The average America female

[demien2k5]

It is ignorant to the majority of reasons why people may be obese. As Jessica said, she has hypothyroid issues, for her she has been able to find a system that works for her. She is fortunate, to say that those who have not found a system that works for them are just lazy is ridiculous. I am sure it took her time to figure out what foods work for her and what foods do not. To simply over generalize by saying everyone who is big eats junk food is obnoxious. Myself, as I mentioned I have a problem with under eating, and I rarely eat fast food or junk food. I also have a congenital heart defect which makes high impact cardio difficult for me. There are many health factors that do not show on the surface and blanket statements like yours rarely take those into consideration.

My comment was in regard to blaming the food industry for the state of our own health. I never mentioned anything about weight or obesity at all. I personally think that although the food industry does try its very best to heavily influence our decisions regarding food consumption, it's a total cop out to blame them for what we actually decide to eat. Eating healthy is personal choice, not a food industry-driven obligation. Overweight does not always equal being unhealthy, but choosing to eat unhealthy foods on any regular/continual basis is always a bad decision, and those that do subscribe to this lifestyle have no one to blame but themselves when the results become too obvious to ignore. Blaming the food industry for your own poor decisions may make you feel better, but doesn't absolve a person of their own lack of good judgement.

I would also suggest, that it is somewhat naive to imply that the 'majority of reasons why a person may be obese' are not behavioral in nature. Truth is, MOST people that are obese are victims of their own personal choices and behaviors, not of some pre-existing physical condition, ailment, or affliction. Try to keep it real, huh?

 

[explorerzip]

But then the anorexics restore the average.

And, FYI, the mean, the median, and the mode of a sample are all averages. Any one of these measures can legitimately be used when quoting an 'average' number. These different averages can get used and misused to advance agendas. It is critical to be critical when statistics (or anything else) are being presented to you. Understand exactly how the sample was chosen, how it was measured, etc...

A great primer is 'How to Lie With Statistics' by Daryl Huff. It's now in its 40th printing or something like that. It was first published in the 30's so the examples of annual and hourly wages are way outdated, but the lessons are still valid.

True. It's been a while, but they're technically called measures of central tendency and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. You are right that the sample size, location of the sample, where, how and when it was sampled and all that stuff is important and can skew the results.

 

[Titalian]

Another point I would like to stipulate, is if you think just because you are of average weight that you are immune to the complications that obese people face, you better think again. Even though some people don't look fat externally there is a condition, which causes fat, internally in our bodies, and this invisible fat raps around our vital organs, causing the complications as obese persons. As far as my comment against the food industry what I meant was, they are not looking out for our best interests, especially when some of the ads are focused on our children. The FDA is also at fault here.

 

[Titalian]

I didn't mean literally you twit
I meant figuratively ... as in life is only so long ... if you don't eat right and exercise now, when will you? People don't have time NOT to...

gotta agree with most of this...


Fortunate? not at all. I work damned hard, and so did my parents. They fed me well, and taught me that exercise every day was good for me. I was diagnosed with my thyroid issues when I was in my mid 20's but I wasn't overweight, never have been.... my whole life I've exercised and eaten properly, it was just the way I was raised.

Yes I agree, I was brought up the same way. But this type of lifestyle is a rarity in our day and age.
With for the most part both parents and single parents working to keep up the household.

The sad truth is, the epidemic continues to grow.

 

[bigslick]

It is ignorant to the majority of reasons why people may be obese. As Jessica said, she has hypothyroid issues, for her she has been able to find a system that works for her. She is fortunate, to say that those who have not found a system that works for them are just lazy is ridiculous. I am sure it took her time to figure out what foods work for her and what foods do not. To simply over generalize by saying everyone who is big eats junk food is obnoxious. Myself, as I mentioned I have a problem with under eating, and I rarely eat fast food or junk food. I also have a congenital heart defect which makes high impact cardio difficult for me. There are many health factors that do not show on the surface and blanket statements like yours rarely take those into consideration.

Low intensity - long distance runs were proven better for weight loss; easier on joints as well. Fatties making excuses about how they can't lose weight because majority of them don't ever try for long enough. You won't see results in days, you'll gradually see the fat peeling off in weeks/months.

Finding a diet is easy, sticking with the routine of daily activities/proper eating is where most people fail. Calorie deficit and calories increase, simple concept. If you're eating more than you burn, cut down on food intake. If you want to gain lean muscle/healthier physique UP THE CALORIE INTAKE. I may be speaking out of my ass, but a majority of woman today believe if you lift weights you'll be turn into some manly looking chick. HUGE misconception, it'd take you years/decades of lifting/juice to ever become 'manly'.

If you're not willing to take care of your body and accept that you're a bit over-weight and continue to eat like shit. That's on you. I'd say a majority of over-weight individuals didn't have an eating disorder until they became fat.. Shit doesn't just happen over-night unless you were genetically fucked from the get-go. If you choose to be fat, more power to you. Just don't automatically start judging the skinny healthy looking females for being anorexic or purging after meals. Some people care about health and longevity of mind and body.

http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/2bzg9m/born_in_1936/

 

[DB123]

Low intensity - long distance runs were proven better for weight loss; easier on joints as well. Fatties making excuses about how they can't lose weight because majority of them don't ever try for long enough. You won't see results in days, you'll gradually see the fat peeling off in weeks/months.

Finding a diet is easy, sticking with the routine of daily activities/proper eating is where most people fail. Calorie deficit and calories increase, simple concept. If you're eating more than you burn, cut down on food intake. If you want to gain lean muscle/healthier physique UP THE CALORIE INTAKE. I may be speaking out of my ass, but a majority of woman today believe if you lift weights you'll be turn into some manly looking chick. HUGE misconception, it'd take you years/decades of lifting/juice to ever become 'manly'.

If you're not willing to take care of your body and accept that you're a bit over-weight and continue to eat like shit. That's on you. I'd say a majority of over-weight individuals didn't have an eating disorder until they became fat.. Shit doesn't just happen over-night unless you were genetically fucked from the get-go. If you choose to be fat, more power to you. Just don't automatically start judging the skinny healthy looking females for being anorexic or purging after meals. Some people care about health and longevity of mind and body.

http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/2bzg9m/born_in_1936/

That's quite the first post. Who were you before you got banned?

(I do agree by the way, but 'fatties' isn't necessary...as Cartman once referred to himself; Festively Plump - it was a holiday episode...)

 

[Viggo Rasmussen]

The reasons we consume unhealthy food have more to do with media, advertising and the culture around us. We're awash in crap, even taught the wrong things for decades about what is good for us.

The reasons some food is unhealthy can be attributed to government policies regarding labelling, subsidizing unhealthy ways of sweetening and bulking food, and capitalism being blind to what is good for us.

We may have gone to the moon but we don't know much about how our bodies function. Nutrition experts have differing views and if they can't agree who's to blame people for being confused?

 

[Viggo Rasmussen]

Using the term "fatties" proves that shaming is common and acceptable in everyday life. It's not helpful at getting people healthy either but it gives us an indication people using the term have their own sad problems.

 

[canman1]

Those that have a medical issue that causes then to be over weight, I feel sorry for them. Those that overeat, sit around, and do nothing to fix the problem, I pity them, for the choice they are making.
Now most of us can see over weight people, at some point in the day, when we are out and about. The most amazing one I have seen, is two people, who if you cut off the arms, legs, and head. They would be giant beach balls, for their body. Totally round in the middle. My only thought was how did they have sex, and produce the little angel with them, who looked perfectly normal. Kids today have the internet, video games, massive amount of different TV shows to watch. They just need to get outside and do something, to burn it off. I was out all morning, and will be out again this evening. Just keep active, and those calories will be consumed.

 

[demien2k5]

As far as my comment against the food industry what I meant was, they are not looking out for our best interests, especially when some of the ads are focused on our children. The FDA is also at fault here.

Agreed!

 

[foxxxy lady]

Agreed!

I read some parts in a book were they talk about marketing processed foods. Chemists actually figure out the right amount of sugar, salt and fats that can produce euphoric effects in the brain that causes people to eat more and become addicted to the products that food company's sell. It causes food addiction and that is why there are more over people then ever in the history of mankind. Healthy weights depend on a persons height and bone structure. Some people are naturally more curvy then others or slimmer we all come in beautiful shapes

xo amber

 

[demien2k5]

I read some parts in a book were they talk about marketing processed foods. Chemists actually figure out the right amount of sugar, salt and fats that can produce euphoric effects in the brain that causes people to eat more and become addicted to the products that food company's sell. It causes food addiction and that is why there are more over people then ever in the history of mankind. Healthy weights depend on a persons height and bone structure. Some people are naturally more curvy then others or slimmer we all come in beautiful shapes

xo amber

I don't dispute that the food industry are deliberate contributors. What I dispute is the notion that individuals somehow just can't help themselves. Adults have a choice when going to the grocery as to what foods they buy, and subsequently prepare and consume. Yes, preparing a healthy meal can take longer to prepare that simply 'thawing' or 'nuking' some kind of pre-packaged or processed food product, but if you choose to regularly consume the latter knowing it's a poor health option, you're not really helping yourself stay healthy. Just because the store sells it, doesn't mean you need to buy and eat it.

Again, I'm not commenting on general weight or shape here, as these will vary while not necessarily affecting degree of health.

I'm pointing out that the average man/woman, if qualified as medically obese, are far more likely to have arrived in that situation because a) they chose to regularly consume foods that were not the best healthy option b) they chose to pursue a more sedentary lifestyle. Note that obesity, for the most part, is not a naturally occurring physical state, along the lines of 'naturally more curvy' and based on genetic predisposition...it is an 'acquired' state based on habit. Yes there are health-oriented exceptions as mentioned above, but by and large, an individual's dietary consumption and degree of physical activity is the most significant factor in their degree of health. These two contributing factors are also not uncontrollable variables for the vast majority of the population. You can choose to eat healthy, or not, and you can choose to exercise to some degree, or not. Abandoning rational free will and then blaming the result on mass media marketing or subversive food industry manufacturers just seems, again, like a massive cop out. Too many North Americans these days are taking the easy way... manufactured food, fast food, processed food, excessive portioning, little to no exercise...the result is that the average North American citizen is more likely to qualify as obese than ever before, but in the end, they really have no one to blame but themselves. They have healthy options available, but decline to pursue them.

 

[castaniabrucciatta]

This is a very complicated issue. I do believe that the food companies have a huge hand in this and they're just too big.

It was tobacco years ago and its food today and tomorrow. That simplifies it too much but that's what I feel.

The point I wanted to make was how obesity has become too easily acceptable. We've all been told growing up (and I do to my own kids) that 'you shouldn't be mean and you shouldn't look at the outside of a person but their inside....etc'. While I do believe that we shouldn't judge or discriminate based on looks ( I really do ) this gives those that are literally killing themselves with food or behaviour a pass.

Now I still smoke (a couple a day) and I do very discreetly and when I'm alone and out of public view (in my car, my garage, etc).

Society does look down on us with some scorn and judgement especially since everyone knows it's bad for us. We don't 'get a pass' (nor should we) for our behaviour and tell our kids 'just accept him/her because he smokes'. In fact, we're told NOT to be like that; which again, I agree with.

For those with kids, if your son or daughter brought home a friend that smoked, would you be cool with that or would you see that friend as a 'bad influence'? Would you try and steer your child away from this friend?

What if the same friend didn't smoke but was very obese and had poor eating habits, wasn't active or just lived an unhealthy lifestyle that caused their obesity? Would you say something to your kid about their friend? What would you say? Would the same standard for the smoker apply?

Its a fine line but I think we're too 'okay' with someone being overweight. I disagree about the fat shaming. I'm sure it happens (especially between women - what else is new?) but if you could somehow measure the intensity or level of fat shaming as a percentage of the obese population, I'm sure it would be low.

Don't know if I'm making sense here but that's my 0.02.

CB

 

[SexB]

I didn't mean literally you twit Fortunate? not at all. I work damned hard, and so did my parents. They fed me well, and taught me that exercise every day was good for me. I was diagnosed with my thyroid issues when I was in my mid 20's but I wasn't overweight, never have been.... my whole life I've exercised and eaten properly, it was just the way I was raised.

Jess, you have a great body. I once described you as being that really hot MILF/Cougar you see at the gym or mall and wonder what she's like in bed.

In your case, "Amazing!" is the word that comes to mind!

 

[basketcase]

That is one unhealthy country. Obesity is the new smoking.

I was going to make the smoking comparison; both are unhealthy and impact our health care system.

People come in all shapes and sizes so I know there are overweight people who are healthy (I'm one. When I was 18 I was swimming competitively and was obese according to BMI) though it does put greater strain on body systems and joints. The people who are unhealthily over or underweight need constructive shaming to realize the impact of their lifestyle (though people being shamed for not being twig like models is disgusting).

Alcoholism might be another valid comparison for many who's eating disorders are tied into psychological issues.

Actually it is interesting that anorexic is recognized by the public as a disorder but compulsive eating is just seen as being a fat slob.

 

[whitewaterguy]

The reasons we consume unhealthy food have more to do with media, advertising and the culture around us. We're awash in crap, even taught the wrong things for decades about what is good for us.

The reasons some food is unhealthy can be attributed to government policies regarding labelling, subsidizing unhealthy ways of sweetening and bulking food, and capitalism being blind to what is good for us.

We may have gone to the moon but we don't know much about how our bodies function. Nutrition experts have differing views and if they can't agree who's to blame people for being confused?

Exactly. The biggest lie, being the health benefits of consuming massive amounts of dairy products. The Milk Marketing Board had done a real number on Canadians by way of their pressure tactics on government and health agencies. Dairy is not an essential food group.

http://rense.com/general26/milk.htm

 

[Viggo Rasmussen]

When school cafeterias serve up fries and gravy for lunch, they have Pepsi machines, and taking gym is optional - the kids are doomed.

 

[foxxxy lady]

I don't dispute that the food industry are deliberate contributors. What I dispute is the notion that individuals somehow just can't help themselves. Adults have a choice when going to the grocery as to what foods they buy, and subsequently prepare and consume. Yes, preparing a healthy meal can take longer to prepare that simply 'thawing' or 'nuking' some kind of pre-packaged or processed food product, but if you choose to regularly consume the latter knowing it's a poor health option, you're not really helping yourself stay healthy. Just because the store sells it, doesn't mean you need to buy and eat it.

Again, I'm not commenting on general weight or shape here, as these will vary while not necessarily affecting degree of health.

I'm pointing out that the average man/woman, if qualified as medically obese, are far more likely to have arrived in that situation because a) they chose to regularly consume foods that were not the best healthy option b) they chose to pursue a more sedentary lifestyle. Note that obesity, for the most part, is not a naturally occurring physical state, along the lines of 'naturally more curvy' and based on genetic predisposition...it is an 'acquired' state based on habit. Yes there are health-oriented exceptions as mentioned above, but by and large, an individual's dietary consumption and degree of physical activity is the most significant factor in their degree of health. These two contributing factors are also not uncontrollable variables for the vast majority of the population. You can choose to eat healthy, or not, and you can choose to exercise to some degree, or not. Abandoning rational free will and then blaming the result on mass media marketing or subversive food industry manufacturers just seems, again, like a massive cop out. Too many North Americans these days are taking the easy way... manufactured food, fast food, processed food, excessive portioning, little to no exercise...the result is that the average North American citizen is more likely to qualify as obese than ever before, but in the end, they really have no one to blame but themselves. They have healthy options available, but decline to pursue them.

I agree with you, I was just stating that a lot of people are naïve when it comes to what they are eating, and fall into the traps of eating foods that they don't even realize are bad for them and before you know it their is an obesity problem. When I was in school there was one or two over weight kid, probably because of a food addiction some people use food to stuff feelings it is a disease like alcoholism ,it is not a choice when it goes that far ,however there are treatment centres and help for people that fall into that category, most people are just naïve and don't even know about healthy eating, I have learned alot of things I was unaware of when I decided to go to a natural path and I've had personal trainers that have helped me learn more about healthy eating.
I have watched documentaries, where someone has gone into a school in the states and changed the cafeteria menu and educated these kids who where very over weight. Some people really don't know. I see a lot of organic, raw food places being opened and some healthier alternatives on menus these days, I think people are trying to get better eating habits and exercise plans, however it is not easy when someone is an over eater, just like it isn't easy for a gambler to stay out of a casino and a chic addicted to shoes not to buy one pair. I agree with hard work it can change, and I agree that one has to want to change.

xo amber

 

[demien2k5]

I agree with you, I was just stating that a lot of people are naïve when it comes to what they are eating, and fall into the traps of eating foods that they don't even realize are bad for them and before you know it their is an obesity problem. When I was in school there was one or two over weight kid, probably because of a food addiction some people use food to stuff feelings it is a disease like alcoholism ,it is not a choice when it goes that far ,however there are treatment centres and help for people that fall into that category, most people are just naïve and don't even know about healthy eating, I have learned alot of things I was unaware of when I decided to go to a natural path and I've had personal trainers that have helped me learn more about healthy eating.
I have watched documentaries, where someone has gone into a school in the states and changed the cafeteria menu and educated these kids who where very over weight. Some people really don't know. I see a lot of organic, raw food places being opened and some healthier alternatives on menus these days, I think people are trying to get better eating habits and exercise plans, however it is not easy when someone is an over eater, just like it isn't easy for a gambler to stay out of a casino and a chic addicted to shoes not to buy one pair. I agree with hard work it can change, and I agree that one has to want to change.

xo amber

Good points! Thanks Amber :thumb:

 

[foxxxy lady]

Good points! Thanks Amber :thumb:

Or we can go to the terb buy and sell section. Probyn may have a solution, he must of read this thread lol. Probyn does that that dr. oz stuff work

xo amber