I know at least two people who
had Roux-en-y surgery, and they’re
fatter now than they were before.

Several major issues in the obesity epidemic have been identified.

There is cultural acceptance of obesity (sounds like not because of its unattractiveness–but, there are trends attempting to blur the issue with FAT LIKE ME clubs, but there is the issue of inactivity and overeating processed foods where one cannot tell by appearance with increased of number of infections, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, etc. as with Jim Fixx’ death) In our hurry-up world, many of us think it’s more efficient to avoid time to be physically active. Personally, I think there should be less dependence on personal cars, and availability of public gyms. The YWCA in my town has lost much funding and open hours limited, yet video stores at every corner; no city-wide natatorium.

There is the political atmosphere for reducing obesity. Remember when catsup was declared a vegetable for school meals subsidized by the government–sure there is something of value in tomato paste–no fiber content and unacceptably high levels of sugar. Recall hue and cry rang over the land when NYC led the nation in banning trans-fats? What about government subsidized farms for overfed beef, sugar-beet growers, and not a penny toward the tofu producers?–This last tofu comment I made up, because I don’t see it on school lunch menus, yet read in the local newspaper about lobbyists up in arms at the possibility that chocolate milk will no longer be served as part of the school lunch.

Quality fruits and vegetables are nutritious by themselves as well as situations in which healthful exercise can be incorporated. When I had a job in a decentralized hospital pharmacy I had a lot more opportunity for self-directed exercise than a centralized job where I sat in front of a computer entering orders for the majority of the night, and checking compounded drips in the downtime–we were so busy at night that there was hardly time to use the restroom once in 10 hours–fast food–that’s what it was.

Observations of fit & fat vs. unfit & fat addresses complex interplay of genetic metabolic and other pathophysiological predispositons, as well as eating food as a ‘calming’ emotional factor for many.

No punishment, just healthful alternatives? How can a pharmacist convey this message?
And that, Cathy Lane, is the question. What can we do? You, my dear, can do your personal best, like Peon and Jay Pee. But, the three of us are tired. We deserve the chance to sit and cheer for once. This is one of the all time great Cathy Lane posts. Incisive. A good eye, Cathy.

I have told several folks, who had rather sincere questions about why they should loose weight, about some of the people I have worked with over the years. They were each 50 to 150 lbs overweight. It was not tying shoes, it was not shortness of breath, it was not uncomfortable airplane seats that they were affected by on a daily basis. It was sore knees that the fat coworkers complained about. Groans when standing up, standing around, or walking for a while was what I heard. In addition, their ability to exercise was reduced because the could not pedal a bike or use a treadmill to burn calories.

I hope to convince someone that a lifestyle affected by sore knees is more serious than they imagine. And also more real than an eventual heart attack, diabetes, or cancer.

I love food. I like snacks. I know that they are not good for me, and that I have a bit of a belly due to them. My solution is to walk every day. I go to the gym 4 or 5 times a week. I also seek out manual jobs to do. Right now I need to replace the sewer line in my Houston home, because it is 60 years old and failing. I could hire some Spainish speaking fellows to do this job, but I am going to dig the 50 foot trench myself. When I am done, I expect my whole body to be sore. But also a little lighter and more muscular. If only I could convince myself that the 10 tonnes of dirt equals 10 bags of Hot-n-Spicy Cheetos. Eat less and I would not have to work so hard.

Good luck turning America away from the all-you-can-eat buffet. Thanks for trying.

Matt, V and I are about to take a hosing on the renovation of an “IKE” damaged house down here in Galveston. Main reason.. We hired white guys to work for us. Bad move. We were cheated by their price, the time it took and poor quality. One plumber just plain robbed us. The electrician was the bright spot. He is Hispanic. Every single member of his crew spoke Spanish only. The work was done on time and of the highest quality. So,
back to FAT. I like your view, Matt. I cannot believe the difference just ten pounds does. My hips don’t hurt after 8 hours at work. Six weeks ago, 660mg of Naproxen Na 220mg before work and hs. Perhaps we can somehow convince overweight people that they will FEEL better. Maybe, we can show them how the SEX can be better.. and…. they’ll GET MORE SEX. Hmmmm?