If we are the Reality Based Community, we need to challenge ourselves on our own blindspots. We all have them. Are we going to go around denying reality about FAT and health, like the climate deniers walk around with their heads in the sand? As I have read in some whinging and complaining and defiant diaries on this topic?
This is ridiculous. We are causing climate change. Period. And EXCESSIVE FAT on us is bad for our health. Period. Does not matter what the reason. That is it. That is Reality. Those are the FACTS. Whether we like them or not. Period.
In no way do I suggest that we all have the genetics or constitution to have a lean and limber body. Each person's health is a complex equation of elements which does not work the same for each person. A good weight for some of us may be above what Weight Watchers suggests. However, being obese is NOT OK. Under any but the most dire medical circumstances. Continuing on with the donuts, etc. is an act of denial when we are obese. Period.
Our health should be one of our main concerns. And our weight is one of those health barometers. Denying health realities in order to allow ourselves to continue bad health habits is just lying to ourselves. Like denying climate change. You can lie all you want, but it won't prevent the negative effects from happening.
If we are obese through poor food choices and lack of exercise and undue stress and lack of sleep, to name a few reasons, then it is incumbent on us to try to rearrange our LIFESTYLE in order to become healthier. Period. The responsibility is on us to change enough so that we are not obese.
If we are obese due to a medical condition or drugs that we are taking, we need to work as hard as we can to mitigate the impact of the weight gain we are suffering, with the advice and help from the doctor.
Our diet is one main area that can help us lose weight. Excessive sugar, dietary fat, alcohol and salt as well as simple carbohydrates are all fat makers and we need to challenge our insistence that we cannot or should not live without them. Or at least stop lying to ourselves that an excess of those things is healthy for us. Food addictions are a reality; sugar and salt and fat crave more sugar and salt and fat.
How do we know if our consumption of these things is excessive? Well, if in combination with lack of exercise, we are obese, then it is too much. Simple. Bragging about his weight while eating a donut on David Letterman was such an act of hubris that I would doubt Christie's acumen in any sphere, not to mention the political. He exhibited enormous denial and deserves the flak he is getting.
Exercise is also something that we have to incorporate into our lives. In some way. We can't avoid the fact that nature made our bodies to move.
It is simply making excuses saying that we work too hard or too long to be able to make different choices. Just check out our shopping baskets at the supermarket and see what our choices are about our health. WE are the ones bringing those foods to our home.
Sleep also has a dramatic impact on weight. Lack of has been shown to affect adrenals which love to hold onto fat. So, adjustments to sleep must be made. As in getting more and better.
The journey for some to lose weight may be a life long struggle (as it has been for me,) but that doesn't mean that the facts change to suit our preferences. I still carry more weight than Weight Watchers suggests (which is a reasonable level for my body,) and I will continue to work with my lifestyle, food choices, sleep, stress level, etc. to create a healthier body. Because the health facts don't change just because I may not want to exercise or eat good foods. I am responsible for my health, regardless if I have any medical conditions... my response needs to be one of acceptance of reality and not denial.
Once again, I am talking about obesity. How much weight a person carries under that, providing they eat a proper diet and exercise enough, is between them and their doctor.
We can all have our opinions, but we can't create our own Fantasy Worlds based on denial.
So, let's be a Reality Based Community and stop defending BAD Habits, shall we?
UPDATE ONE
Dear Gentle, Yelling Readers,
Please READ what I have written.
I am not being JUDGEMENTAL.
I am not demonizing those who are FAT. I am not TELLING you how to live.
I am simply saying that there are MEDICAL REALITIES THAT CAN'T BE WISHED AWAY.
NO AMOUNT OF BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT CAN CHANGE THE FACTS.
NO AMOUNT OF SILENCE AND PRETENSE CAN CHANGE THE FACTS.
I Am simply saying in this diary that justifying BAD HABITS IS DENIAL.
And I am saying that WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN HEALTH.
Shoot me if you want.
But to me that is reality.
PERIOD.
Yell away, that will also be bad for your blood pressure (as well as being obese.)
UPDATE TWO
Please note as I have repeated repeatedly in the diary:
I AM TALKING ABOUT OBESITY. Other than that, one's weight is between doctor and patient.
UPDATE THREE:
There is a fantastic diary on Weight which I highly recommend all read and rec.:
I used to be fat
If I could rec and tip it a 100 x's I would. It deserves a place on the Rec list.
Another great diary that I suggest you read and rec and tip:
I am not fat