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If you struggle with body image, read on.

4/18/2015

6 Comments

 
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A report yesterday from the National Obesity Forum claimed that projections of half the UK population being obese by 2050 underestimated the problem.

Today, the discount retailer Lidl has decided to ban sweets from checkouts at its 600 stores.

The replacements of fruit, nuts, other snacks deemed healthy don't attract the little ones to the same degree. Despite the store's motive of pleasing the customer rather than caring about their welfare, health campaigners are pleased.

But many factors contribute to obesity, not just overeating. For instance the autoimmune disorder of diabetes 1. I'm told that once the virus takes hold, your immune system goes nuts, you say goodbye to insulin producing cells and accept regular injections. You are helpless to prevent it. It has nothing to do with diet.

There are also people with type 2 diabetes who contracted the condition for reasons other than eating poorly. Genetic factors play a role, as does suffering from various medical conditions or taking certain medications.

So, take a pause before pointing fingers at obese people.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield have identified obese groups as:

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heavy drinking males,

young healthy females,

the affluent and healthy elderly,

the physically sick but happy elderly,

the unhappy and anxious middle-aged,

and those with the poorest health.

I think I come under group number 4. I quickly deny being obese. I've just expanded around the middle in an alarming way.

But wait—obesity has some benefits according to a BBC News report. Being overweight 'reduces dementia risk'. The story comes from a cohort study of nearly 2 million UK adults aged over 40. It showed that being overweight or obese was linked to a lower risk of dementia.

Meanwhile, a new population modelling study published by The Times estimates what was once regarded as elderly should be seen as middle-aged, due to our increased lifespan. They say this trend will continue into the future. Let's see: that makes our final age 120 according to my reckoning. Oh—maybe they are just referring to a modern 60 year-old's vigorous approach to life.

So—lets get this straight. We can choose between … oh, it's too complicated.

Just be happy with your body, while making sure you're as healthy as possible.


6 Comments
Lata link
4/17/2015 07:23:20 pm

Francene, I am so happy you chose to wrote on obesity. I think the whole hysteria around the subject in the world is ridiculous and in fact, unhealthy. In India, the medical profession stupidly goes by a US defined BMI when our whole body build genetically is short and stocky in regions. I am sure big business is behind this. Won't be surprised if they bring out diet this and diet that products soon.

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emilia link
4/17/2015 09:22:33 pm

I can only write from my private perspective - I was overweight, now I'm not. Much happier now, lighter, healthier and fitter. Does not mean that's for everyone. but for me it worked :)

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Ajay Pai link
4/18/2015 12:34:49 am

Haha! We say that we are individuals who are from a happy family, where we eat, drink and dine happily.

IF one has healthy habits, no reason to worry.

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Tandy Elisala link
4/18/2015 06:51:30 am

Francine, great article about obesity. I agree 100% with your article. I think the key to making changes is to want to make a change and making small steps every day. You don't have to change everything overnight. Start small and see the changes and habits develop that support you.

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Alana link
4/18/2015 07:57:42 am

I agree it is complicated, especially blaming people for their diabetes. My father was never, ever overweight - yet, he developed diabetes when he was 48. On the other hand, I had high blood sugar (what is called "prediabetes" in the United States) and, after losing over 40 pounds, it's been normal the last two years. I don't know, however, if that will continue even if I continue to succeed in keeping the weight off.

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K.Lee Banks link
4/18/2015 01:56:02 pm

Yes, body image and fat shaming...seems to be a "thing" these days! One of most least favorite things about going to the doctor is the weight check - and then seeing them label me as "obese." I am about 40 lbs. overweight from what my doctor would like to see.

But she also tells me I have multiple factors blocking me from being able to lose weight easily for one reason or another, ranging from being post-menopausal, to having hypothyroidism, asthma, arthritis, and the effects of all the assorted medications I'm on for those conditions!

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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