(no subject)

[pennywhistle]

From several people:

Obesity Danger Seriously Overstated

But like several recent smaller studies, it found that people who are modestly overweight actually have a lower risk of death than those of normal weight.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/___ifwinterends/]

I think that study doesn't factor in anything else, though. I mean, say you're 300 pounds and otherwise healthy, and compare that to a 125 pound heroin addict, and sure, the heroin addict has a better chance to die. But either way, even if it's not because you're afraid of death, too much extra weight can still ruin a good part of your life. So long as you are happy though, and it doesn't bother you or hinder what you want to do with your life (and by you, I mean everyone, not YOU you) then it doesn't matter- you're gonna die of something anyways, might as well be of too much cake, or something. But I think studies like these just give people excuses to stay overweight and then be miserable about it but think it's not their fault or within their control or THAT big a deal, which really helps no one in the end. Kind of like those studies that say 90 percent of women get cellulite or something. It's still a pain in the ass to have it, and knowing others do too doesn't really make yours go away or better your confidence when you're naked- although I'm lucky that cellulite is one of the very few things I've never had to deal with. Just my view on this, as always.

[mostlie-sunnie.livejournal.com]

I think healthy people of ANY weight will live longer than those who eat crappy and get no exercise.

[http://users.livejournal.com/___ifwinterends/]

This is true, thought oximoronic because if you eat healthy and work out, you may not be a stick, but you will not be morbidly obese. We're not talking about an extra 5, 10, or even 30 pounds when talking about obesity as something life-threatening, we're talking 80 pounds and up above normal weight. This generalization about "eat healthy and you won't be obese" of course precludes people with thyroid and diabetes problems, as well as other such ailments that keeps them from managing their weight normally- but these people aren't very healthy to begin with (since they have a disease) so they are out of the running for this survey. But in general, if you lead a healthy lifestyle, then your body more or less reflects it. This goes both ways- overly skinny people don't look healthy, either.

[mostlie-sunnie.livejournal.com]

I think this is generally true.

However, I know many people who became very overweight due to an unhealthy lifestyle, but even after changing eating and exercise habits, could not lose any weight!

So, obesity is often caused by lack of exercise and unhealthy eating, but changing your ways doesn't always lead to weight loss. Once it's there, it's harder than hell to get rid of.

Maybe I just think it's unfair to assume that anyone who's overweight is a big Twinkie-eating pig who lounges on the couch all day. :)