really?

[canadaump6]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

What infuriates me is that these fat bashers on this forum continue to engage in this practice regardless of the fact that it shows a complete lack of interpersonal relationship skills. It is not socially acceptable to discriminate against people based on many things, including weight-height ratio, body fat percentage, or physical disability.

Besides, I'm a pretty big guy at 6', 288 lbs., but I can still do a catcher's squat repeatedly if I so choose. I don't do it because it is an improper stance when working the plate. It is a great stance, OTOH, for taking a crap on a camping trip in the woods.

Steve, quit being so paranoid. Nobody here was fat bashing. I was bashing umpires who are too lazy to work the plate, or 2nd base in a four man system, or cover 2nd base when their partner goes out on a fly to right. As a side note, many of these same guys don't exercise, but use age and genetics as an excuse for why they are so out of shape.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Steve, quit being so paranoid. Nobody here was fat bashing. I was bashing umpires who are too lazy to work the plate, or 2nd base in a four man system, or cover 2nd base when their partner goes out on a fly to right. As a side note, many of these same guys don't exercise, but use age and genetics as an excuse for why they are so out of shape.

I'm not paranoid. Don't try to tell me that fitump was not fat bashing, as that is one of his favorite hobbies. Oh, and there are plenty of skinny folks out there who try to get out of working the plate all the time. I love working the plate and I hustle my a$$ off. Very similar to what you see in Rich's videos he just posted. I run back to my positions too, I never walk. I run out to the outfield at the end of innings on the bases. I run to the line when the catcher sends it down. I hustle all the time. Most overweight umpires who can get around well hustle too, because of the misperception that we are just fat, lazy slobs.

Again you seem to be talking out of both sides of your mouth. Earlier you agreed that genetics play a big role in many obese (or overweight) people. This indeed does make it extremely difficult to take off weight for some people. Then in this post you say that genetics is used as an "excuse." Which is it, an important role in certain overweight people, or just an excuse for being out of shape?

Here is the fact: Many overweight people are also physically challenged in other health related areas, and simply cannot get the weight off. 65% of the population in the United States is considered by weight-to-height ratios to be obese. Fat people are certainly not a minority group.

On the other hand, every week I seem to hear of a skinny, "in shape," borderline anorexic star athlete keeling over dead in a marathon race, like that former Notre Dame star. Go figure.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Here is the fact: Many overweight people are also physically challenged in other health related areas, and simply cannot get the weight off.

Studies indicate that while health issues and weight go hand in hand, more often it is the weight issues that is the precursor to the health issue, e.g. diabetes and heart disease.

Those with both health issues and weight issues are the ones who should be taking the weight off the most.

65% of the population in the United States is considered by weight-to-height ratios to be obese. Fat people are certainly not a minority group.

Yet in many areas they are clamoring for minority group status and protection.

On the other hand, every week I seem to hear of a skinny, "in shape," borderline anorexic star athlete keeling over dead in a marathon race, like that former Notre Dame star. Go figure.

The number of thin people dying from physical exertion is miniscule in comparison. That's why it makes the news.

I am not unsympathetic. I have fought a tendency to gain weight since I turned 45. But I do fight, and right now I have it under control. The fight is easier these days since a "come to Jesus" meeting over my heart with a cardiologist. Nothing motivates like the ultimate consequence.

[canadaump6]

Which is it, an important role in certain overweight people, or just an excuse for being out of shape?

Both. Genetics certainly does have an influence on one's weight. But so do eating habits and exercise. While some people are bound to be a bit round around the edges, they should at least do their best to keep their weight under control.

I should add that one's size and physique does have an influence on how an umpire is treated and percieved. Someone who comes out to the ballpark in this kind of shape is going to find it hard to earn much respect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKqbONBsUJs

The fight is easier these days since a "come to Jesus" meeting over my heart with a cardiologist. Nothing motivates like the ultimate consequence.

I'm sorry to hear this, and I hope you stay healthy. When did this happen, what happened, etc.?

[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.