If overweight DUers will allow me this poll into a sensitive area . . .

[Bertha Venation]

I am obese. I know why I'm obese, and while it may have something to do w/ my metabolism, I have never blamed it on that because that's not the main cause. I'm obese because I eat too much and I don't exercise. There are reasons for this but for this thread, the reasons don't matter.

If you care to, please choose an answer to this poll. If you don't wish to participate that is totally okay.

I am so sick of the trashing of fat people around here!

I am using the simple word "overweight" in the poll. If you consider yourself chunky, plump, roly-poly, fat, corpulent, obese, morbidly obese, or fluffy, just consider that for the purpose of this poll, "overweight" will do.

[LeftCoast]

1. I'm sorry people say mean things

Its not right. On the other hand, I care about the health of my fellow DUers and I'd like them to be around for a long time. I'm in nursing school right now and I am constantly seeing the long-term consequences of obesity. How can I gently encourage my friends to be more healthy? And I'm not talking about looking like some anorexic 'super-model'.

In any case, :hug: cuz being mean just isn't right.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

51. The health reports are out there for everyone to see

Your friends probably don't need your encouragement, because they already know that fat is unhealthy, just like smokers know that smoking is unhealthy.

If you invite your friends to your home, you can certainly be helpful by selecting a menu of healthy foods, and/or having dancing before dinner. But the best way to encourage your friends is to let them know you love them and think they're beautiful as they are.

Most people who engage in unhealthy practices of any kind don't need lectures about how unhealthy they are. They need to recognize that they are worth the effort to take care of themselves.

[Seabiscuit]

109. I could never trash someone with a weight problem or any other health

problem. I feel sad for them and wish I could help, that's all. Some of the nicest people I've ever met have been overweight.

I have to work hard not to be overweight.

[McKenzie]

2. I would never trash anyone who was overweight

I am not medically qualified to comment so I wouldn't be so ignorant nor so arrogant to think I knew the answer to the person's weight problem. I suspect if someone was obese and could do something about it they'd have done so already. Besides, it's none of my business as to why someone is obese. That's a matter for the person and their doctor. I have a fat female friend and if someone trashed her in my presence they'd be on the floor in a nanosecond.

[mcscajun]

37. You are a Marvelous Friend.

and that's a fact.

:)

[Zuni]

41. my brother is very overweight

and I used to get in fights when people teased him. It turns out he has a thyroid problem and that is the root cause.

[GOPBasher]

3. I'm sorry people trash you.

That's horrible. I'm a little overweight, though not too much. But the reason for my being overweight is simply eating too much horrible food, and too much food in general. I exercise a little, but nowhere near enough to make up for all the calories I eat.

[Bertha Venation]

9. this reply is for LeftCoast, too

Thanks. I wasn't really looking for this kind of response, but I appreciate your thoughts.

It's strange. I have a pretty thick skin when I get comments or dirty looks in person. I am dealing with someone at work right now, a former amateur champion body builder, who at one time offered me some solicited advice on healthy eating and exercise info. I no longer go to her for info, and although I've lost weight since then it's not due to anything she ever suggested. Now, every time -- every time! -- I am in the cafe downstairs, and she comes in, she stares at my tray as if what I have ordered is subject to her scrutiny and dis/approval. Her, I can handle. I ignore her. I don't even meet her eye. I chat w/ everyone else around, smile and laugh -- like I always do. I don't try to hide what's on my tray.

But for whatever reason, when the issue pops up on a message board, my back gets up and I am pissed. :shrug:

[Beaverhausen]

4. People who have never had a weight problem always have opinions

I ignore them.

[jpgray]

6. Because, clearly, you know whether anyone has had a weight problem

Just by reading a post on the internet?

[meegbear]

5. I sat around the house as a kid, eating and watching TV

I'll admit it. I wish I was more active.

[MissMillie]

7. Obese and morbidly obese are medical terms

and are specific diagnoses depending on how much extra weight a person carries.

an obese person carries at least 30 extra pounds and has a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 30.0 and 34.9.

a person with severe obesity carries at least 50 extra pounds and has a BMI between 35.0 and 39.9.

A morbidly obese person carries at least 90 extra pounds and has a BMI between 40.0 and 50.

[Bertha Venation]

12. I am morbidly obese -- that's the diagnosis that kept me from getting

extra life insurance a couple of years ago.

Since I started losing weight I haven't re-calculated my BMI. I weigh 252 and I'm 5'4" with med-large bones. :hi: (I am NOT soliciting similar a statement from ANYONE!)

[MissMillie]

13. I have a BMI calculator

I can PM your BMI to you, if you like.

[Bertha Venation]

14. I'll take it!

Thanks, MM. :hi:

[Systematic Chaos]

18. You didn't solicit it, but I'll say it anyway

I'm right there with you. I'm 6'3" with a very large frame, but I'm carrying somewhere in the neighborhood of TWICE my ideal body weight on that frame. It's not fun.

But you know what? Whenever someone calls me fat I just look at them like I'm shocked and go "Oh, so THAT'S what this is? I've been trying to figure this out for so long now; thanks for clearing this up for me!", while patting my tummy. Then I smile and walk off.

Fuck 'em. :P

[Bertha Venation]

19. Amen!

Great answer, GG. I like, "Yeah, but you're ugly and I can diet." Oldy but goody.
:bounce:

[mcscajun]

39. Another response to someone calling you fat...

"So your eyes work, good for you."

Additional customized response would depend on the individual involved and the location. :)

[Zuni]

43. do you have a thyroid gland problem?

my brother is obese and he lived for years thinking there was nothing he could do. Then a few moths ago his doctor ordered thyroid tests and it was found he had extremely low levels of thyroid hormone---it made him lethargic and slowed his metabolism to a crawl

[Bertha Venation]

49. Nope. It's been checked.

No thyroid problem.

Did your brother get proper treatment?

[Zuni]

52. He is now

but the problem was undiagnosed for years. It was only a few months ago that his doctor actually tested his thyroid even though he had all the symptoms of thyroid disorders

[Bertha Venation]

53. Dumbass doc.

Sorry, but that was my first response.

Best wishes to your bro, Zuni. :hug:

[Zuni]

55. Thank you

His doctor is a prick---one time my brother had a question and the doctor actually said "I don't have time for you!"

Thank you, and the best of luck to you with your problem.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

27. OK.. they can't possibly use just weight and BMI

to determine obesity. My husband is 5'7" 225lbs and certainly isn't obese or morbidly obese. Just yesterday he was doing flies with 180 lbs dumbbells in each hand. I know he can can bench press well over 400lbs. He was bench pressing over 500lbs back in college. He is trying to lose some weight (fat weight), but frankly he doesn't have that much fat on him. He's like a human rock or something. He actually sinks to the bottom of the pool if he doesn't swim.

[flvegan]

29. It's because the BMI is BS...

It doesn't take anything into account, such as muscularity. For an extreme example, though we may not like him, Ahnold Schwarzennassclown in his prime Mr. Olympia shape would've been morbidly obese by his BMI. Rediculous. The last BMI calculator I saw didn't even ask if the subject was male or female.

[MissMillie]

31. based on ideal weight

and ideal weight I believe is based on an average body type. Body builders do not typically have an "average" body type.

[SoCalDem]

117. "Average" has changed greatly. The charts are really "Ideal"

not average anymore.

If the "average" woman in the US wears a size 14 dress, why are small sizes not called MINUS, if 14 and up are considered PLUS....Fair is fair :)

Being skinny does not necessarily equal "healthy"...nor does overweight necessarily equal "ill"..

Life is risky..fat or skinny..no one gets out of it alive.:)

[Beer Snob-50]

8. oreos and mint chocolate chip ice cream

are my personal kryptonite. while i am not really fat, i am overweight.

[Droopy]

10. I don't know why I'm overweight

People here say it's because I don't eat enough, but I don't think so. When I quit smoking a while back I started eating more and I put on weight. Right now I eat once a day and maybe have a snack and that's it. I'm 5'10" and I weigh 250 lbs. I'm somewhat muscular with broad shoulders. When I was in my early 20s I weighed 210 and looked fit.

[Cuban_Liberal]

11. 'Starvation response'

It's the one meal a day that's killing you, because your body goes into 'starvation response', whereby it converts more calories into fat.

[Droopy]

15. But I'm not starving myself

I don't get hungry. I've been eating like that for 4 years. Wouldn't I have other health problems if I were starving myself? I have to get a physical every two years for my job and they tell me that besides needing to drop some weight that I'm healthy as a horse.

Do you remember those picturse coming out of Africa of all the people who were starving due to famine? Did you ever see a fat person?

[Cuban_Liberal]

21. Your body doesn't know that.

It's an involuntary metabolic response, and you can't 'train' your body not to do it.

[kick-ass-bob]

23. You misunderstand the meaning of starvation here.

They have MASSIVE starvation, where they don't have enough calories to sustain life - their bodies are attempting to do the same as yours, but don't get near enough to be effective.

What I was saying is that if constantly feed your body, your body won't "need" to go into starvation mode. If the amount of food caloric-wise is appropriate, you can get back to 210 (which sounds like your approximate ideal weight) by eating the same calorie amount only broken into multiple meals.

[Lisa0825]

25. Starvation and obesity....

I don't have a link to this article, because it was sent to me. I searched and couldn't find it online.

Living With Obesity At 700 Calories Per Day

by David Greenwalt, CSCS


I want you to consider a common female client. She's a woman about 5'5" and 185 pounds. A combination of a mostly sedentary lifestyle, quick-fix, processed foods and consistent excessively low calories has resulted in an incredibly stubborn fat loss scenario. Not only has it created a stubborn fat loss scenario but her ability to add body fat is remarkably strong. Most would believe there is simply no possible way she could be 185 pounds eating mostly low calories. While it's true the average obese American created their own obesity by being a huge overconsumer, a sedentary glutton if you will, many are able to maintain their level of obesity with the right combination of starvation coupled with binges coupled with a continued sedentary lifestyle.

An initial review of this woman's calories indicates she is just above starvation level in the 400-700 per day range. The food choices are mostly protein in this case (low-carb is all the rage you know) and there are virtually no vegetables or fruits to speak of. Five or six days per week the calories remain low in this range, however, there are nighttime binges from time to time and weekend binges where carbs loaded with fat (doughnuts, rolls, cookies, pizza etc.) are consumed. So while the calories are very low the majority of the time, there are one to two days per week where this isn't always the case. Even so, the nighttime binges and weekend slackoffs don't amount to what you might presume would be thousands of extra calories, thus explaining the 185-pound body weight. Very few foods are prepared from home. There are lots of fast foods being consumed. Convenience and taste rule.

I must say. Early on in my coaching and teaching career this woman was a real head scratcher for me. Isn't it calories in and calories out? Even if she's not active she's starving! How in the heck does she stay at 185 eating an average, including all binges, of maybe 750 calories per day? She's frustrated beyond belief. She sees her friends and coworkers eating more and weighing less. Is she simply unlucky? Is everyone else blessed? And what in the world is she supposed to do to fix this, IF it can be fixed?

First, let me tell you why she's not losing weight. Then I'll tell you what she has to do to fix the situation. With a chronic (months and months) intake of less than 1000 calories per day and a 185-pound body weight her metabolism is suffering greatly. It's running cool, not hot. It's basically running at a snail's pace. Think of it this way. Her metabolism has matched itself to her intake. She could, indeed, lose body fat but she's in that gray area where she is eating too few calories but not quite at the concentraction-camp level yet. If she were to consume 100-300 calories per day her body would have virtually no choice but to begin liberating stored body fat. This is NOT the solution. It's unhealthy and stupid in fact.

Not only has her metabolism matched her intake, her body has maximized production of enzymes that are designed to help store any additional calories as fat. Anytime additional, immediately-unnecessary calories are consumed the enzymes are there and waiting to store the additional calories as fat. Her body is starved nutritionally and it has one thing on its mind--survival. Being mostly sedentary, her metabolism (hormones play a large role here) can do a pretty good job of keeping things slow enough so that the pathetically low calories she's consuming are just enough to maintain. But since certain enzymes are elevated, waiting for more calories so more bodyfat can be stored, every nighttime binge or weekend mini-feast will contribute to fat stores. So on the days she's not bingeing her body does not lose fat, or if it does, it's very little. And on the few days or times she does binge a bit her body is quite efficient at storing fat. So, while she may lose a smidge of fat from starving it is quickly replaced with every binge. Remember, these binges aren't a gluttonous 4000-calorie feast. Oh no, a binge might be 4-5 cookies worth about 500-700 calories. But since the binge foods are mostly carbs and fat it's very easy for the enzymes to shuttle the dietary fat into stored body fat. It's what they were designed to do.

Well then, now that we presumably know some valid reasons why she's not seeing a scale change and definitely no body fat change how do we fix her? We have to do something she's going to freak out over. We have to get her eating more. Not only do we have to get her eating more but more of the right, whole foods need to be eaten. Foods lower in fat that aren't as easily STORED as body fat have to be consumed. And we have to warn her. We have to warn her that since she's been sedentarily living on protein with binges of carbs and fats she is likely to see a weight gain right away. It's true. Once we begin really feeding her body with nutritious carbohydrates so she can become more active her glycogen-depleted body will hang on to some of those carbohydrates (in skeletal muscle and liver) so she has stored energy for activity. And when her body hangs on to those carbohydrates it has no choice but to hang on to more water too. For every gram of glycogen (stored carbs) she stores she'll hang on to three grams of water. This is not a negative response by the body but it will be interpreted by her as quite negative when she steps on the scale. It's quite likely she'll see a five to seven pound weight gain when she really starts eating properly again. This weight gain will remain for one to three weeks before it starts moving in the other direction.

For argument's sake let's assume the Calorie Calculator and Goal Setter suggests a 1500-calorie per day average in week one for a one-pound loss per week. First, she is going to freak out about THIS MANY calories. For months she's been eating less than 1000 and usually around 400-700 in one to three feedings total per day. To her 1500 calories is a TON of food. And if she even begins to eat less fast- and packaged-foods it WILL be a ton of food. There is no doubt whatsoever that she will resist the increase. This resistance may take one to three weeks to overcome. During this period no weight loss will occur. She is too fat already in her mind and believes it will only hurt her to increase her food intake. I mean, after all, isn't that how she got fat to begin with? In her early stages of fat gain this was probably true. She likely overconsumed. But as I've said already, that's not why she's staying heavy.

In addition to a freaked-out mindset about adding more food to her already overfat body she will simply find that it's all but impossible to eat four or more times per day. She's just not hungry. Makes sense when you think about it. Why would she be hungry three hours after eating a 300-calorie, balanced breakfast? Her body is used to 400-700 calories per day! So, even though she gets a plan and begins using the NA to log foods and meals she finds after having a balanced breakfast of 250ish calories she couldn't force herself to eat meal number two on time. It'll take several more days of realizing what is going on and being one-hundred percent honest and diligent with her logging and planning before she begins to eat her meals as planned no matter what--even if she's not hungry. By now two to four weeks have passed and the only thing she's seen on the scale is it going up--not very encouraging if I say so myself.

After the first two to four weeks have passed she's probably beginning to consume her meals as planned although not quite like an "A" student yet. But that is coming. She feels better because she's working out and is more active. And she feels like she has more energy throughout the day because she's feeding her body more calories and the right kinds of calories. She has finally begun eating the right kinds of fast foods (low in fat, moderate in protein) and less packaged food overall. She is making more meals from home and taking them to work for lunch rather than always grabbing something quick from a vending machine or the break room that always has some treat another employee brought in.

After another two weeks or so she's moved from a "B" grade to more consistent "A"s. She's planning her days one day ahead in the NA, she's consuming fresh veggies and fruits on a daily basis. Her calories are almost ALWAYS in line with what is recommended by Lean Account and she has seen her first signs of the scale moving in the right direction. She is now dropping from 190 pounds (her high after reintroducing food and carbohydrates again) to 189.3! "Progress at last!" she says. In actuality, the entire process was progress. But that's not how she saw it in the beginning.

With a total of two to four weeks of increased caloric intake behind her and eating more consistently the right kinds of foods her metabolism has truly begun to rebound. She didn't kill it as she thought. She only wounded it. And since our metabolisms are like kids (they are quite resilient) and she doesn't have thyroid issues or diabetes or any known wrench that could be thrown into the spokes of fat loss, she will begin, for the first time in months or years, to see results that make sense and that one would expect of someone who is active (at least 30 minutes five or more days per week) and consuming a caloric intake of 1300-1500 calories per day.

This process is in no way easy. I think you can see a plethora of ways it could be screwed up, sabotaged, given up on too early and so forth. A key to success for this very common woman (men too) is not giving up too soon, having faith in the fix, and moving sooner rather than later to the increased, quality food intake. It's going to take effort to overcome the mental hurdles of eating more food as well as the increase in scale weight that IS going to occur in weeks one to three or so. It's disheartening, however, to charge hard down the field of weight loss only to get to the one-yard line and decide it's time to quit. Many don't realize they only had one more yard to go and they'd have had a touchdown. You gotta hang in there with this plan. It's going to take some time for the glycogen levels to be replenished and level out. It's going to take some time for mental adjustments to occur. It's going to take some time before hunger signals are restored to anything close to normal. It's going to take time for the metabolism to rebound and not be in its protective mode. In certain, very stubborn cases, it may be necessary to eat at a eucaloric (maintenance) or hypercaloric (over maintenance) level for a few weeks to ensure the metabolism does get the signal that everything is alright and you aren't going to kill the body. Remember, your body could care less about your desire for fat loss. It just wants to survive.

The take-home points of this article are as follows:

*The most common cause of obesity is Americans are sedentary overeaters/drinkers. Nothing in this article should be construed as to say that undereating is the root cause of obesity. It's not.
*It IS common for many men and women to be undereating with sporadic binges as I described here. This creates a perfect environment for continued obesity even if total caloric intake is quite low on average.
*Low-carb followers or "starvers" WILL see the scale go up when calories are consumed at reasonable levels again and carbohydrates are reintroduced. Live with it. Deal with it. It's going to happen. 98% of the gain will be water.
*The time it takes for mental acceptance and other adjustments to occur will vary but one should expect a two to four week window for these things to take place. Being forewarned with an article like this may speed this process up some.
*Once the right types of foods are consumed and the right caloric intake is consumed and the right ratios of carbohydrates, proteins and fats are consumed on a consistent basis, then, and only then, will metabolism begin to be restored and the key to fat loss be inserted into the lock with a noticeable drop in the scale resulting. *This may take an additional two to four weeks to occur. Your metabolism is never dead or broken for good. But it may take several weeks of proper eating and activity for it to be restored.
*From day one, until the first, noticeable drop in the scale occurs may be four to six weeks--maybe one to two weeks longer. Those who give up on the one-yard line will never see the scale drop as will occur when intelligent persistence and consistency over time are adhered to.

David Greenwalt CSCS

[Droopy]

40. Okay, I will try it Lisa

But if I get up to 300 lbs. I'm going to blame you. ;)

I really don't eat too badly as far as the quality of food goes. I eat subs with lots of veggies, salads, steak, fish. I don't eat any fruit, though. I'm probably eating around 1000 calories a day right now. I get some exercise at work with some walking, but probably not enough.

Here's the plan. From what I can gather a healthy male should eat 2000-2500 calories a day. I will up my intake to around 2000 calories and start going for walks a half hour each day. I will try to eat as healthily as possible with lots of fruit and veggies.

I will post about my progress here in the lounge.

[Lisa0825]

56. excellent! but remember... it takes time for your body to adjust!

So don't freak out if you gain some weight for the first month!
:-)

[tjdee]

35. My body is./was doing that.

For a while I was only eating once a day, and it was/is harder to take off pounds.

[gtp1976]

16. Not eating right + beer =

me being a bit overweight. :-)

[Skittles]

17. hard to say

all I know is I eat far more than most of my overweight friends. I'm guessing it's a combination of what we eat, how much we move - plus the luck of the gene draw - some people will gain weight much more easily than others. I know I eat a lot more than some of my overweight friends and always have.

I don't like it when I see DUers trashing, say, Rush L or Candy C for being overweight. I don't like that at all and you'll never see me doing it. It's cheap and low.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

20. I'm overweight because

I eat way too much and only exercise once a week, if I'm lucky.

[SmileyBoy]

22. I'm overweight (40 lbs.) in part to a medication I took when I was in HS.

It's called Prolixin, and it caused me to gain 40 pounds of water weight. Nowadays, I don't eat as much as most overweight people. Hell, almost everyone on my football team eats more than me. But I think the reason I'm still overweight is that I still have all this water weight on me due to the meds I was taking in high school. I haven't gained a pound since I was 18 or so.

BTW, what the HELL am I gonna do with these damn stretch marks on my stomach??? They're red and purple, and really unappealing. I acquired them a little while after I gained all that water weight. I guess I need to see a dermatologist about three problems now: My acne, my dry scalp, and these damn stretch marks.

[LudwigVan]

36. I'm taking Seroquel now.

And it's made me gain a lot of weight. Depakote too.

I need to lose about fifty pounds. The bad thing about losing weight is all that loose skin.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

110. I think if you lose weight gradually and work on

building/toning muscle (doing stuff with weights) at the same time you shouldn't have any loose skin. I lost 35 lbs. I know that's not 50 lbs, but not far from it. I've no loose skin at all.

[BiggJawn]

24. I don't do my "push aways"

And I don't ride in the winter, and I don't ride as much as I want in the summer (Fucking JOB! by the time I retire, I'll be too busted-up and sick to do the shit I didn't have time for now...)

I have heard that-now get this-I became diabetic because I gained too much weight, nad now i'm putting on more weight, and having troble getting rid of it because of the diabetes....OK, so I was on a med that cautioned "May cause moderate weight gain" (PHARMA-talk for "you gonna BALLOOOOOOON, kid!")but I've been off that for a year...

So it's the "lifestyle choices" thing. It's a struggle.

[Lisa0825]

26. I WAS overweight because I ate too much bad food and didn't exercise.

I am within 10 pounds of being OUT of the overweight BMI range. I have worked hard at it for about 5 months now and have lost 40 pounds. My problem was depression. It sapped my energy so I didn't want to exercise, and I ate to make myself feel good. I ate whatever I wanted. Mostly Mexican food. Lots of cheesy, creamy foods with flour tortillas. I also had a drinking problem. I drank a whole lotta calories per week! I drank everynight for several years. I basically medicated myself with alcohol and comfort foods. I have both under control now, and the weight is gradually coming off.

[Richardo]

30. Congrats, Lisa0825!

:thumbsup:

[Lisa0825]

32. Thank you:-)

:hi:

[Bertha Venation]

50. Well done, Lisa!

:bounce:

[Lisa0825]

59. Thank you!:-)

:hi:

[Taverner]

73. w00t! Lisa!

Congrats!!!!!!!

Weight loss is a battle, but one you CAN win and one with many rewards!

[Lisa0825]

79. Thanks!:-)

Rewards like lower blood pressure, more energy, and more self-confidence!:-)

[GreenPartyVoter]

28. I'm an overeater/under exerciser, as is my right

Dangerously Curvy Novels
http://curvynovels.com/

[Taverner]

33. At the risk of singling out a DUer

I think a round of applause should go to our own VELMAD who lost a TON of weight through diet, excersize and DEDICATION

:hi: :hi: :hi:

[Lisa0825]

34. Absolutely!!!!!

I remember talking to her about it at a party one night, when I had made the decision to get back in shape. Her talk was very motivating for me!

VelmaD, I bet you wouldn't recognize me now!:hi:

[spinbaby]

38. Decade-long thyroid problem

I actually had to get a goiter before my doctor diagnosed thyroid. Gained a lot of weight very suddenly--then got hyper and lost weight--then gained--then got hyper and lost. Doc never made the connection. Under control now, though, and slowly the weight is coming off.

[Zuni]

47. My mother (who is not overweight) and my brother (who is) have thyroid

disorders. My brother's is basically an extremely hypoactive thyroid that hasn't been functioning properly for years but has only been properly diagnosed in the last several months

[Samurai_Writer]

42. A great variety of factors.

I'm 'severely obese' according to the charts. My weight gain happened in two spurts -- at age 25, when I moved back home and started college, I went from 120 pounds to 150 pounds. Which actually was GOOD, because I was underweight at 120 and being 5'10". At age 30, after I had a car accident 14 years ago, I went from 150 to 320. Bedridden for months, then unable to exercise properly for years, I remained at 320 until about 5 years ago, when I started going to a pain management specialist. With pain medications, I was able to be more active, and dropped down to my current weight, 275, within six months. I'm not trying to lose weight, but get fit and toned. I'm very tall and hold my weight well. I'm a vegetarian and eat all-natural and organic. Being a former professional chef helps with me not eating junk. I love to cook.

I am a BBW model, and between the 'acceptable mainstream' BBW model size you see in Mode and other high fashion BBW magazines, but much smaller than the 'super size' BBWs that cater to most fat fetish magazines.

I also think part of my obesity is due to the fact that everyone in my family going back at least four generations is overweight, with very few exceptions. I have a photograph of my grandfather's family from the 1880s, and all the women in that photograph are shaped just like me and my sisters. I really do think genetics play a part in it.

I have had some very cruel things said to me because of my weight, especially when I was first gaining weight and at my most vulnerable emotionally concerning it. Now, I don't give a f*ck what anyone thinks. The modelling really helps boost the self-esteem, too. When I walk down a fashion runway, my head is held high and I'm workin' it! Same in front of the camera.



Peace,
Bella
the 44-year-old, 5'10", 275# Mediterranean goddess!

[HEAVYHEART]

45. Dayam!

You're hot! :)

[Lisa0825]

58. your url doesn't look like I should click it from work, right?

Can you give me a link I can safely click to see you?:-)

[AlienGirl]

88. WHOA!

:drool:

Tucker

[Samurai_Writer]

112. I'll tell you my secret Tucker...

All women look 'droolable' when wearing a leather corset. ;)

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

114. What does BBW mean? n/t

[Biased Liberal Media]

115. Big Beautiful Woman

[Samurai_Writer]

116. BBW is short for big beautiful woman

Or in other words, a cute fat chick. ;)

[mcscajun]

44. A sensitive area...but your approach to the poll was quite sensitive, too.

Kudos to you.

:)

[Zuni]

46. I have developed a gut in the last few years

Ever since I started taking SSRI anti depressants, I have had more fat around my waist

[HEAVYHEART]

48. Well

I'm not overweight now but when I used to be, it was because I ate too damn much and didn't exercise.

I'm short, 5'2, and I recently went from size 14 to a size 5. This happened within 8 months. I was able to accomplish this by eating better, eating less, and by excercising. Needless to say, I'm enjoying the weight loss but.. we'll see how long this last. lol. I've lost weight before, gained, etc.. and so on. I'm determined to keep the weight off this time... Time will only tell.

As for people trashing fat people here per your post, I'm not in Lounge enough to really notice it. But if I was here and I saw the trashing, they would definitely get a mouthful from me! :)

[Biased Liberal Media]

54. I've seen some trashing around here too...

that's what prompted me to go ahead and submit another request for a Fat Acceptance group. It really pisses me off.

I hate the term "Morbidly obese". It's just downright depressing. Yeah, we're huge! Get over it...seriously.

I've had a weight problem for a long time, started out by overeating til I was about 16 (and occasionally do flub up here and there), was bulimic for 2 years as well. Then I started dropping weight because I had gotten more active (but wasn't necessarily eating any healthier, we were poor and bought whatever we could), later on I got pregnant, had my daughter, then I got the Depo Provera shot. In one year's time I gained between 80-100 lbs...and was already obese. Then a year after that I found out I had Insulin Resistance and PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome. Ever sine then I've been fighting my weight, trying to get it down. I had great success over the summer of 2003 but haven't had as good of luck since then. I do not have medical insurance so this is all going untreated (we cannot afford medical insurance, story of many Americans lives!), but I'm doing my best by trying to follow the Insulin Resistance Diet and I just started Walk Away the Pounds since it's too cold for me to get out and do much. So far, so good.

I hope you'll join the Fat Acceptance group once it's approved...we'll listen!

:hug:

[tjdee]

62. I have PCOS too.

So does someone else here (don't want to call her out, LOL, although I'm sure she'd just tell you too).

She passed on the site http://www.soulcysters.com to me.

The weight isn't really one of my symptoms, but I'm definitely about 10 or so pounds bigger than I'd like.

[Biased Liberal Media]

64. That site is great for info

but I'll never post there. I lurked there long enough to see some major cattiness going on! LOL!!!

The inciid.org site is really helpful too!

[tjdee]

67. I've not posted there either...too much time at DU!

Never heard of inciid.org, will check that out.

:thumbsup:

How were you diagnosed, by a doc or by your own research?

My doc diagnosed me, but she didn't give me ANY info about it. It was basically like she said "You have a piece of lint on your shirt" and prescribed birth control pills.

Of course, I'm looking for a new doc.

[Biased Liberal Media]

71. Wow...what a crock doctor!

I was diagnosed by my GYN at the time...had a LOT of female troubles and weight gain so I had it checked out. Sure enough...I DID research and talked to the GYN about PCOS and he said "I've never seen women over 150 lbs with PCOS". I thought, WTF?? He didn't think I had it...but I pushed him and he tested me. Sure enough- there it was. Later on it turned out that he was a great doctor and began studying more on obesity and endocrine disorders because of what happened with me. Usually he was right on his hunches on problems with my body- and the last thing he told me before I moved (when I had insurance through the state- different state, now I have no insurance) was he suspects my adrenal glands are messed up. It's been almost 2 years and I haven't had them checked out. I jjust do what I can. In the end he was an awesome doctor and I miss him.

[tjdee]

118. I was over 150 when I was diagnosed--WTF is right, LOL!

:crazy:

Hmm. Maybe I should have given my doc a chance, it's not like PCOS is as common as diabetes, etc.

Since you don't have access to prescriptions (I'm ASSuming, because you were saying you no longer have insurance), do you take supplements?

[Biased Liberal Media]

119. Not yet...I'm still trying to find out which are the best to take

I've read that chromium piconilate is good BUT there are so many studies out there suggesting chromium can really mess you up good. I know others use Flaxseed Oil and I can't remember what else. If you ever want to talk...go ahead and PM me anytime.

I hate PCOS and insulin resistance and all the crap that comes along with it.

[Jack_Dawson]

57. How can Not Exercising be an option?

Physical handicaps aside. Wouldn't you go crazy?

:shrug:

[Zuni]

60. I would

During the winter I need to use the treadmill for a half an hour at least twice a week to fight stress.

During the summer I do a lot more, especially swimming.

[Biased Liberal Media]

61. Some people don't like to exercise

plain as that. I hate the thought of it, but find myself enjoying myself and getting physical activity when I'm not thinking about it (ie: walking around a beautiful park, doing Walk Away the Pounds or Pilates).

Plus some don't have motivation.

[Jack_Dawson]

63. That is Lunacy

What's the alternative? Sit like a lump and produce zero endorphins while getting hugely fat and hating yourself?

Even a simple walk. Hell, gardening. Anything. I just don't get sitting there unless of course you're drunk and it's raining.

:beer:

[Biased Liberal Media]

65. Excuse me?? I didn't say it was a good thing??

Some people are that way- I've been there and done that. It's different for me now, obviously... I'm not excusing it, I'm just saying some don't.

Something you NEED to realize: some people DO NOT like exercise. Please don't get all high and mighty because they don't. And please don't try to lecture anyone over it...we've heard it all before.

[Jack_Dawson]

68. Who's Lecturing?

To each his own. All I'm saying is it confounds me. This is America and I am allowed to not understand things.

I also don't understand wtf we're doing in Iraq.

:beer:

[Biased Liberal Media]

70. And this is America and some people are allowed to not like exercise

i'm sorry but your post comes off as condescending to me. When you title it "That's lunacy!" it comes off like making those who don't enjoy or live for exercise feeling like they're crazy or something.

It's all about how you word it. If you are genuinely confused over it, then fine...but to say "That's lunacy" (okay maybe not DIRECTLY quoted but it's the same thing) is quite another thing!

[Jack_Dawson]

72. I see your point, but it IS Lunacy

You don't have to "live for exercise" for chrissakes. But the health risks of not doing ANYTHING are well-documented, so to voluntarily be sedentary 24/7 is lunacy, not to mention suicidal.

[Biased Liberal Media]

74. Maybe to you it is...but to others

some have depression issues which make it harder for them to end up motivated, or wanting to even go outside. I've been there...depression ruined me. Things have changed over the past year though.

It's not lunacy to some, and I'd appreciate it if you would try to understand it better than reducing it to "lunacy". that's extremely hurtful, not to mention, condescending.

[Jack_Dawson]

78. I've been there too

As have those close to me. Yes getting out of bed was hard. Eating was a bitch. Exercise was forced - but it was a lifeline.

[Biased Liberal Media]

82. SO you're assuming everyone should just pick up and move on

because you did??

honest question.

For some depression is extremely delibiatating (sp?)...and it's not as easy as you may think it is.

[Jack_Dawson]

84. Could you possibly put more words in my mouth?

Seriously. :wtf:

[Biased Liberal Media]

86. I said, honest question

do you think that people should just move on and "get over it"?? That's kinda what I got from your post...I apologize if you feel I'm putting words in your mouth- it was meant to be an honest question.

[Jack_Dawson]

87. Depression is an Illness

It can't be cured by "turning that frown upside-down" or eating an apple or whatever the fuck simpleminded solution you're suggesting I subscribe to.

However having said that, the depressed people I'VE known (not you or your friends) have said to me that exercise was the only thing that kept the wheels on.

[Biased Liberal Media]

90. No, I've just heard it enough in my day

to really have a :wtf: look on my face that people think that if you're fat and depressed, getting up to exercise is an "easy solution". I hate the stereotypes that comes along with being fat, I hate that people can't understand there are folks out there who may or may not have legitimate reasons for hating/disliking exercise...so I got on the defensive.

When you post "That is lunacy"...of course it'll make someone defensive.

[Jack_Dawson]

95. Being Fat is Not Lunacy

People have different body types, metabolic rates...I get that. Hell I could lose a few lbs. myself.

But to me, not doing ANYTHING for exercise is sheer lunacy. Just like doing harmful drugs or smoking cigarettes.

Just my opinion - we've all got them.

[Biased Liberal Media]

98. Well...now that you've said that

But to me, not doing ANYTHING for exercise is sheer lunacy. Just like doing harmful drugs or smoking cigarettes.

I understand more of where you are coming from.

Peace?

[Jack_Dawson]

99. Peace!

:pals:

[Biased Liberal Media]

69. One more thing...not all fat people hate themselves

just for your information...I'm sorry but your post really rubs me the WRONG way.

[Jack_Dawson]

75. Did I say that?

Nope. :toast:

[Biased Liberal Media]

77. Actually you said

"sitting around and getting fat and hating themselves"...or something along the line of that.

[Jack_Dawson]

81. Most people I know would fall into a pit of depression

if they didn't do ANYthing. But hell if sitting around makes some people happy, more power to them.

:beer:

[Biased Liberal Media]

83. and more power to those who feel the opposite way

[Taverner]

76. At the risk of jumping into a snake pit

Fat people do not hate themselves, but depression can be exacerbated by inactivity. There are hormones that are produced during excersize which allow for more seratonin to be secreted (the chemical that makes you happy.)

When you are sedintary, less seratonin is secreted and depression can be worsened.

I'm sure I'm getting the biochemistry a little off, but the idea is the same.

[Biased Liberal Media]

80. You're right and I mentioned that in my last post

because having had depression, I've been there, done that.

[sandnsea]

104. Oh please

Reading, art, music, sewing, refinishing projects; all kinds of things people do that doesn't equate to sitting like a lump. Might equate to happier people too, who don't find the need to sneer down their noses at somebody who chooses a different path. God how I hate snobs.

[Bertha Venation]

85. Unfortunately it's not that simple.

I understand the physiological need for exercise. I also understand the "addiction" (not bad) that comes w/ regular exercise; that if you don't keep up your regimen, you feel lousy.

But I haven't had a regimen for over 20 years. How I quit exercising isn't pertinent. What is is that, at least for me, there is a tremendous amount of inertia to overcome. And with that inertia (again, for me) is a whole lot of rationalization, laziness, fatigue, busy-ness, etc.

[Jack_Dawson]

89. Starting up again is tough - I've been there

But you gotta at least make the effort if you care a whit about your health.

[Bertha Venation]

91. Agreed.

:hi:

[Biased Liberal Media]

94. See, i can agree with this

so there *IS* something I agree with you on...LOL...

[Jack_Dawson]

97. Good to Know, BLM!

:toast:

[kslib]

66. Depression meds and bad food

When I was started on a variety of meds, I was ALWAYS hungry, and I made really poor choices in my food, along with being pretty lazy. I gained 100 lbs. during 3 years in college. I got off most meds (with help from a doctor), and began getting more energy. I tried just about every diet from Atkins and South Beach to calorie-restriction, and they didn't work. I found that I can "hear" my body telling me the food it needs, but I have to listen to what it means. A craving for chocolate? I eat some berries or other fruit. Pizza? Some whole wheat bread, or other vitamin dense starch or maybe some cheese or cold cuts. A greasy burger? A lean cut of beef. A soda? Well, I allow a diet soda, but try to drink a glass of tea instead. I can eat this way because I walk every night. Only two miles right now, but it really helps. I've lost 50 lbs, and I didn't have to follow a diet. I don't know if this works for everyone, but it might be worth a try?

I also live in the real world, so I do indulge in sweets at work parties, Christmas etc., then just get right back "on the wagon" at the next meal.

[NNadir]

92. Law of conservation of mass and energy.

I'm not nuclear powered. I eat too much and exercise too little.

[sendero]

93. I posted a poll...

... a few days back, which asked the basic question "why are Americans so fat"? In case this is the "trashing" you are referring to I'd like to comment...

It was not my intention to denigrate, villify or degrade anyone for being overweight. Not even close. If it felt that way to anyone, all I can say is I'm sorry and that was not my intention in the slightest.

But my poll was, as most polls here, a "push" poll. Because I have my own opinions about why we are struggling with obesity as a nation, and I was interested in what other people think. I suppose some of the discussion was not to everyone's liking. What can I say?

[Biased Liberal Media]

96. I have that post on bookmark

and I think it's a good post...it got a lot of us talking and discussing the issues. I think what a lot of obese people are angry and defensive over is that people tend to look at them because they are fat...not try to look at them because they are a person. That gives a lot of us a feeling like we're a monster or something- and it hurts...you know??

In any case though, I appreciate that thread...because maybe, just maybe we'll have a Fat Acceptance Group now...

[sendero]

100. I realize now..

... that I could have been more sensitive. Maybe using a different word than "fat".

I don't choose my friends based on weight - I just wasn't thinking.

[Biased Liberal Media]

101. No...I didn't mean you

I was talking about the general attitude of people out in this world towards fat folk.

And I'm not offended by the term fat, large, obese, overweight. I do dislike Morbidly obese...but ya know...LOL.

It's all good! :)

[sendero]

102. Thanks for ..

... clarifying that. :)

[mcscajun]

107. Nothin' wrong with "Fat" as a word

We're not that sensitive.

But what I started in the New Year, and no, your post wasn't the trigger, was to reply to anyone using the word "Fat" as an insult. I respond in calm, reasoned manner asking the poster if the word was really necessary in the context.

We've all seen these kinds of slurs around DU; someone means to call a repug or Rushclone something like "fat pompous blowhard" or "just another fat fundie", when "pompous bloward" or "just another fundie" really does say it all. Adding "fat" to the phrase just puts fat in a negative context and associates it with all kinds of dreadful persons and behavior.

I predict there'll be a lot more replies like mine soon. :)

[Plaid Adder]

103. Too complicated to use one of the poll answers

I have a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome which is linked to something called metabolic syndrome which is related to something called insulin resistance. Basically the story is that my body doesn't respond to insulin properly and apart from putting me at risk for diabetes and interfering with my menstrual cycle the main effect of this all is that it is very difficult to lose weight.

Now. I also have some bad eating habits. It isn't so much that I eat too much as that I eat stupid crap that has no nutritional value and doesn't really taste that good--usually because I'm stuck at work and that's what's there. Plus, I have a great weakness for cheese.

I do exercise, though that kind of comes and goes depending on how crazy my job is. Got an elliptical cross-trainer and I groove away on it while watching movies. Once you build up your stamina a little it's pleasant and you get to see a lot of movies. I am now administering a little Marilyn Monroe seminar to myself, which I think I am going to cancel because I've discovered that Marilyn Monroe has been in some friggin' GODAWFUL movies.

And then there is the lifetime of emotional baggage about weight and body image saddled upon me by my mother, who is mostly all right but insane on this one particular issue, and basically the whole thing is a clusterfuck.

My basic approach, now, is that I want to try to be as healthy as I can, and the weight thing will fall where it may. Mainly I want to live as long as my partner will, and everyone in her family lives to be 95, so I think of that every time I don't want to get back on the elliptical cross-trainer. The exercising does make me feel better, but so far I haven't really noticed a weight difference. So whatever, at least I'm getting some aerobic benefit.

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[cheezus]

105. "Some Like it Hot"

if you haven't seen that one yet, you must.

[Plaid Adder]

106. Oh, we own that one.

It is a household favorite. Marilyn is great--very funny, very vulnerable and sweet, and hot!! yowza!! that dress she wears on the yacht, what the hell is holding that up?--but what really makes that movie is Jack Lemmon. He gets so into being Geraldine, and it is just pee-in-your-pants hysterical. Our favorite part is the whole night out with Osgood and then him trying to explain it to Joe when he comes back. "Why would a guy want to marry a guy?" "Security!"

We are also big fans of *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.* But I tell you, once you get past the top tier, there is a STEEP dropoff in the quality of Marilyn's movies. *Bus Stop,* for instance. That has got to be the *worst* accent ever, and she's working so hard on getting it right that she can't concentrate on anything else; plus, the male lead is so over-the-top and the plot is so pukeworthy that even if she was better the movie would still suck. *Let's Make Love* at least has some musical numbers, and you get to see her in a number of different outfits, but it feels about 6 hours long and there's no chemistry (odd, considering they were having an affair at the time). I will say that watching Bing Crosby try to teach the billionaire how to sing is pretty funny, mainly because he's so blithely cynical about how he milks a song ("you gotta put the dip in it, that's where the money is"). But that's about 2 minutes of a really friggin' long movie. *Monkey Business* is, in the 21st century, disturbing more than funny, and Marilyn is basically a prop used for laughs; and I'm not sure I have the strength for *As Young as You Feel.*

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[Sympleesmshn]

108. I don't know why

I guess I have been since I was 8 or 9. I am 17 and to big for my height. I also had a knee injury that laid me up for almost a year. I have lost 50lbs that I know of on my current, plus maybe 30 more when I had my knee surgery. I am using the South Beach diet and hoping to make ROTC weight by the next fall(10 months).

[trof]

111. It's the booze.

If I quit drinking I'd probably drop 20-30 pounds.
Fat (pun intended) chance.
:toast:

[aWaKeNoW]

122. That seems to be my problem too

I'll drink to that :beer:

[ikojo]

113. I am overweight because I have made bad

choices when it comes to food. I bike 15 minutes in the AM and 15 minutes in the PM, so I get exercise. I can outwalk many thinner people.

I am working on making better food choices. For instance this week I have been eating a bowl ot Total for breakfast instead of the biscuits and gravy from the cafeteria. When the Total runs out I have an ample supply of oatmeal and I will have that for breakfast.

[Bertha Venation]

120. holy crap... can't wait to read all of these over the weekend

Thanks to everyone for, uh, weighing in.

[Wapsie B]

121. I've just used food

as a drug for too long. Working nights in a stressful job combined with nervous eating put about 100# on me. I'm struggling now with eating less and better types of food and exercising more. This time of year I really wish I lived in a warm-weather climate. I love walking outdoors.

[corksean]

123. If some smartass asks me why I'm so fat I just say...

"Because I can afford it"