Feature

Weight Loss Lies We Tell Ourselves

Monday Mar 8, 2010 – By Alexis G. Stodghill

Black women are some of the most beautiful women on the planet, with God-given curves that some go under the knife to possess. But sometimes, what starts out as a brick house body morphs into a house of flab as age and bad habits take their toll. According to the U.S. Department of Health: “African American women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the U.S.” Heart disease, stroke and diabetes occur at much higher rates for people who are overweight, potentially making obesity a walking death sentence.

We have come too far, and fought too long, to let conditions that we can change destroy us. We must take our health into our own hands and lose weight as a group in order to survive. But, black women have a particular set of beliefs that keep us in a state of denial about our weight issues and how to heal them. We need to confront these myths that keep us at risk. What are the top ten things black women say to ourselves that prevent us from losing weight?

1) “I’m not fat, I’m thick.”
The term “thick” is an apt one to describe the 36-24-38 female that many men adore. But the key measurement here is the waist size. Ideally, a woman’s waist should not be above 35 inches if she wants to avoid diseases like diabetes. You might be thick, but if your waist exceeds this number, you are setting yourself up for health issues.

2) “I don’t want to mess up my hair.”
Unless you have a particularly uncreative stylist, you should be able to come up with a style that enables you to go to the gym. Alternate braids with a slicked down updo, or learn to carefully flat iron your hair with protective products. If you are telling yourself that hair maintenance is the reason you don’t want to sweat, you are being really creative – with excuses.

3) “Being big runs in my family.”
It has been clinically proven that very few people have a genetic predisposition towards being overweight. What does run in families are poor eating habits and patterns of sedentary living. Don’t tell yourself you can’t lose weight because of your genetics. You are likely disempowering yourself.

4) “Black men prefer women with curves.”
Black men, like all men, enjoy the hourglass shape, which is a scientifically proven evolutionary preference. While “thick” an hourglass body has a trim waist. This is interesting because abdominal fat harms the pancreas, contributing to the development of diabetes. Perhaps a thin waist is sexy because it is a sign of health. So keep your curves, but lose the midsection.

5) “If I work out, I’ll look mannish.”
While the proof is largely anecdotal, black women do look more defined from a moderate amount of exercise than other women. That is why First Lady Michelle Obama catches so much flack about her arms. But this is something to use to your advantage. You can get arms like Michelle! Want Serena’s stand-up booty? Build it up with squats! In addition, there are many exercises that will allow you to maintain your softness, from yoga to Pilates. Don’t let this fear stop you from protecting your health.

6) “A gym membership is too expensive.”
In many cities you can get a gym membership for as little as $25 a month or less. If you really need to save, watch a fitness channel on cable for free routines. A five-dollar jump rope combined with squats, lunges and push ups will do the trick. Or walk. Just find something inexpensive that you like, push yourself, and do it consistently. Be dedicated to taking care of you.

7) “It’s okay for me to eat [insert fattening food here]. I’m starting a fast tomorrow.”
One fast will not undo a lifetime of bad habits, or prevent those bad habits from returning when it is done. The awful truth is that to lose weight and be healthy one must eat less, eat well, exercise more, and do it forever.

8) “I may be big, but I’m still healthy.”
You may be obese and in perfect health, but as an overweight person, you run an exponentially higher risk for many debilitating conditions. Why not lose weight while you are well, and maintain your health into your elder years?

9) “I don’t have the time/money to make healthy meals.”
In our hectic, expensive times, cheap fast food seems essential. But the one thing worth spending money and time on is nutritious food. The old adage “health is wealth” rings true when you look at the mental, physical and emotional costs of disease — let alone the material drain. There is little you can do to protect your well-being more than investing in a healthy diet.

10) “I don’t like to work out. It makes my muscles hurt.”
It is supposed to make your muscles hurt! When you work out, your muscle fibers are broken down, then rebuilt stronger, which is painful. Your heart is strengthened by the stress of exercise, making it better able to function day-to-day. But exercise is so powerful, it can reverse diabetes. New studies show it slows aging. Isn’t a little morning stiffness worth these benefits?

Are we as black women willing to face these weight loss facts?

I don’t mean to be harsh. I just want to issue a wake-up call. Black women are the care givers modeling behaviors that can guarantee the vitality of future generations. If we are not fit, will our families be? When we can stop telling ourselves these weight loss lies, we will gain control of our health issues for the betterment of ourselves and our communities.

Jane says:

March 8, 2010 at 6:46 am

Completely agree with the list. My lie was #2, but when I walked up a flight of stairs one day and felt winded and was about to go up another pants size I knew I was lying to my self. I still thought I looked fly – but I realized I was unhealthy so I started working out and feel much better.

Its not about being thin, its about being healthy and you don’t have to join a gym. You can walk a mile after work or do exercises in your home. Trust me, you will feel better. Exercise is a natural aphrodisiac.

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Fidgi Simeon says:

March 8, 2010 at 10:41 am

The excuses are on point! It is so true yet so unfortunate

Tiffany Young says:

March 8, 2010 at 12:26 pm

#1 (“I’m not fat, I’m thick”) was my excuse until I started seeing pictures of myself and the once “thick in all the right places” girl had turned into what I like to call a “big blur”. I had moved up the last pant size (size 14 at 5’4)! Since realizing how much of a mess I looked and how it affected my self-esteem, I took my own advice, “if you don’t like it, change it”, and have lost 28 lbs so far.

True, eating healthy cost more, but there are so many low-calorie versions of foods we already like, just Google it! It was easier than I thought. Also, I am fortunate enough to have a fitness center in my apartments, so #6 gym membership was no longer an excuse. Oh and the infamous #2 hair excuse…Well, I just had to deal with it. I made a new hair regimen for myself at home and its not an issue. We just gotta do better!

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March 8, 2010 at 3:13 pm

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Bantu says:

March 8, 2010 at 4:46 pm

I just wanted to say first, Tiffany, *in Martin’s voice* YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Second, I wholeheartedly agree with this list. Excersing makes me feel so good and full of energy. I want to take on the world after I get through a kick-ass workout, ESPECIALLY after the one I had today… (That man does not play, he is something serious).

Anyway, I can relate to this list because I used some of these excuses but that was then and this is now. I’ll be damned if Im going to let my body control me, I control my body. I think Black women would be truly unstoppable once we start getting into our best shape. WE CAN DO IT GIRLS!!!!lol

Tiffany Young says:

March 8, 2010 at 5:57 pm

Thank you! I agree, We CAN do it!

natural hair nerd says:

March 8, 2010 at 7:13 pm

Hey, Tiffany!
I’m so glad you wrote on her because I AM YOU, until you lost those 28 lbs. I’m so upset and my esteem is so low most of the time because I feel so FAT. I weight more than I ever have in my life, and Feb. 28 was the day I started to do something about it, but I am taking it way too slow. I haven’t had dessert since then, I’ve been walking everywhere instead of taking my car, and I TRY not to eat past 7:00 p.m. I’m getting better, but I feel like I might fall off any second now.

I doubt I have lost any weight yet, I look and I feel the same:-( How did you lose 28 pounds, HOW?

Thank God you wrote on hear, all my friends are thin, so no one really understans my frsutration as much as they would if they KNEW.

Tiffany Young says:

March 8, 2010 at 9:28 pm

Hey “Natural Hair Nerd”! Well it wasn’t easy. I started last Summer. Fell off. Got back on in October and have been going strong ever since. For one, I ct my calories (via an app on my iPhone), I find low calorie recipes (one of my fav would be ‘baked chicken tenders’), eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, drink lots of water, and I work out for an hr 5-6 times a week (I have the time bc I’m a full-time student now). I definitely have those lazy days where I don’t want to go to the gym, so I do workouts at home that I either find on FitTV, ExerciseTV.tv, and YouTube or go walk around the park, so that I could at least find something to do for 20-30 min. That’s it!

The key was consistency. Once I found that this worked for ME, the pounds started melting off and my self-esteem has risen. My family has definitely noticed. I have 20 more lbs until I reach my first goal (Oh yeah, make goals. No matter how small. Say you want to be at 5lbs lost in 2-3 wks, it can happen..go “boot camp style” on yourself). Each week I push myself to that next level. Don’t just think bc you get on the elliptical for 30 min., 30 min. is all that you need to do. You need to increase the resistance or if you’re on a treadmill, keep increasing your time and incline to push your body each week. Include weights in the mix also. Hope this helps!

March 8, 2010 at 7:14 pm

whoops, I meant “hear” not “hear” and there are some other typos, but that “hear” REALLY bothered me, lol

Casey B says:

March 8, 2010 at 9:08 pm

Yay!!! Now black women can hate and police our bodies too using the language of beauty to talk about what should be addressed as a health issue! Instead of critiquing the argument that black men prefer big women because how we maintain our health should not depend on how any men see us, but on our will to live long and healthy lives, let’s just say that all men prefer hour glass figures- because all men are exactly the same and should determine our health regimens. People should exercise often, and eat diets that are low in bad cholesterol and things that are bad for us in general, and eat plenty of fresh veggies, fruits, and whole grains but I don’t see the not-so-subtle body hatred that is being pushed on black women (like the distinction the article made between “fat” and “thick”- because women shouldn’t decide that for ourselves) as helpful to anyone. I want more from Clutch.

Is It The Right Time For You To Lose Weight? | Natural Health For Adults says:

March 8, 2010 at 9:23 pm

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March 9, 2010 at 5:42 am

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March 9, 2010 at 7:25 am

Leslie says:

March 9, 2010 at 12:20 pm

Thank you for writing this. I am an avid gym goer, eat healthy and take damn good care of this body that was given to me by God and my parents! Given the diseases that run in my family and after losing my Dad to complications from Diabetes, I felt I had no choice. So YES DAMMIT I am at the gym 3 weekday mornings at 5 am and usually Saturday and sometimes on Sunday as well. I get out I walk I want to be on this earth a long time. I wish members of my family would just get the message instead of downing me for taking the weight off and keeping it off via diet and exercise. I have a Sister who desperately needs to lose weight and won’t even try!! Her excuse….get this….”I hate to sweat!” Really??!!

Nichole says:

March 9, 2010 at 5:08 pm

I made a resolution this year to work towards becoming a healthier person. For once my goal wasn’t to lose weight. And with my focus redirected, I have seen a change. I can still improve but I’m working towards my goals. I’m glad to see that we are taking control of our HEALTH and not focusing so much on the aesthetics. Healthy lives are what really matters. And I’m sorry, but working out really does mess my hair up! lolol. I get tired of trying to keep my edges dry so I’m about to go natural full time. I’m excited about it though. #2, 8, 9 were my excuses….uuhh..wait. I think I’ve used them all. haha.

Lou Ettore says:

March 10, 2010 at 12:34 am

It didn’t make the list but one of my favorites is “i’m big boned.”

Coach Lou Ettore

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Hidi says:

March 10, 2010 at 2:35 pm

I respectfully disagree with this article. Let me be clear: I am not against health, but I am against people’s shady perception of it. :)

The problem with America is not “obesity” but people’s mentalities about health. Health is not one dimensional; it is spiritual, mental and physical. Since we are discussing the physical aspect, I will protest the following:

1. “African American women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the U.S.”-Don’t be so quick to believe a statistic; Do you know who fund these researches? seriously. These same statistics tell educated black women they won’t ever marry.

2. Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes DO NOT occur at much higher rates for people who are “overweight”- anyone can suffer from these conditions regardless of his/her size because there are connected to eating habits and other environmental factors not waist size

3. A thin waist is NOT a sign of health; that is really superficial and is one of the MAJOR problems with society in regards to body image

4. You can be HEALTHY and FAT; there is this thing called “Health at Every Size” aka HAES; fat is just a description of a person appearance but not the person’s health

I say all of this to say: Health is a personal thing and no one business unless you invite him/her into it. There is a reason why eating disorders exist and I personally believe it will exist for a long time. People are not trying to unlearn all what the diet industry and their statistics have taught them-FAT IS BAD AND THIN IS GOOD. We all know this is their main goal. People’s perception of what is healthy versus what is not is really shady; it is ridiculous. Who are you to tell me what body size is healthy for me when we do not share the same body???? Also, the idea of losing weight = longer life span is a lie because death “knocks” on any door regardless of body size. For instance, you can be leaving the gym and get hit by a car and die…then what?

Fat discrimination does exist and it is bad. There is no middle ground for the way a person views fat. Either you like it or you don’t. Food is not the enemy and it never was; people are their own enemies.

Listen ladies, please do your research and understand the diet industry do not care about you at all and ask yourself Why are you aiming for weight loss? Also, next time strangers or relatives tell you “oh, you need to loose weight for your health”- Ask them to pay your house and car notes or light and water bills because if they are “concern” about your health, why not be “concern” about every other aspect of your life. {wink}

As a side note (yeah I know I said enough already): People need to look up the words Obese and Overweight in the dictionary; then might really understand what those words mean.

Alexis G. Stodghill says:

March 10, 2010 at 9:49 pm

Although, looking at the HAES information I find online, it does look very interesting. I hope it helps people get healthier because it is accepting and less critical. I agree with the posters who don’t like this post that the pressure on women to “lose weight” is horrible, and often promoted for all the wrong reasons. At the same time, obesity and being overweight — and I do know the difference — are at such jaw-dropping levels in our community, do we really need to question studies that tell us this truth or relate to us the effects? It seems pretty clear just from looking around. Plus this is one case where it is not just an attack on the black community. All of America, particularly young people, are failing in health due to weight gain. This crisis affects all of America, and I believe black women more. I in no way mean to attack our women. I just think people need to be realistic about what is happening because this is a life and death issue.
Hidi says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:14 am

@Alexis G. Stodghill

I don’t have a problem with what you wrote, but I disagree with your perspective. I am not trying to attack or anything of that nature; it’s not my “style”. :)

We are going to have to agree to disagree. Yes, we do have to question studies. Why not? Because someone said this is bad or this good means we have to believe it?? Furthermore, that is America’s problem, we are too busy “looking around” and questioning someone appearance instead of looking at behaviors. Anyone can suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Diseases and conditions do not discriminate.

As for “young people failing in health due to weight gain”, what about failing in health because they are not getting proper nutrition. Not eating enough to sustain their bodies. Many young people suffer from Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Eating.
There is no “Obesity Epedemic”; it is all hype. America is using fat people as an escapegoat. You are right this is a life and death situation because diet pills as well as other “diet plans” are “killing” people. It is people’s mentalities too. I don’t believe it affects black women more. Bad health can affect anyone. I am being realistic.
Sparkle says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:47 pm

Hidi hit the nail right on the head! We live in an unhealthy society period. Mental and physical health are all one. And it kills me that people think they can tackle their physical problems without dealing with what’s on the inside first. That’s why so many people yo-yo diet, and gain weight as soon as they lose it

Ladi Ohm says:

March 10, 2010 at 5:42 pm

Thanks for this artcle! I love working out, and finally enjoy healthy eatting after 2 years of struggling to lose weight gained in grad school… Now, as I try to encourage other family members to embrace a healthy lifestyle, I hear all of these excuses and then some… I even have friends who get annoyed when I miss their call because I was at the gym! Oh well, I want to live a long, healthy life, without the complications of diseases that obesity can cause.

Alexis G. Stodghill says:

March 10, 2010 at 9:41 pm

Please note:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-02-25-bellyfat-usat_x.htm

“For years, scientists have observed that an apple-shaped figure or a big beer belly is a health risk. But now they have gained more insight into why this is so.

They have discovered that people with wide girths are more likely to have large amounts of deep-hidden belly fat around their organs. It might be the most dangerous kind of fat and could increase a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer…

At greatest risk of developing health problems from too much hidden belly fat are men whose waists are wider than 40 inches and women whose waists are wider than 35 inches. If your waist measurement is that high, ‘you’ve fallen off the edge of the cliff,’ says George Blackburn, associate director of the division of nutrition at Harvard Medical School.”

I would never want to mislead my sisters. Everything in this article is backed up by the latest medical research. I appreciate your comments and opinions, but the believe that you can be overweight and healthy is a myth, as far as current medical understanding is concerned.

When I say thin waist, I think I make it clear that I main maintaining a basic waist size of 35 inches or less for a woman. Everyone is different, but I think it’s dangerous to lead people to believe that you can be healthy at any size if you cannot provide any scientific research to back it up.

Alexis G. Stodghill says:

March 10, 2010 at 9:43 pm

Sorry, I mean and “belief” and “mean.” Thanks!
Hidi says:

March 11, 2010 at 2:21 am

Alexis,

You know as well as I know that science always changes. It is really not exactly concrete per se. For instance, a few months ago there was a report about it not being necessary for women in their 20s and 30s to check for breast cancer. Say what???

In regards to science, the belief that being overweight and healthy is not a myth. It is said that people who are overweight live longer than those who are not. (By the way, you already now my stand on extension on life LOL) Anyway, doctors do not know everything. The body is really complicated and interesting to say the least. I think the BMI is unrealistic because it is measuring everyone against each other. We all have a different DNA and so forth. Basically, it should not be the end all to health; it is definetly questionable.

You know what is dangerous, fat discrimination and telling people they should fit one body mold. This is why eating disorders exist. People perception of what is right body size for someone is so wrong; it just is and you know it is. Health at Every Size does not mean that one individual will be healthy at every single size. It is about what is healthy for your body and it is not about your waistline; it is about what you think of yourself and put in your mouth. There are fat people who excercise and eat nutritious food and they are still fat. But why is this possible when you are “suppose” to maintain a certain waistline???? (sarcasm; not towards you at all)

Health is not about appearance; it is about you inner workings. Your behaviors and attitude towards your body. It is an bigger picture. All I am saying, don’t believe everything you read and question everything and everybody. I am definetly not misleading anyone nor am I saying you are implying this. I will never put anyone at risk. If we truly support health as we say we do, then why is America targeting one particular group of people. Why not target every body?

As a side note: Any form of information can be manipulated including scientific research. Food for thought :) I say all of this with love.

List of resources:

1. National Eating Disorders Association
2.The Fat Nutritionist – Online Nutritionist | Health at Every Size …
3. Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight by Linda Bacon, PhD.
4. http://www.splicetoday.com/pop-culture/hating-fat-fat-hating-and-the-obesity-epidemic
5. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1963297,00.html?artId=1963297?contType=article?chn=sciHealth
6. http://www.bodyfitnessinfo.com/blog/health-news-the-bmi-myth/
Erika says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:50 pm

I own the book Health At Every Size, by Dr. Linda Bacon. While I see why it was brought up, the philosophy behind HAES is being misused, here.

HAES is not used to justify every size as being healthy. It is about dispelling the mentality that many overweight and obese individuals have that says they are hopeless. Being healthy is a lifestyle, not a physical reflection of oneself. No matter what one’s weight may be, they can live healthily and their bodies will undoubtedly reflect the changes in their lifestyle. Let the head lead, and the tail has no choice but to follow.

Having said that, I agree with a lot of what both Hidi and Alexis are saying here. When it comes to health and fitness, there is a big gray area where the answers are found… and anyone too far to the left or too far to the right usually has an agenda to push. I’m not a fatophobe – as I write on my own site, I’ve lost about 150lbs thus far on my own journey – and I’m not a fitness freak, either (though some may disagree, and that’s fine – it’s all relative. :). I believe in helping to educate the masses and giving them the option to make their own choices. So, having said that, I’m offering up my little two pennies and hoping someone can spend ‘em. :)

There is a term for individuals who have developed diseases that are usually coupled with obesity and added weight, but don’t have the added weight yet… it escapes me as I type this. I wrote about this on my site – having a small waist isn’t an indicator of better health like it might’ve been a few decades ago because society is sustaining on a MUCH different kind of food than then. Health is a combination of external as well as internal factors.. we need to not ignore or deny that, because it neglects our skinny sisters and alllows people to think they can eat whatever they want without worry of gaining weight (since being “fat” is the problem, not being unhealthy. That’s sarcasm, btw.)

Having said that, let’s not downplay the fact that there needs to be a light shone upon obesity in America. Being overweight is not “the problem,” per se, but it is a symptom of a larger problem… the same as diabetes and heart disease are symptoms of the larger problem. That larger problem is bad eating habits and a poor understanding of how to care for oneself. So if you are overweight, yes – it is likely that these other issues can follow because chances are pretty high that you’re eating things that can also cause these other diseases, as well. They often tend to come hand in hand – one doesn’t drag along the other for the ride.

Lastly, our society has been manipulated from different angles into believing that “fat” is the problem, but what is “fat?” When size 2s are being called “fat” regularly, the word tends to lose it’s sting. It makes the opposite of “fat” appear to be an unattainable goal. It creates the climate where companies can come in and sell you hope in a pill or a surgery, but it doesn’t ever come through for us in the way it should. It doesn’t solve the primary problems. If one is living healthily, they simply cannot maintain an obese frame. The science just doesn’t support it. The way the human body has operated over centuries doesn’t support it. We are fatophobes, concerned with beauty.. ashamed of who we are instead of celebrating our successes and investing in ourselves to preserve who we are. There’s no money to be made off of us celebrating ourselves, so no – that message won’t be promoted. Maybe when the Center for Black Self-Esteem and Self-Love is created, they can sponsor some ads. Until then, we simply have to do it for ourselves.

I hope this has shed a different perspective on the topic at hand. Kudos to bringing a hard light to a soft topic. :)
Alexis G. Stodghill says:

March 14, 2010 at 12:34 am

Thank you, Erika, and everyone else for the marvelous insights and contributions. It’s funny because, my intent was to get people talking about the realities of weight gain in the black community so that we can do something constructive. This discussion makes me realize there is no “one size fits all” approach, which is a problem with statistics. They make you believe you can find an easy answer if you hit someone over the head with them. I just pray that we can find a way to be healthier AND happier as a people and a nation. Needless to say, doing cardio has been “proven” (wink @ Hidi) to increase positive moods at the same level as prescription anti-depressants. But that’s for another article!

March 11, 2010 at 2:32 am

@Alexis,

I forgot something: Thanks for responding to my comments and I appreciate your opinions and perspective. It nice to have an intelligent “debate” without name calling like some people. LOL :) It’s all good. :)

Hidi says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:26 pm

Did Michelle Obama Send the Wrong Message With Obesity Comments?

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Health/michelle-obamas-obesity-comments-bringing-malia-sasha-wrong/story?id=9751138&page=2
Alexis G. Stodghill says:

March 14, 2010 at 12:23 am

You’re welcome! Thanks so much for writing and sharing your ideas.

Sparkle says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:44 pm

I think the key to exercising is everybody has to find something that works for them. Not everybody likes to go to the gym or get on equipment. But taking a Zumba class or pilates class swimming or yoga class can get the same results.

Overall a good article though I disagree with # 8. How do we define “Big?” Is that someone over a size 10? It’s too ambiguous.

Not everyone is meant to be the same size. However that shouldn’t be an excuse for women (and men) not to take care of themselves. And that goes for any size.

no solidarity says:

March 12, 2010 at 8:34 pm

Instead of being judgmental, write a post that is positive and gives out information about weight loss.

Akai says:

March 12, 2010 at 9:46 pm

Fat apologists really should get off the bullpoop with this because ‘fat acceptance’ is nothing but support of laziness and detrimental behavior, at that is ridiculous!

One of the many things I love about Michelle Obama is her push for people and children to eat healthily, exercise, and get rid of excess overfat (SOMETHING EACH INDIVIDUAL HOLDS ALL POWER TO ACCOMPLISH FOR THEMSELVES). But if people wanna eat themselves into illnesses and a grave, they can have at it. I just hope they never have the nerve to demand the state support their lack of discipline with a disability check, pay their medical bills when they get sick, or that society LIES and tells them they are beautiful or sexy, but the following misrepresentations will be the death of people:

“The problem with America is not “obesity”

Untrue! Obesity and being overweight (and the medical complications that come with it) ARE problems in America and fatties are a $147 billion dollar drain on medical resources with the number set to top $300 billion.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/07/eveningnews/main6069163.shtml

“Don’t be so quick to believe a statistic”

If a statistic reveals females graduate from college in higher numbers than BM, many will tout that positive news from here to there; but, let a stat tell an unflattering story or truths a person doesn’t want to face or hear, and like clockwork someone comes along to cherry-pick or discredit statistics overall. Individuals can either accept stats and make positive changes or accept none and continue to whine about statistics, get sick and die!

“Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes DO NOT occur at much higher rates for people who are “overweight”

Sometimes I wonder if people really care about their own people. If passing along UNTRUTHS to save face is more important than lives and limbs then oh well, but people should consider speaking with diabetics who now have one leg (since 15% of AAs have diabetes and are 3 times more likely to get an amputation). Being overweight or obese places individuals at a HIGHER RISK for diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure as well as certain types of cancers. THESE ARE FACTS THAT CAN NOT BE DISPUTED and anyone peddling mess saying otherwise are doing a disservice. Maybe the objective is to coddle or protect fat people’s feelings, but these lies do nothing but assist people down the road to bad health and early death.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4639

“anyone can suffer from these conditions regardless of his/her size because there are connected to eating habits and other environmental factors not waist size. a thin waist is NOT a sign of health”

Weight gain is not rocket science; it’s taking in more calories than are burned and as simple as eating too damn much (no portion control) of the wrong things (processed, fried, fast foods, sugar etc.) and not getting off one’s ass to exercise. Pointing the finger to bring up thin or normal-weight people suffering from heart disease etc. is a tired and ineffective argument done merely to deflect from the issue at hand.

There is no valid or sensible reason any male or female under 6′ feet should weigh ANYTHING CLOSE TO 200 lbs. EVER! If an individual is like 5’4″ and over 225 lbs. with a double-chin, neck rolls, back-fat, big gut (visceral fat) smothering internal organs i.e. liver, heart, lungs, intestines and disgusting rolls hanging off their arms etc., it is a visible sign they are more than likely UNHEALTHY especially if they are in their teens or 20s. Only the delusional and desperate would act as if the majority, most or a lot of overweight/obese people are healthy and it is a waste of time to point to exceptions (a fatty who might be healthy) because this does not change the rule. Never has and never will!

The fact remains that 90% of those with type II diabetes are overweight or obese and obesity is a MAJOR RISK FACTOR for heart disease and certain types of cancer. Thousands are NOT dying annually of bulimia or anorexia; contrast that with the FACT that **300,000 AMERICANS DIE PER YEAR OF OBESITY-RELATED ILNESSES** and it’s clear people should ixnay the deflections about anorexia, some mythical fat person they supposedly know and claims is healthy, or some thin person with diabetes.
http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=Lh4hgvKMyTCr5PTJlTnhTTyhFJTgZdMphvVLNRp8TbVT3Lzv9Jky!28837460!-967903252?docId=5002400053

Eilish Jéane says:

March 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm

See my issue with these topics is that people say things like disgusting arm hangings etc…you talking like that isnt going to help folks lose weight. You have to motivate them and by using language such as that you are only pushing them away. Weight is a sensitive issue and should be treated as such…get off your effin high horse and realize that.

March 13, 2010 at 6:02 pm

I’ve NO interest in trying to motivate a grown-ass person to do anything and I’ll stay on whatever EFFIN’ horse I choose, thank you! My point in responding was to correct flat-out wrong or misleading statements (i.e. no relation between obesity and various diseases).

More and more people DO NOT want to foot the costs for the bad behaviors OTHERS CHOSE, so they can ‘push’ themselves “away” in a corner and eat until they explode as long as THEY ALONE pick up the tab!

This PC-dee-cee, kinder gentler, ‘fat acceptance’ type mess hasn’t solved a thing and is killing people. So if anyone views rolls of blubber as attractive or is honest enough to admit obesity is extremely physically unattractive yet want people to either lie about it, pretend and not say the words “disgusting,” “gross” etc., that’s their issue!

March 13, 2010 at 8:51 pm

I was talking in general by certain comments i see repeated on this site…so what if their grown?? so motivating people ends when they get to a certain age? I disagree..If you keep in mind the language when your talking about this issue most times you would get a more positive response. This is not going along the lines of “fat acceptance”…this being genuine and saying you know you are hurting yourself and really have a discussion because calling ppl names etc they will always associate the verbal abuse with weightloss and will never tackle the issue. I talk to my coworker and we discuss methods…i dont call her lazy,etc.

March 13, 2010 at 8:53 pm

Oh and Akai I was not talking directly to you so umm yea need need to get high-strung…thanks

March 14, 2010 at 2:13 am

I agree with Eilish. I don’t understand why some people feel they have to be judgmental cruel to prove a point. And the fact is the weight problem is so much more complex than just somebody dieting and exercising. I think it’s an unfair to assume that overweight people are just being “lazy” or just don’t “eat right”.

Top Lies Black Women Tell Themselves – Part 1 | Health News says:

March 14, 2010 at 2:29 pm

March 14, 2010 at 4:46 pm

Hi, I don’t know if you will ever read this Tiffany Young, but you give GREAT and REAL advice! I have been exercising and eating much healthier over these few days, and I feel great!

You should totally start a blog with your journey for REAL Black women who are intimidatd by the skinny girls at the gym, and who need help separating that “food is for energy” and not “food is to feel better about insecurities”. At least, that is the case with me.

I know you will reach your goal, I will set mine every week (even the small ones, as you say)! You are so inspiring! Thank you so, so much:-D

Alexis G. Stodghill says:

March 14, 2010 at 5:29 pm

Natural,

Erika who posted above actually has an amazing site that does all of these things and more. I just spent some time reading it last night, and it’s very enlightening:

http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/

binky says:

March 15, 2010 at 7:49 pm

It is not about being thin but being healthy OVERALL both mind, body, and spirit. When we think of getting fit and healthy we assume or we are going to be skinny instead of thinking “oh I can walk up and down the stairs without getting winded, or I don’t need to take this medication anymore” This is why I love women like Michelle Obama and Queen Latifah because both are two different sizes but stress the important of being healthy and fit. Being healthy and fit doesn’t come in straight sizes. And I must admit this article is on point, I can’t tell you how many times I heard some of these excuses from other black women especially “I’ am not fat but thick” like WTF! TRUST I use to tell myself that too until I start seeing myself get bigger and bigger and feeling sluggish and feeling overall unhealthy physically and mentally until I woke up and decided to take control of my health, exercise (and you don’t have to be a freaking gym rat to get great exercise!) and do something because i don’t want to be on medication for conditions that can be avoided and I want to live a longer and healthy life/lifestyle so I watch everything that goes into my mouth because the idea is to find YOUR PERSONAL BEST HEALTH AND WEIGHT FOR YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO THESE STARS IN HOLLYWOOD OR YOUR FRIEND.

Keisha says:

March 19, 2010 at 11:57 am

As a person who joined a swim team in middle school, I gave up straight hair. After all, it’s easier to buy a wig compared to a pacemaker.