Obesity, is it really an illness or a lifestyle choice?
Discussion
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I sympathise and empathise. Not sure what your pain killers are but I've never found any worth their side effects. Voltarol 2.2% gel probably the pick. It wears you down though, so food/drink can be a cheer-up tool. well done for losing a stone. My walking's been measurable in yards for 20+ years and I'm @ 1st over. Could be worse, could do better. More widely, anyone looking for a single reason for obesity is wasting their time. You'd have to look at what cultural changes can be made to impact on most people. Some people will be obese whatever.
Some older posters remember only 1-2% of classmates being obese. One I knew for years after school remained obese and will be that way for life. And I suspect those of us that age might like a takeaway/cake/chips etc but couldn't live on them. So for me it starts young - good diet and exercise, set the norms early in life.
If it were me I'd implement good, free school meals, regular school exercise (no excuses), discourage car trip to/from school, anything which resets the norms of diet and activity levels. (tbf I suspect some of this happens now) It'll pay for itself long term. Trouble is, govt rarely spends for long term gains.
Slightly o/t you've only got to look at hospital food to see that even health professionals don't properly connect input to outcomes. Or do, but put short term ££s savings ahead of them.
J4CKO said:
So many different lives, I know a lady who is overweight (Not massive though) caring for a disabled partner, elderly parents and also working full time, she has put weight on as she has zero time to cook and exercise, again easy to pontificate but sometimes in the heat of battle you have other priorities and things slip, just getting through the day, paying your bills, keeping everyone happy and looked after is all you can manage.
This will be the case for some people, and it must be very difficult, but the type (and quantities) of food that many of us now eat is just very effective at helping us pile on weight. It is worth noting that some carers actually do quite a lot of physical work.deckster said:
Thank god you're here. Because, y,'know, nobody else has ever said that. And now you're here, to tell us all the blindingly f
king obvious, the obesity epidemic is solved! Future generations will bow down before your (slim, toned) image in thanks that after your piercing insight was shared on an obscure web forum in mid-2021, there were no more fat people, ever. Because now we know that there are no other factors - psychology is bunk, sugar isn't addictive, dopamine doesn't exist, people aren't susceptible to advertising, peer pressure isn't a thing. Everybody just exercise more and eat less. Damn, I wish we'd thought of that years ago.
Cretin.
You're welcome.king obvious, the obesity epidemic is solved! Future generations will bow down before your (slim, toned) image in thanks that after your piercing insight was shared on an obscure web forum in mid-2021, there were no more fat people, ever. Because now we know that there are no other factors - psychology is bunk, sugar isn't addictive, dopamine doesn't exist, people aren't susceptible to advertising, peer pressure isn't a thing. Everybody just exercise more and eat less. Damn, I wish we'd thought of that years ago.Cretin.
Making excuses is easy; taking responsibility is hard. Fighting against the tide of peer pressure, tempting foods and a more sedentary life is even harder. But you'll feel fantastic when you conquer it. YOU. The person in the mirror.
Good luck.
Drive it fix it repeat said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Krupp88 said:
It’s easy (and quick) to consume 3 digestive biscuits, most people would underestimate the number of calories involved. Assuming the consumer of said biscuits then went for a moderately brisk run for 30 minutes they may work off the calories, however I expect most people would over estimate what has been worked off.
So even someone who is ‘active’ in many peoples eyes by going to the gym 5 days a week for 30mins a time will only work off the takeaway curry they had at the weekend.
Until people fully understand the true calorific load of what they eat (and look beyond the deceptive labelling which often quotes the calories of a certain weight or portion of the product) and the level of exercise required to burn it off they will continue in the same loop of self deception.
It really is amazing that our bodies are so efficient in burning energy.
Hang on a minute! Are you trying to tell me that because I took the bins out, I cannot have a mahoosive fried breakfast as my reward?So even someone who is ‘active’ in many peoples eyes by going to the gym 5 days a week for 30mins a time will only work off the takeaway curry they had at the weekend.
Until people fully understand the true calorific load of what they eat (and look beyond the deceptive labelling which often quotes the calories of a certain weight or portion of the product) and the level of exercise required to burn it off they will continue in the same loop of self deception.
It really is amazing that our bodies are so efficient in burning energy.
Sticks. said:
If it were me I'd implement good, free school meals, regular school exercise (no excuses), discourage car trip to/from school, anything which resets the norms of diet and activity levels. (tbf I suspect some of this happens now) It'll pay for itself long term.
Various schemes to discourage car use are attempted, with varying levels of opposition from parents and local residents. Exercise should be regular and daily in schools. My children's school does "the daily mile", but confusingly, it doesn't appear to be daily and may be a walk for many.
This was ambitious and highly regarded:
La Sierra High School 1960s PE scheme
Their student PE Handbook
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 22 June 14:28
My wife is a hospital consultant. She sees many obese children, usually with obese parents. She avoids using words like "obese" and instead just uses "fat". Having observed the reactions over many years, the reaction to "obese" is "Oh I have a medical condition - it's not my responsibility to change". "Fat" has a very different connotation.
Drive it fix it repeat said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Krupp88 said:
It’s easy (and quick) to consume 3 digestive biscuits, most people would underestimate the number of calories involved. Assuming the consumer of said biscuits then went for a moderately brisk run for 30 minutes they may work off the calories, however I expect most people would over estimate what has been worked off.
So even someone who is ‘active’ in many peoples eyes by going to the gym 5 days a week for 30mins a time will only work off the takeaway curry they had at the weekend.
Until people fully understand the true calorific load of what they eat (and look beyond the deceptive labelling which often quotes the calories of a certain weight or portion of the product) and the level of exercise required to burn it off they will continue in the same loop of self deception.
It really is amazing that our bodies are so efficient in burning energy.
Hang on a minute! Are you trying to tell me that because I took the bins out, I cannot have a mahoosive fried breakfast as my reward?So even someone who is ‘active’ in many peoples eyes by going to the gym 5 days a week for 30mins a time will only work off the takeaway curry they had at the weekend.
Until people fully understand the true calorific load of what they eat (and look beyond the deceptive labelling which often quotes the calories of a certain weight or portion of the product) and the level of exercise required to burn it off they will continue in the same loop of self deception.
It really is amazing that our bodies are so efficient in burning energy.
And i still don't have a full english!
PS the bin people come up to the house, you don't take the bins to the end...
Adverts for unhealthy foods banned pre 21:00.
Anti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
Anti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
eldar said:
Adverts for unhealthy foods banned pre 21:00.
Anti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
That's the ITV football coverage screwed then - they'll need to increase the betting ads to compensate... maybe throw in some payday lendersAnti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
smn159 said:
eldar said:
Adverts for unhealthy foods banned pre 21:00.
Anti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
That's the ITV football coverage screwed then - they'll need to increase the betting ads to compensate... maybe throw in some payday lendersAnti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
Weight loss is very simple - consume less than you use.
However just because something is simple, it doesn't mean it's easy.
To change a lifetime of habit and lifestyle whilst still being bombarded by temptation and marketing to "eat more of these delicious things" takes a huge amount of effort and should be applauded.
However just because something is simple, it doesn't mean it's easy.
To change a lifetime of habit and lifestyle whilst still being bombarded by temptation and marketing to "eat more of these delicious things" takes a huge amount of effort and should be applauded.
eldar said:
Adverts for unhealthy foods banned pre 21:00.
Anti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
I honestly don't think this will make any difference at all. If you walk into somewhere like Asda it's appalling that the lowest price food, which is located at the end of aisles and particularly in the main route in, is the most calorific junk that 'tastes' nice and is easy to consume.Anti-obesity drive: Junk food TV adverts to be banned before 9pm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593599
There is a lack of food education thing going on that is probably closer to willful ignorance and a lack of willpower over the convenience of crap.
It's also not made any easier in sandwich shops (or the sandwich aisle of the supermarket) for those getting their lunch on the go - options are limited for a healthy sandwich that isn't a low calorie tasteless thing if you don't want something that has more hidden calories than a burger and that isn't some sad piece of ham or chicken.
Crook said:
There is a lack of food education thing going on that is probably closer to willful ignorance and a lack of willpower over the convenience of crap.
A lot of people simply don't care if they're 'a bit' overweight. Until it catches up with them and their ill health forces them to confront major lifestyle change... .CrunkleFloop said:
To change a lifetime of habit and lifestyle whilst still being bombarded by temptation and marketing to "eat more of these delicious things" takes a huge amount of effort and should be applauded.
I need to lose around 1.5 stone, drs orders. Feels pretty bloody intimidating, and then keeping it off, despite how simple it is. If you had to lose a huge amount it must feel like a mountain. dmahon said:
I need to lose around 1.5 stone, drs orders. Feels pretty bloody intimidating, and then keeping it off, despite how simple it is. If you had to lose a huge amount it must feel like a mountain.
That's how it feels but the best way is literally to break it down into small chunks. As I sit here, I'm about 23 stone 6. I'm 6'4" so my ideal weight (according to various sources) is somewhere around 13.5 - 14 stone. For me, I'd genuinely look silly being that light. I have pictures of me around 15 stone and that's good, I look fine at that. So I need to lose 8 stone 6 pounds then. That's daunting, but I have to think "Would I take looking good & feeling better a year from now?" to which the answer is "Yes". Then, "Can I lose 2 pounds a week by consuming less & doing lots of walking (nothing strenuous like cycling or running)?" The answer to that is also "Yes" so if I can lose 2 pounds a week for a year, that's 7 stone 6 pounds off, and I'd be 16 stone, just a stone over target.
I'd hope that success would spur me on to lose the last stone but even sticking at 16 stone would mean I was in a better place than now. I feel rough most days now, sleep pattern is terrible and I'm clearly putting my health at risk so in the next few days, I'm going to plan out and prepare for the change of a lifetime. Can't go on like it, it's not fair on those around me.
GloverMart said:
That's how it feels but the best way is literally to break it down into small chunks.
As I sit here, I'm about 23 stone 6. I'm 6'4" so my ideal weight (according to various sources) is somewhere around 13.5 - 14 stone. For me, I'd genuinely look silly being that light. I have pictures of me around 15 stone and that's good, I look fine at that. So I need to lose 8 stone 6 pounds then. That's daunting, but I have to think "Would I take looking good & feeling better a year from now?" to which the answer is "Yes". Then, "Can I lose 2 pounds a week by consuming less & doing lots of walking (nothing strenuous like cycling or running)?" The answer to that is also "Yes" so if I can lose 2 pounds a week for a year, that's 7 stone 6 pounds off, and I'd be 16 stone, just a stone over target.
I'd hope that success would spur me on to lose the last stone but even sticking at 16 stone would mean I was in a better place than now. I feel rough most days now, sleep pattern is terrible and I'm clearly putting my health at risk so in the next few days, I'm going to plan out and prepare for the change of a lifetime. Can't go on like it, it's not fair on those around me.
Can I suggest that you rethink ‘in the next few days I am going to plan out ...’ As I sit here, I'm about 23 stone 6. I'm 6'4" so my ideal weight (according to various sources) is somewhere around 13.5 - 14 stone. For me, I'd genuinely look silly being that light. I have pictures of me around 15 stone and that's good, I look fine at that. So I need to lose 8 stone 6 pounds then. That's daunting, but I have to think "Would I take looking good & feeling better a year from now?" to which the answer is "Yes". Then, "Can I lose 2 pounds a week by consuming less & doing lots of walking (nothing strenuous like cycling or running)?" The answer to that is also "Yes" so if I can lose 2 pounds a week for a year, that's 7 stone 6 pounds off, and I'd be 16 stone, just a stone over target.
I'd hope that success would spur me on to lose the last stone but even sticking at 16 stone would mean I was in a better place than now. I feel rough most days now, sleep pattern is terrible and I'm clearly putting my health at risk so in the next few days, I'm going to plan out and prepare for the change of a lifetime. Can't go on like it, it's not fair on those around me.
Far more likely to happen if you say ‘by 3pm on Sunday I will have planned out ....’
All the best.
GloverMart said:
Cant go on like it, it's not fair on those around me.
Hey Mart don't know if you have tried noom but it's the only weight loss thing I've ever tried and it's working for me.I ended up only doing noom for 3 months but it's actually changed the way I think about food and weight loss.
I didn't take the food delivery part of it and it only cost £20 a month but you spend 10 minutes a day learning stuff.
Worth a go.
I lost a stone in 2 months.
GloverMart said:
That's how it feels but the best way is literally to break it down into small chunks.
You need to fundamentally change how you view food. Change what you eat. Trying to "simply" eat less of the foods that have made you fat will not work. You will simply be hungry. And no-one can ignore that for the long term.Your belt or the fit of your jeans is a better guide than the scales, which will go up and down or plateau, missing your targets and killing your morale.
Best of luck.
GloverMart said:
That's how it feels but the best way is literally to break it down into small chunks.
As I sit here, I'm about 23 stone 6. I'm 6'4" so my ideal weight (according to various sources) is somewhere around 13.5 - 14 stone. For me, I'd genuinely look silly being that light. I have pictures of me around 15 stone and that's good, I look fine at that. So I need to lose 8 stone 6 pounds then. That's daunting, but I have to think "Would I take looking good & feeling better a year from now?" to which the answer is "Yes". Then, "Can I lose 2 pounds a week by consuming less & doing lots of walking (nothing strenuous like cycling or running)?" The answer to that is also "Yes" so if I can lose 2 pounds a week for a year, that's 7 stone 6 pounds off, and I'd be 16 stone, just a stone over target.
I'd hope that success would spur me on to lose the last stone but even sticking at 16 stone would mean I was in a better place than now. I feel rough most days now, sleep pattern is terrible and I'm clearly putting my health at risk so in the next few days, I'm going to plan out and prepare for the change of a lifetime. Can't go on like it, it's not fair on those around me.
But that's how you should look. 13.5-14 stone is a good weight for 6'4".As I sit here, I'm about 23 stone 6. I'm 6'4" so my ideal weight (according to various sources) is somewhere around 13.5 - 14 stone. For me, I'd genuinely look silly being that light. I have pictures of me around 15 stone and that's good, I look fine at that. So I need to lose 8 stone 6 pounds then. That's daunting, but I have to think "Would I take looking good & feeling better a year from now?" to which the answer is "Yes". Then, "Can I lose 2 pounds a week by consuming less & doing lots of walking (nothing strenuous like cycling or running)?" The answer to that is also "Yes" so if I can lose 2 pounds a week for a year, that's 7 stone 6 pounds off, and I'd be 16 stone, just a stone over target.
I'd hope that success would spur me on to lose the last stone but even sticking at 16 stone would mean I was in a better place than now. I feel rough most days now, sleep pattern is terrible and I'm clearly putting my health at risk so in the next few days, I'm going to plan out and prepare for the change of a lifetime. Can't go on like it, it's not fair on those around me.
But society these days associates lean with weak rather than lean with fit and healthy and strong.
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff