Obesity is now a disease.

[techs]

Medicare now says obesity is a disease.
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsobes163894456jul16,0,532276.story?coll=ny-health-headlines
What do you think? Lifestyle choice? Disease? Hobby?

[imaeditedbysowulo]

Lack of self control and lack of physical activity, simple as that. It's about as much of a disease as being an alcoholic or being a smoker.

[paraflyer]

Not a disease.

Lifestyle choice.

And I don't believe for one minute that the majority of cases could be corrected by diet and exercise (excluding certain tumors, etc).

Now all we'll hear is that it's a "social issue", so we'll need social programs, socialized medicine, and social security to fix it......

Hmmm. Tracking of height/weight standards in schools, HIPPA, Medicare....guess what? We're already there.

[Ya_know]

Well, there are the exceptional few that have a disease that no matter how well they eat, and even exercise, they are doomed by chemical imbalances and other physiological limitations...so it is a disease for those select few. The rest are just fat bodies, and need to get a grip on their life!

[paraflyer]

Well, there are the exceptional few that have a disease that no matter how well they eat, and even exercise, they are doomed by chemical imbalances and other physiological limitations...so it is a disease for those select few. The rest are just fat bodies, and need to get a grip on their life!

That's what I'm speaking of; however, the calories to create the fat buildup have to come from somewhere, they don't just appear out of "fat air" (Cleetus may get that reference :p ).

[drewmaztech]

Even the arguement that "it's a glandular thing" or a medical condition that causes it - well there are PLENTY of new medications and procedures to help you lose the weight.

I actually have 3 friends who have had gastric bypass surgery. A really facinating thing and works well.

[Ya_know]

Even the arguement that "it's a glandular thing" or a medical condition that causes it - well there are PLENTY of new medications and procedures to help you lose the weight.



Some people just don't have the money for these treatments...and it ain't just that easy either...some people can't go under a knife for other medical reasons...

Let's try to be a little compationate here people. Just a little.

[Titchski]

I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and realised that I have to change my lifestyle. Its not so much that I'm overweight (5'5" and 145lbs) its just that its packed on my gut making me look like Adepts purple avatar thing :devil:

I need to do two things 1. Change my diet and 2. Exercise

The food thing is simple, I'm going to change from a light breakfast and two big meals a day to eating small portions, more often.

Not sure how to go about getting exercise, I guess I could join a gym but that involves money I ain't really got right now. I hate doing sit ups so if anyones got any ideas for non sit up exercise, pass them along!

Cheers :thumbs:

[Camaro80z]

I can not speak for all, but I know that there is a medical reason why I am overweight. I am 6'3 and 275 lbs, there is no one else in my family over 6 ft and 200 lbs. I had pretty serious issues with asthmsa, and spent the majority of my childhood on the different steroids (medication). I also have issues with my stomach and digestion. After 2 stomach surgeries, my body acts like it is starving all of the time, and stores every calorie to prevent death. After my last surgery, I had to be on a liquid only diet for 2 months. I was consuming less than 1000 calories a day, and hardly any fat. I was also working out 3 times a week per doc's orders. I still only lost 5 lbs during that time, and the doctor says the average person loses 20-25. I now am on a diet where I have on average 1500 to 2000 calories, take supplements and exercise. This makes it possible for me to stay at the same size. As for the gastric bypass, I am not considered obese enough to have it, and I would not be able to due to my stomach problems.

As to imaeditedbysowulo, I am guessing you have never had the disease of addiction running through your veins, otherwise you would know that alcoholics do have a disease. I would put it in the category of a mental illness, with chemical underlying factors.


Sorry for the rant, this topic just hit a little close to home. If I have to hear 1 more fat joke here at work... :flame:

[Camaro80z]

After looking at the poll again, I would like to say that i do not think that obesity in itself is a disease. I think that it is a disorder, and you can have problems that cause it. just my 2 cents

[NooNoo]

People that eat a full breakfast, have their sandwiches at mid morning, go to the fastfood place for lunch, have a snack when they come in from work and then have a full dinner, do not exercise apart from lifting beer at the bar and yet remain a beanpole must have something different going on with them..... I know a couple of people like this, they just make me want to reach for the chocolate :sad:

[gazzak]

Not a desiese.

I can look around the school playground when I get the chance to pick my daughter up, and I know for sure which kids will be FAT when they get older because they are halfway there already. Junk food and no excersize.

More calories in - less calories burnt = weight gain, game over.

[Cleetus]

I wash mahself with a rag on a stick

[inferno_gn]

Hi there,

It's a American culture now.

Ju Leon...

[meatwad]

"The fingers you are using to dial, are too fat. To obtain a special dialing wand, mash the keypad with your palm, now."

[meatwad]

Hi there,

It's a American culture now.

Ju Leon...

And how exactly has Canada managed to eliminate it's fat people? Rat poison in the Big Macs?

[amyb]

What's sad to see is the kids. I try to limit what my kid eats regarding sweets and I make darned sure he gets enough exercise each day. Kids shouldn't be getting diabetes (resulting from obesity at this age!).

[Camaro80z]

And how exactly has Canada managed to eliminate it's fat people? Rat poison in the Big Macs?


No, the government just gave the cows mad cow disease! :thumbs:

[MobilePCPhysician]

No, the government just gave the cows mad cow disease! :thumbs:
Hi there,

Julie On Beef????http://forums.windrivers.com/images/smilies/sagrin.gif

[Escape_Driver]

As someone who has fought a very long time with my weight it is not just as easy work out and eat less... I have a restictive diet I work out and loose around 2 pounds a month... But put yourself in my shoes ... You want to go out for an Ice Cream... Well there goes the diet.... Now others can eat 5000 Cals a day and do nothing and can't gain weight.... A disease NO... But a disorder... yep

[Titchski]

People that eat a full breakfast, have their sandwiches at mid morning, go to the fastfood place for lunch, have a snack when they come in from work and then have a full dinner, do not exercise apart from lifting beer at the bar and yet remain a beanpole must have something different going on with them..... I know a couple of people like this, they just make me want to reach for the chocolate :sad:

That used to be me back home Noo - I put my skinniness down to walking two miles to the pub of an evening and crawling four miles home :D

[ilovetheusers]

I'm 300lbs at 5'9" and it's due to food, booze and no exercise, and I aslo have a slow metabolism (I would assume was due to the no exercise). In the past I lifted weights and I can't build muscle mass and my metabolism does not accelerate. Still, I'm not convinced that I have an issue beyond the fact that I don't want to exercise and do not do so.

I'm fat, it's most likely my fault, I don't deserve special treatment. Some folks can't help it though and it sucks and there is a real issue for them. Those folks need this.

[Seeker]

Well...for the first time I am a little shocked at some of the people on WD.

COE (Compulsive Overeating) is in fact a disease. Just like Anorexia or Bulimia

Now I am not talking about a girl that is chubby or a guy with a little beer belly. That is from being lazy.

But really over weight people have a problem...and addiction. Certain foods cause you brain to release chimicals...chimicals that make you feel "good". Almost like an anti-depressant. Why do you think people always turn to food when they are upset. A girl get dumped by her man so she eats ice cream. Fatty foods cause the brain to release dopamine sending you on a natural high. There are other ways to release dopamine such as running, sex and swimming. Ever heard the term "runners high"...that is where is comes from. But eating is the fastest easiest way to release it and it becomes an addiction.

We all have addictions...we just don't have to wear them out in the open like over weight people do.

It isn't funny to laugh at over weight people. I am sure they enjoy being over weight about as much as a drug addict likes being one.

Here read this http://www.haircoloradvisor.com/articles/laura_2.html (http://)

[imaeditedbysowulo]

As to imaeditedbysowulo, I am guessing you have never had the disease of addiction running through your veins, otherwise you would know that alcoholics do have a disease. I would put it in the category of a mental illness, with chemical underlying factors.


I have the addiction of smoking, but I'm not going to try to call it a disease. Aids is a disease, smoking or being an alcoholic or overeating I don't consider diseases. Those things I believe are 90% due to the environment a person is in.

Countries that aren't advanced as us and don't have the luxury of having as much free time as the typical American has don't suffer from these three problems. The reason is because these three things are not diseases, they are thre result of a person's environment and will power.

I agree they are all problems, but I don't agree with labeling them as diseases and creating some kind of social welfare system for people with these problems. I smoke. It's my problem and it's up to me to either continue paying for cigarrettes and deal with the problems they cause or else quit all together.

[meatwad]

Well...for the first time I am a little shocked at some of the people on WD.

COE (Compulsive Overeating) is in fact a disease. Just like Anorexia or Bulimia

Now I am not talking about a girl that is chubby or a guy with a little beer belly. That is from being lazy.

But really over weight people have a problem...and addiction. Certain foods cause you brain to release chimicals...chimicals that make you feel "good". Almost like an anti-depressant. Why do you think people always turn to food when they are upset. A girl get dumped by her man so she eats ice cream. Fatty foods cause the brain to release dopamine sending you on a natural high. There are other ways to release dopamine such as running, sex and swimming. Ever heard the term "runners high"...that is where is comes from. But eating is the fastest easiest way to release it and it becomes an addiction.

We all have addictions...we just don't have to wear them out in the open like over weight people do.

It isn't funny to laugh at over weight people. I am sure they enjoy being over weight about as much as a drug addict likes being one.

Here read this http://www.haircoloradvisor.com/articles/laura_2.html (http://)


But I make fun of drug addicts and smokers. Why can't I make fun of fat people?

[Stalemate]

A few personal thoughts:

Not all overweight people suffer from an eating disorder
Obesity is not a disease, it is a symptom
This symptom can be both attributed to poor health habits (lifestyle) or medical conditions (COE, digestive or glandular problems, etc.)
Canada's overweight ratio has caught up with the US a few months ago.

That being said, here's what the Onion reported:


CHICAGO, IL—In spite of billions of dollars spent and decades of research, scientists at the University of Chicago said Monday that the scientific community is no closer to finding a cure for the potentially fatal disease of obesity.

"The obesity epidemic in this country has public-health authorities panicking, and with good reason," said Dr. Seong-Hun Kim, a research associate at the university's department of neurobiology, pharmacology, and physiology. "According to the latest government statistics, 30.6 percent of the adult population and 16.5 percent of children under 19 are obese. As researchers, we feel the same sort of helplessness that many victims of obesity feel."

"Basically, the clock continues to tick as we search for that golden key that will give every American a chance at a healthy, normal life," Kim added.

Many obesity sufferers have expressed frustration over the medical community's inability to cure them.

"I came down with obesity two years after I got married," 41-year-old Oklahoma City resident Fran Torley said. "I know it was hard for my husband to watch me suffer from this disease. When he caught obesity a year later, he got so depressed, he couldn't do anything but sit on the couch. Some days, we sit and watch television from dawn till dusk, hoping for news of a breakthrough."

Kim said he sees no cure on the horizon.

"Each year that we don't have a cure for this dreaded condition, another 300,000 Americans die of obesity-related health problems—hypertension, stroke, heart attack, diabetes," Kim said. "I wish to God there were something I could give these people that would make the obesity go away, but so far, there is no pill that can do that safely and effectively."

Kim said the prescription drugs currently indicated in the treatment of obesity, as well as a host of over-the-counter products, have been shown to produce limited results.

"Even when individuals find success with a certain drug or plan, it often fails to work in the long term," Kim said. "Sometimes, a treatment plan that works for a handful of people will fail to help anyone else. It's very frustrating. As evinced by the widespread nature of the problem, scientists aren't doing enough for these poor overweight people."

Kim's research group has tried to pinpoint the genetic, environmental, and psychological factors that might indicate a susceptibility to obesity.

"For example, we know that obesity tends to run in families," Kim said. "But we have yet to pinpoint exactly what it is that causes, say, the Smith family to splash about their backyard pool blissfully unaffected while, just over the fence, the Jones family languishes 30 percent overweight on their barbecue deck."

Marge Hampton is an obese American who has responded to the epidemic by trying to raise awareness and money for obesity research. In May, Hampton coordinated the Obesity Awareness Five-Mile Fun Ride, which led participants on a motor tour of Chicago's waterfront parks, and she orchestrated an obesity-awareness bake sale last month.

"We used to think obesity was a condition that only affected people with glandular problems, but health officials are now seeing just how widespread the epidemic is," Hampton said. "There's a myth that obese people don't want to change. They do—they just lack the information about how to do it quickly and easily."

Kim's research team has explored preventative measures.

"It would be wonderful if we could find some way to prevent individuals from getting this horrible condition in the first place, perhaps with something akin to a vaccine or a flu shot," Kim said. "We've pursued every avenue—pills, topical creams, nutritional shakes, even holistic cures like vitamin regimens and massage—but nothing has worked."

While others might have been discouraged by failure, Kim has intensified his efforts.

"I'm in the lab day and night," Kim said. "The other researchers will say 'Come have dinner with us,' but I'm so busy that I have to just grab some yogurt from the vending machine. I'm just too busy running over to the research facility on the west side of campus or carrying samples to the lab up on the fourth floor. I've lost 20 pounds since starting this project in January."

Even though he expressed concern about his recent weight loss, Kim said he will continue his work unabated.

"I can't worry about me right now; finding a cure for obesity is far too important," Kim said. "And, honestly, I feel better than I've felt in years. My work, although difficult, is energizing. I can't turn my back on my research while, all around me, Americans are dropping like enormous flies."




:D

[Rae]

I KNOW it is a lifestyle problem.
Been there!
Every physical problem these days gets a 'disease mode' and becomes a money maker for someone and a hurdle for the victim!
Actually, the Standard American Diet is the problem.
Most of us eat like our parents and that becomes an hereditary situation.
The sad thing is instead of putting patients on a strict healthy diet,(because what they were eating was killing them) doctors prescribe
drugs or chemicals that never heal them but cost big bucks!
I recommend to my loved ones the Hallelujah Diet at www.hacres.com
We need to cleanse our bodies of all the additives, chemicals, and synthetic hormones that is in our foods.
Obesity is caused because we have become addicted to foods that taste good but are empty of the satisfying nutrients our body needs.
So, we eat and crave more, and more and get fat and very sick.
If obesity is a disease it is a psychological one.














Some people just don't have the money for these treatments...and it ain't just that easy either...some people can't go under a knife for other medical reasons...

Let's try to be a little compationate here people. Just a little.

[Cleetus]

I keep seeing Homer in a moomoo and saying "Fat..Don't fail me know"

[meatwad]

Together, we can make a difference!

http://www.ctts.nrel.gov/transtimes/images/michelin_men.jpg

[Seeker]

Not all overweight people suffer from an eating disorder
Obesity is not a disease, it is a symptom
This symptom can be both attributed to poor health habits (lifestyle) or medical conditions (COE, digestive or glandular problems, etc.)

I agree with you 100% on those.
I know how easy it it is to fall into an eating disorder. I have been there. Not with over eating but others.

Noun 1. disease - an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
So yes...eating disorders are diseases.

[corturbra]

I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and realised that I have to change my lifestyle. Its not so much that I'm overweight (5'5" and 145lbs) its just that its packed on my gut making me look like Adepts purple avatar thing :devil:

I need to do two things 1. Change my diet and 2. Exercise

The food thing is simple, I'm going to change from a light breakfast and two big meals a day to eating small portions, more often.

Not sure how to go about getting exercise, I guess I could join a gym but that involves money I ain't really got right now. I hate doing sit ups so if anyones got any ideas for non sit up exercise, pass them along!

Cheers :thumbs:

Not so sure we should give you any advice after winning so well in the Euro Fantasy Footy! What I started doing as I'm too tight to pay for a gym membership, is I get up an hour earlier than I used to and walk for an hour. Stick on a CD of music/inspirational CD's and just walk.

Clears your head, sets you up for the day and in the long term will help you boost your metabolism and lose weight.

:thumbs:

[amyb]

I agree with you 100% on those.
I know how easy it it is to fall into an eating disorder. I have been there. Not with over eating but others.

Noun 1. disease - an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
So yes...eating disorders are diseases.
Have to disagree on that score. Diseases are "natural", not "manmade".

[jitBob]

I find that I can get a little exercise in at the office. I have a piece of surgical tubing tied around a leg of my desk and use it for upper body exercises while I figure that tough problem out. I also have a piece that I stick in the doorjamb and do leg and arm exercises. All when I think of it of course.

[amyb]

I find that I can get a little exercise in at the office. I have a piece of surgical tubing tied around a leg of my desk and use it for upper body exercises while I figure that tough problem out. I also have a piece that I stick in the doorjamb and do leg and arm exercises. All when I think of it of course.
I run up and down the stairs. I do it alot when the computers in the lab go nuts. Sometimes, it's 4 or 5 times aday. On occasion, I do it 20 times.

[Seeker]

Have to disagree on that score. Diseases are "natural", not "manmade".

Well I don't believe my eating disoreder was "man made". I battled anorxia for 8 years and it almost killed me 3 times. I believe it was just something my brain was affected with and only with the help of medications have I been able to get it under control. It is an illness that affects your brain...

Our brains are mush more complex then any of you are giving credit. A mental disease can be just as deadly if not more deadly then a physical one. We cn find cures for physical diseases...but to find a cure for a mental disease is much harder. But don't lessen a mental disease just because you have never been affected by one. You can't "just stop it"...even though most people that have never had one would like to think.

Sorry this is a personal subject for me...

[techs]

There's nothing sadder than an athlete who's turned to fat. I can remember when I could run all day. Now I must valiantly struggle to make it to the kitchen 40 or 50 times a day.

[amyb]

Well I don't believe my eating disoreder was "man made". I battled anorxia for 8 years and it almost killed me 3 times. I believe it was just something my brain was affected with and only with the help of medications have I been able to get it under control. It is an illness that affects your brain...

Our brains are mush more complex then any of you are giving credit. A mental disease can be just as deadly if not more deadly then a physical one. We cn find cures for physical diseases...but to find a cure for a mental disease is much harder. But don't lessen a mental disease just because you have never been affected by one. You can't "just stop it"...even though most people that have never had one would like to think.

Sorry this is a personal subject for me...
Please no need to be sorry. I see your point. However, anorexia starts with the need to look good (I had a friend who was anoerexic (it all started with her need to not to be fat). It then esculated where she couldn't control it.

[techs]

Please no need to be sorry. I see your point. However, anorexia starts with the need to look good (I had a friend who was anoerexic (it all started with her need to not to be fat). It then esculated where she couldn't control it.

That raises a good point. If anorexia is a disease then shouldn't obesity be a disease?

[meatwad]

Anorexia and obesity isn't a disease. It's a side effect of being f***ed in the head. The "disease" is whatever screwed up s*** is going on with your state of self worth. Fix that, and the side effects will go with it.

[amyb]

Anorexia and obesity isn't a disease. It's a side effect of being f***ed in the head. The "disease" is whatever screwed up s*** is going on with your state of self worth. Fix that, and the side effects will go with it.
Meatwad, say what you really mean. ;)

[Seeker]

Anorexia and obesity isn't a disease. It's a side effect of being f***ed in the head. The "disease" is whatever screwed up s*** is going on with your state of self worth. Fix that, and the side effects will go with it.

Yes...it is called a "mental" disease...

[meatwad]

I feel bad because I lose compassion for the miniscule percentage that deserves it when all these other fat@$$es bitch that they want unemployment and free healthcare because they have "a disease". I'm tired of wasting my money on stupid people.

[imaeditedbysowulo]

Well I'll be d*mned, they are diseases according to the current definition of disease.

dis·ease ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-zz)
n.

1. A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.
2. A condition or tendency, as of society, regarded as abnormal and harmful.



I would like to see a definition for the word from about 25 years ago, I just can't grasp labeling these things as diseases.

[amyb]

Well I'll be d*mned, they are diseases according to the current definition of disease.





I would like to see a definition for the word from about 25 years ago, I just can't grasp labeling these things as diseases.
Becasue the defination is PC.

[meatwad]

Yes...it is called a "mental" disease...

So I need to pay some doctor to make them "feel better about themselves" to get them to eat again?

[meatwad]

I have a disease. I don't like to go to work. When I wake up in the morning I dread going into the shop and dealing with all the crap that goes on there, but I'm too lazy to find another job and it's society's fault. Do I have a disease?

[jitBob]

As another little exercise hint.

Wake up in the morning and jog to the bathroom

Then

Walk back to bed. http://forums.windrivers.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Stalemate]

As another little exercise hint.

Wake up in the morning and jog to the bathroom

Then

Walk back to bed. http://forums.windrivers.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif


I do that all the time though. :confused:

[imaeditedbysowulo]

How about getting up to change the channel on the television instead of using the remote? I'm not sure if there are even buttons on the tv to do that. What a difference 20 years makes!

[Stalemate]

I have a disease. I don't like to go to work. When I wake up in the morning I dread going into the shop and dealing with all the crap that goes on there, but I'm too lazy to find another job and it's society's fault. Do I have a disease?

Yes.

Social Anxiety Disorder, or even anthropophobia which could bring about panic attacks.


Better be careful and take some pills.

Any pills will do.

[gazzak]

Hi there,

It's a American culture now.

Ju Leon...

You've not visited Hemel Hempstead recently then? :devil: (England)

[Johnny Blaze]

There's only one person to blame :


http://www.net4nowt.com/uploaded_images/main_images/ronald_macdonald.jpg

[Tekboy]

I know a lot of fat people in the computer industry. I believe it is because the only exercise most of us get is running off at the mouth and jumping to conclusions. I gained 20 pounds after I quit smoking six years ago, and I am still not overweight.

People who think alcoholism is not a disease have obviously never read this:

http://silkworth.net/silkworth/doctorsopinion.html

and have never watched someone they love suffer from alcoholism.

I am not worried about my anonymity here, since I am naught but an avatar and a bunch of electrons while I am here ;) But I suffer from the disease of alcoholism, and I know beyond any sophistries that indeed it is a disease, and a fatal one at that.

It is most easily diagnosable in my case, since once I take a drink, I am absolutely unable to stop, until stopped by some external factor, such as steel bracelets, straitjackets, etc. My story is not the least bit uncommon. There is a physical craving which is set off by the introduction of alcohol into the body of an alcoholic. This is a well established medical fact, and has nothing to do with opinion.

Read the Bible, particularly the story of Noah. Stuff happens to alcoholics that does not happen to "normal" people. I have been clean and sober for nearly 13 years now. But I have no illusions left about it. I simply cannot control my drinking, just like so many other alcoholics down through the ages. All I can do is not start, since once I start, I cannot/will not stop. Complete abstinence from alcohol is one of my main priorities in life today.

So if even Ya_Know is calling for compassion in this thread, as politically correct as he is <grin>, maybe some of the rest of us can be more informed.

Do I think obesity is a disease? In some cases, it would certainly appear to be. But diet and lifestyle obviously have an effect as well. As does age. I am 54, and I have put on a little around the middle, particularly since I no longer smoke, and my blood cells have an increased ability to carry food to the other cells. Sure are a great deal of factors involved in weight!

[meatwad]

Yes.

Social Anxiety Disorder, or even anthropophobia which could bring about panic attacks.


Better be careful and take some pills.

Any pills will do.

I found these little white ones. Only 1 1/2 calories!

[Camaro80z]

Here is some great news!

Scientists seeking cure for obesity (http://www.theonion.com/news/index.php?issue=4028&n=1)

:thumbs:

[Titchski]

You've not visited Hemel Hempstead recently then? :devil: (England)

I was watching a repeat of the Fast Show last night and the Fat Sweaty Coppers were on - do they pound the beat in Hemel Hempstead then d'ya think Gaz?

I love it when they commandeer a vehicle for police business and it turns out to be a burger van :D

[inferno_gn]

Hi there,

We're bascially overeating. Not only that, it's all the crap what we eat. Chemicals, oils, MSG. Look at the ingedients now, they are words that can't be pronounce or even understandable for the average person.

I don't think there is really any diseases here. It's all man-made and our stupidity. Not to mention the culture that "looks" is important, having the perfect body, etc. Tell you what, it's 100% BS.

Now, just eat right, exercise a bit (even talking 10 minutes walk is good) and enjoy life.

Ju Leon...

[Zil]

This thread reminds me of two words:


Pork Beasts

[jitBob]

I know a lot of fat people in the computer industry. I believe it is because the only exercise most of us get is running off at the mouth and jumping to conclusions. I gained 20 pounds after I quit smoking six years ago, and I am still not overweight.

People who think alcoholism is not a disease have obviously never read this:

http://silkworth.net/silkworth/doctorsopinion.html

and have never watched someone they love suffer from alcoholism.

I am not worried about my anonymity here, since I am naught but an avatar and a bunch of electrons while I am here ;) But I suffer from the disease of alcoholism, and I know beyond any sophistries that indeed it is a disease, and a fatal one at that.

It is most easily diagnosable in my case, since once I take a drink, I am absolutely unable to stop, until stopped by some external factor, such as steel bracelets, straitjackets, etc. My story is not the least bit uncommon. There is a physical craving which is set off by the introduction of alcohol into the body of an alcoholic. This is a well established medical fact, and has nothing to do with opinion.

Read the Bible, particularly the story of Noah. Stuff happens to alcoholics that does not happen to "normal" people. I have been clean and sober for nearly 13 years now. But I have no illusions left about it. I simply cannot control my drinking, just like so many other alcoholics down through the ages. All I can do is not start, since once I start, I cannot/will not stop. Complete abstinence from alcohol is one of my main priorities in life today.

So if even Ya_Know is calling for compassion in this thread, as politically correct as he is <grin>, maybe some of the rest of us can be more informed.

Do I think obesity is a disease? In some cases, it would certainly appear to be. But diet and lifestyle obviously have an effect as well. As does age. I am 54, and I have put on a little around the middle, particularly since I no longer smoke, and my blood cells have an increased ability to carry food to the other cells. Sure are a great deal of factors involved in weight!
Protected by Smith & Wilson are ya? http://forums.windrivers.com/images/smilies/thumbs.gif

[Major Kong]

When I was in college during the last century I got one of my degrees in Environmental Health and Health Education. Our department head was Dr. Monroe T Morgan who literally wrote the book for the field...http://images.alibris.com/isbn/0/5/3/4/5/053451717X.gif Now back in 1978 the definition for disease was dis - "not at" and ease. Basically it took the word back to it's root as meaning not at ease or ill at ease. Diseases were classified as being natural or man made (no distinguishing characteristics were made) and then broken down further through vectors and symptoms (epidemiology at it's most basic). From there it was classified as endemic, epidemic and pandemic.
Endemic = what would be normally statistically expected within the population.
Epidemic = At least one case more that what would be statistically normal.
Pandemic = Close the borders and lock the doors.

Just a little insight to 26 years ago. :thumbs2:

[Cobra X]

I heard your dad went into a restaurant and ate all the food and they had to close the restaurant.

[Major Kong]

I heard your dad went into a restaurant and ate all the food and they had to close the restaurant.

Only if it was a Calabash Restaurant! :thumbs2:

[Cleetus]

Nothing worse then a fat guy passed out on someones porch/backyard

[Cobra X]

Nothing worse then a fat guy passed out on someones porch/backyard

Uh hee hee haw haw!

[gazzak]

I heard your dad went into a restaurant and ate all the food and they had to close the restaurant.

just one small wafer meeeester, just one meester, cmon, you must have room for one small waaafeeeeerrrrr

[techs]

Soylent Green is.....PEOPLE ITS PEOPLE!
Thank you sir, may I have some more?

[jaeger]

I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and realised that I have to change my lifestyle. Its not so much that I'm overweight (5'5" and 145lbs) its just that its packed on my gut making me look like Adepts purple avatar thing :devil:

I need to do two things 1. Change my diet and 2. Exercise

The food thing is simple, I'm going to change from a light breakfast and two big meals a day to eating small portions, more often.

Not sure how to go about getting exercise, I guess I could join a gym but that involves money I ain't really got right now. I hate doing sit ups so if anyones got any ideas for non sit up exercise, pass them along!

Cheers :thumbs:

Swim laps. Keep your pace up, don't let yourself fall into a slow rythym. The first goal is cardio and swimming will do that, but it will also burn off some fat. Builds up your chest, shoulders, and back nicely as well, depending on the stroke. I can't recommend a specific regimen, as I don't know how good a swimmer you are or what kind of shape you are in. Swimming is definitely better than jogging as jogging can really do a number on your knees and shins, but swimming does take longer. You've got the right weather to do it at least.

[meatwad]

Swim laps. Keep your pace up, don't let yourself fall into a slow rythym. The first goal is cardio and swimming will do that, but it will also burn off some fat. Builds up your chest, shoulders, and back nicely as well, depending on the stroke. I can't recommend a specific regimen, as I don't know how good a swimmer you are or what kind of shape you are in. Swimming is definitely better than jogging as jogging can really do a number on your knees and shins, but swimming does take longer. You've got the right weather to do it at least.

I've got a buddy who rides bikes. In high school he weighed about 165 and ran cross country. Then he graduated and kept somewhat active and bobbed around 165-170. Wasn't so active for a while and got up to 215. Started riding bikes again and got down to 185. Got lazy and is probably around 225-235 now.

[jaeger]

I've got a buddy who rides bikes. In high school he weighed about 165 and ran cross country. Then he graduated and kept somewhat active and bobbed around 165-170. Wasn't so active for a while and got up to 215. Started riding bikes again and got down to 185. Got lazy and is probably around 225-235 now.

Bikes can cause a few problems. Extended riding can restrict blood flow in the groin and inflict sexual performance problems. Biking in the full heat of a Florida summer is a b***h and a half. Thats one perk of swimming; you don't don't walk away from a hundred laps sweating and stinking.

[gazzak]

Nothing worse than man breasts

http://itsb.ucsf.edu/~vcr/APNipps2.gif

[techs]

Nothing worse than man breasts

http://itsb.ucsf.edu/~vcr/APNipps2.gif

I'm not sure even the Manzeer could help him

http://www.morrisdesigns.com/images/zipperedmalevest200.jpg