In my last Civic Issues blog, I talked about America’s tendency to have more overweight people than in other countries. America is proud of being number one in many categories; however, we shouldn’t be proud of this one. Yet, we need to recognize that overweight or obese people are still people, too. We should try not to label them as one group. There are tons of different causes of obesity, for each person is different. Yet, sometime, we classify them as one. Undoubtedly, those overweight or obese often receive judgmental glances or cruel remarks. Therefore, people overweight or obese are often discouraged and believe there is little to do about their situation. This week, I want to address some of these misconceptions.
Myth #1: Obesity is caused by a slow metabolism. There’s nothing you can do about it.
Truth: Of course there are some people who have a naturally fast-er metabolism and some who don’t. For the most part, though, a metabolism is largely dependent on what is put into the body. Foods rich in nutrients and fiber help speed up the digestive system. According to this article, there are certain foods that naturally help increase one’s metabolism. (One could very easily google “foods that speed up metabolism” and find similar sites. I just chose this one.) Foods well known for their metabolic benefits include: fruits, green tea, almonds, yogurt, coffee (careful!), spinach, and beans. There are definitely tons more, too. All it takes is a little conscious effort, and changes can begin to occur.
Myth #2: Obese people are lazy and lack discipline.
Truth: In some unfortunate cases, obesity can be triggered from genetics. In this article, geneticists claimed to have found a genetic link to obesity. For this reason, people should try to avoid immediate judgment when they see someone who is overweight or obese. Sometimes, it is extremely difficult and time-consuming to make a noticeable change in one’s appearance. Those attempting to change their appearance should be encouraged, not doubted or scolded for not changing fast enough.
Myth #3: Losing weight is too hard, so it’s not worth it.
Truth: I won’t sugar coat it (ha ha) — losing weight is hard. Personally, I’ve never really tried, but I know lots of people who have. I’ve also seen the constant commercials and advertisements talking about weight supplements or exercise programs everywhere to know that it is a concern in America. What’s not true about this myth is the second part of it. Losing weight (when needed) and becoming healthy is definitely worth it. The avoided health problems are beside the point–to be healthy makes life more enjoyable. People have more energy and improved mood. Also, we’ve all seen the bathroom signs that argue “healthy” students perform better on tests. In this article from Dr. Oz’s website, there are “100 Weight Lose Tips.” These tips could be used on a daily basis just to improve overall health. Because, really, being healthy is worth it.
Myth #4: To lose weight, a diet is necessary.
Truth: Often, people with weight issues want results as fast as possible. Crash diets and long, intense workouts are often used to obtain results. Within a few days, though, they become too difficult because the body is being pushed too hard. Often, any weight that is lost is rapidly gained back because the person went back to normal. In actuality, it’s been said that it takes approximately three months for real results to occur. Losing weight is not easy, and it takes real dedication. Those trying to make a change must understand that the results will come, but it will take time. An overall improved diet and exercise are the real tricks to making the change. In order to really be healthy and in shape, the change should be relatively permanent. People shouldn’t deprive themselves, but good health definitely takes some sacrifice.
I think it’s important to recognize and address the stereotypes or misconceptions associated with those who are overweight or obese. It could be a sore subject for some people–which is totally understandable–so we should all try to sympathize or encourage those trying to make a change. I don’t think there’s anything more admirable than someone trying to improve their eating habits or exercise methods. In my opinion, it might one of the hardest things to do.
It takes a lot of will power and commitment to lose weight. I’ve noticed that for many people, it’s easier and more pleasurable to eat unhealthily. Regardless of this, we all know overweight individuals; they deserve just as much respect as we do! Those that do decide to make a change need support and encouragement in order to continue on with their journey toward better health. Admirable is the perfect word to describe the efforts of individuals taking action in losing weight. They’re acknowledging that they are aware of their state and a change is necessary. That’s awesome. You’re right to debunk the misconceptions about obesity and bring attention to the point that that’s all they are. It’s too bad that the myths are so prevalent and well-known to be the “truth” amongst the average American as obese people continue to be judged.
Great post – I know sometimes I can jump to quick judgement, and that’s not right. Thankfully, I think I’ve just been blessed with a “faster” metabolism, and my body-type is pretty naturally slim. However, I know that the day is coming where this might not always be true!
I like how you mentioned under Myth 3 that losing weight is worth it. Like you, I’ve never tried to lose weight, but I do know from personal experience how being healthy can really impact all aspects of your life, not just your weight. I used to have really bad acne, and one of the best things that helps to keep that under control is eating correctly and getting plenty of sleep. Also, it can really affect your mood! For a long time in high school I had issues with anxiety, and one major thing that I did to help get it under control was to eat healthy in general. Being healthy is a lifestyle, not an event, and it is really hard to maintain.
Like Emily said, it’s just a lot easier and much more enjoyable in the moment to eat unhealthily or not exercise. However, in the long run, being healthy will really pay off. This may be why a lot of people struggle to get healthy (myself totally included in that!), because it requires setting long term goals and sacrificing things in the short term – one of the hardest combinations!
It is sad to think that we all jump to conclusions when we see an overweight person, but most of the time it is true. We are all guilty of immediately judging someone, even if we don’t necessarily mean it. I think it is so important that we keep in mind that just because a person is overweight doesn’t mean they are lazy and eat all day. We often forget that obesity can be caused by genetics, like you said. I think it takes a lot of courage for an overweight person to try and eat healthier and exercise more!
The conclusions we often draw about the obesity problem perfectly match the points you made. In my high school Genetics class, my teacher taught us about a genetic disease that results in random, uncontrollable laughter and overeating. Those who most often have this disease, obese people. Now, I know that we cannot blame genes and heredity for the obese epidemic, but examples like these highlight how much is unknown about obesity As Emily said above, no one ever means to judge others, but it commonly happens. Judgement is never good, but neither is assuming that individuals have no control over their unhealthy habits. Losing weight is hard, as the myth goes, but it is not impossible. I don’t have experience in trying to lose weight, but I completely agree with you that the effort put into losing weight is worth it. I remember watching the finale of The Biggest Loser once, and ever single contestant, no matter how much weight they had lost, just seemed so much happier.
I think that the myth/truth layout was very effective in this post! Unfortunately, some people cannot help their weight problems no matter what they do, while others choose not to. I think that it is your duty to yourself to remain healthy. Even if you cannot lose the weight, that doesn’t mean that you should give up. Continue to eat healthy and exercise. It will at least allow you to remain healthy! It makes me sad to see those who CAN lose the weight not try to do so. Some people can’t help it and you can, yet you choose not to. I fully understand that losing weight is hard. I was an overweight child until I was in about 9th grade. They were even checking my cholesterol levels because they were worried about my weight. I took it upon myself to work hard to take off the weight. I ate healthy and became heavily involved in twirling. I think that instead of promoting McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or a weight-loss supplement, America should promote the idea of a healthy lifestyle.
Cool post! Really informative. I definitely think the most unfortunate myth is the one where losing weight is not worth it. The athletic abilities and potential physical capabilities of humans are amazing. Our fast-food culture is combined with other things, such as jobs that lack a physical requirement and we are sunk in to an unfortunate culture of overweight. Also the fact that kids seem to be bound to be overweight if their parents are obese result in an unending circle of obesity.
From the comments, especially Arimani’s and Conor’s, we’ve moved from a two-option problem (genetics versus individual choice) into a three-pronged issue: science, free will, culture. This sounds almost like three stances to consider within an NIF deliberation. Of the three, which do you think is most important to work on to combat “America’s obesity epidemic”?
I feel like we have this image of obesity based on what society and the media wants us to see. When people ate more naturally, this was never a problem, and eating disorders were almost unheard of. When small. my mom was a teenager, she had to go to a special store to find size 2 pants, because it just wasn’t normal to be that small. Yes people in our country are too heavy, but the questions of what a normal weight is, and how to achieve
it are left unanswered.