. It may give the person more incentive to lose weight so they can feel better about themselves because the additional weight is terrible.
-
jcribb16, I've also been on Steroid therapy because of Asthma, so I know the struggle. Taking Prednisone was the worse time of my life. I still have inhalers, and my solution for my Nebulizer has some steroid base in them, but when you have to go on the oral steroids, it puts weight on you faster than anything.
I took a radical move 9 years ago and now live in the mountains somewhat above the pollution ceiling. It's made all the difference in the world. My weight skyrocketed from Steroid intake (making me more heavier than I was). That weight is the HARDEST to lose. If you lost 2 lbs, that's a major achievement!
The statement about what gets injected into our mass produced food is a good point also. Some of these "genetically" produced foods give me pause too. You see a lot of them in Costco, in the produce section. Grapes that are hugh and perfect looking. The produce looks wonderful, but it's been genetically produced. This is something I need to research more, as I don't have a reason to mistrust it........except....I do. Anything that has been grown faster (hormones), or genetically altered to grow faster, somehow doesn't sit with me.
-
Same against skinny people. I should know my oldest daughter & I deal with that bullshit on occasion.
-
Same against skinny people. I should know my oldest daughter & I deal with that bullshit on occasion.
I wanted to say something about those of us who are very thin/aren't overweight and have been called names - most of which I wouldn't put on here. I was a bit afraid to because I actually felt a little guilty. It's not my fault I was born to be tall and have a high metabolism. Of course, I have always eaten healthy and am constantly on the move, unless sitting here at my computer. :P I give credit to all who are trying or have lost weight. If the day ever comes that I DO have to diet, I honestly don't know if I could handle it. Huge kudos to all of you who do! ;)
-
I wanted to say something about those of us who are very thin/aren't overweight and have been called names - most of which I wouldn't put on here.
I have one! One of the sh*ttiest things a person ever said to me came from my uncle on my dad's side. It was Christmastime several years ago and we were all getting food in a kind of potluck family-style. My uncle noticed I had a normal amount of food on my plate and said in a laughing way, "I thought you were supposed to be anorexic." !!! Sooo insensitive and ignorant.
-
queen,
I can't tell you how many times I was 'accused' of being anorexic and/or bulemic! I would often eat more than my brothers did and it got to a point when I was young that I wouldn't even go into the bathroom until at least an hour had passed so everyone wouldn't think I was in there purging. How crazy (and sad) is that?! :(
-
I wanted to say something about those of us who are very thin/aren't overweight and have been called names - most of which I wouldn't put on here.
I have one! One of the sh*ttiest things a person ever said to me came from my uncle on my dad's side. It was Christmastime several years ago and we were all getting food in a kind of potluck family-style. My uncle noticed I had a normal amount of food on my plate and said in a laughing way, "I thought you were supposed to be anorexic." !!! Sooo insensitive and ignorant.
When my oldest daughter was merely seven her teacher and counselor had a set down with me about her eating so much but not gaining a pound. I was so dumbfounded. I told them that many kids who have the ability to run and play outside do so. My kids are not the type to set inside. I could not believe that this was pushed upon by the school. I took my daughter to her doctor which thankfully has been her doctor since birth and she had wrote a very powerful letter to the school including her allergies towards food, my no junk food policy at school which stems from how her doctor said "good parenting" and the fact that she is very active. The school still sends home BMI charts but they always put now that she is borderline healthy. Even her doctor said its a joke the school does this crap to kids which is really just hurting their self esteem!! Big or thin everyone has feelings!!
-
well my ex mother in law is severely underweight. she has medical problems that keep her from gaining weight and also she was born with a high metabolism and very slim features so she would never be fat. but people look at her outrageously almost as much as the look at huge people. so i know it goes both ways. it just irks me that people (and we are talking about adults here) don't have more compassion on people who suffer from weight or any thing else that has to do with what a person looks like!
i was at the grocery store and there was a man in line that had been a burn victim and basically had half a normal face. one side of his head was patchy with hair cuz it didn't grow in all the scar tissue. he was very polite and kind but he was being stared at like he was a monster :angry7: it made me want to just hug him and tell him he was beautiful!
-
A FAT TAX? I totally disagree with that. But we are all entitled to our opinions. I was once morbidly obese. I tried just about every diet that was available at the time. I would lose weight for awhile, then get off track and go back to my old ways. In 2001, I made the choice after being educated, and passing all the necessary medical exams and blood tests, to have a roux-en-y gastric bypass. I was nearly 300 lbs and knew from my family history that I would die at a young age if I did not lose the weight. I attended a seminar and did much research on it. I knew it was right for me. I went from a size 26 in ladies clothing to a size 6-8 in 18 months. I had a positive attitude and set a goal for life. I followed the regimen and exercised as was part of the regimen. I regained my life. Did I get off the track? Yes I did for about 3-4 years. I put on 40 lbs. Then I reflected on what I had changed. I went back to my post op eating plan complete with daily exercise and have lost all of my weight again and feel great. When I was a child, growing up in the 60's and 70's, there were few restaurants. Now, they are all over the place and for the most part, society is eating junk. Dollar menus, supersized meals full of fat and sugar and the list goes on. I read an article last night that 42% of Americans are obese. Doesn't this send a message? Corporate America is supporting this issue. Look at TV commercials. Read the coupon section in your local newspaper It's so easy to go through a drive through and buy lunch or dinner after a long day's work. Choices need to be revaluated and we are all responsible for our choices. Say yes to awareness of nutrition and exercise. Get fit and regain your health. I have been asked if I have ever regretted having my gastric bypass surgery. My answer is that if absolutely NOT! I made the commitment and regained my health back. Awareness is the key. Yes, I do understand that most do not need or want to go through the surgery and that ok too. But it is one of several options and it just was the option that worked for me. Take care and live each day to its fullest, Elle
-
a fat tax? that seems pretty insensitive and ignorant to me. whats next? a brown eyed tax?
sure obesity is partially contributed to by genes, but there is always ways to get around it without using the cop out of "its my genes."
if you have that state of mind your already determining yourself to remain the way that you are.
-
What makes me angry is poor trashy families who feed there kids fastfood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even if your low on $$ you can still buy healthy food.
That being said obese adults can help it, but children for the most part cannot.
-
If you are broke, you can buy healthy food to a point. Processed foods are so much cheaper than fresh whole foods...and easier to make. When you're on your feet for 8 hours a day working for minimum wage, you don't want to stand for another hour cooking something fresh from scratch.
I buy my vegetables flash frozen without any preservatives, but when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, you're making a trip to the grocery store every few days. The fewer trips to the store, the more money you will save. It is very hard to eat healthy on a budget.
Plus, if you don't have any money to go out anywhere, you're going to be tempted while sitting at home watching Jerry Springer to pass the time to eat your save-a-lot dollar Cheetos. I refuse to buy snack foods like potato chips or cookies to keep at our home. We don't have the finances to venture out, so I'm not going to have temptation calling in the form of a bag of Lays from the kitchen...that's only for special occasions. ;)
-
I read a blog recently where the question was asked "should fat people pay more taxes"
I quote a man who refers to himself as SkinnyMan from KY
WELL, SHOULDNT THEY? THEY CONSUME MORE RESOURCES,AND THEY ARE AN EYESORE ON THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. I SAY ALL US THIN PEOPLE SHOULD TRY AND PASS A "FAT TAX". AFTER ALL, THEY ARE EATING MORE, DOING LESS, AND RAISING EVERYONES HEALTH INSURSANCE RATES WITH THEIR CLOTTED ARTERIES ANDDOUBLE BYPASSES. PLUS WE SHOULD GET A TAX BREAK JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THEIR DISGUSTING FAT BODIES.IT IS TIME FOR THE PIGS TO PAY A PIG TAX. MAYBE THAT WOULD GIVE THEM SOME INCENTIVE TO SLIM DOWN, OR AT LEAST GIVE THE REST OF US WHO HAVE TO LOOK AT THEIR HUGE BUTTS A TAX BREAK. WHOS WITH ME?
Although this person was probably just trying to bait people into an argument, it's not really that unusual for overweight people to be discriminated against.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2008/03/31/36791.aspx
Discrimination against overweight people - particularly women - is as common as racial discrimination, according to a study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University.
what do ya think? have you seen this kind of discrimination or been discriminated against for your weight...or any aspect of your appearance for that matter?
what ever ur appearance accept it cause God given us life...
-
What about skinny people? Last year I lost a lot of weight and I started to get comments, like, " You're TOO skinny now!"....I think its just the same as being overweight because what people call you can really gear you up for an eating disorder in which I now believe that I might have, since everyday is about how many calories I am going to consume. So I think it is sad either way. :-
-
What about skinny people? Last year I lost a lot of weight and I started to get comments, like, " You're TOO skinny now!"....I think its just the same as being overweight because what people call you can really gear you up for an eating disorder in which I now believe that I might have, since everyday is about how many calories I am going to consume. So I think it is sad either way
Unless you end up in the hospital due to your disorder, it's just a personal problem you must over come and not everyone elses. I refer to the Original Post-
"THEY ARE EATING MORE, DOING LESS, AND RAISING EVERYONES HEALTH INSURSANCE RATES WITH THEIR CLOTTED ARTERIES ANDDOUBLE BYPASSES. "
-
i must say that i agree with falconer on this.
people always looking for an excuse or a way out...when really the problem is just themselves. :(
-
I agree but the original post from the person arguing for a fat tax is under the impression that fat people are just some lazy slobs who do nothing but eat all day and he acts as though they have less worth as human beings just because of their weight. That is ludicrous! Some people ARE fat because they are lazy, others are fat because they're depressed and it's a mental thing that keeps them from succeeding. Some people are fat just because they were told they are fat their whole lives and that is what they become!
Some people are skinny because they were born that way, some are skinny because they work hard starving themselves to stay that way, some are skinny because of illness. It's the same thing and neither one deserves to be treated with such disgusting attitudes as saying they should be taxed for people having to look at them. :angry7:
-
Some people ARE fat because they are lazy
Tax them!
others are fat because they're depressed and it's a mental thing that keeps them from succeeding.
Don't tax them!
Some people are fat just because they were told they are fat their whole lives and that is what they become!
Tax them!
It's the same thing and neither one deserves to be treated with such disgusting attitudes as saying they should be taxed for people having to look at them. angry7
Yeah I don't agree with that either. I'm just for it due to the insurance stuff. Decent health insurance is ludicrously expensive.