Fat People Burden the Healthcare System: Wise Up Big Ones!

...means controlling obesity...

I was watching Bill Maher last night, and the conversation took a swing at the Kevin Smith (overweight guy on the plane deal) incident.  Even though I absoultely LOVE Wanda Sykes, her comment about fat people not eating twinkies lead me to consider the notion that societal ideals of obesity are way off par.

I've gained weight off an on throughout my adult life.  I usually gain weight after having a kid, as many women can identify with me on that.  I don't gain weight eating cookies and Twinkies.  I gain weight from drinking a few too many soda pops.  I gain weight because I eat a portions that match my man's eating habits.  I eat a little too much and a few too many high calorie foods and thus, I gain weight. 

I think guest Nora O'Donnell made mention of cheaper foods being higher in fat then more nutritious foods, but the the understanding is bigger then processed foods and Twinkies.  The concept that overwieght people are stuffing their chops with candy, chips, and french fries needs to be dispelled.  Yes, it's true that people who are overweight and obese probably eat way too much and way too many bad-for-you foods, but the way they eat is more complicated then the junk-food junkie stereotype. 

If someone drinks 2-3 extra sodas a day, or eats more processed foods, he is more likely to have uncontrollable hunger pangs.  Further more, food companies are constantly trying to find ways to make food more addictive.  Perhaps the addictive quality of certain foods doesn't affect everyone the same way, but the fact that someone is actually more hungry then another is no phenomenon to scoff at.  It really isn't so fair to assume obesity is a way of life people can controll with a few small changes.

There are some things people can do to lose weight, and over all, it's a matter of making these changes for a lifetime.  I don't know that the changes have to be big, but I can say for myself, I was astounded at how many calories was taking in from juices and sodas.  I lost 10 lbs by changing that one aspect of my diet.  With that said, changing the way we think about "eating to become fat," is super important in helping people make the changes they need to lose weight.

Five Ways to Lose 2 Lbs in One Week:  An article about some simple measures someone can take to lose a few pounds each week.