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Is obesity a disability? Part 2

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By *inkxRabbit OP   Woman
over a year ago

Mostly in GU24

Obesity is a symptom of something else. It's a form of self harm, much like cutting yourself or taking an overdose. You might have coped badly with stress and found food comforting. Then, every time something happens you reach for food as a comfort, sometimes because there's something missing in your life. Food replaces relationships, you put on weight, feel disgusting, eat more because you're depressed and so starts a vicious circle.

It's not something you can snap out of, no, you cannot "get over it".

I suffered an assault aged 14 which drove me first into anxiety and depression, followed by post traumatic stress disorder. I was forced to leave my homeland, all of my friends and all of my belongings aged almost 16. I was in a strange country with food EVERYWHERE. I'd never seen so much. As I spiralled down a big black hole, lonely, depressed, cold and hungry I started eating sweets. I'd never had them before. They are strangely addictive.

The years went on, I allowed the bastard who attacked me to dominate my daily life. I couldn't walk alone, couldn't go out at night at all. So I sat in and ate. My depression deepened. Ten years of antidepressants did nothing to lift my mood. I gained six stone, doubling my weight in ten years.

Then, earlier this year I quit my job, joined fab and met my gorgeous partner on here. He's made me feel worthwhile again, made me happy and restored my faith in men.

I've lost four stone now, few more to go but I will always be an emotional eater. It's something I'm going to have to try and control. This won't be easy if I become depressed again. Remember the vicious circle?

Overeating is a mental thing, being obese is a physical problem. One is a symptom, the other a cause.

It takes a great deal to drag yourself up from the depths of depression, the understanding of friends and family and lots, and I mean, lots of talking. I'm fitter than I've been in years, very much in love and three dress sizes smaller. And Fab turned my life around. It gave me the confidence to meet people, the confidence to have sex with 38 guys this year.

It really is fab!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A disability is anything that society hasn't made allowances for. Which is why equality tries to create an environment where people can safely be themselves AND be seen as normal and not outcast for something beyond their own ability.

Philosophically, you can argue what defines a physical and/or mental disability if you want to, and whether a person disables themselves or whether we really have free will or not, and half this stuff can not be answered at this time, although ideas can be bandied about.

But yeah sharing your opinion on what something is might help people understand your _iewpoint and your life and how it is affected. Ignorant people might become less ignorant from your info or not care though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 20/12/14 02:27:45]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There are many reasons people become obese. and some of the comments in the first post I find truly ignorant. I am obese I was morbidly obese 4 years ago weighing 23 stone and a bmi close to 60 1 divorce a healthy diet and the gym (which I hate) I'm now classed as obese until 6 weeks ago I was around 16 stone then serious illness hit and I'm now 14 stone give or take a lb. However I do have a under active thyroid and also severe pcos so know I'm never going to be super skinny and please by no means think I am using that for an excuse either but I know by eating healthy and swimming/working out did good for me! and I feel so much better for it. I tend to have the opposite reaction with food if I'm upset or stressed I starve myself can go days or weeks (3 being the longest) without food I use it to control the feeling of being worthless. Im in one of those places now recently been hurt buy a guy on here (sorry would go a long way) and worried about a major op next month I'm not eating I've had a box of breadsticks since Monday and drinking black tea or water being inwell isn't helping but I feel that I'm not in control the only thing I can control is food. I hope I'm not ripped apart for this as not what I want but I do think some people need to see outside the box. If you have never had a issue with weight then to be honest you have no idea what it's like my biggest shame was putting a costume on going swimming incase I was laughed at etc or men seeing me at the gym huffing and puffing it hurts so the cycle starts all over. The shame and humiliation because your bigger than what society suggests etc.

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By *he tactile technicianMan
over a year ago

the good lands, the bad lands, the any where you may want me lands

The legal definition of disability for the UK (excluding NI) the Equality Act 2010 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. I think that the OP has eruditely

articulated her own personal circumstances and described the impact of both medical implications, and of over eating leading to gaining weight. Peoples _iews on the causes of obesity are bound to disagree with one another, however there can be no argument in as far as the facts that people are impaired due to being obese, and therefore they are disabled by the society within which they live. Attitudes towards obese people, barriers within the built environment, goods and services, everything that disables the sexy paralympians of the 2012 Olympic games disables an obese person. A wake up call for us all to become more tolerent of obese people I think, to make reasonable adjustments without questioning it; and yes it is going to be difficult for many established ways of doing things to be changed, but whether or not you agree with the cause, obese people need those adjustments to be made and society to tolerate them and accept them for being a person. Sexy; intelligent; beautiful; witty; caring; and as valuable to our world as anyone, just that they have a protected characteristic. to

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

good lord, the 1st thread was a treat

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

I haven't read the first thread as I'm sure that it would wind me up! Lol

I don't think it should be classed as a disability buy I do think that people should be more tolerant ad respectful to others.

Fat people are the last safe place for ignorant hateful people to spew their vile nasty opinions on without fear of reprisal. They can do it about race or disability etc any more so hey....lets all make fun of the fatty.

I'm fat for a number of reasons,insulin resistance, pcos but the biggest reason is I like food.....a lot! We need food everyday so it is hard to break a cycle or addiction to something like that. Smokers and drinkers can go cold turkey, not have the thing they crave and eventually give up, become an ex smoker or ex alcoholic. You can't become an ex eater.

That being said, weight loss is something that is possible regardless of your reasons for being over weight. I know plenty of women that have pcos that are skinny, i know lots of skinny type 2 diabetics. For me exercise is doable (off to run 5k this morning as it happens) but the biggest struggle I have is food. I have full on arguments with myself in the middle of shops deciding what to eat.

In my personal opinion more work needs to be done on the mental issues people have with food. That would help so many people. Understanding why they over eat and working on therapies to address those issues. It is just as unhealthy to eat yourself to 40 stone as it is to starve yourself to 4 yet anorexia is considered a mental health problem and people suffering (quite rightly) get support and help but obese people just get ridicule and abuse from society.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"good lord, the 1st thread was a treat "

Let me guess :

Two distinct groups

One blaming thyroid problems or medication

The other saying unless you run 50 miles a day and survive off a celery stick you deserve all you get ?

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn


"good lord, the 1st thread was a treat

Let me guess :

Two distinct groups

One blaming thyroid problems or medication

The other saying unless you run 50 miles a day and survive off a celery stick you deserve all you get ? "

yes.... and Blackspice trying his best to bring sense to the discussion

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent


"I haven't read the first thread as I'm sure that it would wind me up! Lol

I don't think it should be classed as a disability buy I do think that people should be more tolerant ad respectful to others.

Fat people are the last safe place for ignorant hateful people to spew their vile nasty opinions on without fear of reprisal. They can do it about race or disability etc any more so hey....lets all make fun of the fatty.

I'm fat for a number of reasons,insulin resistance, pcos but the biggest reason is I like food.....a lot! We need food everyday so it is hard to break a cycle or addiction to something like that. Smokers and drinkers can go cold turkey, not have the thing they crave and eventually give up, become an ex smoker or ex alcoholic. You can't become an ex eater.

That being said, weight loss is something that is possible regardless of your reasons for being over weight. I know plenty of women that have pcos that are skinny, i know lots of skinny type 2 diabetics. For me exercise is doable (off to run 5k this morning as it happens) but the biggest struggle I have is food. I have full on arguments with myself in the middle of shops deciding what to eat.

In my personal opinion more work needs to be done on the mental issues people have with food. That would help so many people. Understanding why they over eat and working on therapies to address those issues. It is just as unhealthy to eat yourself to 40 stone as it is to starve yourself to 4 yet anorexia is considered a mental health problem and people suffering (quite rightly) get support and help but obese people just get ridicule and abuse from society. "

As I was reading your response I was thinking to myself no one seems to get on their high horse about people with eating disorders that are underweight, those people often need medical help, rehab, cannot work, and yet that's accepted, you don't see threads slagging off those people. Being obese is no different in my opinion. It's an unhealthy relationship with food one way or another. X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"good lord, the 1st thread was a treat

Let me guess :

Two distinct groups

One blaming thyroid problems or medication

The other saying unless you run 50 miles a day and survive off a celery stick you deserve all you get ?

yes.... and Blackspice trying his best to bring sense to the discussion"

He should know better

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn


"good lord, the 1st thread was a treat

Let me guess :

Two distinct groups

One blaming thyroid problems or medication

The other saying unless you run 50 miles a day and survive off a celery stick you deserve all you get ?

yes.... and Blackspice trying his best to bring sense to the discussion

He should know better "

It was a valiant effort made by the gentleman, I do admire the contribution

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

Oh dear god....hold on to your hats it's going to be a bumpy ride

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By *rsIdiotWoman
over a year ago

Bedworth


"Oh dear god....hold on to your hats it's going to be a bumpy ride "

Again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I haven't read the first thread as I'm sure that it would wind me up! Lol

I don't think it should be classed as a disability buy I do think that people should be more tolerant ad respectful to others.

Fat people are the last safe place for ignorant hateful people to spew their vile nasty opinions on without fear of reprisal. They can do it about race or disability etc any more so hey....lets all make fun of the fatty.

I'm fat for a number of reasons,insulin resistance, pcos but the biggest reason is I like food.....a lot! We need food everyday so it is hard to break a cycle or addiction to something like that. Smokers and drinkers can go cold turkey, not have the thing they crave and eventually give up, become an ex smoker or ex alcoholic. You can't become an ex eater.

That being said, weight loss is something that is possible regardless of your reasons for being over weight. I know plenty of women that have pcos that are skinny, i know lots of skinny type 2 diabetics. For me exercise is doable (off to run 5k this morning as it happens) but the biggest struggle I have is food. I have full on arguments with myself in the middle of shops deciding what to eat.

In my personal opinion more work needs to be done on the mental issues people have with food. That would help so many people. Understanding why they over eat and working on therapies to address those issues. It is just as unhealthy to eat yourself to 40 stone as it is to starve yourself to 4 yet anorexia is considered a mental health problem and people suffering (quite rightly) get support and help but obese people just get ridicule and abuse from society.

As I was reading your response I was thinking to myself no one seems to get on their high horse about people with eating disorders that are underweight, those people often need medical help, rehab, cannot work, and yet that's accepted, you don't see threads slagging off those people. Being obese is no different in my opinion. It's an unhealthy relationship with food one way or another. X"

Exactly this. Binge eating and over-eating ARE eating disorders and as someone above said, they are akin to self-harm.

Of course it's as simple as if you eat less (and eat right) and exercise more you will lose weight - even allowing for underactive thyroids, pcos etc (both of those here!). What is not as simple, and what people who have never had this sort of problem don't understand, is WHY someone might overeat.

I've had big issues with binge eating in the past and it's exactly a mirror image of what usually drives anorexics - a desire for control over some aspect of my life when everything else felt like it was out of control. I'm a well educated person, I know how to eat healthily, why on earth would I want sit and eat enough to make myself sick (literally), knowing that I was damaging my body in the process?

It's not as simple as fat = greedy and lazy, but sadly the other thread a lot of people demonstrated that that's the attitude which still prevails.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's good to see this second thread. Hopefully a more compassionate perspective can prevail

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's good to see this second thread. Hopefully a more compassionate perspective can prevail "

Don't hold your breath. Some of the comments on the first one were disgusting!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's good to see this second thread. Hopefully a more compassionate perspective can prevail

Don't hold your breath. Some of the comments on the first one were disgusting! "

I know

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"It's good to see this second thread. Hopefully a more compassionate perspective can prevail

Don't hold your breath. Some of the comments on the first one were disgusting! "

I didn't read it for that reason. These forums haven't shown people in a good light recently.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's good to see this second thread. Hopefully a more compassionate perspective can prevail

Don't hold your breath. Some of the comments on the first one were disgusting!

I didn't read it for that reason. These forums haven't shown people in a good light recently."

This second thread already has more sensible and considerate posts than the entire first one. Obviously all of the 'you're just fat lazy benefit scum' crowd are still asleep.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"It's good to see this second thread. Hopefully a more compassionate perspective can prevail

Don't hold your breath. Some of the comments on the first one were disgusting!

I didn't read it for that reason. These forums haven't shown people in a good light recently.

This second thread already has more sensible and considerate posts than the entire first one. Obviously all of the 'you're just fat lazy benefit scum' crowd are still asleep. "

Lazy bastards

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

one of the highlights of the 1st thread was, I only saw Greggs mentioned once

now that is unusual

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I missed the first thread, sounds like it was good job too.

In my adult life, I have swung between a size 12 and a size 24 and every size in between. I am currently (after losing two stone and still losing) a size 18. Like Evie I have PCOS and that can make losing weight harder, however I am endeavouring do so. And yes, if I had never put the weight on, I would not need to lose it. I am well aware of that.

When I was a size 24, ten years ago, I was in a very black place, the darkest recess your mind can go to. I ate, to comfort myself, it was one of the only things that gave me any comfort. I didn't care what I looked like, I didn't care about anything in fact. I wasn't fully functioning at all, as I normally do. Now I was lucky and I had a lot of support and love, and professional help that brought be back from that place. I walked out on my marriage, as that was a large part of the cause and I started, over time, to love myself again.

Not everyone, has the support I had. I have known someone who literally ate themselves to death after their husband left. Got so large that they could not physically leave the house. That is not because they were plain greedy and lazy, they were very very sad, mentally could not deal with it and food was their source of comfort. When it gets to that stage it is a disability. Those people do not need judgement and derision. They need love, support and to realise that their life is worth living.

I am sure many will disagree, but a little compassion and understanding can go a long way sometimes to making a real difference to someones's life.

For now though I will carry on battling with my weight, I always will, but I am in the fight at least.

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

My mum and I were talking about this the other day, she said when she was younger (she was born in 59) kids played outside all the time. Running about all over the place. This has definitely changed with games consoles and people worrying more about their kids. They spend a lot more time sat on their bums in front of the TV now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

Availability and relatively lower cost of food, particularly unhealthy food, must play a huge part. I can sit in my house and order piles of takeaway to be delivered to me, order online and I don't even have to interact with another person. In the days of the local grocers, having to cook from scratch, and probably people valuing food a lot more, it would have been a different situation altogether.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?

My mum and I were talking about this the other day, she said when she was younger (she was born in 59) kids played outside all the time. Running about all over the place. This has definitely changed with games consoles and people worrying more about their kids. They spend a lot more time sat on their bums in front of the TV now. "

Yes that's true. I agree that for many eating is an emotional issue but there is a huge problem with people just not being aware of what constitutes a healthy diet and not having the knowledge to feed themselves and their families sensibly. I have experience of a family who use the salad drawer of their fridge for mini chocolate bars and give each child it's own tin if sweets at Christmas to keep in their room....these habits do need changing and aren't down to anything but lack of awareness in my opinion.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?

My mum and I were talking about this the other day, she said when she was younger (she was born in 59) kids played outside all the time. Running about all over the place. This has definitely changed with games consoles and people worrying more about their kids. They spend a lot more time sat on their bums in front of the TV now.

Yes that's true. I agree that for many eating is an emotional issue but there is a huge problem with people just not being aware of what constitutes a healthy diet and not having the knowledge to feed themselves and their families sensibly. I have experience of a family who use the salad drawer of their fridge for mini chocolate bars and give each child it's own tin if sweets at Christmas to keep in their room....these habits do need changing and aren't down to anything but lack of awareness in my opinion."

My grandmother is 86 and she always tell me they only really had sweets and chocolate at Christmas. Not at other times of the year. Plus they walked miles to school and pretty much walked everywhere else too.

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

a bucket load of factors I would guess... significant change of diet, sugary drinks, lack of exercise, side effects of new medications, lack of ownership, excuse based culture, illness, confidence issues & mental health concerns and so on and so on.

I think in here I always goes down to 2 camps and the justifications of being in one.

It boilsdown too, if you are happy with your lot, enjoy it for who you are.

if you are not happy and you can change it, then do it for YOU.

if you are not happy and it is difficult to change due to medica/wellbeingl complications, get professional help and baby steps.

just try and be as happy as you can...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

More sedentary jobs. The information age -meaning people can communicate with others sat at home. As a child I was constantly active. Now a lot of kids sporting activities are organised rather than a spontaneous result of playing with friends. My weight became an issue I had to deal with when my daily activity dropped to a point that my consumption wasn't all being used. I still haven't regulated my diet sufficiently to lose the extra weight I gained nor increased my exercise to a level to compensate.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The scandal of the food industry in this country if it ever came to light would make the banking scandal seem like kindergarten.

The shit that gets passed for consumption is ridiculous but the amount of unregulated stuff that is shipped in massive volumes and nobody knows what's in it is eye watering!

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?

a bucket load of factors I would guess... significant change of diet, sugary drinks, lack of exercise, side effects of new medications, lack of ownership, excuse based culture, illness, confidence issues & mental health concerns and so on and so on.

I think in here I always goes down to 2 camps and the justifications of being in one.

It boilsdown too, if you are happy with your lot, enjoy it for who you are.

if you are not happy and you can change it, then do it for YOU.

if you are not happy and it is difficult to change due to medica/wellbeingl complications, get professional help and baby steps.

just try and be as happy as you can..."

Yes!

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)

Your story is incredible. You have had quite a journey. I don't know you but I feel proud for you. Over coming such things is never easy or a quick fix and can take years to recover from.

I would suggest if after 10 years of medications not working that talk therapy would be better for you as it was a traumatic event that needs facing to deal with the issue. Perhaps even a combination of meds and therapy.

I wish you every success for a hsppy future and well done for coming so far along already

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By *arry247Couple
over a year ago

Wakefield


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

It was certainly around when I was growing up in the 50s, but not mentioned everywhere as it is today.

I even remember classmates being ridiculed in gym when they could not jump the box horse etc.

As I mentioned in the 1st thread my wife was admitted to hospital when she was overweight but the hospital gave up as she gained wait during her long stay there following their strict diet regime.

Weight is not all about eating and exercise there can be other aspects to it.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

For years I hated myself for being fat. I was bullied at school and the outcome of that was I devolped an eating disorder. I went down to 8 stone. I'm fat but for the first time in years I truely love myself. I've always had a bad relationship with food. I now longer comfort eat but I do like my food and alcohol. I'm an active person most days I walk 3 miles to and from work.

My mum has always been a healthy eater and brought us up on home cooked meals and didn't let us have cakes and sweets. The trouble was I loved cakes and sweets so would often eat them in secret. I don't like eating in public as I always feel people are thinking look at that fat bird eating and comments from the first thread confirmed that people do think that.

My GP has never brought up my weight as an issue and I'm relatively healthy. However I don't want to get diabetics as it runs in my family so I am on a get fit kick at the moment. Not because I'm unhappy with being fat.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?

It was certainly around when I was growing up in the 50s, but not mentioned everywhere as it is today.

I even remember classmates being ridiculed in gym when they could not jump the box horse etc.

As I mentioned in the 1st thread my wife was admitted to hospital when she was overweight but the hospital gave up as she gained wait during her long stay there following their strict diet regime.

Weight is not all about eating and exercise there can be other aspects to it."

There were obese people I agree but not to the extent there are today.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

This is a very toucy subject, I've got family members that are I guess 'clinically obese' all of whom dieted and lost weight, I think there are so many reasons behind obesity but one thing I would never call it is a disability - that's just giving anybody an excuse for their weight problem, that said, it's excusable if it's been caused by disability or lack of mobility.

End of the day you are what you eat, eat crap, look and feel crap, eat healthy and be exactly that.

A lot blame healthy food being expensive so that's why they don't eat healthy and that's simply rubbish!

You could likely stock up on healthier food cheaper and when you're avoiding paying that load more for pies, pasties, cakes, microwave meals and chocolate, that £20-30 a month (if not more) would enable you to buy a monthly gym pass, or go swimming or other activities other than sport that would keep you fit too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Obesity is a symptom of something else. It's a form of self harm, much like cutting yourself or taking an overdose. You might have coped badly with stress and found food comforting. Then, every time something happens you reach for food as a comfort, sometimes because there's something missing in your life. Food replaces relationships, you put on weight, feel disgusting, eat more because you're depressed and so starts a vicious circle.

It's not something you can snap out of, no, you cannot "get over it".

I suffered an assault aged 14 which drove me first into anxiety and depression, followed by post traumatic stress disorder. I was forced to leave my homeland, all of my friends and all of my belongings aged almost 16. I was in a strange country with food EVERYWHERE. I'd never seen so much. As I spiralled down a big black hole, lonely, depressed, cold and hungry I started eating sweets. I'd never had them before. They are strangely addictive.

The years went on, I allowed the bastard who attacked me to dominate my daily life. I couldn't walk alone, couldn't go out at night at all. So I sat in and ate. My depression deepened. Ten years of antidepressants did nothing to lift my mood. I gained six stone, doubling my weight in ten years.

Then, earlier this year I quit my job, joined fab and met my gorgeous partner on here. He's made me feel worthwhile again, made me happy and restored my faith in men.

I've lost four stone now, few more to go but I will always be an emotional eater. It's something I'm going to have to try and control. This won't be easy if I become depressed again. Remember the vicious circle?

Overeating is a mental thing, being obese is a physical problem. One is a symptom, the other a cause.

It takes a great deal to drag yourself up from the depths of depression, the understanding of friends and family and lots, and I mean, lots of talking. I'm fitter than I've been in years, very much in love and three dress sizes smaller. And Fab turned my life around. It gave me the confidence to meet people, the confidence to have sex with 38 guys this year.

It really is fab!

"

I think this was a really heartfelt post and encouraged people to be more polite in their responses, thank you for sharing. I truly hope you are finally happy. I just wanted to point out that you mentioned you are now 8 stone and are 5'6" yet you state you are large are continue to try and lose weight. I think this is very light for a woman of your height. Please be careful being underweight can be as much of a problem as being overweight. Take care xxxxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't think obesity is a disability at all. Is a load of bollocks to me in my opinion - and my _iews on this are actually quite strong.

I see a disability as something you cannot change, either with treatment or your own free will. Disability would be a genetic disposition, something you have no control over.

Now, by labelling it a disability, i personally think the rate of obesity is going to increase now.

Individuals are just going to stop exercising or whatever it is they need to do to lose weight and now have an excuse to just say, 'no i cannot, i am disabled you know'.

To me, no. You're not disabled.

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By *onitoMan
over a year ago

Milton of Campsie


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

Man has got greedier

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham


"one of the highlights of the 1st thread was, I only saw Greggs mentioned once

now that is unusual "

That made me think of cream doughnuts , mmmmmm

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"For years I hated myself for being fat. I was bullied at school and the outcome of that was I devolped an eating disorder. I went down to 8 stone. I'm fat but for the first time in years I truely love myself. I've always had a bad relationship with food. I now longer comfort eat but I do like my food and alcohol. I'm an active person most days I walk 3 miles to and from work.

My mum has always been a healthy eater and brought us up on home cooked meals and didn't let us have cakes and sweets. The trouble was I loved cakes and sweets so would often eat them in secret. I don't like eating in public as I always feel people are thinking look at that fat bird eating and comments from the first thread confirmed that people do think that.

My GP has never brought up my weight as an issue and I'm relatively healthy. However I don't want to get diabetics as it runs in my family so I am on a get fit kick at the moment. Not because I'm unhappy with being fat. "

I can completely relate to a lot of what you've said here, especially the eating in secret part - I had a really healthy diet as a child because my mum made sure of that, my issues started when I was old enough to go to the shop and buy multipacks of crisps and hide them in my room.

And I hate eating in public too, and also exercising in public. I couldn't go for a jog because I know someone would shout some sort of comment at me. Same goes for the gym, when overweight you feel like you're not supposed to be there - and it's not just paranoia, because people do express those attitudes.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't think obesity is a disability at all. Is a load of bollocks to me in my opinion - and my _iews on this are actually quite strong.

I see a disability as something you cannot change, either with treatment or your own free will. Disability would be a genetic disposition, something you have no control over.

Now, by labelling it a disability, i personally think the rate of obesity is going to increase now.

Individuals are just going to stop exercising or whatever it is they need to do to lose weight and now have an excuse to just say, 'no i cannot, i am disabled you know'.

To me, no. You're not disabled.

"

To people who have got to the point where they're so overweight it is hampering their life, there are mental issues at play and I don't think a 'label' of disability would actually encourage them or hinder them in losing weight. I think the point is yes they can change their situation, but in many cases are going to require help to do so. (I don't think it should be classified as a disability actually)

Where do you stand on mental illness being classified as a disability e.g. depression?

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham

Loads of factors , processed food , takeaways , modes of transport and blame culture to name but a few , easy to generalise , but for those in the position it must be very hard to snap out of , I fluctuate all the time , when my pants feel tight I watch what I eat , works for me , but everyone is different

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"For years I hated myself for being fat. I was bullied at school and the outcome of that was I devolped an eating disorder. I went down to 8 stone. I'm fat but for the first time in years I truely love myself. I've always had a bad relationship with food. I now longer comfort eat but I do like my food and alcohol. I'm an active person most days I walk 3 miles to and from work.

My mum has always been a healthy eater and brought us up on home cooked meals and didn't let us have cakes and sweets. The trouble was I loved cakes and sweets so would often eat them in secret. I don't like eating in public as I always feel people are thinking look at that fat bird eating and comments from the first thread confirmed that people do think that.

My GP has never brought up my weight as an issue and I'm relatively healthy. However I don't want to get diabetics as it runs in my family so I am on a get fit kick at the moment. Not because I'm unhappy with being fat.

I can completely relate to a lot of what you've said here, especially the eating in secret part - I had a really healthy diet as a child because my mum made sure of that, my issues started when I was old enough to go to the shop and buy multipacks of crisps and hide them in my room.

And I hate eating in public too, and also exercising in public. I couldn't go for a jog because I know someone would shout some sort of comment at me. Same goes for the gym, when overweight you feel like you're not supposed to be there - and it's not just paranoia, because people do express those attitudes. "

It is such a shame you and other feel like that about exercising in public. It is the people who say to get off your fat lazy arse and exercise that are the one that would ridicule those in a gym that did just that! It is disgusting and should be treated as seriously as racism.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't think obesity is a disability at all. Is a load of bollocks to me in my opinion - and my _iews on this are actually quite strong.

I see a disability as something you cannot change, either with treatment or your own free will. Disability would be a genetic disposition, something you have no control over.

Now, by labelling it a disability, i personally think the rate of obesity is going to increase now.

Individuals are just going to stop exercising or whatever it is they need to do to lose weight and now have an excuse to just say, 'no i cannot, i am disabled you know'.

To me, no. You're not disabled.

To people who have got to the point where they're so overweight it is hampering their life, there are mental issues at play and I don't think a 'label' of disability would actually encourage them or hinder them in losing weight. I think the point is yes they can change their situation, but in many cases are going to require help to do so. (I don't think it should be classified as a disability actually)

Where do you stand on mental illness being classified as a disability e.g. depression? "

If by diet and exercise it can be changed its not a disability.

You make a good point about depression and disability but far too many people confuse depression with just having a bad time... "Oh I'm not happy, nothing goes right for me, I wish I was dead" as uposed to somebodies life being a true wash out because they're emotions are not controlled by themselves and they're actions.

Being unhappy because you're over weight isn't depression, if you were not over weight you wouldn't be depressed, just like being unhappy cos you can't get your leg over, once you do that feeling goes.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't think obesity is a disability at all. Is a load of bollocks to me in my opinion - and my _iews on this are actually quite strong.

I see a disability as something you cannot change, either with treatment or your own free will. Disability would be a genetic disposition, something you have no control over.

Now, by labelling it a disability, i personally think the rate of obesity is going to increase now.

Individuals are just going to stop exercising or whatever it is they need to do to lose weight and now have an excuse to just say, 'no i cannot, i am disabled you know'.

To me, no. You're not disabled.

To people who have got to the point where they're so overweight it is hampering their life, there are mental issues at play and I don't think a 'label' of disability would actually encourage them or hinder them in losing weight. I think the point is yes they can change their situation, but in many cases are going to require help to do so. (I don't think it should be classified as a disability actually)

Where do you stand on mental illness being classified as a disability e.g. depression?

If by diet and exercise it can be changed its not a disability.

You make a good point about depression and disability but far too many people confuse depression with just having a bad time... "Oh I'm not happy, nothing goes right for me, I wish I was dead" as uposed to somebodies life being a true wash out because they're emotions are not controlled by themselves and they're actions.

Being unhappy because you're over weight isn't depression, if you were not over weight you wouldn't be depressed, just like being unhappy cos you can't get your leg over, once you do that feeling goes.

"

I agree with you on that - that's why I think obesity in itself shouldn't be a disability, because for it to get to a point where it's so serious it disables your life then it's a symptom of something else going on - which could be depression. I.e. it could be depression or other mental disorders contributing to obesity rather than something as simplistic as being depressed because you're overweight.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

Not all disabilities are permanent ones.

My sister was registered disabled for 2 years when she was a child as she had perthese disease. Medical intervention treated her illness to the pount where she wasn't disabled anymore.

I really don't think that obesity should be classed as a disability but I do think that societc needs to be nicer. Nicer in general but as we are specifically talking obesity then nicer to fat people regardless of the reason why they get fat.

These people who shout about tough live being the best way to motivate someone to lose weight are talking bollocks. I hAve been bullied all my life about my weight and although I have tried many times to lose it i have always fallen off the band wagon into a pile of cake.

Belittling people and saying how disgusting they are simply makes their feelings of despair and low self esteem worse. They turn to the one thing that never fails them...food. They know it's making a bad situation work yet food is nice to them, food makes them happy where as people make them sad and hurt.

If we were talking about smokers or drinkers people would be fine with the 'oh I'm so stressed...i need a fag' or I've had a bad day, fancy a pint' scenarios but because it's a fat person feeling bad and reaching for the thing they are addicted to they should be ridiculed and publicly humiliate?!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Recently I read that by age eight we have consumed the same amount of sugar than those in yesteryear did in a lifetime.

Our bodies simply can't cope.

Disability wise I'd edge towards yes.

My sister had spent a lifetime dieting, never really helped.

Through her diabetes she was put on a new drug, this drug has a side effect that surpresses the appetite. In one year she has lost stones in weight, 18 to 12st.

At the moment this drug has to be injected daily, they are working on this drug to make it available in tablet form.

I can't remember my sister being so slim in decades and just hope that she remains so.

All I know about this drug, as it is/was being trialled, is it is a desert lizard spit.

It was observed this lizard rarely ate and on examination they found an appetite suppressant in its saliva which also regulated it's sugars/insulin.

Now instead of using a knife and fork, she lives on a diet of flying insects lol

Science eh, incredible

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By *andtsurreyCouple
over a year ago

Torbay


"I really don't think that obesity should be classed as a disability but I do think that societc needs to be nicer. Nicer in general but as we are specifically talking obesity then nicer to fat people regardless of the reason why they get fat.

These people who shout about tough live being the best way to motivate someone to lose weight are talking bollocks. I hAve been bullied all my life about my weight and although I have tried many times to lose it i have always fallen off the band wagon into a pile of cake.

Belittling people and saying how disgusting they are simply makes their feelings of despair and low self esteem worse. They turn to the one thing that never fails them...food. They know it's making a bad situation work yet food is nice to them, food makes them happy where as people make them sad and hurt.

If we were talking about smokers or drinkers people would be fine with the 'oh I'm so stressed...i need a fag' or I've had a bad day, fancy a pint' scenarios but because it's a fat person feeling bad and reaching for the thing they are addicted to they should be ridiculed and publicly humiliate?! "

xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The issue becomes one of what does classing obesity as a disability really mean in the workplace as this is where the discussion has arisen? Will employers have to make allowances for its employees and what are they? Will it lead to a "them and us" mentality which is even worse than today? I think it is a backward step which can only lead to further alienation.

Obesity is becoming such a enormous issue globally that there needs to be a massive culture change and education process. Accepting obesity as the norm rather than as an exception seems the wrong way of dealing with it in my _iew.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"When I was growing up (I was born mid fifties) this problem didn't exist. What do people feel has changed apart from the obvious factors of fast food and readily available transport?"

I think that's about it, to be honest! A few generations ago walking was the only way the majority could get around - and a large percentage of jobs were manual. Add to that fact that thousands of years ago (about 5 minutes in the evolutionary scale) our bodies were used to seasonal feast and famine. Eating as much as we could after a harvest/hunt as we had no idea where/when the next meal would be! This is in the human psyche and will be for many generations. Food is readily available to most of us in the uk - so those of us who can't ignore the brains instruction to 'eat whilst we can' are the ones who are suffering! I really don't think there's an easy solution - but reducing fat/sugar in most processed foods would help - aswould taxing unhealthy food and using the money to subsidise healthy food.

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By *reelove1969Couple
over a year ago

bristol

[Removed by poster at 20/12/14 14:43:10]

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By *inkxRabbit OP   Woman
over a year ago

Mostly in GU24


"I missed the first thread, sounds like it was good job too.

In my adult life, I have swung between a size 12 and a size 24 and every size in between. I am currently (after losing two stone and still losing) a size 18. Like Evie I have PCOS and that can make losing weight harder, however I am endeavouring do so. And yes, if I had never put the weight on, I would not need to lose it. I am well aware of that.

When I was a size 24, ten years ago, I was in a very black place, the darkest recess your mind can go to. I ate, to comfort myself, it was one of the only things that gave me any comfort. I didn't care what I looked like, I didn't care about anything in fact. I wasn't fully functioning at all, as I normally do. Now I was lucky and I had a lot of support and love, and professional help that brought be back from that place. I walked out on my marriage, as that was a large part of the cause and I started, over time, to love myself again.

Not everyone, has the support I had. I have known someone who literally ate themselves to death after their husband left. Got so large that they could not physically leave the house. That is not because they were plain greedy and lazy, they were very very sad, mentally could not deal with it and food was their source of comfort. When it gets to that stage it is a disability. Those people do not need judgement and derision. They need love, support and to realise that their life is worth living.

I am sure many will disagree, but a little compassion and understanding can go a long way sometimes to making a real difference to someones's life.

For now though I will carry on battling with my weight, I always will, but I am in the fight at least. "

I'm the OP.

Thank you for the above. I wanted to make my comment in the other thread but it was closed.

People with all types of mental illness need patience and understanding. Anybody who thinks otherwise had clearly never been so down they're planning suicide in great detail, have never laid awake at night, wishing they could die in their sleep or been so down they are unable to function at all.

When you have done, I can't wait to tell you it's self inflicted, that you should snap out of it and, my personal favourite, pull yourself together.

Oh and I know I'm fat. I do have a mirror, I do shower daily, I do get my pussy waxed and I certainly know what size my clothes are. So you don't need to mention it.

We fatties don't go round saying "that average sized guy as eating to much, how dare he go large". Live and let live.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don't think obesity is a disability at all. Is a load of bollocks to me in my opinion - and my _iews on this are actually quite strong.

I see a disability as something you cannot change, either with treatment or your own free will. Disability would be a genetic disposition, something you have no control over.

Now, by labelling it a disability, i personally think the rate of obesity is going to increase now.

Individuals are just going to stop exercising or whatever it is they need to do to lose weight and now have an excuse to just say, 'no i cannot, i am disabled you know'.

To me, no. You're not disabled.

To people who have got to the point where they're so overweight it is hampering their life, there are mental issues at play and I don't think a 'label' of disability would actually encourage them or hinder them in losing weight. I think the point is yes they can change their situation, but in many cases are going to require help to do so. (I don't think it should be classified as a disability actually)

Where do you stand on mental illness being classified as a disability e.g. depression? "

If it is someones mental state that is making them obese, then the disability is their mental state not the fact that they are obese. Obesity is just a product of their mental health, but is not the cause of their mental health.

Now, depression. Is that classed as a disability? I'm not too sire, so i can't comment on that. But, if it is because someone is feeling down and not taking steps to change their situation, then no. I don't think it's a disability.

However, if the depression is due to imbalances of their hormone levels and that is something they could not control aand is long term. Then, yeah. It would be a disability i'd think.

I'm just against the idea of obesity being classed as a disability. No one ever really tackles the source of the problem and that is the main issue.

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By *reelove1969Couple
over a year ago

bristol

to answer the OP i do not think obesity is a disability but i do acknowledge that some people find weight issues very challenging at both ends of the spectrum ...i find evie incredibly inspirational

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By *inkxRabbit OP   Woman
over a year ago

Mostly in GU24

5000 years ago we who's have been hunting mammoths for food walking hundreds of miles to feed themselves. We'd also be under regular attack from wild animals and rival clans. So, whenever we killed a mammoth we'd eat and eeat as much as we could in case those mentioned above stole it.

Our brains all think the same, subconsciously, but we're airing watching TV or using our digital devices. We aren't doing enough for the amount we're eating.

I used to eat as much as I could as a teenager, when the opportunity presented itself, because my parents starved, beat and neglected me.

At that time I swum up and down the poll for up to eight hours a day so I was very skinny.

Now I'm 40s I don't need to easy nearly enough. Stirring in front of a computer all day and driving to and from work doesn't burn enough calories.

And a mates bar a day for a year will put a stone onto your weight. Ag up the 680 calories for the big Mac, 450 for the chips and before you know it you've jag you're daily calories in just one meal.

And it's been proven that the short chain carbs in fast food cause a sore in your blood sugar and a fast drop, causing you to think you're hungry.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And I will say what I said in part 1, its not a disability, its about education and knowledge of what to eat right, everyone knows junk food is bad lol

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"to answer the OP i do not think obesity is a disability but i do acknowledge that some people find weight issues very challenging at both ends of the spectrum ...i find evie incredibly inspirational "

Awwwww thank you x x

I haven't achieved even a quarter of the weight loss that some of the people on these forums have but then I haven't yet managed to tackle my mental issues that I have with food. It's a long road but I'm going in the right direction and I'm doing it for me.

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By *etitesaraTV/TS
over a year ago

rochdale

Modern foods are also rammed with ingredients that don't occur in those concentrations naturally, salts, sugars, fats etc all designed to react with our taste buds. Modern food is killing us

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Modern foods are also rammed with ingredients that don't occur in those concentrations naturally, salts, sugars, fats etc all designed to react with our taste buds. Modern food is killing us "

Home economics should become compulsory so people learn to cook rather than open, prick, stick in microwave! I very rarely eat processed food. It is cheaper and healthier to cook my own.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Modern foods are also rammed with ingredients that don't occur in those concentrations naturally, salts, sugars, fats etc all designed to react with our taste buds. Modern food is killing us

Home economics should become compulsory so people learn to cook rather than open, prick, stick in microwave! I very rarely eat processed food. It is cheaper and healthier to cook my own."

Agreed. One hour per week throughout ALL of high school of domestic science/life skills (budgeting etc) would make a huge difference I think. And the kids could pass those skills both to their own parents (I know I could learn a lot) and eventually their own children. Xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Earlier this year i was put on medication for a mental health issue and I was craving food and eating more than triple than normal within days, I had other less common side effects which I hadn't read up on beforehand as I needed the meds to help badly. A month of being on them, the doc took me off them and after 2 days I was cutting down on my food, I gained over a stone in weight, which I've lost again.

Being on them meds was scary with all these things going on. I didn't truly understand that mental health meds could make this happen!!!

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By *he_original_poloWoman
over a year ago

a Primark shoebox in Leicester

Debates (I use that term loosely)like this always seem to bring out the best in people.

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By *ngel_38Woman
over a year ago

Staffs


"Obesity is a symptom of something else. It's a form of self harm, much like cutting yourself or taking an overdose. You might have coped badly with stress and found food comforting. Then, every time something happens you reach for food as a comfort, sometimes because there's something missing in your life. Food replaces relationships, you put on weight, feel disgusting, eat more because you're depressed and so starts a vicious circle.

It's not something you can snap out of, no, you cannot "get over it".

I suffered an assault aged 14 which drove me first into anxiety and depression, followed by post traumatic stress disorder. I was forced to leave my homeland, all of my friends and all of my belongings aged almost 16. I was in a strange country with food EVERYWHERE. I'd never seen so much. As I spiralled down a big black hole, lonely, depressed, cold and hungry I started eating sweets. I'd never had them before. They are strangely addictive.

The years went on, I allowed the bastard who attacked me to dominate my daily life. I couldn't walk alone, couldn't go out at night at all. So I sat in and ate. My depression deepened. Ten years of antidepressants did nothing to lift my mood. I gained six stone, doubling my weight in ten years.

Then, earlier this year I quit my job, joined fab and met my gorgeous partner on here. He's made me feel worthwhile again, made me happy and restored my faith in men.

I've lost four stone now, few more to go but I will always be an emotional eater. It's something I'm going to have to try and control. This won't be easy if I become depressed again. Remember the vicious circle?

Overeating is a mental thing, being obese is a physical problem. One is a symptom, the other a cause.

It takes a great deal to drag yourself up from the depths of depression, the understanding of friends and family and lots, and I mean, lots of talking. I'm fitter than I've been in years, very much in love and three dress sizes smaller. And Fab turned my life around. It gave me the confidence to meet people, the confidence to have sex with 38 guys this year.

It really is fab!

"

There's food everywhere but U was left cold and "hungry" ? Make ur mind up ?

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By *adyGardenWoman
over a year ago

LONDON (se)


"I don't think obesity is a disability at all. Is a load of bollocks to me in my opinion - and my _iews on this are actually quite strong.

I see a disability as something you cannot change, either with treatment or your own free will. Disability would be a genetic disposition, something you have no control over.

Now, by labelling it a disability, i personally think the rate of obesity is going to increase now.

Individuals are just going to stop exercising or whatever it is they need to do to lose weight and now have an excuse to just say, 'no i cannot, i am disabled you know'.

To me, no. You're not disabled.

To people who have got to the point where they're so overweight it is hampering their life, there are mental issues at play and I don't think a 'label' of disability would actually encourage them or hinder them in losing weight. I think the point is yes they can change their situation, but in many cases are going to require help to do so. (I don't think it should be classified as a disability actually)

Where do you stand on mental illness being classified as a disability e.g. depression?

If it is someones mental state that is making them obese, then the disability is their mental state not the fact that they are obese. Obesity is just a product of their mental health, but is not the cause of their mental health.

Now, depression. Is that classed as a disability? I'm not too sire, so i can't comment on that. But, if it is because someone is feeling down and not taking steps to change their situation, then no. I don't think it's a disability.

However, if the depression is due to imbalances of their hormone levels and that is something they could not control aand is long term. Then, yeah. It would be a disability i'd think.

I'm just against the idea of obesity being classed as a disability. No one ever really tackles the source of the problem and that is the main issue.

"

I wouldn't say depression is a disability per say, more a debilitating condition. My depression is chemical so it is something I am learning to manage and live with. Yes at my worst it was very disabling due to the fact that I quite literally felt my body was made lead. I saw the world in black and white and I was in constant physical pain and my life no longer felt like my own. I never considered it a disability because it is something that can be dealt with. Like another poster said, to me a disability is something you can not control or do anything about. Some are temporary like 2 broken legs and some permanent such as loss of limbs.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"Obesity is a symptom of something else. It's a form of self harm, much like cutting yourself or taking an overdose. You might have coped badly with stress and found food comforting. Then, every time something happens you reach for food as a comfort, sometimes because there's something missing in your life. Food replaces relationships, you put on weight, feel disgusting, eat more because you're depressed and so starts a vicious circle.

It's not something you can snap out of, no, you cannot "get over it".

I suffered an assault aged 14 which drove me first into anxiety and depression, followed by post traumatic stress disorder. I was forced to leave my homeland, all of my friends and all of my belongings aged almost 16. I was in a strange country with food EVERYWHERE. I'd never seen so much. As I spiralled down a big black hole, lonely, depressed, cold and hungry I started eating sweets. I'd never had them before. They are strangely addictive.

The years went on, I allowed the bastard who attacked me to dominate my daily life. I couldn't walk alone, couldn't go out at night at all. So I sat in and ate. My depression deepened. Ten years of antidepressants did nothing to lift my mood. I gained six stone, doubling my weight in ten years.

Then, earlier this year I quit my job, joined fab and met my gorgeous partner on here. He's made me feel worthwhile again, made me happy and restored my faith in men.

I've lost four stone now, few more to go but I will always be an emotional eater. It's something I'm going to have to try and control. This won't be easy if I become depressed again. Remember the vicious circle?

Overeating is a mental thing, being obese is a physical problem. One is a symptom, the other a cause.

It takes a great deal to drag yourself up from the depths of depression, the understanding of friends and family and lots, and I mean, lots of talking. I'm fitter than I've been in years, very much in love and three dress sizes smaller. And Fab turned my life around. It gave me the confidence to meet people, the confidence to have sex with 38 guys this year.

It really is fab!

There's food everywhere but U was left cold and "hungry" ? Make ur mind up ?"

Read the quote again. She was emotionally over eating as a result of her situation. Food was everywhere and so she fed her hunger. She nevervsaod she was left hungry, just that she was hungry and so she ate.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Recently I read that by age eight we have consumed the same amount of sugar than those in yesteryear did in a lifetime.

Our bodies simply can't cope.

Disability wise I'd edge towards yes.

My sister had spent a lifetime dieting, never really helped.

Through her diabetes she was put on a new drug, this drug has a side effect that surpresses the appetite. In one year she has lost stones in weight, 18 to 12st.

At the moment this drug has to be injected daily, they are working on this drug to make it available in tablet form.

I can't remember my sister being so slim in decades and just hope that she remains so.

All I know about this drug, as it is/was being trialled, is it is a desert lizard spit.

It was observed this lizard rarely ate and on examination they found an appetite suppressant in its saliva which also regulated it's sugars/insulin.

Now instead of using a knife and fork, she lives on a diet of flying insects lol

Science eh, incredible "

As a fairly newly diagnosed diabetic this is really interesting and inspiring to read. Losing weight has got my sugar levels right down, so found out 2 weeks ago that I am controlling it just with diet. Diabetes is definitely one of the ticking time bombs especially if you are overweight.

I'm really glad your sister seems to have found a medication that's really helped.

Re : mental health/ depression being a disability. It most definitely can be. Some medications are so strong, the individual can barely function, but it keeps them safe from their thoughts.

Like others have said - it's hard being ridiculed too. I only ever go jogging when it's dark - makes running in the summer very late ! I felt really self conscious when I was larger and started road biking, but other road cyclists were lovely when I was out. They'd catch me up, have a chat and say well done. That kept me going, even though I felt some people would think - Christ look at that big lady on that bike. I've got over that now and just enjoy my riding for what it is.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

All I know about this drug, as it is/was being trialled, is it is a desert lizard spit.

"

The drug is 'Byetta' and its made from the spit of the Gila Monster lizard.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No not at all its self inflicted by life style they should get off there fat arses and do some thing about unless they have a medical condition that doesn't alow that then take em in for surgical band would save a fortune to nhs

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"No not at all its self inflicted by life style they should get off there fat arses and do some thing about unless they have a medical condition that doesn't alow that then take em in for surgical band would save a fortune to nhs "

Would you say the same about a person that gets disabled through extreme sports or dangerous driving?

I too don't think it's a disability but if you are going to throw around the self inflicted reasoning then surely those disabled through other life choices should not be considered disabled either?

Smokers with lung cancer? Alcoholics with liver disease?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Modern foods are also rammed with ingredients that don't occur in those concentrations naturally, salts, sugars, fats etc all designed to react with our taste buds. Modern food is killing us

Home economics should become compulsory so people learn to cook rather than open, prick, stick in microwave! I very rarely eat processed food. It is cheaper and healthier to cook my own."

Schools do healthy eating and cooking till at least key stage 3 (14years) its compulsory but if kids are feed crap at home what can you do. You need to change the parents eating habits. Although some school still only serve burger and chips lunch.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

Like others have said - it's hard being ridiculed too. I only ever go jogging when it's dark - makes running in the summer very late ! I felt really self conscious when I was larger and started road biking, but other road cyclists were lovely when I was out. They'd catch me up, have a chat and say well done. That kept me going, even though I felt some people would think - Christ look at that big lady on that bike. I've got over that now and just enjoy my riding for what it is. "

I know all about the self-conscious aspects of exercising and can relate. Its a huge vicious circle for so many (myself included) to overcome. Taking those first steps to changing a lifestyle are the hardest - mentally, emotionally and physically.

Being trapped in a cycle of eating to make yourself feel better, looking in the mirror and feeling so miserable and scared that it just makes you eat to feel better. Been there, lived it, I still do on occasion.

Anyone, and I mean anyone, who would ridicule someone for taking positive action on improving their own health should be ashamed. Societies bent for 'fat-shaming' and ridicule isn't helping anyone, least of all those that need it.

I don't care any more what people think when I'm out on my bike, or when I'm out walking. Or when I'm at the swimming pool. I don't care any more what strangers think - because they are NOT helping me to get better, I don't know them and they have NO right to judge me for want to take positive action to becoming healthier. As the saying goes, if your not part of my solution, you;re just part of the problem.

So fuck the lot of them. Its a hell of thing, to be released from worrying what others think. It take a lot of effort. Every day I fight the battle - Ill fight it for the rest of my life. The important thing is that you win more than you lose and when you lose, you get right back into the fight again.

-

(Trying to sum up four years of self applied CBT in an internet post is difficult, so apologies if it doesn't come across well. )

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

I suppose that a disability is anything which makes a person "less able" than the norm.

My personal opinion is that being overweight is not in it's self a disability, it is quite simple to loose weight (not easy though) where what I would class as a disability is something that you can't "fix"

Cal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

Like others have said - it's hard being ridiculed too. I only ever go jogging when it's dark - makes running in the summer very late ! I felt really self conscious when I was larger and started road biking, but other road cyclists were lovely when I was out. They'd catch me up, have a chat and say well done. That kept me going, even though I felt some people would think - Christ look at that big lady on that bike. I've got over that now and just enjoy my riding for what it is.

I know all about the self-conscious aspects of exercising and can relate. Its a huge vicious circle for so many (myself included) to overcome. Taking those first steps to changing a lifestyle are the hardest - mentally, emotionally and physically.

Being trapped in a cycle of eating to make yourself feel better, looking in the mirror and feeling so miserable and scared that it just makes you eat to feel better. Been there, lived it, I still do on occasion.

Anyone, and I mean anyone, who would ridicule someone for taking positive action on improving their own health should be ashamed. Societies bent for 'fat-shaming' and ridicule isn't helping anyone, least of all those that need it.

I don't care any more what people think when I'm out on my bike, or when I'm out walking. Or when I'm at the swimming pool. I don't care any more what strangers think - because they are NOT helping me to get better, I don't know them and they have NO right to judge me for want to take positive action to becoming healthier. As the saying goes, if your not part of my solution, you;re just part of the problem.

So fuck the lot of them. Its a hell of thing, to be released from worrying what others think. It take a lot of effort. Every day I fight the battle - Ill fight it for the rest of my life. The important thing is that you win more than you lose and when you lose, you get right back into the fight again.

-

(Trying to sum up four years of self applied CBT in an internet post is difficult, so apologies if it doesn't come across well. )"

Great post!!

I don't care what strangers think about me. I don't care what people who know me think either.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"No not at all its self inflicted by life style they should get off there fat arses and do some thing about unless they have a medical condition that doesn't alow that then take em in for surgical band would save a fortune to nhs

Would you say the same about a person that gets disabled through extreme sports or dangerous driving?

I too don't think it's a disability but if you are going to throw around the self inflicted reasoning then surely those disabled through other life choices should not be considered disabled either?

Smokers with lung cancer? Alcoholics with liver disease? "

Smokers and alcoholics have a physical addiction and stopping causes physical symptoms, from unpleasant to downright life threatening. So not really comparable to not being arsed to walk instead getting on the bus?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

To answer the original post. Is Obesity a disability, No. Not directly.

Its a cause of a disability. In the same way as smoking is a cause of disability, or alcoholism. Or drug use. They lead to the person having / developing a disability.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"No not at all its self inflicted by life style they should get off there fat arses and do some thing about unless they have a medical condition that doesn't alow that then take em in for surgical band would save a fortune to nhs

Would you say the same about a person that gets disabled through extreme sports or dangerous driving?

I too don't think it's a disability but if you are going to throw around the self inflicted reasoning then surely those disabled through other life choices should not be considered disabled either?

Smokers with lung cancer? Alcoholics with liver disease?

Smokers and alcoholics have a physical addiction and stopping causes physical symptoms, from unpleasant to downright life threatening. So not really comparable to not being arsed to walk instead getting on the bus? "

No but it is comparable to unhealthy food associations and addictions which are very real and always over looked and often ridiculed by those who have never had issues with food.

I am more active now than I ever have been but still have issues with food addiction and mental reasoning behind why eat what I eat and why I over eat. I am having to help myself with these issues because the medical profession doesn't offer any help with it.

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn


"

Like others have said - it's hard being ridiculed too. I only ever go jogging when it's dark - makes running in the summer very late ! I felt really self conscious when I was larger and started road biking, but other road cyclists were lovely when I was out. They'd catch me up, have a chat and say well done. That kept me going, even though I felt some people would think - Christ look at that big lady on that bike. I've got over that now and just enjoy my riding for what it is.

I know all about the self-conscious aspects of exercising and can relate. Its a huge vicious circle for so many (myself included) to overcome. Taking those first steps to changing a lifestyle are the hardest - mentally, emotionally and physically.

Being trapped in a cycle of eating to make yourself feel better, looking in the mirror and feeling so miserable and scared that it just makes you eat to feel better. Been there, lived it, I still do on occasion.

Anyone, and I mean anyone, who would ridicule someone for taking positive action on improving their own health should be ashamed. Societies bent for 'fat-shaming' and ridicule isn't helping anyone, least of all those that need it.

I don't care any more what people think when I'm out on my bike, or when I'm out walking. Or when I'm at the swimming pool. I don't care any more what strangers think - because they are NOT helping me to get better, I don't know them and they have NO right to judge me for want to take positive action to becoming healthier. As the saying goes, if your not part of my solution, you;re just part of the problem.

So fuck the lot of them. Its a hell of thing, to be released from worrying what others think. It take a lot of effort. Every day I fight the battle - Ill fight it for the rest of my life. The important thing is that you win more than you lose and when you lose, you get right back into the fight again.

-

(Trying to sum up four years of self applied CBT in an internet post is difficult, so apologies if it doesn't come across well. )"

great post

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Modern foods are also rammed with ingredients that don't occur in those concentrations naturally, salts, sugars, fats etc all designed to react with our taste buds. Modern food is killing us

Home economics should become compulsory so people learn to cook rather than open, prick, stick in microwave! I very rarely eat processed food. It is cheaper and healthier to cook my own.

Schools do healthy eating and cooking till at least key stage 3 (14years) its compulsory but if kids are feed crap at home what can you do. You need to change the parents eating habits. Although some school still only serve burger and chips lunch. "

How many schools do you see surrounded by fast food joints which are heaving at lunch time and home time? The local comprehensive near me has a McDonalds, fish and chip shop and chicken shop within 100m of the school all of which are rammed with school kids when I drive past. I would impose a no under 18 policy on fast food outlets between 8am and 5pm.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

a few observations from me.

-amazing how many fat girls are very pretty.

-denial,euphemisms,physchobabble do not help. curvy/bubbly/bbw/journey etc

-is it a disability?

you have to take a step back, to answer this.

its a disability because there is a psychological condition manifesting itself in excessive eating.

-as for the EU ruling. that finding may well have been economically motivated

-exercise-it works.

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By *uby0000Woman
over a year ago

hertfordshire

agree about fast food shops they are everywhere adverts about food cooking programmes its everywhere add to that meals ready in minutes its hopeless most kids will become fat adults

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By *histler21Man
over a year ago

Ipswich

My 2p: if obesity is a 'medical problem' - then yes, it is a disability.

If it is simply down to overeating/lack of exercise - then no, it isn't.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"its a disability because there is a psychological condition manifesting itself in excessive eating"
I cant see how its a disability, everyone got choice at the end of the day.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Was surprised to see somebody had apparently reversed their diagnosis of diabetes by losing weight. Didn't think that was possible.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Was surprised to see somebody had apparently reversed their diagnosis of diabetes by losing weight. Didn't think that was possible."

I had gestational diabetes many moons ago whilst pregnant with my son.Very soon after losing the baby bump I went back to normal.Does happen I suppose!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Was surprised to see somebody had apparently reversed their diagnosis of diabetes by losing weight. Didn't think that was possible."

Yes it is, with type 2 diabetes it's possible to reverse the condition with losing weight and making lifestyle changes. It's type 1 that's not reversible. X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Was surprised to see somebody had apparently reversed their diagnosis of diabetes by losing weight. Didn't think that was possible."

I'm fellowing a Paleo or Keto diet and apparently that can, for some diabetes anyway.

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By *dventurous fellaMan
over a year ago

where

If the weight stops you from being able to live a full and varied life without the need for specialist equipment then it’s a disability!

Feels like people are misunderstanding what a disability is! And jumping straight to whether or not it’s self inflicted?(loose term) There can be a variety of reasons behind weight issues ranging from physical to mental! Very few are medical and irreversible and it does generally come down to lifestyle choices. Bottom line is Eat less shite, eat more wholesome food and exercise more it’s a basic regime but tried and tested! All those outside the bell curve should get help from gp! And do something before it’s too late

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By *inkxRabbit OP   Woman
over a year ago

Mostly in GU24


"

Like others have said - it's hard being ridiculed too. I only ever go jogging when it's dark - makes running in the summer very late ! I felt really self conscious when I was larger and started road biking, but other road cyclists were lovely when I was out. They'd catch me up, have a chat and say well done. That kept me going, even though I felt some people would think - Christ look at that big lady on that bike. I've got over that now and just enjoy my riding for what it is.

I know all about the self-conscious aspects of exercising and can relate. Its a huge vicious circle for so many (myself included) to overcome. Taking those first steps to changing a lifestyle are the hardest - mentally, emotionally and physically.

Being trapped in a cycle of eating to make yourself feel better, looking in the mirror and feeling so miserable and scared that it just makes you eat to feel better. Been there, lived it, I still do on occasion.

Anyone, and I mean anyone, who would ridicule someone for taking positive action on improving their own health should be ashamed. Societies bent for 'fat-shaming' and ridicule isn't helping anyone, least of all those that need it.

I don't care any more what people think when I'm out on my bike, or when I'm out walking. Or when I'm at the swimming pool. I don't care any more what strangers think - because they are NOT helping me to get better, I don't know them and they have NO right to judge me for want to take positive action to becoming healthier. As the saying goes, if your not part of my solution, you;re just part of the problem.

So fuck the lot of them. Its a hell of thing, to be released from worrying what others think. It take a lot of effort. Every day I fight the battle - Ill fight it for the rest of my life. The important thing is that you win more than you lose and when you lose, you get right back into the fight again.

-

(Trying to sum up four years of self applied CBT in an internet post is difficult, so apologies if it doesn't come across well. )"

Well done! Learning to not give a fuck is extremely liberating!

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