Mocking The Obesity Problem Does Nothing To Solve It

This op-ed piece from Ellen Goodman at the International Herald Tribune unnecessarily mocks the problem of obesity by sending the message that being overweight is not a big deal to be concerned with. But this "I-just-don't-care-anymore" kind of thinking is exactly what got us into the problem of obesity in the first place.

Goodman wrote her piece in response to the recent news from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that some have interpreted as saying that it's okay to be fat and it's unhealthy to be thin. For some fact-filled sanity on this subject, check out what Jonny Bowden wrote at his blog about this.

"It turns out that those with an extra bit of padding actually have a lower risk of premature death than those without it. More to the (mischievous) point, the very thin have a greater risk than those designated normal."

Who in their right mind thinks carrying around unnecessary weight is better for you than not having that weight? The physiological strain you put on your body when you are overweight or obese is overwhelming. Relieving the body of this strain will only improve your health and help you live a long and enjoyable life. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is a fool.

"The news from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control was greeted in America with the sort of public glee usually reserved for the collapse of a self-righteous fitness guru preferably while taping a public service ad on the health benefits of exercise."

Okay, that's not funny at all. Is Goodman suggesting we all go out and scarf down a bunch of Big Macs and fries to celebrate this "new" finding? Oi! This kind of public mocking of obesity does nothing to solve it. We need real solutions, not vile sarcasm from some op-ed journalist.

Goodman complained that the supposed back-and-forth conclusions about obesity from the science community is making her head spin.

"On one side are those who believe that extra weight is truly bad for you but medicine is getting better at treating it. They regard the overweight as if they were irresponsible drivers protected by seat belts. On the other side are scientists who speculate that having more bulk may help you through the sick bed when you are older. They are the heroes of all those who dearly love the idea that living longer is the best revenge."

As we learned in Adam Wilk's novel Diet King (if you haven't read it yet, get your copy by clicking here), you have to reach a point where you stop worrying about (or obsessing with) your weight that you feel like you have to try every diet known to man.

The important thing to remember is to do what you know you can do to get your weight under control. You don't have to look like a supermodel to be healthy, but you shouldn't look like Michael Moore either! Doing the low-carb lifestyle can keep you from losing your mind while helping you lose weight. It's a real solution to the obesity problem.

"'The Atkins Diet' has finally gone the way of Dr. Atkins," Goodman gloated.

Besides the lack of taste by dishonoring a great man who has passed away, Goodman has no idea what she is talking about. If low-carb is dead, then explain this and this. No, Ms. Goodman, livin' la vida low-carb is alive and kicking! We low-carbers are on the cutting edge of the debate over obesity. It will take years of educating people about what low-carb can do for people suffering from being overweight and obese, but we will not stop until everyone knows the truth about low-carb.