really?

[greymule]

Much of my work involves editing of medical papers, and one of my clients studies issues of obesity for federal and state governments. In fact, I just finished editing a proposal for a follow-up to a 2002 study of the nutrient intake of children in America. Such a study costs millions of dollars.

Obesity is termed an "epidemic" today. Go to your local shopping mall and sit on a bench for half an hour, and you will see a dozen morbidly obese people go by. These are not just people who should lose some weight (like me); they are people with a body mass index of 35 or more (that would be 5'10", 244 lb.), and a 100% likelihood of severe health problems. In 1957, a person with a BMI of 40 (5'10", 278 lb.) was 1 in 20,000. Today, you see one or two at every ball game you umpire.

The federal government is particularly concerned, because the cost of related diseases is so high. For example, in the St. Louis metropolitan area alone, diabetes costs Medicare and Medicaid several billion dollars. It is ironic that in America obesity is far more prevalent at lower-income levels. In India and Africa, the poor people are not fat.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out most of the reasons behind the epidemic. For the first time in American history, for example, many children are sedentary, so much so that researchers speak of their high volume of "screen time." Sweets are also cheaper and more plentiful: in real dollars, Coca-Cola costs 1/20 of what it did in 1957. (If at the movies a "Big Gulp" of 52 ounces—with a pound and a half of sugar—cost $25 instead of $1.29, how many people would buy one?) Further, many people get 90% of their "nutrients" and calories through high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt fast food. Supersized portions eventually create supersized people.

But though the various culprits are largely obvious, no one is certain about their individual degree of significance. So much has changed over the years that it's impossible to get treatment and control groups, or to measure the effect of any single factor alone.

There is also growing concern about a particular ingredient that may be far more nefarious than anyone suspected: high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a cheap form of sugar that has fast replaced cane sugar in soft drinks and even many baked goods. (It was developed in the 1970s, but only recently has it surpassed cane sugar in use.) The evidence is hardly all in, but much of the problem might lie with HFCS, which, while it certainly sweetens, does not satisfy a person's desire for sweets. We all crave sweets at times, but we quickly "overdose" with cane sugar. But you can ingest HFCS all day and still want more. HFCS also has quite a different chemistry. Google it to learn some of its health concerns.

Note: BMI over 30 is considered overweight (and under 25 underweight), but this is just a general rule. Much depends on the person's body type. Still, BMI of 35 is obese no matter what the body type, and BMI of 40 is extremely serious. It's like having blood pressure of 180/130.

[Steven Tyler]

I was going to mention high fructose corn syrup if you didn't. I believe mostly though obesity is brought on by lifestyle choices. I don't know if anyone watches "The Biggest Loser" and that is what it is certainly all about. People on that show what to change their life and their way of living it.

Now, I agree it a promotional tool for 24 Hour Fitness since they are the main sponsor of the show. IMO, they show very little of what the participants really do and they more than likely workout in their own little fitness center from the looks of things. Reality TV in all it's glory.

The emotions of these people are real though. For the first time in years, they are learning how to come to grips with their struggles to lose weight. Even the people voted off the show take the knowledge and willpower gained with them back home and continue to exercise and diet properly. That's what is takes to pull the weight off more than anything. Total commitment to what your doing and having a goal in mind. Don't think you can't do it because you can. One pound a week is great progress, especially on a steady basis. Equals fifty two pounds in a year!

Too many make excuses why they can't lose weight and that's just wrong. Go see your doctor, get a complete check up and get started before the New Year. Give yourself an early Christmas present. Find a friend or spouse to sign up with you, but don't quit. When you reach your goal, don't stop to exercise. You will glad you did in the long run.

Yeah, it won't be easy, but it isn't as hard as you think. Don't be ashamed to walk into the fitness center either. You are there for yourself and yourself only. You are not in competition with anybody there. Keep that in mind. Weight loss in calories and calories out. The less calories you take in and the more you burn equals weight loss.

What have you got to lose? Only the weight you need to.

[greymule]

The less calories you take in and the more you burn equals weight loss.

True in theory, but it can be frustrating, because when you start cutting calories, your metabolism slows down, too. Many people eat less but lose no weight. For people who need to lose 10% to 15% of body weight, eating less and maintaining a better diet usually works, but people extremely overweight should consult a specialist. Surgery is often part of the solution.

Steven, you are 100% correct that it's a matter not of dieting but of making permanent changes that will result in gradual loss down to your normal weight. At least two Hollywood actors died of extreme and rapid weight loss: (1) Laird Cregar (famous for his 1944 portrayal of Jack the Ripper) died at 28 after going from 300 to 200 lb. in a short time, and (2) Oliver Hardy, who dropped from over 300 to 150 lb. in a few weeks. Anna Nicole Smith and Angela Aames also undoubtedly damaged their hearts with weight loss drugs.

The guy who used to sponsor my softball team would go from about 450 lb. to as much as 650 lb., and when he reached that point (BMI = 85!), he would check himself into a clinic for six weeks and take a couple of hundred pounds off. That was in the late 1970s, when he was in his thirties. (He was 6'2" and had once been a fine offensive lineman at a heavy weight but not an extreme one.) God rest his soul.

It always gets me when overweight guys I know insist on fake cream and artificial sweetener in their coffee (to save maybe 50 calories) and then spend the evening eating potato chips and drinking beer.

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by greymule

It always gets me when overweight guys I know insist on fake cream and artificial sweetener in their coffee (to save maybe 50 calories) and then spend the evening eating potato chips and drinking beer.

Even better is the one that goes to McDonalds, Gets a supersized Double QP w/ cheese, XL Fries...................

and a Diet Coke.

[greymule]

msavakinas: You went from 275 to 197 in 39 weeks, exactly 2 pounds per week. This was not a crash diet. What regimen did you follow to lose almost 30% of your body weight?

Even better is the one that goes to McDonalds, Gets a supersized Double QP w/ cheese, XL Fries................

Everyone should see the movie "Supersize Me." You'll never have a McMeal again.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by greymule

Everyone should see the movie "Supersize Me." You'll never have a McMeal again.

The fitness teacher a local high school has made that mandatory viewing in his classes. It takes with some kids, doesn't with others...similar to when they watch "Blood on the Highway" in drivers ed. They stiil feel invulnerable.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

Even better is the one that goes to McDonalds, Gets a supersized Double QP w/ cheese, XL Fries...................

and a Diet Coke.

That is an easy one to answer, as I am familiar with the order. The Diet Coke is because that person is a diabetic and can only drink diet soft drinks.

Anyway, sugar soda pop is worse for you than the burger and fries. Quit drinking regular soda and watch the pounds come off. Just be sure your system can have Aspartame.

[canadaump6]

Originally Posted by GarthB

The fitness teacher a local high school has made that mandatory viewing in his classes. It takes with some kids, doesn't with others...similar to when they watch "Blood on the Highway" in drivers ed. They stiil feel invulnerable.

Wow that's a two hour movie. Sounds like a big waste of class time to me, but I know if I was back in high school I would love having all that time to doze off.

Everyone should see the movie "Supersize Me." You'll never have a McMeal again.

I saw the movie and didn't find anything that disgusting about what gets put into the food. People always say stuff like "once you see what they put into those Chicken Mcnuggets you'll never want to eat them again". All I recall the video showing is that they were made from slaughtered chickens.

FEB 21, 2007: My scale said 275

November 18,2007: My scale says 197

Big congratulations on the weight loss! That's 9 months of regular vigorous exercise, not to mention finding the time during umpiring season.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

but I know if I was back in high school I would love having all that time to doze off.

That explains a lot.

[greymule]

I saw the movie and didn't find anything that disgusting about what gets put into the food.

Perhaps you were dozing off when the three physicians—who had originally claimed that eating at McDonald's was simply something you shouldn't do too often—changed their minds after examining the test subject after he had eaten at McDonald's for 2 weeks. All three physicians then asserted that a person should probably never eat at McDonalds.

Are you not a even a little bit suspicious about what might be put into a Big Mac or a serving of fries such that when they are left at room temperature under glass for entire month, they show no signs of decay? The comparison burger and fries were moldy and rotten within two days.

But suit yourself; it's your health.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Anyway, sugar soda pop is worse for you than the burger and fries. Quit drinking regular soda and watch the pounds come off.

I referred this to a nutritionist today. The basic reply I got was, "I don't think so".

In turn, I wouldn't recommend this advice.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

I referred this to a nutritionist today. The basic reply I got was, "I don't think so".

In turn, I wouldn't recommend this advice.

Oh, so your nutritionist friend thinks sugar sodas are good for you? I don't think so.

I would highly recommend switching from soda with 28 to 40 grams of sugar per 8 ounce glass to sugar free soda. It has been proven to aid in weight loss to those people who are addicted to sugar sodas.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Oh, so your nutritionist friend thinks sugar sodas are good for you? I don't think so.

I don't think that's a logical conclusion. Rather, I think it's more likley that the nutritionist doesn't think that there's any difference (from a weight loss perspective) between 250 calories from a "burger and fries" and 250 calories from a regular soda. (And the burger and fries probably has more calories than the soda)

I would highly recommend switching from soda with 28 to 40 grams of sugar per 8 ounce glass to sugar free soda. It has been proven to aid in weight loss to those people who are addicted to sugar sodas.

Sure. Switching from 6 cans of soda a day @ 150 calories per can to 6 cans of diet soda @ zero calories will save 900 calories a day or about 90 pounds in a year (all else being equal).

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I don't think that's a logical conclusion. Rather, I think it's more likley that the nutritionist doesn't think that there's any difference (from a weight loss perspective) between 250 calories from a "burger and fries" and 250 calories from a regular soda. (And the burger and fries probably has more calories than the soda)



Sure. Switching from 6 cans of soda a day @ 150 calories per can to 6 cans of diet soda @ zero calories will save 900 calories a day or about 90 pounds in a year (all else being equal).

A single helping of a hamburger and fries is about 750 to 1,000 calories or more depending on the size. Those burgers and fries turn to sugar when digested by the body. Plus, all the grease that accompanies them only helps clog and block arteries. While drinking diet soda reduces calories intake, the caffeine you will put in your body daily drinking six 12 oz. diet sodas really doesn't promote weight loss. It is best to drink water during the day and with each meal if you're really serious about losing weight.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

A single helping of a hamburger and fries is about 750 to 1,000 calories or more depending on the size. Those burgers and fries turn to sugar when digested by the body. Plus, all the grease that accompanies them only helps clog and block arteries. While drinking diet soda reduces calories intake, the caffeine you will put in your body daily drinking six 12 oz. diet sodas really doesn't promote weight loss. It is best to drink water during the day and with each meal if you're really serious about losing weight.

You must have stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.