Well. Hmmm.
I think the author does have quite a vicious streak and a real hate for fat people. I believe she could have written that from a completely different angle, and received a much better response.
I have to say though, <gulp> - there were a few points she brought up that I do agree with.
One - it does break my heart to see obese children. I do think that is a form of abuse. And quite often, not always, but often they are walking with there obese parents.
It is not OK for a child to be obese - he/she has no chance. And that is happening in alot of countries far too often, and I do think something should be done about that. But not in the gestapo attitude of the writer.
When you see these whos on TV - 40-stone man for example, I ALWAYS say "WHERE WAS THE FANILY?? HOW COULD THEY LET HIM GET LIKE THAT" and it does make me angry.
I also agree we as a society have become far too dependant on convenient food. And that is such an easy trap to fall into. Life is busy. Life is hectic. Its easy to open a box, or drive to a McDOnalds, or round the corner to a take away. It seems to be a sign of the times, and I think that is one thing that will not change in the big picture. But I know pre LL I certainly led a very convenient life much of the time.
ANother point she mentioned was that people do not see themselves as obese, and I believe this is so true. Probablly not many of us here, because we are here - so we recognised and have chosen to do something about it - but many people do not think they are obses. They do not understand what obese is. Or morbidly obses - which is what I was. But many just think they are a bit overwieght when they are at high risk of disease, etc., instead.
It is a very harsh way she has written her story. Had she written with compassion, which she obviously has none, it would have been a completely different article.
There are a lot of people, myself included, who got fat not because I was lazy, but because I had emotional problems that involved food. She does not touch on that at all. SHe has only gone after those who may appear to be lazy, and gluttonous. I know there are people out there like that, but lets be real - most of us KNOW too much in, not enough burned makes us fat, etc. But there are so many more factors to it then just that.
She has tarred all fat people with one brush, which is a shame.
But she does make some valid points - that it is an area of huge concern. Or it should be. Simply to stop it becoming a generational problem as such.
I understand your anger Jo, and I am sorry she made you feel that way. She's ignorant.
I have always said, You have to walk a mile in a fat persons shoes, to fully understand the complexities it involves - that it is NOT just a matter of too much in - not enough out. It is much muchmore then that.
Its her loss. She's narrow minded, and certainly not anyone I would want to know.