The Stigma of Obesity - Hate Crime or Motivation?

The following is from a New York TImes article about a study done by Arizona State University:


"an article by Tara Parker-Pope that focuses on a recent report by Brewis and a team of ASU anthropologists, which found that fat stigma is rapidly and widely being adopted around the globe. The results show that, even in places that traditionally held fat-positive or -neutral attitudes, like American Samoa and Puerto Rico, negative perceptions of large bodies are now prevalent. Of concern is that, as fat stigma proliferates in areas that historically did not view obesity as unhealthy or undesirable, emotional and social trauma are likely to follow."


Really? The worry is not the trend of obesity or the many other health risks that come with it, but that someone's feelings might get hurt?!? This is what we've come to? In America 1 out of 3 people are considered obese. It may be time to hurt some feelings!


We spend 8 hours a day watching TV or playing video games, we go through the drive thru with alarming regularity - we can't even be bothered to get out of the car and go into the restaurant! I'm sure the day is almost here when we can watch mobile satellite television in our cars while we're going through the drive thru!


I've said before my main job as a Beachbody coach is to believe in someone before they believe in themselves. My other job is to tell you the truth. Sometimes I have to be a bit harsh like when I told you your level of success or failure is directly proportionate to your effort. It other words...its your fault!


So now, take a look at yourself. Are you happy with your current level of health and fitness? Are you fat? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Now, I know there are people with valid medical reasons why they are heavy but the rest of us have to do something, do our part to end the trend of obesity in the USA or instead of this:


Boy: "Cheerleader Sue, would you like to go out?"


Cheerleader Sue: "No! You're too fat."


Boy: "Wow! That really hurt my feelings. I'm going to work hard and lose weight and get ripped with P90X (unabashed plug ;)) and I'll show her!"


we're going to get this:


Boy: "Cheerleader Sue, would you like to go out?"


Cheerleader Sue: "No! You're too fat."


Boy: "Wow! That really hurt my feelings. I'm calling Attorney General Eric Holder and have you arrested for committing a hate crime. And then I'm going to McDonald's for a supersized everything."


So be motivated to be better. Don't be motivated to be a victim. Just the fact that you're here means you've already taken the steps to End the Trend.


Keep Pushing Play!


Joe