Researchers are now arguing that obesity is, in fact, a disease. I believe it’s true, some people have slower metabolism, and that could quite possibly be genetics (because let’s face it, we all know somebody who eats like crap and doesn’t seem to gain a pound.) However, I believe it can be prevented.
Let’s say we are born with the unlucky fate of having heart disease run in our family bloodline. Right from the time we are born, doctors begin to take precautions. We may need to constantly exercise to keep out heart strong, or we may need to eat right in order to keep our arteries unclogged. We take these steps in order to prevent something from happening to our heart. If obesity is to be labeled as a disease then shouldn’t we take the same precautions? If we can prevent heart disease right from the start by taking precautions, then we should be able to do the same with obesity.
The question remains, should we label it a disease? I feel it’s one more excuse we have created for people. Now, instead of taking the blame, that maybe we eat food we know is bad for us, or we know we don’t get the right amount of exercise, now they can use the excuse, “It’s a disease!” I personally feel that eating better and exercising regularly would make a huge difference. I’m not talking everyone gets down to a size 4, but it would make some difference. We’ve seen so many positive stories from shows like “The Biggest Loser”, “Celebrity Fit Club”, “Weighing In” and “Ruby”. These shows create positive health, diet, and food preparation for its viewers. If we could change our eating habits and make a better attempt to be active everyday, the fight on obesity might not be as bad as it is today.
12 March 2009
4 comments:
I think calling obesity a disease makes it seem more of an "out of control" situation. A person never adds 100 lbs in a night, unless something is horribly wrong -- then I can see it being a disease. But, most weight gain is done gradually from a lack of exercise and healthy eating. To call it a disease is just removing responsibility from the situation.
I agree it can be a disease; I also agree many medications affect metabolism and make it impossible to maintain a low weight.
Not to mention, Hollywood forces many impossible body-image standards on people (not just youth, and not just women) every day.
So, diet and exercise can help.
But I can't help but ask- Why can't people stop the onslaught of weight problems before they start?
You make an excellent point; not everyone can be a size 0, let alone a size 4.
But must most people insist on eating McDonalds, Burger King, or Wendy's every day?
Salads may not be as appealing as a McNugget, but is it really necessary to ingest them everyday for lunch?
Studies nowadays are overwhelming asserting the negative health effects of such food... so maybe the disease isn't obesity, it's ignorance.
Personally, I think the worst part of this whole debate is the lazy McDonald's regulars that will use someones legitimate genetic disease to cover up their daily eating habits; it makes people who really battle with metabolism issues seen with as much scrutiny as the lazy who capitalize on such an idea.
Maybe, then, there should be two categories; those who are truly obese, and those addicted to food that can make them this way.
We can start a whole new line of self-help books.
i believe fat people should stop eating and start playing chess to help control their weight. if they dont like chess they should play scrabble so they can expand their vocabulary instead of their belly
I'm confused on how chess and scrabble are going to control someones weight? Your not moving anything but your arms.
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