Difference between revisions of "Fat Acceptance"
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Obesity is at an all time high in most of the developed world, with an average rate of about one in five people in OECD countries, and nearly one in six children being at least overweight. These disturbingly high rates of obesity are a result of not only our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, but our caloric rich diets (which incidentally involve an abundance of animal products, however it's still possible to be an obese vegan). | Obesity is at an all time high in most of the developed world, with an average rate of about one in five people in OECD countries, and nearly one in six children being at least overweight. These disturbingly high rates of obesity are a result of not only our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, but our caloric rich diets (which incidentally involve an abundance of animal products, however it's still possible to be an obese vegan). | ||
− | Despite not only conventional wisdom but also the scientific consensus making it abundantly clear that being obese is VERY bad for your health, there exists a movement that disputes the importance of weight on health, who refer to themselves as "Health at Every Size." Pointing out that being obese is not healthful and is a lifestyle that ought to be discouraged instead of encouraged tends to lead to accusations of being "fatphobic" and "sizeist". | + | Despite not only conventional wisdom but also the scientific consensus making it abundantly clear that being obese is VERY bad for your health, there exists a movement that disputes the importance of weight on health, who refer to themselves as "Health at Every Size." Pointing out that being obese is not healthful and is a lifestyle that ought to be discouraged instead of encouraged tends to lead to accusations of being "fatphobic" and "sizeist." |
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+ | == Is it bad to be obese? == | ||
+ | |||
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+ | == How it affects others == | ||
+ | While we generally would prefer that people didn't, if someone wants to screw over their own lives, whether it'd be their health, finances, or career path, as long as they aren't harming anyone else and understand the consequences, they ought to have every right to do so. If someone wants to shoot up heroin or huff gasoline, they should have every right to do so (as long as they're willing to foot their own medical treatments). | ||
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+ | Many point to obesity and claim that another thing that's just a personal choice, but this is not correct, mainly in how it affects our medical system. Being fat is not healthy, and when people go to the doctor to treat health issues caused by their weight, they will be perscribed treatments and medicines that are paid for via tax dollars. | ||
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+ | A study conducted a few years back demonstrated that if people were to eat healthier diets (not including other healthy lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, using drugs and alcohol, exercising, sunscreen), that would save tens of billions in healthcare. | ||
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+ | We are not claiming that obese people should be persecuted or anything like that, what we're saying is that being obese DOES affect others; If obese people were to pay for their own healthcare then fine, but that is not what happens. | ||
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+ | == Health At Every Size (BMI) == | ||
+ | |||
+ | === BMI === | ||
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+ | === Is it genetic? === | ||
+ | Yes and no. Very few people are born obese and have no real way of changing their weight, however for the overwhelming majority of people, gaining weight is largely a choice. | ||
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+ | Genetics certainly are a factor that plays into it, as it can determine things such as metabolism, cravings, and hormones play a role in determine whether or not someone will gain weight faster. However, that does not mean that people are ''destined'' to gain weight if the genetic factors aren't in their favor, much in the same way that having all the necessary ingredients for a cake won't promise that you'll bake a proper cake if you screw up some of the steps along the way. | ||
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+ | It's a disappointing fact of reality. Some people are born smarter, faster, more talented than others, and less likely to gain weight. Is that unfair? Yeah, of course it is. Does reality care about what we want? Sadly, no. | ||
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+ | == Should fat people be shamed? == | ||
+ | Being an asshole to someone obviously doesn't mean what youre saying incorrect, however it brings with it increased resistance from those being criticized. |
Revision as of 19:41, 25 February 2023
Obesity is at an all time high in most of the developed world, with an average rate of about one in five people in OECD countries, and nearly one in six children being at least overweight. These disturbingly high rates of obesity are a result of not only our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, but our caloric rich diets (which incidentally involve an abundance of animal products, however it's still possible to be an obese vegan).
Despite not only conventional wisdom but also the scientific consensus making it abundantly clear that being obese is VERY bad for your health, there exists a movement that disputes the importance of weight on health, who refer to themselves as "Health at Every Size." Pointing out that being obese is not healthful and is a lifestyle that ought to be discouraged instead of encouraged tends to lead to accusations of being "fatphobic" and "sizeist."
Contents
[hide]Is it bad to be obese?
How it affects others
While we generally would prefer that people didn't, if someone wants to screw over their own lives, whether it'd be their health, finances, or career path, as long as they aren't harming anyone else and understand the consequences, they ought to have every right to do so. If someone wants to shoot up heroin or huff gasoline, they should have every right to do so (as long as they're willing to foot their own medical treatments).
Many point to obesity and claim that another thing that's just a personal choice, but this is not correct, mainly in how it affects our medical system. Being fat is not healthy, and when people go to the doctor to treat health issues caused by their weight, they will be perscribed treatments and medicines that are paid for via tax dollars.
A study conducted a few years back demonstrated that if people were to eat healthier diets (not including other healthy lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, using drugs and alcohol, exercising, sunscreen), that would save tens of billions in healthcare.
We are not claiming that obese people should be persecuted or anything like that, what we're saying is that being obese DOES affect others; If obese people were to pay for their own healthcare then fine, but that is not what happens.
Health At Every Size (BMI)
BMI
Is it genetic?
Yes and no. Very few people are born obese and have no real way of changing their weight, however for the overwhelming majority of people, gaining weight is largely a choice.
Genetics certainly are a factor that plays into it, as it can determine things such as metabolism, cravings, and hormones play a role in determine whether or not someone will gain weight faster. However, that does not mean that people are destined to gain weight if the genetic factors aren't in their favor, much in the same way that having all the necessary ingredients for a cake won't promise that you'll bake a proper cake if you screw up some of the steps along the way.
It's a disappointing fact of reality. Some people are born smarter, faster, more talented than others, and less likely to gain weight. Is that unfair? Yeah, of course it is. Does reality care about what we want? Sadly, no.
Should fat people be shamed?
Being an asshole to someone obviously doesn't mean what youre saying incorrect, however it brings with it increased resistance from those being criticized.