I watch shows about the Morbidly obese to help shock me into watching my weight

[LynneSin]

Mind you, I have weight to lose - people who know me know that I"m not someone primadonna whining about an extra pound of flesh on my ass.

A&E had a show called "I eat 33,000 Calories a Day" and I watch this stuff to help get me in the mindset that I need to do something about my weight before I end up on one of those shows.

BTW, I was amazed when the put out all the food on the table that one person eats a day. I realize that these people are dealing with addiction - no different then someone trying to break the habit with heroin or crack. I hope the 4 they show on the show get the help they need to recover from their addiction

[graywarrior]

1. Food addiction is prevalent in America

Stop in at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting and listen to people talk about it. Food is so emotional.

[LynneSin]

2. I think OA is the only weight-loss program I could ever join

I don't want to eat pre-packaged food or buy special vitamens loaded with caffeine in order to lose my weight. I worked at Jenny Craig for 3 years and trust me - I would never do Jenny Craig. I would rather deal with my love of food as an addiction and I think OA is the only one who can do that.

[graywarrior]

6. It works for many of my AA friends

[LynneSin]

7. Fortunately I've never had any reason to need a 12-step program

However I respect the concept of the 12-step and recognize that food is an addiction and should be treated as such.

[graywarrior]

8. OA is different from AA because it doesn't attract hard core alcohol addiction

It's very supportive and gets it that food is more addictive than any other substance.

[Stuart G]

20. Are you sure?

Addiction is addiction is addiction........12 step programs deal with addictions..

Now if one admits that he/she is addicted to ..let's say..some substance..like food, or refined sugar, or maybe great salty stuff, like chips, or ice cream..real addiction then you can choose to do with it what you want,..ok. OR, you can choose not to deal with it ..many do..
that is ok too...

..But 12 step programs deal with that, and have been very successful in dealing with that, over 70 years. So, if you really are addicted to food, let's just say you are..ok then why wouldn't you use the most successful program in dealing with addictions?..

[LynneSin]

49. When I say before - I mean other issues other than the food addiction

I rarely drink anymore, I've never smoked pot let alone do any other hardcore drug. I'm a pretty clean gal outside of the food.

I've said that food is the first time I'm considering 12-step

[Sugar Smack]

43. The US also has the tendency toward obscene "Super-Size" menus.

It's typical for me to be able to make three meals out of one in a restaurant here. I know that sounds like a "happy problem" and it's not a problem for me at all. But it speaks to the indulgence this country has for food.

[Sugar Smack]

48. My problem is with alcohol.

[supernova]

53. Restaurant portions

I know what you mean.

Sometimes it's not fun to go out when I know I'm gonna get this huge amount of food that has to be refrigerated ASAP.

[Arugula Latte]

52. You can't stop "using" food like other addicts can quit using drugs, etc.

I can't imagine what a difficult battle that would be. :(

[Connonym]

68. Amen

You'll die from it all the faster if you "just say no" to eating.

[Fire Walk With Me]

56. Sugar is in nearly everything and we are not taught emotional skills.

'Ceptin' the John Wayne schools of ignorin' the durn thangs, and gettin' cancer as a result. Go figure.

[MissMillie]

3. I am constantly amazed at how many people still deny food addiction

when something makes your brain receptors happy, then that's it... it doesn't matter what it is: video games, gambling, drugs, cigarettes, food, sex.....

For food addicts, there's no cold turkey. Definitely a very hard addiction to tame...

[Stuart G]

27. People deny food addiction because...........

...1. they think that they can control the addiction..(after all, you put the food in your mouth..you can control what you put in your mouth.

...2. Food is everwhere..not like booze.. It cannot be an addiction if it is meant to go into one's own mouth. Booze and gambling were not meant for us, but food, after all was meant to go inside of us.

...3. There are so many advocates for it not being an addiction...So., go to the health club, use this pill, try this diet. It can help you ..These so called "advocates" are out for one thing..MOney................money......................money.............end of rant.

[Stuart G]

76. About these.."happy brain receptors"..very dangerous..

Happy brain receptors are..... very very very dangerous
They seem to over ride the desire ... to survive... at times..
..and that is important....... More on this later..

[Droopy]

4. I was up to 287 last summer

Since August I've lost 48 pounds. Still got 39 more to go to reach my goal. The thing that got me was the sugar. I figured up that I was eating something like 1200 calories a day in sugar rich food.

I was in denial about my weight. I hadn't stepped on some scales in a very long time and I basically thought I could eat anything I wanted without worrying about it. That might have been true when I was 20, but it wasn't working at 35.

[LynneSin]

5. I was the same way when I was 20 - my metabolism kicked ass

which is why I had bad eating habits - who cares when the Metabolism will clean it all up

:cry:

[stuntcat]

12. I was just fine until i hit 29

Then I gained like 40-50 pounds and it's taken years to get kinda thin again. Now I'm gonna have to diet for the rest of my life :cry: (and Thank the Baby Jesus for Metamucil, I say)

[rockymountaindem]

59. Lucky bastard

I'm 21 and I've never had that kind of metabolism. That said I do keep my weight under pretty good control, but I'm always amazed by the people that can munch down whatever they want and still not gain weight.

[hisownpetard]

48 lbs? That's fantastic. Good for you!!!!!!

:hi: :thumbsup: :toast:

[hisownpetard]

51. 48 lbs? That's fantastic. Good for you!!!!!!

:hi: :thumbsup: :toast:

[madinmaryland]

9. "33,000 calories a day"..

:wow:

:puke:

What were they eating?

[Arugula Latte]

55. I think I saw the same show. A woman (who looked very young, but had a 19-year-old son)

was closing in on 700 lbs. She ate a huge bowl of cereal (about three servings worth), burger and fries, lasagna, a big plate of cookies, chinese takeout, candy (M&Ms, peanut butter cups, etc.), and some other things I can't remember, all in a day.

[IronLionZion]

97. sweets and drinks can be very calorie dense nt

[supernova]

10. Lynne, have you seen "You Are What You Eat"?

on BBC America?

The health expert goes to people with poor eating habits and shocks them by laying out on a table everything they've eaten in a week. It makes for a tableau you never forget. Some people consume a lot of take out and alchohol, for other's it's bread and pastry.

And I watch those mobidly obese shows too. I really don't want to wind up like that. :-(

[MissMillie]

11. I've seen that one....

what strikes me so much w/ the food on the table is how "beige" it is.... no color whatsoever.

[supernova]

13. Yes, no color. Did you see last night?

The woman was a refined carb addict: bread and pastry. Gillian showed her her extra weight in bread dough. A whole wheel barrow full of it!

:yoiks:

[MissMillie]

17. I missed that one

I think the one that got me the most was the woman who kept eating milk chocolate every day despite the fact that she was allergic to milk. She'd "cluck" nearly all night long. Gross!!!

[supernova]

19. Saw it! I've even switched to almond milk

if I want to use "milk."

I don't eat that much chocolate, and hardly ever milk chocolate, but I get that sensation when I drink/eat milk products.

[AlCzervik]

38. i love that show!

and lots of good ideas for vegetarian meals. Oh Jillian and her "Your poo is the worst one i've ever seen!"

[supernova]

40. Hee. She does have a poo fetish

:D

That would be the most embarrassing part of being on that show for me.

[AlCzervik]

41. she's right though, i never really thought about it much "You don't chew your food!"

and i actually went out and bought a mini rebounder "A trampette" which always makes giggle when they call it that but i did buy one and it's actually kind of fun to use.

[zanne]

66. Those shows just depress me.

The only way I can go on a diet is when I tell myself it's time. I've been telling myself that lately, bit I keep telling myself; "Well, if you talk to yourself, you have bigger problems than obesity". So I put it off.
Comfort food is the name of the addictive substance.

[kwassa]

14. Watch "The Biggest Loser"

It is actually a bit inspiring to see people with serious weight problems really try to lose weight.

[MissMillie]

21. this show is inspirational, but I have my issues w/ it

most people who start that kind of an intense program on their own cannot maintain it, and then end up giving up.

I almost feel like they should have an "off season" gig where folks are asked to make small, sustainable changes (like 30 minutes of movement/day, cutting out sweet drinks...), and then when the new season starts, they can check back in with these folks and see how they did.

[lightningandsnow]

15. Some shows give me self-esteem issues.

I mean, I'm a size 8 or 9. Not bad for someone who's tall (almost 5'8), but it's bigger than what most people consider desirable these days.

[MissMillie]

26. I think you're wrong about that

I think "most people" will say that size 8 or 9 is perfectly acceptable.

What you see on TV is hardly representative of "most people"

[flvegan]

16. Have you watched the show about the Brookhaven Obesity Clinic?

I think it's on TLC. Shocking, tbh.

[MissMillie]

18. I watched some of that yesterday

I got a charge out of the folks who were "cheating" who cried "foul" when they got separated from the folks who were true to program.

[Seashell Eyes]

83. I like watching that show while on the treadmill

It's a great motivator. :bounce:

[RebelOne]

94. Watched that show last week.

Never been obese myself, but I can relate because my daughter is. She ballooned up to 415 pounds and finally had bypass surgery. She lost 300 pounds in less than a year's time. But now, unfortunately, she is starting to pack on the weight again.

[Stuart G]

22. My guess is that this thread will be around a while..nt

[Deep13]

23. I have to question whether overeating is really like addiction to drugs.

I don't doubt that many people have psychological dependencies to overeating or other bad habits like gambling, pornography etc. Still, I wonder if it really is the same as the physical addiction that drug users experience. Does a food "addict" have withdrawal symptoms if he stops eating to much? Well, as someone who does eat too much, I can tell you that I have never had withdrawal symptoms when I drastically reduced calories, either by choice or from illness. I do know that over-eating is different from other self-destructive ways in one respect: one cannot quit eating.

I also must repeat my oft stated skepticism of 12 step groups. While there may be some benefit to the emotional support ones gets from a group environment, there is no reason to think that the 12 steps or any of the "program" do anything to help their practitioners. I know you are a believer, but even so if you are honest then you must know that no god* is going to make you eat better. That is why the programs that do work like Weight Watchers all focus on caloric intake and not on psychological well-being.

*Yes, yes, yes, I know it is god as one understands him. (Why "him" BTW?) Still one cannot define that god to make him something other than god and still be honest about it.

[Stuart G]

24. It is that belief in a power greater than oneself that..........

A strong belief in a power greater than oneself can restore one to sanity. That belief can overcome many addictions. Recently I talked to two people..One had lost 270 pounds, and another had lost 400 pounds. Both had kept it off for years. My guess is if you had talked to both of them, they would take issue with you as to................."..the 12 steps of the "program" do anything to help their practiioners."...(your words)

..You can be skeptical. That is your business.

..But this program has saved many lives. Obesity is a major problem here in the U.S.A.
..........................................HEart Disease is the number 1 killer in the U.S.A.
..........................................believe what you want, but OA works for many......

[Deep13]

28. That's obviously not clinical evidence.

Whether OA works for many or not is not a question of belief. It either does or does not. Further, simply being a practicing member of OA and loosing weight does not mean the OA caused the weight loss. For that reason and because you are not hearing from the failures, your anecdotes are not evidence.

I know the program. I know all of the rhetoric and circular arguments they use. God is mentioned at least half a dozen times in the steps. Over-eaters are not insane. Neither are most other people with addictive type behaviors. Insanity means an inability to understand the nature and consequences of ones actions as the result of a serious mental disease or defect. Even if this was a sanity problem, the only greater power than could possibly return a person to sanity is god. The IRS is a greater power. So is gravity. Neither of those things (for example) will affect ones sanity.

[Stuart G]

32. each of us defines, "insanity" the way we want to..

For many of us, it is insane to over eat foods that will kill us..........it is not rocket science, and we do not need a dictionary...


Arguing about definitions, and protocols is kinda silly. You have your definition, and the person who's life is saved by one of these programs has theirs. It is a little bit like arguing with someone about how many angels are dancing on the head of a pin. You can say 4, and I can say 10.

..To define for someone else, what they think their issue. is also silly. If someone doesn't like or think these programs work for them, that is also silly. They just leave. You leave, come back, define, say, and read what you want. If you can lose weight and keep it off without a program like this...good for you.................

[Deep13]

36. "...the person who's life is saved by one of these programs...."

That's a pretty tall statement from someone who cannot even define the basic terms of the program. OA has never demonstrated that it has ever saved anyone. The 12-steps say that they can offer a higher power to return one to sanity. They cannot cry foul when someone tries to figure out just what that means. And if you don't know, then I have to assume it means nothing. Frankly, all of the language used by AA and its clones is calculated to evade group resonsibility for failure. How is it that everyone who attends that succeeds is "...the person who's life is saved by one of these programs...." while those who don't just aren't working the steps enough? Frankly, I suspect that people at OA who lose weight do it because they do it and not because of the program.

Your resistance of any critical analysis of the program only reinforces the idea that AA &c. is a religious organization and not a genuine treatment program. Real treatment is subjected to to outside and self-criticism and uses mistakes of the past to improve the program. AA &c. have utterly failed to do that. Dogma that ridicules criticism and encourages self-doubt are hallmarks of religious cults.

[Stuart G]

42. 12 step programs are not religious cults.

People come and go as they like. You can believe or not believe what you want. And contrary to what you say...it is clear there is responsibility for group failure, but there is also individual responsibility for not dealing with the addiction. Ultimately, the individual must decide to believe or act within his own views and perception of the programs.

..It is always easier to argue and criticize. Always.

..Acting within an addiction is another matter. Perhaps..some people have not had to deal with these addictions and therefore they can take such a harsh view of those who do.

[Deep13]

46. I'm plowing old ground. We'll have to agree to disagree.

I've made these same point and others elsewhere on this website and have never received satisfactory answers, so I'm getting a like sick of arguing about it. My only point in posting was to make the point that addiction (and I'm not even saying the OP has one) does not necessitate a something-A. "solution."

[RetroLounge]

64. Don't even bother with him/her

mention 12 step, and BANG! There he is all against the cult of 12 steps...

:eyes:

It never fails...

RL

[MissMillie]

25. anything can be addictive

anything... even things that you do not consume, like gambling, sex and exercise.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/386257/all_addictions_create_similar_brain.html

[Deep13]

29. Well, you may be right...

...but the article you cite does not demonstrate that. It simply discusses the matter and alludes to evidence, but does not say what it is.

[MissMillie]

30. true enough

I'll admit to that as long as you admit that your singular experience is akin to annecdotal evidence.

[Deep13]

31. For sure.

One person's recollection of something he was not watching for at the time is almost the definition on anecdotal.

[Stuart G]

33. Yes, it does indeed look like we are arguing how many agels are dancing on the head of a pin..nt

[MissMillie]

34. more information, if you're so inclined

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/drugs-alcohol/mg19125661.200-hooked-why-your-brain-is-primed-for-addiction.html

[Deep13]

37. interesting n/t

[CTyankee]

35. As someonewho has gone through recent weight loss due to illness, I can saythat

when I was trying to lose weight, back before my illness, I was almost addicted to the treadmill at the gym, always trying to up the number of miles, or how much uphill I was walking, or how many wind sprints I was doing each workout. With all that and some moderation in diet, I lost only 7 lbs. It was discouraging. My size did not change.

Since my numerous abdominal surgeries for complications to diverticular surgery, I am now depleted of so much of my small intestine, I am hungry all of the time. Doc says it is because my body cannot absorb calories effeciently and is asking for more food. I will like stay at my current weight, which is 25 lbs. lighter than before my surgical horrors. It's as if I have my own little gastric bypass except that when I overeat I don't get sick, I just don't absorb the food and it is excreted naturally. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!

[Deep13]

47. Holy shit! Sorry to hear that.

I can only hope you will be well.
:-(

[CTyankee]

67. Thanks, deep 13

I'm actually in a good place now, miraculously enough. I will stay thin despite my constant hunger, due to my inablity to absorb calories. I cannot ever again get diverticulitis (a serious problem which I was trying to avoid with my first, elective surgery). But jeez after the hell of the last 7 months, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Prolly the worse was a temporary colostomy, requiring lots of attention, until it was reversed, along with a hernia that it had caused. I had to quit my part time job, no big deal but I liked the people I worked with. Now that I am fine and all put together again, I am happy but wondering what to do with the rest of my life. So much just vanished over a short period of time...

[LynneSin]

39. Answers:

First, yes, food is addictive and should be treated as such. If someone is eating food that is high in sugar & highly processed there are chemical reactions related to those food that if deprived can cause severe headaches & irritability. There are major studies related to food addiction and dealing with overcoming them.

Second - I would consider attending 12-step programs NOT because I believe but because I believe they are the one group that deals with food as an addiction. (and when I mean food I should narrow that to highly-processed foods). I've always gotten the impression that 12-steps were necessary 'God Groups' but devoted more to a higher power, sometimes just repeating statements to address self-esteem programs.

I feel the biggest problem with groups like Weight Watchers is they focus very little on the psychological well-being of the person. I don't overeat - I overeat because of deep-seated fears of being loved and feeling low self-worth. And you'll find that most overeaters - especially those dealing with obesity are dealing with the same low self-esteem; ironically one of the major problems with those addicted to drugs, addicted to sex, addicted to spending too much money. Why do you think they call these processed foods "Comfort Food"? Because when I eat that 8th Reese Peanut Butter cup, it doesn't make me more worthy but chemically numbs me from thinking of my self-esteem issues.

[yellowdogintexas]

62. Weight Watchers is actually addressing some of these aspects of lifestyle management

in the newer programs our 2008 materials we are being given at our meetings the 3rd week handout is about habits and mindsets. The eight Helpful Habits

Prepare yourself
ask for HELP
MANAGE your thoughts
MANAGE your feelings
TAKE CARE of yourself
MANAGE your environment
MONITOR yourself
LEARN from experience


Then we took a little quiz to see where we all stand in relationship to these things. I was intrigued both by the things I still need to work on after 2 years and 60 pounds, and by how differently I would have answered the questions 2 years ago. Manageing my environment and LEARNING from experience are the ones I had the most check marks on..

We spend a lot of time at meetings talking about what makes us treat ouselves badly, foodwise and how we can work to not let that defeat us.

I really think WW is continuing to expand in the ways weight control and lifestyle change are addressed.

[Love Bug]

44. Sure it is -- we get addicted to sugar and carbs

All I know is if I decide to cut back or even completely cut out the amount of sugar or simple carbs (bread, etc) from what I'm used to eating, the cravings are pretty bad. That sounds like withdrawal to me. After getting used to the lesser amounts of sugars I have to be very diligent in not letting them creep back on my plate. It's tough.

[alarimer]

58. And what are atheists supposed to do?

I suppose they could lie if they are forced into a program (by the way, what kind of good does it do to be forced into it anyway but that's another issue). I just have problems with the whole God thing.

[LeftyFingerPop]

45. Lynne, this is a great topic...I have some thoughts

I think there is a dichotomy in this country where we are both encouraged to be thin via the "beautiful people" advertisements, while at the same time we live in a culture that does not support proper eating habits.

There is seemingly a McDonald's or Burger Swill or KFC on every corner. We have busy lives, and we eat on the go. I always wonder why there are not more drive-up or "fast food" franchises that have healthy, good tasting foods. REAL salads with deep and varied greens, fresh veggies, quality chicken, lean beef, etc. Also, what's up with the HUGE portion sizes at these fast food places? Who the heck needs 32 ounces of Pepsi swilling around in their body? As a society, we have gotten used to this crap, and efforts to make fast food healthier have not been enough.

The second issue is body image. There is nothing terrible about being over weight. As long as an overweight person is healthy, I think it is better to be over weight than under weight. We need to really learn how to be more comfortable in our own skins. To me, the most attractive man or woman in the world is one who exhibits strength and confidence, regardless of their weight.

[Missy Vixen]

70. The fast food is cheaper to produce

and easier to store and prepare.

There are "healthier" options at fast food places now, such as grilled chicken, salads, fruit, yogurt, bottled water, etcetera. If you pick and choose on the menu, you can actually come up with something that's not a bazillion calories and soaked in sauce and cheese. McDonald's grilled cheese sandwich is actually pretty good. I ask them to skip the mayo and put on a little honey mustard, skip the fries and get some water or iced tea, and it's not perfect, but it's better than a triple bacon cheeseburger or something when we're in a big hurry and have to eat something.

Of course, this is IMHO.
Julie

[LeftyFingerPop]

81. Wow...I didn't even know that McDonald's had...

a grilled cheese sandwich. I used to go there way too much, now I'll only go about once every month or two.

My concept is that there should be fast food places with nothing but healthy food, and DELICIOUS healthy food. I find the salads at these places to be terrible, and the chicken to be of low quality.

I don't know...I guess I would like to be able to get a piece of baked or broiled fish, a nice Greek salad that has not been refrigerated to death, whole grain pasta to go, etc.

That being said Julie, I do agree with you that things have gotten better than they were, I just wish we would lean even more to the healthy side. :hi:

[Missy Vixen]

104. YOu know, I just came back here, and I must have been hallucinating.

The sandwich is grilled chicken.

I don't think McDonald's has ever had a grilled cheese sandwich. My face is a bit red. :blush:

Sorry, everyone,
Julie

[fizzgig]

74. well put, philboy

what i've noticed lately is how things like soda sizes are changing at some of those restaurants. i went to wendy's not long ago and ordered a medium soda. when they handed me a large, they told me it was a medium.

so now medium is large and large is now extra large

it's disgusting

[LeftyFingerPop]

82. Thanks kagehime, and I agree...

Some of these drink containers look like small garbage cans. :rofl:

I wish more places would offer Crystal Light. It has almost no calories, a good taste, and no caffeine.

:hi:

[applegrove]

50. I saw that show last night. Unbelievable how addicted those poor souls are.

I wish them all health and a cure to their addiction. Very sad. Reminded me to stay on my diet and avoid fast food.

[Stuart G]

72. Most addictions are terrible.

I have heard of addictive gamblers. They cannot stop. No matter what happens, they would sell their spouses if they could to get more money.
I have known some drug addicts. Bad shit. It is as ugly as the gamblers. But us food people. Well there is this idea out there that we can stop. Once the binge starts, it is almost unstoppable. You just cant start. I have had it for over 50 years. Oh well, today is much better than before...Stuart.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

54. I can't watch those, or else I start to want to commit suicide.

Absolutely disgusting. Pitiable, of course, but so disgusting I want to fall over dead. I can hardly think of a worse thing to do than to eat yourself to death.

Gahhhh, I get ill just thinking about it.

[GreenPartyVoter]

61. Drunks and junkies are just as disgusting, yes?

[datasuspect]

63. they can be

especially when they steal from you or debase themselves to keep getting high/drunk.

amazing what some people will do for a five dollar rock at 3 in the morning after all the money is gone. . .

[WritingIsMyReligion]

102. Uh, yes.

:scared:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

78. thats a little condescending. i wonder how much of our distaste for fat is because it has switched

from the wealthy to the poor. once fat was a mark of wealth, now i think its increasing with poverty.

no matter what disgusts you, you should question it.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

101. I don't mean to be condescending, but I really find it vile.

So too do I find the vast majority of Republicans vile, or the ultra-religious (of any persuasion). I don't necessarily think I'm better than any of those people, but obesity or Republicanism or religion are just not my pitfalls. I think one can find something "vile" without being condescending about it, since I'm sure there's stuff about me people find vile. :shrug: I do question this knee-jerk reaction of mine (my fear as a young child was becoming obese or being around obese people, as if it were contagious; I've long since gotten over that).

I would question people being distasteful of obesity because of its association with the poor. When I think poor stereotypes, I think of people with visible ribs and grimy hair, not the obese. I'm not sure why people associate obesity with poverty--it seems, logically, a nonsensical connection to begin with.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

103. obesity is highly correlated with SEC in this country. poverty in america/africa do no look the same

[Mike03]

57. I read cancer studies to motivate me to keep slender.

There are some new studies coming out that examine the benefits of short fasts (20 hours) in order to give the pancreas a rest.

It depends on your motivation for wanting to lose weight. If it is chronic disease rather than appearance, there is some really motivating information on that.

My parents are both obese. They have struggled so hard to eat healthfully, and I know that it's just that they grew up in an era when erroneous information was believed to be true about what was healthy and what was not healthy. It's not easy to be a health consumer nowadays.

My heart goes out to you. Take care.

[cutlassmama]

60. My weight gain has predominately gotten out of hand since I've been

bedridden for several years now. I don't eat very much, but because I can't walk around my metabolism is probably close to 0.

[DarkTirade]

65. I've always had a bit of a food addiction

but it was fine when I was young and had a fast metabolism, and again recently when I was working at a warehouse and I NEEDED the extra fuel. Thankfully my appetite has started to taper off a bit now that I'm not doing that anymore. Not as much as I'd like, but a bit.

Still, self control and exercise are my best friends right now. :)

[Duer 157099]

69. I was surprised that they didn't get into the financial aspects

other than to briefly mention it. It would seem like a significant issue. Especially if these folks are bedridden and not working. How do they afford it? I know in one case they mentioned a home refi that went half for food.

I had a craving for a salad after watching that show, lol.

Someone upthread mentioned the 20-hour fast issue -- sometimes I don't eat anything until dinner time (8pm or so) and so effectively on those days I do fast for quite long times, but that is supposedly very unhealthy. It'd be nice to know that maybe it's actually not so bad.

[supernova]

71. I've wondered about that

People who weight mega amounts must have huge food bills. And I guess insurance pays for the surgery. And how can they afford to be disable for so long?

[The Inquisitive]

73. Obesity in America has always been a topic of interest to me

I started packing on major pounds during middle school due to extremely poor diet, and a passion for videogames. This continued on for a few years in high school until the summer after my sophmore year I looked myself in the mirror and just flat out realized I was horrendously overweight. I stepped on the scale and bam it came up 310lbs (on a 6'2 male frame). I was horrifed and immediately went for a run. I could only handle half a mile, my feet were absolutely killing me. I just kept running my half mile every day for a week. The pain after a run was incredible. Well needless to say, the pain made me start changing my diet because I simply got tired of subjecting myself to such punishment, then engaging in behavior that was completely contrary to my goals!

This continued on for a few weeks, I started doing multiple half mile runs everyday, then worked my way up to 1 mile, than 1.5 miles. In three weeks I dropped about 10lbs and having seen that losing weight was actually quite possible, and not just myth or legend. My parents were both overweight and had a library of diet and exercise books from their countless failed attempts. I looked through them all and found Body for Life by Bill Phillips which provided a pretty solid comprehensive overview on how to begin proper weightloss and gave a pretty easy to follow 12 week program. 12 weeks later I was 40lbs light, able to run 3 mile in just under 30 minutes, and about twice as strong in terms of weight training than when I began. I looked a whole hell of a lot better than I did when I started out.

At that point I was in better shape than what the BFL program is designed for and I had enough general knowledge to develop my own routine and the diet and nutrition was common sense to me at that point. Didn't need to calorie count or anything. Smaller more frequent meals, lots of sources of lean protein, Eat complex carbs and fruit for carbs, and take in plant fat such as olive oil, almonds, and peanut butter to meet fat requirements. The pounds just kept falling off until I hit about 200lbs. At that point I had a pretty damn good body, but nowhere near what I have going for me now. I managed to hold my weight constant but kept getting leaner so over the years I put on a lot of extra muscle mass. I eat quite a bit, about 2500-3000 calories per day and am still getting gradually leaner and leaner, in fact I see a six pack in the near future as I'm finally starting to see that coveted abdominal definition.

It's true what they say, weight loss isn't just about a 12 week program. It's about a complete lifestyle change. Like I mentioned early, I also considered myself addicted to videogames. I played MMO's for hours on end when I was obese and saw real life as something to just endure before I could get back to my game. I remeber cutting myself off cold turkey, man what was a shock as well. I literally went through a week long daze not sure what the hell I was supposed to do with all this extra time (I figured that though).

I've rambled on a lot longer than i've intended... Anyway, to bring it back to the OP very few us deal with weight problems that the deathly obese are confronted with, but I agree nonetheless that it is quite shocking enough to give you needed bursts of motivation. A major hint from my experiences with weightloss. Put more emphasis on the exercise than the weightloss and diet. Devote yourself to getting stronger, faster, and more flexable rather than losing lbs and you'll find the pounds fall off much faster. Trust me, the mindset does absolute wonders. When you stop thinking of working out as just some intolerable grind to be endured but as an oppertunity to demonstrate to yourself that you are improving, suddenely you'll find it actually quite fun. I know I claimed that I wanted to wrap things up earlier, to please ignore the irony of my previous statements but let me just emphasize the importance of true physical excertion when you exercise. A good general guideline for cardio is if you can read a magazine or book while your doing it, you're not pushing yourself nearly hard enough. When weight training, whatever your rep range (I recommend 6-12 as min/max) you shouldn't be able to complete that last rep, if you can do every rep within your range for that exercise you need more weight.

Anyway just wanted to let you New Years Weight Loss hopefulls know that it sure as hell is possible, and perhaps one of the most gratifying and life changing experiences to remake your body. I'll be the first to tell you that society sure as shit holds obese and overweight people in contempt, and corollarly hold lean, fit, in shape, and healthy people on a golden pedestal. You might as well take advantage of it, especially when it really is completely up to you.

Beginning Stats
310lbs
BF% Unknown

Final Stas
200lbs
BF% 13

3.5 years in the making, and in going stronger every day.

[grasswire]

75. do you get BBC America on your television?

They have a show called "You Are What You Eat" -- and at one point they lay out on a table all the crappy food the subject has eaten in a week. Wow. It's amazing.

And there's a new show starting on one of the cable networks called the Feasty Boys -- huge, grossly obese men who do some kind of a cooking/eating program every week glorying in butter, bacon, etc. It might be on Discovery Channel. Not sure.

[LynneSin]

77. I don't know if I could watch that second show

It's one thing about seeing what you eat and yes I have BBC

However, I don't want to watch a show where fat people revel in being fat and encouraging people to eat fatty foods.

[nadine_mn]

79. I am inspired by those shows

unlike some who feel pity or disgust, when someone is finally ready to change their life...how hard it must be to do simple exercises (like the man who could not roll over on his own) and yet they try.

It makes me quit whining and realize I don't have to walk miles or spend hours at the gym, anything - even just for 15 min a day is a start.

We want immediate results and when we don't get them we give up...these shows remind me that it is a life time of change.

I also think you cannot downplay the emotional part - many women (and men) who are obese have been sexually abused and eat to make themselves unattractive. I know that plays a huge part in my weight. When I start to lose, I panic even though I know I need to lose weight. If emotionally one is not ready for the changes, then weight loss will never be sucessful.

[LynneSin]

80. I realize these people didn't grow up saying "I want to be mordidly obese"

And I'm one of those pathetic fools who gets teary eyes over anything positive - like when one of them loses a few pounds. I know that in their hearts they want to lose the weight.

[CTyankee]

84. I am so sorry to hear of your abuse. It is heart wrenching.

I have also seen the "obese family" situation where a child grows up following a parent's obesity, both becoming candidates for bariatric surgery. That is sad, too.

Good luck, Lynn! I hope you can get healed from the trauma you suffered. My thoughts are with you...

[Stuart G]

86. I too am sorry about abuse..especially when it causes these problems.

Somehow we need to heal ourselves. If it were easy, there wouldn't be all those self help books and the rest of it. But it is not easy. Lynn, and everyone, do not give up. Try your best..

[Stuart G]

85. They get you to think about a "Happy Meal"

How did we learn to think that food made us ..happy?


Mc Ducks has us very early on...think about...are you ready?........... A Happy Meal

Sure...we are really happy.........
.......We eat so many of their meals that we have a ..heart attack..:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[GalleryGod]

87. Interesting ...I watch "Rocky Balboa"

[bridgit]

88. Here's your new weight loss plan, dear...

Jimmy Tango's Fat Busters

[LNM]

89. Watch "Supersize Me"

You'll swear off junkfood for good.

[fizzgig]

90. that movie astounded me

i think it should be a requirement in all junior high/high school/college health classes

[LNM]

91. That's a great idea! nt

[fizzgig]

92. and welcome to du!

:hi:

[AlCzervik]

93. that movie totally changed my life.

on the dvd in the extras section there was interview with Eric Scholsser author of Fast Food nation and that about did for me. My daughter, husband and i haven't had any fast food in 3 years.

[LNM]

95. I guess I'll have to rent it again and check out the extras

I seldom ate junkfood before I saw it and I eat even less now. Maybe a hamburger after a long hike.

[AlCzervik]

96. the interview is mostly about corporate farming...ie hamburger farms

it was beyond disgusting on so many levels.

[LNM]

98. Yikes! Thanks for the info. nt

[Stuart G]

99. Nuber of Americans overweight, and obsese.

Obesity By the Numbers

Obesity Demographics

* Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.61
* Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million are obese (Body Mass Index or BMI > 30) and 9 million are extremely obese (Body Mass Index or BMI > 40)62.
* Currently, an estimated 65.2 percent of U.S. adults, age 20 years and older, and 15 percent of children and adolescents64 are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese63(childhood or pediatric obesity).
* Approximately 62 percent of female Americans are considered overweight65.
* Approximately 67 percent of male Americans are considered overweight66.
* An estimated 400,000 deaths per year may be attributable to poor diet and low physical activity67
* It is estimated that 25-70 percent of the difference in weight between individuals is hereditary or genetic68. However, it is important to remember that genetic predisposition only impacts an individual’s tendency towards obesity.
* Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that as many as 47 million Americans may exhibit a cluster of medical conditions (a “metabolic syndrome” or “Syndrome X”) characterized by insulin resistance and the presence of obesity, excessive abdominal fat, high blood sugar and triglycerides, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol69.


These Numbers are from..The Endocrine Society, and its education affiliate: The Hormone Foundation...its function below:


The Hormone Foundation, the public education affiliate of The Endocrine Society, is a leading source of hormone-related health information for the public, physicians, allied health professionals and the media. Our mission is to serve as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment and cure of hormone-related conditions through outreach and education.

The Hormone Foundation works directly with the Society, and its experts in the field of endocrinology, to translate science for the benefit of patients with endocrine disorders and raise the general public’s awareness about emerging endocrine disorders. Through its website, free educational materials, public forums, physician referral service, presence at medical meetings, and media education campaigns, the Foundation has reached more than 200 million people with important health information.

The Foundation started with a single public education campaign on menopause treatment options for women surviving breast cancer. Today, it proudly offers a library of educational materials and programs covering a wide range of endocrine topics, including:

Acromegaly
Addison’s Disease
Adrenal Disorders
Breast Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Cushing’s Syndrome
Diabetes
Growth Disorders
Hormone Abuse
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Impotence
Infertility
Low Testosterone
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Pituitary Disease
Prostate Disease and Cancer
Sexual Dysfunction
Stress
Thyroid Disease and Cancer
Turner Syndrome

Since that first campaign, the Foundation has also increased the number and types of services it provides for the public. The following are just some of the examples of how the Foundation fulfills its mission:

* Web site – www.hormone.org
* Physician referral service
* Publications (multiple languages)
* Disease management guidelines
* Public education forums
* Media education and campaigns
* Public awareness surveys
* Videos/CD-ROM
* Advocacy efforts
* Special events

[grasswire]

100. even a "good" diet doesn't stop weight gain, apparently

I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About thirty pounds had crept onto my frame over the last ten years. And I still need to lose 15 of that 30. But I didn't eat a bad diet during that ten years. Rare fast food. No booze. No sweet tooth. No sodas or juices. Yes to whole grains, lots of fruits and veggies. The two "sins" I can identify are whole milk instead of low fat, and a tablespoon of half and half twice a day in coffee.

Since learning of the diabetes, I've gone on a crazy path trying to feed myself. I couldn't control the blood sugar at all until I essentially gave up carbs. I haven't had a slice of bread in a week. No grains, no potatoes, no pasta.

And I haven't had any carb cravings at all. I'm surprised by that. And grateful. I've had to ignore the recommendations for diabetic diets pretty much, though. Too many carbs there.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

105. They never mention glandular and hormonal problems. They assume it's always overeating.

check this out:

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

Millions of Americans are undiagnosed or undertreated with these conditions.