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Acceptance

Ricky Frausto Filed Under:
Can Blaming People for Being Fat Help Curb Obesity?
May 22, 2008 03:49 PM ET | Katherine Hobson | Permanent Link

Stigma can be a powerful force in changing behavior. Just ask smokers, whose once accepted habit is now so marginalized that the prevalence of smoking has dropped to about 19 percent of U.S. adults from nearly 24 percent just a decade ago. A lot of factors figured into the decline since smoking's mid-20th-century peak, but the sense that smoking is disgusting as well as unhealthful and socially costly has certainly contributed to many people's decision to quit.

Now that smokers have been taken care of, the obese are the new scapegoats for a lot of our ills. Last week, a letter published in the Lancet noted that the obese contribute more than their thinner compatriots to food scarcity and global warming, given that they eat more and require more transportation energy to move themselves around. While the authors' intent was probably not to make the obese feel worse, the media translations of the study in my quick Google search turned up headlines such as "Fat People Cause Global Warming, Higher Food Prices" and "Scientists Blame Fat People for Global Warming."

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WOD
5 rounds for time
30 Jumping Pullups
20 Empty Bar Thrusters
10 Knees to Elbows

Not too bad right?

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21 Responses to "Acceptance"

  1. A Says:
  2. "Not too bad, right?" Famous last words...
  3. Anonymous Says:
  4. i am so disappointed to be missing this workout. dang. nice article though, ricky! good luck today guys! see you tomorrow morning
  5. Anonymous Says:
  6. I'm taking today off but I will see you all tomorrow morning, depending how the beers are going down tonight, of course :)

    I am 92% sure I am competing in the Trevor Memorial Day Challenge on Monday so where can I get myself a CrossFit t-shirt to sport during this awesome event?
  7. Steve Says:
  8. Interesting article. But let me be politically, fashionably and aerodynamically incorrect when I state this: Can we tax fat people? I hope you know me enough by now to realize that I'm not being an a**hole when I bring this up, but let's openly and frankly discuss it. On one of my last flights, the guy sitting next to me weighed more than the combined total of me, my carry-on and my checked baggage, and he took up half my seat as well, yet he payed the same ticket price as I. Weight and balance are important considerations when a pilot is getting ready to take-off, and years ago airlines had to take into consideration that the average flier is fatter now. Similarly, several years ago in upstate NY, a tour boat flipped over. It was with-in its 1950's max occupancy rating, but no one took into account that, again, people are much heavier now than in 1950. If there is a cost to society for obesity, should those of us who choose to work-out, eat right and exercise have to shoulder that cost?
  9. Melissa B Says:
  10. I finished with 9:57 left which if I do the math right is 15:03. I feel like I could have pushed harder...gotta work on my mental toughness.

    As far as the article and Steve's comments...1: I'm sure if you asked the overweight person sitting next to you on the plane they would be horribly embarressed about his/her situation (imagine needing to ask for a seat belt extender). 2: No one is fat by choice part of the solution is figuring out why they are overeating. 3: some of it is cultural-big is better in some cultures. 4 instead of berating and belittling and taxing overweight maybe helping them...imagine wearing an extra 100 lbs around-would you want to exercise-No b/c it would hurt....We need more programs like The Biggest Loser that encompasses diet, exercise, and therapy. 5. It's kinda of a moot point because like smoking,drugs, alcoholism-no one will change until they want to. 6. Steve I respect your opinion but comments like yours are reasons why overweight people are afraid to come to the gym/places like Crossfit. Would you want to workout knowing people felt that way about you??? Okay I'm done rambling...for now
  11. A Says:
  12. Okay, I am, for the most part, going to stay out of this one. I will say, I agree with both sides (Steve and Mel). I do however, think our society is based upon the manufacturing of grain, which leads to the overly processed foods that line our shelves. Why is it cheaper and easier to eat this bad food, than the good? Why is there HFCS in EVERYTHING from bread to meat? Why has the noble medical field become an industry ruled by insurance and drug companies? Not to be a cynically inclined conspiracy-theorist, but it does make you wonder...
    I do think many people lack the mental willpower and desire to become "fit." We have so many varying definitions of "fit" anymore, as it is. Be it glandular, depression, choice in lifestyle, lack of willpower, or laziness, I have always feared that if I stood from a position of contempt for "fat" people, I would then become one.
    Always fear the universe.
  13. Anonymous Says:
  14. i agree that people dont choose to be fat, but on the same page, they do not choose to be active either. i understand that its harder to go work out and then make your own dinner as opposed laying on a couch and ordering fast food. there are reasons people overeat, but the thing is they make no attempt to try and fix it. they try crash dieting and magic 60 second workouts and pills instead of trying to change their lifestyle. if an overweight person is trying, more power to them. i do think that they should pay extra for somethings. the airplane seat being one of them (i dont want my comfort compromised because someone won't change thier lifestyle), extra for health insurance is another. there are so many health risks involved (which i know you all know about, so i wont bore you) that insurance companies end up paying way more than they would have to for an "average sized" person. i want to encourage overweight people to work out. come try it out. i know its scary, but you know what, its scary for everyone to start something new. man up and do it. sorry, this is a very touchy subject for me, being an exercise science major and all...
  15. Anonymous Says:
  16. Great comments everyone. I think instead of "fearing" these topics -its better to be open about discussing them.....only then can we learn from each other.....:)

    I wish I was more comfortable in approaching overweight coworkers/friends/family/& people in general about joining me in my workouts and joining CrossFit, but I find myself only talking to people who already enjoy "fitness activities" about CrossFit or only asking people who already workout to join me for a jog - - - Maybe its that mental block or mental barrier in our society that drives overweight people farther from getting involved with the things and people they need and instead of feeling supported by actual people, they turn to the "quick fixes/gimics".....I almost feel like I am insulting someone who is already overweight or who has really unhealthy habits by talking about CrossFit or talking about good nutrition, yet I talk about it with other people.....so why do I feel this way?? I am not sure......but is it possible that they feel just as uncomfortable approaching me about it, as I do about approaching them?? reba

    I do not know the answer to this problem, but our society is becoming sick from overindulgence of every sort.....

    Everyone have a good start to Memorial Day weekend! And look out because Spitting Llamas are coming with their game face on Monday ;)

    P.S. All I do know is that there is always room for improvement :)
  17. Anonymous Says:
  18. Great comments everyone. I think instead of "fearing" these topics -its better to be open about discussing them.....only then can we learn from each other.....:)

    I wish I was more comfortable in approaching overweight coworkers/friends/family/& people in general about joining me in my workouts and joining CrossFit, but I find myself only talking to people who already enjoy "fitness activities" about CrossFit or only asking people who already workout to join me for a jog - - - Maybe its that mental block or mental barrier in our society that drives overweight people farther from getting involved with the things and people they need and instead of feeling supported by actual people, they turn to the "quick fixes/gimics".....I almost feel like I am insulting someone who is already overweight or who has really unhealthy habits by talking about CrossFit or talking about good nutrition, yet I talk about it with other people.....so why do I feel this way?? I am not sure......but is it possible that they feel just as uncomfortable approaching me about it, as I do about approaching them?? reba

    I do not know the answer to this problem, but our society is becoming sick from overindulgence of every sort.....

    Everyone have a good start to Memorial Day weekend! And look out because Spitting Llamas are coming with their game face on Monday ;)

    P.S. All I do know is that there is always room for improvement :)
  19. Anonymous Says:
  20. I have serious issues with bloggin! I see it posted twice - - anoynmous out ;)
  21. Anonymous Says:
  22. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice. Just like drinking, smoking, and everything else that's considered bad in this world. People are overweight and out of shape b/c of the lifestyles that they choose to live so to say it's not their fault is very misleading. Even if it's hereditary people can still make the choice to live healthy and at least make an effort. And in response to Reba, you shouldn't be afraid to tell someone your worried about them if you care about their well being. I have a 26 year old niece who was at one point very very overweight. I was worried about her health so I told her that I was worried. Since then she has been trying very hard. This past weekend I saw her back home and she actually thanked me for being the only person to say something to her. I was very proud as she has actually lost 70lbs in the last year and she looks great. She now makes better decisions when she eats and works out daily. This is just proof that if you make better choices and choose to live healthy you can.
  23. Anonymous Says:
  24. If anyone wants to have fun tonight I am having some friends over to the house that I am watching this weekend. So call me if you want to stop by and we can all hang out more. There is a Wii there...... and a little booze...
  25. Anonymous Says:
  26. Happy Birthday Tovar!
    The workout today was fun.
    I think I finished around 15 something.
  27. Anonymous Says:
  28. First time blogger, so we'll see if this works...

    Mark, Greg & Paul - I'm in for Monday and whatever name you choose for our SWEEEET team is good with me.

    AND, Thanks for taking care of the sign-up, Greg!

    As for the workout, I enjoyed it - still not able to do knees to elbows but getting a wee bit closer - it looks so easy in the videos...
  29. Steve Says:
  30. 15:49... Love the comments and discussion. If I rephrased my original post and used 'smokers' instead of 'obese' and made the same argument, would it make a difference? I actually thought the article linked was heading in that direction at first, but then it redirected away from the tax issue into the social stigma that goes with obesity. You can ban smoking in workplaces and public buildings, offer 'stop-smoking' classes and 1-800 helplines, provide counseling , whatever, but the biggest impact on reducing smoking is taxing the crap out of a packet of cigarettes . We need a 'carrot and stick' approach.
  31. Anonymous Says:
  32. GOOD WORKOUT.... FINISHED WOD IN 10:44
  33. Anonymous Says:
  34. Tonight was my first group class and I appreciate the warm reception. I finished a scaled version and feel good to get started (didn't keep track of time as I just wanted to be done). As far as the article I have some feelings about being overweight. I am obese. I am working on it (if I wasn't I sure as heck wouldn't be coming in). As far as a social stigma, there already is a great one. If you haven't been overweight then you don't know the stares, snickers and rude comments that you deal with everyday. Is it a lifestyle problem? Yes. Is the answer to make overweight people feel even worse? NO. When you are in that position you want to shrink away from society. Every time you see someone that is healthy you feel even more inadequate. You want to dive into that comfortable container of ice cream and forget your troubles. The answer is encouragement and inclusion. The positive of Crossfit (so far as my limited experience has shown) is that any level can do it and it has obvious results. But even more is that there is a team of people pulling for you. It is hard. By letting my weight balloon I have made all these movements harder. Getting started is hard. I couldn't go into a gym and feel welcome (social stigma). I couldn't pay a tax or more money and loose weight. I have to make the lifestyle change, but it takes everyone pulling for me and pushing me. When dealing with obesity it is not a matter of ignoring it, but coming up with positive encouragement for good behavior not more of a stigma.
    Great workout guys and I will see you next time.
  35. A Says:
  36. Jim,
    I want to welcome you wholeheartedly to your new Crossfit family! You did an awesome job tonight, and your attitude rocks. :-)
  37. A Says:
  38. 12:00 as Rx'd. This was a fun one. I was kind of in my own little world...tuned everything else out. It was a nice escape from a long day at work...
    Great job to everyone tonight!

    Happy Birthday, TOVAR!
  39. Anonymous Says:
  40. Jim - I have to agree with alot of what you said - I love the fact that in CrossFit you have people who are pushing you to better yourself :) Its a very positive environment....I have only heard words of encouragement since I have started and I have learned alot from Ricky and Joe and from the people that workout there......maybe its the fact that someone else is pushing to do their best right beside you, and that makes you keep going :)

    I did my own mishmosh tonight from some of the WODS I missed this week...21-15-9 of burpees (sucko),kb swings 1pood, and thrusters ( 45lb ) and then I finished with those god dang TURKISH GETUPS for 10 each side....every freaking time I am swearing doing them - a#@&&blg##f!
    Later - Reba
  41. JimmyG Says:
  42. Made it through the workout in just under 20 minutes. I thought I was gonna hurl on round 4. This was a great workout and I was surprised that I could actually do a knee to elbow. See you guys on Monday!

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