So has the media and the government been misleading us about an obesity epidemic?
"It is our panic over our weight gain rather than the weight itself that is probably causing the most harm," -- Eric Oliver, Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Chicago in his book Fat Politics; the Real Story behind America's Obesity Epidemic.
I can agree with this -- because when people obsess over their weight they turn to the first fad remedy available. Pills, lipo, staples, raw meat diets: you name it.
The article goes on to discuss Oliver's theories, including this:
[...] the current standards of what is "overweight" and "obese" are defined at very low levels - George Bush is technically overweight while Arnold Schwarznegger is "obese." But it is also because most people confuse body weight with the real sources of health and well-being, such as diet and exercise.
And, irrespective of what other things Oliver has to say, I say "amen" to that. In general, it isn't what you weigh. It's how you feel. If you don't like how you look, if you don't like the fact that you have to pause to catch your breath after slowly climbing a fairly small set of stairs, if you don't like having to squeeze into airline seats, if you don't like getting your clothes from the 3x rack at Lane Bryant, and if you suffer from physical ailments that are often associated with obesity, then by all means, eat right, and exercise.
Watch what you put into your body, reduce the amount of crap (you don't have to cut the crap; just reduce it), and get fit.
Your health will improve from that alone, as will your self-image.
On the other hand: if what it takes to get you on the road to health and fitness is paying for a weight-loss plan, or special meals, or books that'll give you eight-minute thighs, then go for it, babe.
Your goal, though, should be good health.
Read more about it in US obesity epidemic is a myth promoted by diet doctors and the weight loss industry.
