Kudos to Maher for saying difficult things that I, for one, need to hear

[kenny]

 

[Gussie]

 

[Lookinagain]

It's an interesting commentary and probably on point for many, but not all, larger folks. Some does come down to genetics, bone structure, etc. I think. It's never been an issue for me but I don't attribute that to self control but genetics and metabolism. So it is a more difficult thing for some than others and I think he perhaps should have pointed that out, unless he thought that was enabling as well. I don't know.

 

[Slickk]

I mean (and I hope to be as PC as I can), all you have to do is watch the Woodstock documentaries, or other older pictures from that era and compare it to today. We have definitely gotten larger as a society.
I really like Bill Maher.

 

[Lookinagain]

I'm a baby boomer and my generation was raised by parent's who came out of the depression. There was a whole thing about "clean your plate club" or "eat everything, there are children starving in (some other country named"). Then when I was older fast food showed up. Then more prepared foods. A lot of the baby boomers stopped cooking food from scratch and buying more prepared foods for themselves and their children. I think that has a lot to do with the change in weight in the U.S. at least. Just my thoughts.

 

[Begonia]

I'm fascinated by how people eat and their relationship with food. I work in the service industry and sell food. It's astonishing how much sugar and white bread carbs are consumed. Sugary drinks being a big culprit.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Firstly, I agree, kudos to Maher for saying this - not many are willing to face the backlash for stating what is, in my opinion, an obvious truth.

I've been obese. Morbidly obese, throughout my teen years and early 20s. I had doctors sit me down and give me wakeup calls even at that age. The thing was, for me it was driven very much by hormonal issues, genetic predispositions etc. It wasn't just that I was eating indiscriminately. But that didn't change the fact that I was desperately unhealthy and things needed to change. And maybe its "easy" to say now that I've lost ~42-43kg (92-95lbs) but that was half a decade of concerted effort and of course it was difficult at times! In the beginning it was difficult all of the time. It was completely worth it though - its given me my life back. I had to completely change the way I ate, and always choose healthy habits but I love my life and my lifestyle. I love eating healthy, I love cooking, I even love working out now. I love life.

No one is saying fat people arent deserving of love, affection, support, understanding etc. Of course they are. Being fat isn't a negative personality trait, but it is a health issue. Like he said - yes, you don't owe any person a flat stomach. You don't even need to aspire to a flat stomach if you don't want one. But you do need to aspire to getting your weight to a point where you aren't adversely impacting your organs and your joints just by existing. This is about weight in relation to health and not beauty standards. The idea of demanding your doctor not weigh you is ridiculous. Medicine dosages depend on your weight. Changes in weight can impact diagnoses. They can even indicate medical issues. You could ask that your doctor not tell YOU what your weight is, but that doesn't mean you can stop them from noting it down!

Portion sizes in America are out of control. The last time I visited, a single entree was enough food to feed three people. I could buy a single cookie and eat it for dessert over the course of a week. Sugar is in everything - even the bread is sweet! And cities are so dependent on cars - it blows my mind that walking to get around in a city is literally impossible except in very few locations. All of these things need to change before people will lose weight as a society, imo.

 

[RetroQT]

Fast food/processed food + Sedentary lifestyle in front of a computer or screen = problematic weight gain

I was always underweight. In fact, I had to get a medical waiver to go to boot camp because of it. Even after having kids, I still was on the little side. But once I had a started working from home, and I got older, that all changed. While I’m not overweight, I’m 30 pounds more than what I weighed from my 20s-40s. And I don’t like it. I struggle for one reason and that is I’ve grown lazy these last 2 years. I want about 20 pounds off, but I realize that I don’t want to put in the effort to make it happen. Something in my brain needs to click and soon. It’s not about the number on the scale. It’s about being healthy so I can stay active and enjoy this last third of my life.

 

[missy]

Body shaming exists with all weights and body shapes and sizes. I have been thin all my life and I have had more than one doctor ask if I have an eating disorder. Which I do not. I just eat healthfully (mediterranean lifestyle), I am very active and I love being outdoors cycling and hiking. Plus genetics.

What matters is that we eat healthfully and are active no matter our weight/size or shape. We should do our best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Just do the best we can.

I agree we should face reality. We have to face reality as it has gotten out of control.
And while we are not healthy at any weight (as Bill says) there is also no one weight that is healthy. It's so much more than that.

Life is a struggle and is challenging but I always say one day at a time and when that is overwhelming one hour at a time. As Bill wisely says, we can do this.

Thanks for sharing the video.

 

[kenny]

Body shaming exists with all weights and body shapes and sizes. I have been thin all my life and I have had more than one doctor ask if I have an eating disorder. Which I do not. I just eat healthfully (mediterranean lifestyle), I am very active and I love being outdoors cycling and hiking. Plus genetics.

What matters is that we eat healthfully and are active no matter our weight/size or shape. We should do our best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Just do the best we can.

I agree we should face reality. We have to face reality as it has gotten out of control.
And while we are not healthy at any weight (as Bill says) there is also no one weight that is healthy. It's so much more than that.

Life is a struggle and is challenging but I always say one day at a time and when that is overwhelming one hour at a time. As Bill wisely says, we can do this.

Thanks for sharing the video.

I agree body shaming is shameful.

Instead of body shaming, what I got from the video is this:
Being healthy is better than being unhealthy and (for the vast majority of us) we got obese by making poor choices ... so, make better choices.

... and obviously genetics and medical conditions are a factor for some which IMO goes without saying ... but those are exceptions are in the minority of America's obesity epidemic.

 

[Mreader]

I'm a baby boomer and my generation was raised by parent's who came out of the depression. There was a whole thing about "clean your plate club" or "eat everything, there are children starving in (some other country named"). Then when I was older fast food showed up. Then more prepared foods. A lot of the baby boomers stopped cooking food from scratch and buying more prepared foods for themselves and their children. I think that has a lot to do with the change in weight in the U.S. at least. Just my thoughts.

Absolutely. And pair that with the fact that sugar is very addictive. So while I agree with many points that Bill says, some of this has to do with addiction to sugar because it is in so much of our food now when it was not before. Also Victoria’s Secret is not known for fitness LOL. I’m in Europe for a few months out of the year and it is striking the difference because people consume their meals so differently and walk everywhere. Food culture definitely needs to change in order to counteract obesity.

 

[Mreader]

Fast food/processed food + Sedentary lifestyle in front of a computer or screen = problematic weight gain

I was always underweight. In fact, I had to get a medical waiver to go to boot camp because of it. Even after having kids, I still was on the little side. But once I had a started working from home, and I got older, that all changed. While I’m not overweight, I’m 30 pounds more than what I weighed from my 20s-40s. And I don’t like it. I struggle for one reason and that is I’ve grown lazy these last 2 years. I want about 20 pounds off, but I realize that I don’t want to put in the effort to make it happen. Something in my brain needs to click and soon. It’s not about the number on the scale. It’s about being healthy so I can stay active and enjoy this last third of my life.

I feel this! Not until my mid 40s (I’m 47) and the start a medication did I have extra pounds on me. Before that 110-15 always since high school and beyond. I’m 10 pounds over that now and I absolutely hate it but because I didn’t have to work too hard before it’s very difficult to get motivated!!!

 

[Mreader]

I agree body shaming is shameful.

Instead of body shaming, what I got from the video is this:
Being healthy is better than being unhealthy and (for the vast majority of us) we got obese by making poor choices ... so, make better choices.

... and obviously genetics and medical conditions are a factor for some which IMO goes without saying ... but those are exceptions are in the minority of America's obesity epidemic.

It’s true to make better choices but the food industry now requires way more self-control on the part of the individual than it did before. That is not to say that it’s not up to the individual to make those choices. But just that it’s much harder.

I seem to remember my mother saying that even eating meat during her generation was more rare. That maybe they consumed it a couple of times a week at most just because of economic reasons.

 

[RetroQT]

I feel this! Not until my mid 40s (I’m 47) and the start a medication did I have extra pounds on me. Before that 110-15 always since high school and beyond. I’m 10 pounds over that now and I absolutely hate it but because I didn’t have to work too hard before it’s very difficult to get motivated!!!

This. I didn’t break 100 until I was in my later 20s. And then I hung around 105-110 for most of my adult life (I’m 5’ 3”, so I’m short too). Now, in my early 50s I’m stuck at 133-135. I’m not complaining about the number at all. But I am very aware of how unfit I am. I see it in my face, my chins (yes, multiple), and all of the dimples that aren’t on my face. LOL.

 

[Slickk]

I just wanted to add this…

Check out the differences in ingredients between the US and the UK!

 

[stracci2000]

Like @Begonia, I also work in the food industry.
I visit multiple grocery and convenience stores daily for my job.
Grocery stores have contracts with the big drink/snack producers to have many many displays thought the store. (I'm talking to you, Frito Lay!) At every turn, you are confronted with huge displays of soda and chips. It's subliminal marketing. The more you see product X, the more you think you need it.

I see what people put in their carts. Sugary drinks. Cases and cases of sugary drinks. And processed meats. Hot dogs, bacon, Lunchables. And amazing amounts of chips. And plenty of red meat.
Some people think lunch is a bag of Doritos and a Coke. Or even worse, a Snickers and a Diet Coke. I think people use Diet Coke as a kind of band-aid for eating copious amounts of junk food.

I also see the difference in certain areas of my town. I'm sad to report that in lower income neighborhoods, junk food and red meat fill the carts there. In more affluent neighborhoods, the carts are filled with vegetables and fruit. And wine!
Not surprising.

 

[RetroQT]

Like @Begonia, I also work in the food industry.
I visit multiple grocery and convenience stores daily for my job.
Grocery stores have contracts with the big drink/snack producers to have many many displays thought the store. (I'm talking to you, Frito Lay!) At every turn, you are confronted with huge displays of soda and chips. It's subliminal marketing. The more you see product X, the more you think you need it.

I see what people put in their carts. Sugary drinks. Cases and cases of sugary drinks. And processed meats. Hot dogs, bacon, Lunchables. And amazing amounts of chips. And plenty of red meat.
Some people think lunch is a bag of Doritos and a Coke. Or even worse, a Snickers and a Diet Coke. I think people use Diet Coke as a kind of band-aid for eating copious amounts of junk food.

I also see the difference in certain areas of my town. I'm sad to report that in lower income neighborhoods, junk food and red meat fill the carts there. In more affluent neighborhoods, the carts are filled with vegetables and fruit. And wine!
Not surprising.

It is so much cheaper to get fat on McDonald’s vs making a healthy meal at home. And that is truly sad.

 

[TooPatient]

Want to make a big positive change? Start actually educating people! I grew up with the old food pyramid with mostly grains. Plus 6-8 glasses (8 ounces) of water per day. You know what I have learned in these last months? That is too much grain for my body! One small serving of pasta makes me gain weight. That much water is way less than is now recommended, but many still seem to be taught that lower number. I posted somewhere that I had reached my goal of X amount of water per day and was met with shock and suggestions that I consult my doctor because that is dangerous. Imagine their shock when I provided links to resources showing that is still less than ideal for water intake!

I watch my cousins, aunt, and more in my family drink nothing but Coke Zero and similar. Some are following keto. It isn't sugar so it is healthy! This has been spread as if it were true. My grandmother sat there and commented on how I was always eating and it can't be good for my weight to eat so much. (For context, I had eaten 1/4 of a medium sized apple for a morning snack then 2 cups of lettuce with a few cherry tomatoes and 2 ounces of grilled chicken breast for lunch. The comment came when I was eating about 5 little carrot sticks for an afternoon snack.) Fine. Say what you want, but she started her day with a full cup of vanilla wafers, a bagel with cream cheese and jam, pancake with bacon, countless hard candies, and then a bowl of canned condensed soup. Which of us ate too much and unhealthy?

Do you know what it took for me to begin losing weight? I forgot everything I ever learned growing up. Everything my family taught me. Everything the schools taught me. All of the popular diets that "everyone" loses weight with. I started over with the guidance of a woman who set up her own program after all the stuff she was teaching (personal trainer) didn't help her lose weight.

So.... Yeah. If you don't want people growing up with weight issues, teach about the real information and quit sharing the unhealthy stuff that even most doctors recognize as unhealthy! Also, it is possible to be supportive as someone is losing weight. Ignoring it doesn't help. Saying it is too fast/slow or too much/little is unhelpful. Telling them they should do it your way instead is unhelpful. Just be supportive! Many of us have tried everything to lose. There are people in the group I am in that have lost their gallbladders to the trendy diets. Many who don't want to be seen eating even healthy foods in small quantities because people are constantly judging. (One lady was told by a coworker that she just ate too often as she was eating a bit of raw veggies. He was eating a doughnut at the time. Seriously.)

Good for him for saying people shouldn't accept unhealthy as normal and okay, but everyone needs to remember that they don't know the situation of the person they are judging. (And, let's face it, it IS judging.)

 

[Lookinagain]

I feel this! Not until my mid 40s (I’m 47) and the start a medication did I have extra pounds on me. Before that 110-15 always since high school and beyond. I’m 10 pounds over that now and I absolutely hate it but because I didn’t have to work too hard before it’s very difficult to get motivated!!!

me too. I didn't break 100 pounds until I was in my late 40's and I'm 5'5"+. I couldn't gain weight no matter how hard I tried, and what I ate. I was skinny and people commented on it and I just couldn't gain weight. Once I was in my 50's it just started coming on and now, in my 60's I'm more like 128. I'd rather be 124 or 125. But I never really learned to watch what I ate because I was so busy trying to gain weight. Now it's hard to tell myself, don't eat so much pasta, rice, etc. Luckily, I don't eat chips or other junk food, except on a rare occasion and I don't drink soda (still drink wine). I do like chocolate though and eat quite a bit of it. But I do cook everything from scratch. If I gave up the wine and the chocolate I'd probably drop those few pounds in a week or two, but that's no fun!

 

[Jambalaya]

 

[mrs-b]

Hmmm. Mixed views on this. On the whole, I love Bill Maher because I swear he kept me from losing my mind during the last federal election on more than one occasion. But I found this piece to be rather holier-than-thou. The whole disingenuous "Hmmmm - now WHAT could be causing obesity in this country?? Hmmmm...." I mean - sure - ok - we get the joke Bill - thanks.

Obesity isn't nearly as uncomplicated as "just eat less." For most overweight people, obesity is a form of addiction. Would Bill get on the tele and make fun of alcoholism with the "Hmmmm - now WHAT could POSSIBLY be causing alcoholism?? Could it be DRINKING TOO MUCH??" But that was his approach to people being overweight; you're fat, you obviously eat too much, dummy! So I found his tone patronizing, insulting, and not especially funny.

I'm overweight. I wasn't - then I had a horrific back injury, spent almost exactly 12 months on my stomach, and gained 110 lbs. Prior to that, I'd been a gym junkie with my own personal trainer who was a member of the Olympic fencing team. Then, after a 3 year recovery, it slowly, achingly, went back down. It took years. I rebuilt fitness, I ate as clean as anyone I knew. And then my back collapsed again and my Crohn's went haywire and they put me on a horrible combination of drugs - a combination of permanent steroids and an injectable biologic and, without changing one thing I ate, I gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I watched in horror every day as I stood on the scales and was half a pound heavier. Every day. Like clockwork. And then it just stopped. And now I'm struggling to get it back down - while all the time my gastroenterologist - the one who put me on the drugs - lectures me on the evils of obesity. She is 15 years younger than me, she weighs about 8 lbs, and has never had gastric issues.

Obesity is about more than just overeating. I don't think I know a single fat person who wouldn't prefer to be thinner. So why aren't they? I know people with the self discipline to give up smoking, do multiple degrees, stay faithful to the one partner for decades, exercise impressive financial restraint and discipline - who cannot lose 10 lbs. This isn't just a self discipline issue and pretending it is, is, again, disingenuous - but oh, so convenient. One of those overweight SI model photos he flashed on his screen is Hunter McGrady. Hunter used to be perilously underweight and a straight sized model. She had a serious eating disorder in her youth and clearly has weight issues now - due in large part to unresolved issues from past relationships. Her weight has gone up considerably in recent years, and I hope it comes back down soon. But to plaster her photo on a screen and make fun of her as tho she just doesn't "get" what's making her fat is just cruel. I don't agree with the whole "healthy at any size" mantra, but I DO believe in "HealthiER at any size" - ie - let's try to do better! And what's wrong with encouraging people to try? What's the message here? You're not 120lbs so you should just give up?

Personally, I think men, who have never had to carry one tenth of the societal pressure women do to look a certain way, should probably tread lightly when it comes to mocking women about their approach to being overweight. We carry a stigma with which Bill is unfamiliar.

To that end - here's a letter written by a doctor as an open apology to the overweight and obese. While some might find it a tad sentimental, to them I would say - we could all do with a little more kindness, a gentler hand, and a little less whipping for our bad choices, weaknesses, personal failings, or just our general inability to live up to the expectations of perfection set by others. Very few people can be driven to long term change. Most of us need to be encouraged and supported. Pillorying obese people on the evening tele isn't going to be of much use to most women. And, of course - did you miss the fact that EVERY SINGLE PHOTO OF A FAT MODEL HE SHOWED WAS A WOMAN?

And before I post the letter - let me just add - plus size models like Ashley Graham work out like nobody's business. She's currently raising 3 sons - including breast feeding twin baby boys - and yet she works out like a m*ther f*cker. To imply all fat people are lazy and "won't do what's necessary" to be healthy is simply uninformed.

So I'm thinking maybe Bill should put a link on his website to something titled "Condescending opinion piece about the health issues of others by someone who has never experienced any of them" - and let people click on them of their own volition. On the other hand, as I'm sure so many people would say, if you don't like what he's saying - just don't listen and change the channel. To which I would say in response - if you don't like overweight/fat/plus size models - don't look at them. But to blame obese people for a problem that has its roots in the rise of the technology era, the addictive substances in foods, the massive increase in the stress experienced by most people, the price of junk food vs the price of fresh produce, the rising poverty statistics, and the myriad other issues tied in with obesity is not helpful or accurate. And does it not tell Bill anything that the highest correlation between obesity and virtually ANYTHING ELSE is between obesity and education/income? Pull your head out of your skinny white arse, Bill. Food is one of the easiest ways we have to self soothe and the obesity that's running at epidemic proportions these days, that certain people imply is just a result of being lazy and self indulgent, is in large part a reflection of the easiest, most accessible treatment many people have for trauma and depression. In the same way the obesity is up, so are self reported emotional and psychological illnesses.

Does any of this absolve us from addressing our issues? Probably not. But to imply it's all just so straight forward if we'd just *try* a little harder is naive.

Herewith, the letter.

A doctor’s open apology to those fighting overweight and obesity

All too often the medical community ‘fat-shames’ patients trying to lose weight, when in fact obesity and overweight are complicated medical issues.

theconversation.com

 

[Matata]

But to blame obese people for a problem that has its roots in the rise of the technology era, the addictive substances in foods, the massive increase in the stress experienced by most people, the price of junk food vs the price of fresh produce, the rising poverty statistics, and the myriad other issues tied in with obesity is not helpful or accurate.

You've encapsulated the salient points on the subject. Bravo, mrs-b, bravo.

 

[TooPatient]

Hmmm. Mixed views on this. On the whole, I love Bill Maher because I swear he kept me from losing my mind during the last federal election on more than one occasion. But I found this piece to be rather holier-than-thou. The whole disingenuous "Hmmmm - now WHAT could be causing obesity in this country?? Hmmmm...." I mean - sure - ok - we get the joke Bill - thanks.

Obesity isn't nearly as uncomplicated as "just eat less." For most overweight people, obesity is a form of addiction. Would Bill get on the tele and make fun of alcoholism with the "Hmmmm - now WHAT could POSSIBLY be causing alcoholism?? Could it be DRINKING TOO MUCH??" But that was his approach to people being overweight; you're fat, you obviously eat too much, dummy! So I found his tone patronizing, insulting, and not especially funny.

I'm overweight. I wasn't - then I had a horrific back injury, spent almost exactly 12 months on my stomach, and gained 110 lbs. Prior to that, I'd been a gym junkie with my own personal trainer who was a member of the Olympic fencing team. Then, after a 3 year recovery, it slowly, achingly, went back down. It took years. I rebuilt fitness, I ate as clean as anyone I knew. And then my back collapsed again and my Crohn's went haywire and they put me on a horrible combination of drugs - a combination of permanent steroids and an injectable biologic and, without changing one thing I ate, I gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I watched in horror every day as I stood on the scales and was half a pound heavier. Every day. Like clockwork. And then it just stopped. And now I'm struggling to get it back down - while all the time my gastroenterologist - the one who put me on the drugs - lectures me on the evils of obesity. She is 15 years younger than me, she weighs about 8 lbs, and has never had gastric issues.

Obesity is about more than just overeating. I don't think I know a single fat person who wouldn't prefer to be thinner. So why aren't they? I know people with the self discipline to give up smoking, do multiple degrees, stay faithful to the one partner for decades, exercise impressive financial restraint and discipline - who cannot lose 10 lbs. This isn't just a self discipline issue and pretending it is, is, again, disingenuous - but oh, so convenient. One of those overweight SI model photos he flashed on his screen is Hunter McGrady. Hunter used to be perilously underweight and a straight sized model. She had a serious eating disorder in her youth and clearly has weight issues now - due in large part to unresolved issues from past relationships. Her weight has gone up considerably in recent years, and I hope it comes back down soon. But to plaster her photo on a screen and make fun of her as tho she just doesn't "get" what's making her fat is just cruel. I don't agree with the whole "healthy at any size" mantra, but I DO believe in "HealthiER at any size" - ie - let's try to do better! And what's wrong with encouraging people to try? What's the message here? You're not 120lbs so you should just give up?

Personally, I think men, who have never had to carry one tenth of the societal pressure women do to look a certain way, should probably tread lightly when it comes to mocking women about their approach to being overweight. We carry a stigma with which Bill is unfamiliar.

To that end - here's a letter written by a doctor as an open apology to the overweight and obese. While some might find it a tad sentimental, to them I would say - we could all do with a little more kindness, a gentler hand, and a little less whipping for our bad choices, weaknesses, personal failings, or just our general inability to live up to the expectations of perfection set by others. Very few people can be driven to long term change. Most of us need to be encouraged and supported. Pillorying obese people on the evening tele isn't going to be of much use to most women. And, of course - did you miss the fact that EVERY SINGLE PHOTO OF A FAT MODEL HE SHOWED WAS A WOMAN?

And before I post the letter - let me just add - plus size models like Ashley Graham work out like nobody's business. She's currently raising 3 sons - including breast feeding twin baby boys - and yet she works out like a m*ther f*cker. To imply all fat people are lazy and "won't do what's necessary" to be healthy is simply uninformed.

So I'm thinking maybe Bill should put a link on his website to something titled "Condescending opinion piece about the health issues of others by someone who has never experienced any of them" - and let people click on them of their own volition. On the other hand, as I'm sure so many people would say, if you don't like what he's saying - just don't listen and change the channel. To which I would say in response - if you don't like overweight/fat/plus size models - don't look at them. But to blame obese people for a problem that has its roots in the rise of the technology era, the addictive substances in foods, the massive increase in the stress experienced by most people, the price of junk food vs the price of fresh produce, the rising poverty statistics, and the myriad other issues tied in with obesity is not helpful or accurate. And does it not tell Bill anything that the highest correlation between obesity and virtually ANYTHING ELSE is between obesity and education/income? Pull your head out of your skinny white arse, Bill. Food is one of the easiest ways we have to self soothe and the obesity that's running at epidemic proportions these days, that certain people imply is just a result of being lazy and self indulgent, is in large part a reflection of the easiest, most accessible treatment many people have for trauma and depression. In the same way the obesity is up, so are self reported emotional and psychological illnesses.

Does any of this absolve us from addressing our issues? Probably not. But to imply it's all just so straight forward if we'd just *try* a little harder is naive.

Herewith, the letter.

A doctor’s open apology to those fighting overweight and obesity

All too often the medical community ‘fat-shames’ patients trying to lose weight, when in fact obesity and overweight are complicated medical issues.

theconversation.com

That is an awesome letter! The program I am doing has been amazing. I feel like I finally have a supportive community who understands and the lady leading it explains WHY. The focus is on helping the body get rid of fat cells in a way that the weight loss is sustainable and something that you can maintain. Such a very different experience from anything I have looked into before! I'm also thrilled to say I have a new primary care doctor who is awesome. No more blaming. Just finding what works with my body. (hopefully the research and everything that went into this program becomes the thing that comes next that the letter talks about. It is actually being looked at by researchers in Canada!)

 

[mrs-b]

And just to add.....

If you think what women experience in relation to food and body image is the same as what men experience, here's a little experiment you can run.

Go out to dinner with a man - or a child - or another woman for that matter.
At the end of the meal, order dessert.

If you are a woman, I guarantee you - 100% of the time, they will bring you multiple spoons SO YOU CAN SHARE. Even if you ask for a single spoon, or your date says they won't be having dessert, they will STILL bring you multiple spoons. As women, the implication is that we do not own our own means of production - even down to our own food. We are not expected to be in control of what we consume, and we are expected to not want much - and always be willing to give what we have asked for away to anyone else who requests it.

If you are man and you order dessert - it happens occasionally, but generally - no.

Try it out. The results are shocking.

 

[Gussie]

I haven't read all the replies but I think that a lot of obesity has to do with processed foods/food pyramid. Anecdotal but I sure love to mention my wonderful grandfather.

He lived to be 97 and was at home without help until 96. He mowed, weedeated, and kept a beautiful garden. His rule was to eat 1 serving of meat, 2 servings of grain, 2 servings of fruit, and and the rest of his daily intake was vegetables that he grew. He allowed himself some ice cream a few times a week. He was thin but strong and very energetic. This guy began smoking at age 12 but quit cold turkey at 92 because he thought 80 years was long enough LOL! He was a total workhorse up until the end. I really think his diet was a huge factor in his long life.

 

[kenny]

I am responsible for what I eat.
I have no excuses.

If what is more widely available today is cheap crap that tastes good it's my responsibility to not eat that.
It is my responsibility to spend the money to buy healthy food and spend my time preparing it at home and clean up after meal preps.
We are all free to choose.

I'm not going to blame McDs, etc.

That means I don't have a zillion hours a day to sit on my fat @ss and watch TV, or Internet.
But ... priorities!

It's like dental health.
If you don't have good daily in-home care you're going to have bad gums and bad, or fewer, or no teeth.
We must take care of ourselves.
Nobody else is going to do it for us.

 

[Matata]

We are all free to choose.

Yes and no. Freedom to choose depends a lot on how much money one has. A person working 2 jobs making minimum wage and barely affording housing and bare necessities might not choose to eat Ramen 7 days a week but it may be the only affordable option versus starving. People always have choice, they don't always have options.

 

[monarch64]

@mrs-b I had very similar thoughts while watching Maher’s take. It struck me right away that the body positivity movement has been geared towards women and that a lot of men have taken the fact that brands are now size-inclusive and showing models that aren’t an unrealistic ideal for most and mocked it, saying that body positivity is just a way to encourage women to be fat. Because of COURSE women are just here for men to look at (eye rolls for days).

What Maher might have considered doing was highlighting Trump’s unhealthy diet and weight issues, along with Mitch McConnell’s, and lots of other men (comedians, rappers, random everyday dudes with beer bellies and moobs) and ya know, staying in HIS lane. The video made it very obvious that his points were referencing women.

The US has a very f-ed up culture revolving around food, healthcare, and perpetual dieting cycles. Maybe if we paid less attention to talking heads and entertainers like Maher and focused more on getting out and doing things again (safely, of course, since we’re currently besieged with several plagues) we wouldn’t have to worry about weight as much as we do.

I can’t take people seriously about this kind of thing when they make their living off selling products through advertising to people who are passively and sedentarily watching and listening to them. And to be totally honest, I no longer pay attention to men who are still desperately clinging to relevance by making fat jokes.

I’d sit here and rip apart every joke he made and poke holes in every part of his low hanging fruit, nothing of substance to say commentary, but it’s pointless. I’d like to see a female comedian bring up this topic and say the same things he did. I’ll wait.

I find it much more worrisome that our culture now is encouraging young women to inflate their butts with injections, get BBLs, breast augmentations, breast lifts, lip injections, facial fillers, lip flips, mini facelifts, hair extensions, on and on and on and on and on… and then we see a pic of a bloated Elon Musk on a beach laughing his head off and no one bats an eye.

I don’t need Bill “tell it like it is” Maher to make snide remarks so I can suddenly stop and think to myself, “wow, I better not let myself go.” My father said those words verbatim to me when I was 1 month into my first marriage. He said it at dinner out with my mother and me. He said, “don’t be like some women and let yourself go now that you’re married.” I loved my dad a LOT, but the misogyny was real strong and I’ve had to work very hard to overcome internalizing that. I think Maher’s commentary was lazy and unhelpful.

 

[Lookinagain]

I find it much more worrisome that our culture now is encouraging young women to inflate their butts with injections, get BBLs, breast augmentations, breast lifts, lip injections, facial fillers, lip flips, mini facelifts, hair extensions, on and on and on and on and on… and then we see a pic of a bloated Elon Musk on a beach laughing his head off and no one bats an eye.

This is such a good point. Thank you.

 

[rosethorn]

This is so much more complicated than fat jokes and fat shame and eat less exercise more. Fat people don’t need to apologize for existing any more than thin people do. Fat people shouldn’t need to perform being good fatties who never eat cake or have a coke in order to deserve kindness and compassion.

I am a fat person and this post makes me feel unwelcome on pricescope. In the immortal words of Taylor Swift, can you just not?