Summary: This weeks episode deals with a very sensitive topic. Is it acceptable to make fun of or embarrass obese people until the taunting becomes so bad they only way to stop it is to lose weight? I read an article this week. A Case for Shaming Obese People, Tastefully I have a real problem with this article. This article, and a bunch of articles about the same editorial, took one little snippet from the editorial and sensationalized that snippet as a call to action. “Let’s shame fat people into losing weight.” Hey everyone I hate to break the news to you this practice of shaming and discrimination doesn’t need to start because it has never stopped. I dealt with shaming in school I dealt with shaming in the workplace The point is I hated the fact I had to take that abuse. But did it motivate me to lose weight? NO! We only have two responses to an attack, fight or flight. I couldn’t fight anymore so I had to avoid the situation. Even now I have to deal with people, total strangers, who think it’s funny to say something to me about my weight in public. It’s never easy to deal with and I don’t want the public to get the idea that it would be an accepted practice. The original editorial was written by Daniel Callahan, Phd. the editorial Obesity: Chasing an Elusive Epidemic The editorial had some good points Right now the obesity epidemic is getting worse Nothing seems to be working to slow down the epidemic If we educate children and parents on obesity and build healthy habits at a young age it could start to reverse obesity in the future I agree with Dr. Callahan that we need to educate the children and the parents on diet and exercise. We also need to educate the population in general it’s easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle than trying to lose a significant amount of weight. I’m not as hopeful that government or the medical community as a whole will do anything to help. Not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know how. I honestly feel we have been cast off by the medical community to fend for ourselves Your medical insurance will not cover the treatment of obesity. They call it “Experimental Treatment” and it is not covered. Drug and alcohol abuse has a better treatment program. The answer is out there, the information is out there, all you need is motivation and the perseverance to not quit. I hope I motivated you to start living a healthier lifestyle or continue to keep living one. If you like the show and you haven't already could you do me a favor and use this link to go to iTunes, subscribe to this podcast and give me a review on what you think of the show. I have 13 reviews so far and they really help me move up in the rankings of other shows that deal with weight loss The more positive reviews the show receives the higher the ranking in iTunes. Which would make it easier for people who are looking for information, inspiration, and motivation to find us. (Me & You) I would love to listen to you! Listener Feedback (How to contact me with questions or comments) Listener Feedback Line at 856-472-9833 If you have a computer with a microphone you can record a voice message right on the Let's Reverse Obesity Website. (Click the Send Voice Mail Tab on the Right Side of the Website) Leave a comment at the bottom of the show notes Follow me on twitter @johnbukenas Email me at John@letsreverseobesity.com (New) Let's Reverse Obesity Facebook page. http://facebook.com/letsreversobesity.com Legal Disclosure: Let’s Reverse Obesity.com and the Let’s Reverse Obesity Podcast are meant for informational purposes and do not constitute medical, nutritional, dietary, therapeutic, or any other advice. Any information on this site or in the podcast reflects John’s or his guests views and experiences only. You should always consult with a medical doctor, nurse,
