Do you 'dislike' fat people?

[DustinSchaap]

I have noticed that when I see fat people I don't seem to like them very much, after we talk it can be that my opinion is swayed but usually thats not the case. I asked around a lot with my friends and a lot of them say the same, people I don't know very well said the same thing (they wouldn't want to 'please' me with the answer). So I'm just wondering, do you dislike fat people? I'm not talking chubby mind, I'm talking FAT.

This is a serious thread and I think it's safe to post it on this forum, as I doubt a lot of unicyclists are fat and will kill me on sight because of posting this :rolleyes:

[ivan]

As a matter of fact, no, I don't like fat people. And I'm not trying to please you, if I was I'd say I like people with rectangular glasses(which I do).

Really fat people just make me think: "Geeze, man. Honestly... Take care of yourself!". I guess it's easy for me to say, I do sports and have the body type that simply doesn't grow fat, no matter how much I eat. Still, some people are just out of control.

And yes, my opinion often changes if I get to know them, but it often worsens as well, as a lot of fat people have a resentful attitude towards lean/fit people or just keep acting like absolute losers and treating their problem like something they can do nothing about(like a lot of smokers do).

Basically, if I were to become a dictator and start cleansing the population, obese people would be on the list. I've got blond hair and blue eyes, so it's okay for me to say it.

[bungalistic]

Basically, if I were to become a dictator and start cleansing the population, obese people would be on the list. I've got blond hair and blue eyes, so it's okay for me to say it.

Ha ha ha thats funny, I do to actually so that means I can say it too right?

I wouldn't say I hate fat people but I definately comment quite a lot on how fat people are when I see em (not to their face mind some are quite strong, though not good runners thankfully). What I really hate is fat people who don't like being fat, complain about it but still eat crap and don't do anything to change. I have a few friends who are a bit chunky to say the least and they do get a bit of grief from me in a friendly fashion.

I don't think anyone really (unless it is a serious medical matter) has an excuse for being a fat b*****d, it's not hard to stay healthy and be the correct size and weight for your body type, height etc.

[Hazmat]

I don't hate fat people as they are human too. It's like asking whether or not, you hate yourself type thing.

Besides i have alot of mates who are big boned and i treat them the same way as i would want to be treated. :D


Also i think this has to be the most useless poll ever. Sorry but that's how i feel about this.

[Spoonthumb]

i hate the fact that america is thought of as a OBESE nation because of several people's bad lifestyle choices!

[ivan]

i hate the fact that america is thought of as a OBESE nation because of several people's bad lifestyle choices!
That's an interesting use of the word 'several' that I hadn't been previously aware of.

[thejdw]

I wouldn't be friends with sombody who was huge

[forrestunifreak]

Well, I don't particularly like looking at them, and would try to avoid them a little, but if I met someone or had to talk to someone who was "fat" I would be as polite and friendly as normal...

[thejdw]

Well, I don't particularly like looking at them, and would try to avoid them a little, but if I met someone or had to talk to someone who was "fat" I would be as polite and friendly as normal...
thats a good way to put it

[Unitik908]

i hate the fact that america is thought of as a OBESE nation because of several people's bad lifestyle choices!

several...?
try like 65%

and saying you dont like fat people, is like saying you dont like jesus.
because he is in each and everyone of us!!!!!!!!

edit: In all good conscience, i can't keep it at that...
i was kidding.

but seriously fat people have souls, i know lots of cool fat people.
so i like them.

Chase

[thejdw]

and saying you dont like fat people, is like saying you dont like jesus.
because he is in each and everyone of us!!!!!!!!

There ain't no jesus in me :rolleyes:

[JJuggle]

Revealed: why slim people dislike the overweight
By Roger Dobson and Ian Griggs
29 July 2007
Independent On Sunday
(c) 2007 Independent News & Media PLC

NEWS

From the taunting of the chubby child in the playground to cruel jibes at fat people in work and social settings, few could doubt there is widespread prejudice against the overweight. However, according to research reported in Evolution and Human Behavior some people suffer abuse because being too fat is mistaken by the brain for a sign of disease.

Researchers say the immune system can be triggered into action at the sight of obesity because it doesn’t like the look of what it sees, and associates it with infection.

Just as it orchestrates attacks on viruses and bacteria and triggers nausea at the hint of bad food, so it sends out signals of disgust in some people at the sight of an obese body that is designed to encourage avoidance and survival.

The finding comes just days after research in The New England Journal of Medicine suggested that obesity is contagious, in a social rather than bacteriological sense.

“Antipathy toward obese people is a powerful and pervasive prejudice in many contemporary populations. Our results reveal, for the first time, that this prejudice may be rooted in multiple, independent mechanisms. They provide the first evidence that obesity serves as a cue for pathogen infection,’’ say the University of British Columbia researchers.

They say a behavioural immune system appears to have evolved in humans that is designed to detect body signs that are related to disease, like rashes and lesions. The sight of them triggers disgust as well as negative attitudes and avoidance. The system errs in favour of over-reacting because failure to react to a real danger could be fatal.

Researchers carried out a number of experiments, including word associations and tests where they compared the reactions and views of men and women to obesity.

The results show that people who agreed with comments such as “it really bothers me when people sneeze without covering their mouths” were more likely to agree with statement such as “if I were an employer looking to hire, I might avoid hiring a fat person”. The greater the fear of disease, the stronger the negative feeling about obesity.

But Clarissa Dickson Wright, the surviving half of the Two Fat Ladies cookery duo, said the research merely served to cover up the general prejudice of narrow-minded people. “In the 1960s there were a lot of bigoted people who were anti-black, anti-Jewish, anti-everything but when they couldn’t get away with that any more they turned into food-Nazis instead and began attacking people who were fat,” she said. “I suspect that this is what really drives people to be negative about fat people rather than an unconscious reaction.

Ms Dickson Wright said there was an aversion in America about even using the word “fat”, as she found when her programme was shown there.

“Reporters asked me: ‘How do you feel about the title of the show?’ and I said: ‘Which part? There’s two of us and I hope you’re not suggesting we’re not ladies.’ They just couldn’t say the word.”

“It’s a way to put sexism on the agenda,” said Beth Ditto, the lead singer for The Gossip.

“All this stuff completely negates what feminism stands for, and you can’t act like that’s not connected to other issues.”

[henkka]

and saying you dont like fat people, is like saying you dont like jesus.
because he is in each and everyone of us!!!!!!!!
I don't like Jesus but I have nothing against fat people.

[James_Potter]

I don't like Jesus but I have nothing against fat people.
What if Jesus was fat?
He did starve 5000 people by eating their fish.
Or something like that.

[thejdw]

What if Jesus was fat?
He did starve 5000 people by eating their fish.
Or something like that.
hahaha :D

[_Ground_Zero_]

Not that I hate REALLY fat people, I just A) laugh at them or B) feel no sympathy for them and laugh harder. They did that to themselves so they should understand that by eating bag after bag of Doritos that they were putting themselves in that situation.

[Spoonthumb]

That's an interesting use of the word 'several' that I hadn't been previously aware of.

you're right, MOST

[kington99]

how fat are we talking here? i mean terms like obese are more or less meaningless, bmi is horrendously inaccurate. The only really heavy people I've known have been quite athletic, I don't think i could have much respect for someone who has trouble climbing the stairs.

[Spoonthumb]

how fat are we talking here? i mean terms like obese are more or less meaningless, bmi is horrendously inaccurate. The only really heavy people I've known have been quite athletic, I don't think i could have much respect for someone who has trouble climbing the stairs.

http://www.letsgetreadytoramble.com/images/fatty.jpg

[JJuggle]

Jeez, if ever there was a time for BTM to chime in.

[thejdw]

how fat are we talking here?
This fat:
http://www.humanforsale.com/images/worlds-fattest-man.jpg

[Spoonthumb]

http://xs36.xs.to/pics/05276/obese-hitthis.jpg

[BillyTheMountain]

Jeez, if ever there was a time for BTM to chime in.

I'm sure you could say it all for me.

Anyone a fan of Sumo?

[James_Potter]

http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/beat_anorexia.jpg

[SqueakyOnion]

Honestly, I'm a little disappointed with the opinions I've read here. I thought the youth of today were more progressive than this.

Someone here related being obese to smoking. They know better, but don't REALLY try to do anything about it. Regardless, since when did someone else's problem become yours? With smoking, ok, second hand smoke. But there's no "second hand fat" that hurts you. It's THEIR problem. When did it become yours?

The only reason ya'll feel its ok to treat them differently is because its more visible than a lot of other problems. It makes them look very different.

You don't have to be ok with being fat, you don't have to enjoy looking at fat people, but you SHOULD treat them with courtesy and respect. They're individuals, just like you. Sure, they've made some bad choices and gotten into a bad pattern of behavior. But so do alcoholics, smokers, anorexics, and bulimics, and drug addicts. Would you walk up to a recovering alcoholic and laugh at them? Or how about laughing at an anorexic person who weighs 90 lbs? Sorry if you disagree, but laughing at those people would just be wrong. Everyone screws up. Everyone makes bad choices. Someone just go farther down that rabbit hole than others. Either help them out, or remain apathetic. Don't make their problem worse.

When you laugh at someone else's problem, you become PART OF THE PROBLEM.

If you really didn't like people being fat, you should become their friend and try to encourage them to take up a better lifestyle. Oh wait, that requires effort on your part, nevermind. It's easier to just laugh.

Their problem is just that: theirs. Don't make it yours.

[Spoonthumb]

Honestly, I'm a little disappointed with the opinions I've read here. I thought the youth of today were more progressive than this.

Someone here related being obese to smoking. They know better, but don't REALLY try to do anything about it. Regardless, since when did someone else's problem become yours? With smoking, ok, second hand smoke. But there's no "second hand fat" that hurts you. It's THEIR problem. When did it become yours?

The only reason ya'll feel its ok to treat them differently is because its more visible than a lot of other problems. It makes them look very different.

You don't have to be ok with being fat, you don't have to enjoy looking at fat people, but you SHOULD treat them with courtesy and respect. They're individuals, just like you. Sure, they've made some bad choices and gotten into a bad pattern of behavior. But so do alcoholics, smokers, anorexics, and bulimics, and drug addicts. Would you walk up to a recovering alcoholic and laugh at them? Or how about laughing at an anorexic person who weighs 90 lbs? Sorry if you disagree, but laughing at those people would just be wrong. Everyone screws up. Everyone makes bad choices. Someone just go farther down that rabbit hole than others. Either help them out, or remain apathetic. Don't make their problem worse.

When you laugh at someone else's problem, you become PART OF THE PROBLEM.

If you really didn't like people being fat, you should become their friend and try to encourage them to take up a better lifestyle. Oh wait, that requires effort on your part, nevermind. It's easier to just laugh.

Their problem is just that: theirs. Don't make it yours.

i didn't say one way or the other, i beleive you should still treat them courteously, i just dont like it when their poor choices reflect on ME...because of them America is considered the OBESE nation

[kington99]

Regardless, since when did someone else's problem become yours? With smoking, ok, second hand smoke. But there's no "second hand fat" that hurts you. It's THEIR problem. When did it become yours?



when my taxs go towards fixing that problem

[wheres_your_other_wheel]

i have nothing against fat people
but i wouldnt make friends with 1 i think i would feel paranoid
that they are always imagining how i would taste :p

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a283/Twolf634/5116fb85.gif
but fat people are funny :D

[Spoonthumb]

when my taxs go towards fixing that problem

OWNED

[kington99]

OWNED


well not quite, i'm not entirely au fait with the US tax and healthcare system, and to what extent free healthcare is available, so i don't know how much my point applies in the US. I do know that in the stroke unit i worked in over the summer, which costs a fortune to run, always has a long waiting list and serves only a small area, 25 to 50% of the patients are there because they're over weight.

[sutton629]

i live in America so there are fat people everywhere. (super size me) haha i hate Macdonald's but its not their fault. I know a few cool ones but i feel that people should take better care of their bodies.

[SqueakyOnion]

The only reason fat people (specifically) would get more tax money is if they voted themselves more money. In this instance, its up to YOU to get out, vote, and make your voice heard. If you don't VOTE, don't complain about groups of people voting themselves more money.

Your tax dollars go to help people that need it, often because of poor life choices. That goes for fat people, alcoholics, drug addicts, anorexics/bulimics, smokers, and any other lifestyle-induced health problems. Are you saying we should just drop all public funding support for things like AA and rehab? After all, it would be contradictory to help the alcoholics and not the fat people. They are both poor lifestyle induced ailments.


If you're worried about tax money (US citizens), I'd suggest you get up in arms against the war in Iraq or the "war on drugs" that costs billions and billions annually. Getting all riled up over fat people using your tax money is being penny conscious and pound foolish.

[JJuggle]

I Wish Someone Would Do Something About How Fat I Am (http://www.theonion.com/content/node/34110)

By Philip Von Zweck
June 15, 2005 | Issue 41•24
Philip Von Zweck

Let me level with you. I'm fat. Not heavyset, but F-A-T, fat. I'm not saying this because I'm proud. It takes a lot of courage to admit it, but I have a problem. Strangers gape in amazement. Children taunt me behind my back. People have trouble looking at me when I eat, and for good reason: I'm huge. But gosh, I don't like being this way. I hate it as much as you do—maybe more. What I want to know is, how come no one is doing anything about it?

For the past 10 years, everyone has stood idly by and watched my waistline balloon. My friends didn't say anything as I sat and ate one chili-cheese dog after another. Even my own family hasn't lifted a finger to solve my weight problem. My mom's idea of "helping" is cooking a delicious dinner with all the trimmings. She knows as well as I do that, if she cooks a scrumptious meal, I am going to eat at least five servings and half a loaf of buttered bread, but that doesn't stop her.

According to government statistics, nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight. If those figures are accurate—and I believe they are—then I really think the government should do something about this terrible affliction. I get winded walking to the corner, and I eat 3,000 calories before getting out of bed in the morning. I have cellulite on my forearms. Can't someone in Washington help me? Please? I am admitting that I need help. Now, someone—anyone—please help me.

I wish someone in the scientific community would look out for the obese little guy. They could provide liposuction and stomach stapling so a person like me would no longer be a danger to himself. Or, better, they could design a "magic bullet" to cure my corpulence. I mean, it seems like there should at least be a medicine that will make me stop stuffing my face when I'm full five times over. No kidding: If someone had an experimental new pill that would stop me from stuffing my face with food once I'm full five times over, I'd be the first in line to take it. Well, I mean, I would allow doctors to come to my home and administer the drug while I was comfortably splayed out on my sofa in my robe. That's how serious I am about having someone do something about my weight problem.

It is a problem. I know that. That's why I'm pleading for help. Obesity is ruining my life, if you want to know. I mean, I could die. I could really die, and it scares the hell out of me. I could drop like that if someone doesn't make me lose some weight.

I'll tell you what it is: My obesity is a direct result of the sheer volume of high-calorie, low-nutrition foodstuffs that are constantly available for my consumption. I go to the grocery store and load my cart with gallon upon gallon of pure-cream ice cream, bags and bags of so-called "healthy" chips, and enough cereal, frozen dinners, and candy bars to nourish an ox. No one even bats an eye. The cashiers blithely ring me up. The bag boys don't even complain that it takes them seven trips to get all of my food into the car. Everyone just acts like it's not their problem.

In a way, they're right. It isn't their fault. You see, I never could've packed on so many excess pounds without the thousands of farmers, truckers, grocers, and restaurateurs that supplied the steady stream of food I shoveled into my mouth for days and weeks and years without pause. I wish someone would do something to change that. Because, listen, I know myself, and I know that if restaurants keep frying food, I'll never convince myself to stop shoving brown, crispy food down my throat. It's time for some action. Stop me! Or stop them! I don't know! Just do something!

I've heard there are public-service announcements that address the obesity problem, but I don't really see how a commercial is going to make me stop eating. You see, odds are I'm in the kitchen making a sandwich during commercials. Someone should mail me a brochure about the risks of overeating. Better yet, send me a videotape. Reading on a full stomach makes me drowsy. Besides, I'm so exhausted most of the time, I fall asleep the second I hit the couch.

No one should have to live like I do. I shouldn't have to suffer the pain of eating a pail of fried chicken and a tub of mashed potatoes with gravy and still be hungry enough to polish off an entire apple pie. Where is your sense of human compassion? Please, someone, make me thin again. For God's sake, don't just stand there doing nothing.

[mornish]

when I see fat people I just kindof think "wow, it's just so hard to not stuff your face every time you eat, which is always."

It's not that hard to get exercise and eat healthy food...

[Magixause]

I like fat people unless they take their shirt off

[mill_mobile]

I gotta say i feel like Ivan when he stated something about taking care of themselves (i couldnt be arsed going back and quoting it).
When i see them the way they have looked after themselves (or not) gets me pissed off - do they want to die early?
OK, if they actually have a medical issue then thats different i guess, but yeah, all in all, i'd say i dislike them.

[yoopers]

Raphael may correct me...but I think I posted something once about black kettles?

[JJuggle]

Raphael may correct me...but I think I posted something once about black kettles?
Well, I personally have nothing against overweight people unless they're me. And, I happen to have taken off 21 lbs in the past 5 months and counting. :D

I'm grateful my daughter wanted a treadmill for her birthday. :D

[Borgschulze]

I dislike fat people who don't care that they're fat and just plain sit around all day.

If they're fat and they actually try to lose wait, I support them.

[thejdw]

I dislike fat people who don't care that they're fat and just plain sit around all day.

If they're fat and they actually try to lose wait, I support them.
+1

[UniBrier]

Raphael may correct me...but I think I posted something once about black kettles?Why yes you did. (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?p=193225&highlight=black#post193225)

free healthcareThat is the topic for another thread; I don't care if you call it Universal Health Care, Single Payer Health Care, or almost anything else. Just don't call it FREE Health Care because it aint free.


Back on topic: No one said you had to be or will be equally attracted to all faces, body types, personalities, etc. But if you've got an unfair prejudice based on these, it's time for some introspection.

[cathwood]

Good grief, what a complete and utterly judgemental lot most of you are.

[MuniAddict]

http://www.letsgetreadytoramble.com/images/fatty.jpg
That's child abuse, pure and simple!:eek:

[thejdw]

That's child abuse, pure and simple!:eek:
Yeah, that kid needs help

[phlegm]

It's not that hard to get exercise and eat healthy food...

...when you're a kid. When you grow up and have to sit for 40 hours a week at work, and your body doesn't function as well, then getting exercise requires more discipline, especially if you have other responsibilities like a family to take care of.

Have you "fatophobes" ever thought that maybe some people have other priorities or would rather spend their lives sitting around tickling their tongues instead of staying "in shape?" I know, it's hard for me to imagine too, but not everyone thinks just like you. Hating fat people just shows that you're a tool of the media that promotes a certain image of what it mean to be "in shape."

[Borgschulze]

Hating fat people just shows that you're a tool of the media that promotes a certain image of what it mean to be "in shape."
I don't think anyone on this forum is Anorexic or Bulimic.

[cathwood]

I don't think anyone on this forum is Anorexic or Bulimic.

How would you know?

[thejdw]

How would you know?
poll?

[MuniAddict]

Yeah, that kid needs helpAnd they're sure *not* getting any from their parents..and I use that term very loosely!

[DustinSchaap]

Who ever used the word hate? It's about stereotypes and prejudices, when I see a very fat person I seem to dislike them to start with. That doesn't mean I'll treat them less polite or take the piss out of them before a whole crowd of people. Some people here are being offended when there's no reason to be. This thread could have been: do you dislike gothics, or skinheads, anything basically.
And they're sure *not* getting any from their parents..and I use that term very loosely!
That kid you posted was probably fed steroids (read it in an article) when he was a baby, he's world famous and that is exactly why they did it.

[olwyn]

[QUOTE=ivan]As a matter of fact, no, I don't like fat people. And I'm not trying to please you, if I was I'd say I like people with rectangular glasses(which I do).

Really fat people just make me think: "Geeze, man. Honestly... Take care of yourself!". I guess it's easy for me to say, I do sports and have the body type that simply doesn't grow fat, no matter how much I eat. Still, some people are just out of control.

What if you talked to someone on here, on this forum daily who is ...fat...and you are really palie with...and you think they are cool... you then meet them how would you react? What is fat in your view? Would your view really change that much? Would you try to help them to lose fat/weight...what if they had a medical condition....would you look beyond that? Sorry this question would probably been looked at .. but what about painfully skinnie people? Another issue...?

[señor coolguy]

Hey,hey,hey! Are we saying that a little less than half of the people on this forum are not fans of Fat Albert?

[MuniAddict]

That kid you posted was probably fed steroids (read it in an article) when he was a baby, he's world famous and that is exactly why they did it.I didn't post that pic, but there are millions of obese children who are so as a direct result of the eating habits passed down from their parents.

[zfreak220]

I used to be a chubby child. ate a lot, watched a lot of tv, didn't do much else. my brother constantly made fun of me and how fat I was. I started biking, and then eventually running. and the exercise along with my teenage metabolism let me get fit.

now my brother says I'm scrawny, which is fine by me.

fat people are okay if they are trying to get healthy.

[DustinSchaap]

Ah, sorry, I thought you did. And yes, most eating habbits are probably passed down from the parents, though I know some 'big' people with skinny parents, other way around too of course but mainly fat people with fat parents. Though it mustve started somewhere! Interesting to know is that 90 percent (I thought it was more, but to be on the safe side I'll say 90) is overweight because of a non-medical reason. So basically nothing to do with any kind of illness or decease. That means 90 percent of those people are fat because they eat wrong or too much.

[phlegm]

This thread could have been: do you dislike gothics, or skinheads, anything basically.

Or, do you dislike gay people? What would the reaction be then?


Dislike is not far from hate. (http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?gwp=13&s=hate)

fat people are okay if they are trying to get healthy.

Why do fat people have to get healthy? Are all fat people not healthy? Define healthy?

[olwyn]

Any type of unaccecptablity because of gendre or belief is not the issue, being able to command your own self is the issue, and it's not the same for everyone. I loathe fat and even though I carry too much in the lady hip area myself doesn't mean I'm lazy or hate gays/catholic/jew /prodistants/men/glowsticks... it's calories verses exercise (ablity to excercise) Many illnesses cause issue with weight gain and loss.

[sutton629]

I think a good motivation to eat better is to watch the film super size me. It makes me sick to watch. I have eaten two Macdonald's burgers in my life and got sick both times. I am the only person in my family that does not have a decent gut or is just flat out overweight. I love my entire family no matter what they choose to do but I prefer to eat well and then exercise daily.

[Borgschulze]

poll?
Haha!

[BillyTheMountain]

In this thread title, why is "dislike" in quotes???

[_Ground_Zero_]

In this thread title, why is "dislike" in quotes???

It's a bit nicer than "hate"?:confused:

[dudewithasock]

I don't dislike them...though I do feel a general sense of disappointment when I see one. Mind you, some people are naturally bigger due to genetics and whatnot, and if they're attempting to not to be fat any more, then alright, I'm good. But even if they're not, I don't have any sense of hatred toward them, just disappointment in their apparent lack of motivation to stay healthy*.

*For phlegm: I'm defining "healthy" as "deviating as little as possible from the lifestyle that promises the longest potential lifespan".

[ridingwithscissors]

Its amazing how far this thread has gone in one day.

[Denali]

A couple of years ago, I disliked fat people too. But since then I've been doing some reading on physical activity, and the barriers and affordances that effect physical activity. The attached article is an interesting read. Took me a a fair few debates (heated arguments) with my Prof. before I began to slowly understand the other side to things.

[phlegm]

*For phlegm: I'm defining "healthy" as "deviating as little as possible from the lifestyle that promises the longest potential lifespan".

So, going big with my MUni is unhealthy too now? ;)

[ivan]

Someone here related being obese to smoking. They know better, but don't REALLY try to do anything about it. Regardless, since when did someone else's problem become yours? With smoking, ok, second hand smoke. But there's no "second hand fat" that hurts you. It's THEIR problem. When did it become yours?


Well, you have to look at them for one. Then, there's the public transport problem. Everybody uses it: lean/fat/smokers/alcoholics/drug addicts/aging grammas, but it's only the fat people who take up three seats per person. And it's usually the fat people who chew loudly and leave a lot of mess in movie theatres. Okay, maybe the last one is a generalisation, but you have to admit that an average fat person has more capacity and skill for messing up a movie with their food and drinks theatre than an average lean person.


You don't have to be ok with being fat, you don't have to enjoy looking at fat people, but you SHOULD treat them with courtesy and respect. They're individuals, just like you. Sure, they've made some bad choices and gotten into a bad pattern of behavior. But so do alcoholics, smokers, anorexics, and bulimics, and drug addicts. Would you walk up to a recovering alcoholic and laugh at them? Or how about laughing at an anorexic person who weighs 90 lbs? Sorry if you disagree, but laughing at those people would just be wrong. Everyone screws up. Everyone makes bad choices. Someone just go farther down that rabbit hole than others. Either help them out, or remain apathetic. Don't make their problem worse.

Who said I treat them differently? Just because I don't like someone doesn't mean I'm gonna laugh in their face or be rude to them or whatever. Sure, when I'm stressed or pissed off, it may show, I guess. Well, I'm sorry. I still love them as human beings, I just don't like them.


And on becoming their friend to convince them to stop being fat. Tried that with smokers. Except, they were already my friends/people close to me. Didn't work. The closest I got is getting one girl to stop for a day, then she started again. Maybe I'm just shit at convincing people, or maybe people prefer to make their own choices in life, whether the choices are healthy or not. And just because it's their choice to be fat doesn't mean I should like them for that.

[ivan]

Have you "fatophobes" ever thought that maybe some people have other priorities or would rather spend their lives sitting around tickling their tongues instead of staying "in shape?" I know, it's hard for me to imagine too, but not everyone thinks just like you. Hating fat people just shows that you're a tool of the media that promotes a certain image of what it mean to be "in shape."
Well, fine, go ahead and do what you want. Only, the type of lifestyle you described usually gives you a beer-belly, maybe double chin. There are also those seriously massive people who obviously couldn't have gotten there without having at least 20 meals a day on the average. That's a bit different.

And who said they hate fat people? I don't. I don't think I hate anyone. Why would I? But I don't like fat people. Maybe it's just because I like lean/fit/sporty people and fat people are the opposite. I don't know.

And, I didn't say this before, but I had some fat friends and they were cool. Lost touch now, but oh well.

[ivan]

What if you talked to someone on here, on this forum daily who is ...fat...and you are really palie with...and you think they are cool... you then meet them how would you react? What is fat in your view? Would your view really change that much? Would you try to help them to lose fat/weight...what if they had a medical condition....would you look beyond that? Sorry this question would probably been looked at .. but what about painfully skinnie people? Another issue...?
Well, suppose we've been friends on here with Oldridge(just made him up) for sometime and I'd never seen any pictures of him and then I go to Unicon and this massive piece of meat starts running at me after I just fell off some pallets doing trials on them I'd probably panic and try to get away. Seriously, though. I'd probably have a different mental picture of Oldridge from what he looks like in real life and his real image would probably clash with the mental image, possibly creating some discomfort for a while. But that depends on what mental image of Oldridge I had, if you understand what I mean. And of course I'd try to help them lose weight, if they wanted to. And yes, painfully skinny people is another issue. Although they don't annoy me as much, they can be quite hard to look at too. And you just keep wanting to give them a german pretzel or a cream cake or something...



Edit: Why do all three of my posts begin with "Well,...". Says something about my character, doesn't it?

[ivan]

And I'm not trying to please you, if I was I'd say I like people with rectangular glasses(which I do).

Wait, you're Dustin! I confused you with Peter, sorry!

[uni57]

With smoking, ok, second hand smoke. But there's no "second hand fat" that hurts you.But what if they fall on you? Hangin' out with a big fat fattie might be more dangerous than second-hand smoke.


I'm just kidding. Overweight people are starving. They are overfed and malnourished. They eat and eat and eat -- and their body keeps crying out, "FEED ME!" because the body wants nutrients -- vitamins, minerals, enzymes, anti-oxidants, quality fats including essential fatty acids, protein, cholesterol. Instead it gets refined, processed, dead food. Foods high in calories yet totally devoid of nutritional content. You stuff yourself full and the body still craves nutrients -- so it asks for more food. Feed the body nutrient-dense food and it won't want to eat as much. Well, that's my take on it. People just don't know how to eat. We need to look at the (almost) lost wisdom of how people ate before the epidemics of disease and obesity... (http://www.westonaprice.ong)

Also, I think it's a vicious cycle -- the fatter they get, the less active they become (ever see a 350 pound person jogging?). The more out-of-shape they become, the less exercise they can sustain (they can't go out and run a marathon to burn a couple thousand calories -- maybe the best they can do is just walk for a half-hour). They just can't burn enough calories. Less active means they lose muscle mass, which slows their metabolism and worsens their "massive" problem. And so on. Some may feel that their weight problem is hopeless -- so they dive into that box of Twinkies to console themselves. They are no different from the smoker who can't quit. Or the smoker who tries to quit, but when a stressful situation happens to them, they start smoking more than ever. Except that the smoker doesn't get such negative reactions from other people. The obese people know how other people feel about them (they probably feel the same way about themselves). So, treat them like they were thin. That being said...

I don't like going to the waterpark and seeing a big fat person (especially a big fat hairy guy with no shirt on). But I try to understand their problem. I'm a little overweight -- I know it's not easy to get thin.

[Probailer2]

Wait, you're Dustin! I confused you with Peter, sorry!

Waith, you confused me with Dustin? :eek:
OMG, thats weird because I'm cool and Dustin isn't :rolleyes:

Anyways, I find this a strange topic.
Myself, I don't dislike "fat" people.
But how I be against them is depending on how they live.
I'f they just eat and lay in the sofa day after day, then I would deff. tell them
to do something about there weight.
But if they are doing stuff to lose weight, then I would try and help them with it if I know them.
Then again, I don't have much fat friends.
Don't know why, maybe because Belgium hasn't got a McDonalds at every corner.

Peter M

[mattsmith]

Firstly, I don't dislike fat people. Some of my best friends are pretty fat. I'm not voting in the poll because none of the options are applicable.

I admit that I have an underlying feeling of contempt for some fat people.
I'm not saying I approve of myself, I know the feeling is irrational and I put it aside.

Having read that the article from the Independent On Sunday that JJuggle quoted I'm feeling a little better to know that it's not just me.

That said, I'd already noted some differences between the way I feel about some fat people, and that article goes some way to explaining their validity.
Some people are just pain fat, and a quick scan of their physical build generally reveals that they would have a tough time being any other way. They're usually quite active and being fat isn't something that gets in their way. I have a good friend who is like this (actually his whole family is except his skinny little father) and his weight worries me. I want to help him lose some of his excess but I don't know how.
Others are fat through their own "choices". I don't like the term choice here, but I'm struggling to come up with a better word. A key feature of those people is bad skin. Redness from burst blood vessels; palid complection, and they're obviously tired out by even the slightest physical exertion.
They're the ones that I feel oddly angry at. I work with a woman like this. She's soooo lazy, which is in itself a cause for dislike. But she's always saying that she's on a diet, and that "she's been really good today." when she's demolished a kilo of cheese at lunch time that she conveniently forgets. She was dress size 10 when she got married ~20 years ago (btw UK dress sizes are not the same as US sizes) but now she must be at least size 20. When she's moaning that her weight is causing her problems I just want to scream at her that its her own stupid fault for being so damned fat. I think that if she didn't mention it, I'd care a whole lot less as I get similarly worked up about those who complain that they can't stop smoking. "STOP BUYING CIGARETTES!" is my usual response. You know the risks, you can see your options, make your choice and stick with it.

So no, I don't dislike fat people, but equally I don't like people who can't accept responsibility for their own actions. People are not automatons.

Wow. That turned into a bit of a rant :o

[Naomi]

Dislike: not at all. Why should I dislike anyone because of their weight?

But I confess that I worry for them: I know they are shortening their lives, and wonder why they do nothing about it. And yes, I do know some have medical reasons, but most don't. I strongly suspect that controlling weight is even harder than giving up smoking. Research suggests most people who lose weight put it back on again within a couple of years. I sometimes think I should offer advice, but then I think I would be infringing on their freedom. I do not want to be seen as critical, so I would only discuss it, very gently, with a close overweight friend.
As with smoking they must all know the weight is not good for them: do they need me to tell them? Many would resent being told. A government led programme of generating awareness seems the only logical (politically correct?) way to go. I would like to see people enjoying their lives more, and certainly excess weight does restrict some leisure opportunities for them. But attacking the overweight as individuals, and "disliking" them is not good. It shows in the attacker an attitude that could in itself provoke dislike from others.

Nao

[digigal1]

Looking at a few of the posts here, I can only guess that it's easy to judge people when you've been on the planet less than a couple decades.

Judging people before knowing them: Prejudice. I don't care if it's something you're inarguably born with (skin color) or a condition you think a person may be able to change. Some people think I could change my homosexuality, like a fat person could go on a diet.

[ivan]

What exactly do you mean by judging people before you know them? When exactly do you begin to "know" them? And don't you have to judge them at least a little bit in order to say that you "know" them?

And I'm proud to say that I judge people by their appearances all the time. If you think about it people's actions are also appearances that they put on, just of a slightly different sort. So are the things they say. It's all appearances. Oh, and I don't trust my judgements that much either.

Happy now?

[digigal1]

What I said: judging people before you know them. Have you never heard of prejudice? Look it up on merriam webster.

No, you don't have to judge people before you know them.

I'm glad you're so proud of yourself for something like judging by appearances. I'm also glad I don't have to pass your scrutiny. I'm a middle-aged, 30-pounds-overweight lesbian. I'm guessing I wouldn't be on your A list.

As you get older, you'll meet many people whose actions or statements are not "appearances that they put on." You'll meet genuine, honest, real people.

Why would anything you said have made me happy?

[ivan]

Yes, I know what prejudice is. It means basing your opinions of individuals on some group that they belong to(racial, gender, age, religion, whatever). That's without looking it up.

You haven't answered my question. What do you mean by "knowing" someone?

And I've no idea of what you mean when you refer to my "A list". You're an overweight middle-aged lesbian, so what? What list do you want to be on? If it was a potential sexual partner list, you probably wouldn't rank very high(for obvious reasons). On the other hand, if it was a good violin players list you could easily take the first place(assuming you can play better violin than my friend Tim) and your weight/gender/sexual orientation or age would have nothing to do with it.

And genuine, honest, real(Ali G?) person is also an appearance. I'm not saying they're pretending to be genuine or honest, all I'm saying the impressions we get from them is all we can judge them by. The impressions are made from their appearances(again, not the looks, but how they act/what they say/other people's opinions of them) and if you don't judge by appearances then you've got nothing left to judge by.

I thought it would make you happy, because my last post was quite cynical. Reading cynical things usually makes me more happy. I thought maybe you're the same as me.

[BillyTheMountain]

I confess that I worry for them: I know they are shortening their lives, and wonder why they do nothing about it. And yes, I do know some have medical reasons, but most don't. I strongly suspect that controlling weight is even harder than giving up smoking. Research suggests most people who lose weight put it back on again within a couple of years. I sometimes think I should offer advice, but then I think I would be infringing on their freedom. I do not want to be seen as critical, so I would only discuss it, very gently, with a close overweight friend.
As with smoking they must all know the weight is not good for them: do they need me to tell them? Many would resent being told. A government led programme of generating awareness seems the only logical (politically correct?) way to go. Nao

Nao,

Now, now, Nao. Drinking soda increases your liklihood of developing diabetes, eating meat increases your liklihood of developing cardiovascular problems.

I don't wonder why they drink soda and eat meat, despite the risks.

People who parachute or scuba dive pay LOTS more for life insurance, if anyone will cover them at all, because those sports are so dangerous. I don't wonder why they do it.

Being openly gay increases your likelihood of getting gay-bashed. I don't wonder why anyone ever comes out of the closet.

I can't tell them, and you don't want to. Your idea of "a government led programme of generating awareness seems the only logical (politically correct?) way to go." Let the government educate people to eat less meat, drink less soda, don't scuba dive or parachute, and stay in the closet.

And that's just for starters. The government here is already preaching sexual abstinence, and schools that don't teach it lose LOTS of $$$ funding.

Billy

[yoopers]

I like this guy!!! He's awesome!!! Only G.H. is more awesomer.

.

[The UniSLAB]

Haha this thread is awesome!

I love the excuses people give for being fat:)

Hahah,"Some people have better things to do then work out....". Ok welll....don't eat so much maybe?

[MuniAddict]

Oliver Hardy, W.C. Fields, Lou Costello, John Candy--and many other great comedians--just wouldn't have been the same had they been GQ-thin! And it would have been an honor to have met, and gotten to know each of them! Yes, a good sense of humor makes anyone, regardless of appearance, fun to know and associate with, IMO.:D Sometimes the best "looking" people on the outside can be downright ugly on the inside.

[genbirch]

Dave Lowell has a good head on his shoulders. See his entry #70 in this thread.

Think too about the genetics involved in each of our physiologies and physiognomies. A herd of folks capable of mounting a one-wheeled steed and then doing stuff on it should not be able, with clear consciences, to bash, bash, bash big people. The average member of this forum is a wonderfully lucky individual (i.e. computer to write on, discretionary spending ability to buy unicycles with, good balance, etc.)

Really. Some people have a hard time getting smart - should we dash them onto the stones? Use some empathy, logic and statistics in your lives. Every aspect of humanity exists in a continuum - bell curves - terrifically fat and terrifically thin at the extremes. Don't quibble about the shape of this particular bmi bell. It's what it is.

Massive human populations are something worth mobilizing your energies against - not massive human individuals. That's scapegoating in weird and unreasonable ways.

Penance for some of you bashers and haters should be to befriend a less fortunate member of your respective societies. Maybe this person could be obese.

[Jerrick]

The only thing that displeases me is how some shows and media coverage that if you are fat, to stay fat, cause that's who you are.

Sure you should be proud of yourself, and for some people, they are genetically going to have a higher percent of body fat and have a hard time getting it off. Not using that as an excuse, cause they can still work it off if they worked at it.

But, there are some people who are big because they just are lazy, have bad habits with what they do in their free time, and what they consume into their bodies. Then from hearing the "be proud of your size, don't change a thing" message from the media, they continue to be harsh to their body, and many people die very early from that life style.

Its hard to explain this with the right words, so ill think about it more today and come back to post so no one makes a misjudgement of my context and start to think I have bad thought and opinions on bigger people.

[UniBrier]

Oliver Hardy, W.C. Fields, Lou Costello, John Candy--andHurley.

http://solitaryphoenix.com/Lost_Hurley_3.jpg

[MuniAddict]

Hurley.

http://solitaryphoenix.com/Lost_Hurley_3.jpgIs he a comedian?:confused:

[señor coolguy]

what about chris farley/matt foley?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b303/Mirage2kGS/matt_foley.jpg

[MuniAddict]

what about chris farley/matt foley?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b303/Mirage2kGS/matt_foley.jpgHell yeah! He was great too! Motivational speaker Matt Foley a big favorite! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0vZGE-HMrQ

[Hazmat]

Is he a comedian?:confused:
His from the show LOST Terry. :D

[James_Potter]

His from the show LOST Terry. :D
He's my favorite character on the show!!
I love Hurley.

[BillyTheMountain]

The only thing that displeases me is how some shows and media coverage that if you are fat, to stay fat, cause that's who you are.

Sure you should be proud of yourself, and for some people, they are genetically going to have a higher percent of body fat and have a hard time getting it off. Not using that as an excuse, cause they can still work it off if they worked at it.

But, there are some people who are big because they just are lazy, have bad habits with what they do in their free time, and what they consume into their bodies. Then from hearing the "be proud of your size, don't change a thing" message from the media, they continue to be harsh to their body, and many people die very early from that life style.

Its hard to explain this with the right words, so ill think about it more today and come back to post so no one makes a misjudgement of my context and start to think I have bad thought and opinions on bigger people.

Don't you hate it moreso the shows that support normal weight people to stay normal weight, or to even be proud of themselves, like it's some super accomplishment, or something to be proud of. Or shows like America's next Super Model, making like Model weight and figure is something to aspire to? Whe it's all just a lot fo crap, right?

I know this belongs in the "who hates normal weight people?" thread, but no one is reading that one.

[MuniAddict]

His from the show LOST Terry. :DAhh, never watched it. Now Family Guy...there's a great show, and Peter Griffin is fat too! He's hilarious..but so is Stewie, Brian and Quagmire!:D:cool::p:)

[Klaas Bil]

Hey Dustin, reading your sig line, you must have some secret desire to be fat:

"Ah, but can you compress your tire like this?"

[UniBrier]

Today's Doonesbury.

[Unibugg]

This is a serious thread and I think it's safe to post it on this forum, as I doubt a lot of unicyclists are fat and will kill me on sight because of posting this :rolleyes:

You doubt that a lot of unicyclists are fat. How many unicyclists do you know?

I've seen a few posts in our forum from beginners who are concerned about their weight and the durability of today's unicycle. Unfortunately several of these posts were not answered in the friendly helpful manner we usually see. I wonder how many fat or overweight people were discouraged from continuing to learn or from posting in this forum.

You doubt that there are a lot of fat unicyclists? Fat is relative but if we go from the mildly overweight to morbidly obese I bet you will find plenty of unicyclists. A morbidly obese person might not be an active unicyclist now, but certainly could have ridden some time in his/her life.

Fat unicyclists...Skinny unicyclists... I would hope that if I ever made it to a unicycle meet my weight wouldn't be the first thing unicyclist.com members would judge. "She's so skinny, doesn't she eat? Is she anorexic." or "OMG she is huge. Does she really ride? What do you think she has to eat in her camelbak?" I would expect this from the general public, but unicyclists should know better. :)

Overweight people are starving. They are overfed and malnourished.

Your entire post was very informative. I encourage all to read it.

[DustinSchaap]

You doubt that a lot of unicyclists are fat. How many unicyclists do you know?
...
You doubt that there are a lot of fat unicyclists? Fat is relative but if we go from the mildly overweight to morbidly obese I bet you will find plenty of unicyclists. A morbidly obese person might not be an active unicyclist now, but certainly could have ridden some time in his/her life.
I go to as many unicycling conventions as I can and run most meetings in the Netherlands. I've been to Unicon with 1000+ people and I can say there were not a lot of overweight people. I think it's normal to assume not to find many overweight people on a sport forum, I probably wouldn't have started this thread on a slow cooking forum.

I would expect this from the general public, but unicyclists should know better. :)
I agree, unicyclists use their brains in a total different way than other people and luckily have no prejudices at all.

I'm surprised at how many people posted here, thanks for that. The articles that were posted were really useful as well. For the people who were offended by this topic, I read some posts that I was sure people were offended. It's not a hate topic, its simply a discussion about what people think when they see a certain type of people.

In this thread title, why is "dislike" in quotes???
Because dislike isn't really the word, people used the words hate, contempt, worry but none of them is really the word. The topic was about your first thought when you see a fat person, not people you've known for ages because I have overweight friends too, don't we all? Still, on seeing a fat person my first reaction is negative. For the noble people who posted that we shouldn't have any prejudices: easier to stop breathing. Wether you supress the feeling on seeing someone is a whole different matter, or not doing anything with the stimulus you get. It's the same thing on seeing a really hawt girl, you think "Wow she's hot", or on sight of a very pale person "He/she must be sick" and on the sight of an overweight person "..." fill it in, that was what this topic was for.

Again, thanks to everyone!

[thejdw]

Dustin do you know anybody with wide hips?

[Klaas Bil]

Dustin do you know anybody with wide hips?
Wide hips, mmmm!

[DustinSchaap]

Dustin do you know anybody with wide hips?
Hahaha

[thejdw]

Hahaha
She still not talking to you?

[johnfoss]

Good grief, what a complete and utterly judgmental lot most of you are.And if I may, I'll add ignorant. Best post I noticed in the thread, though I didn't read it all.

The poll itself is slanted, and anti-fat people while supposedly asking for an honest opinion. Most of the people responding seem to not realize what it's like to be overweight. Some of us are or were, but most haven't had the experience, and possibly don't know anyone in that situation to have a better understanding.

Being fat is like being anything else. How you got that way could be for any number of reasons. Last night I was watching something on TV where some scientists were isolating genetic qualities that supposedly make two otherwise identical individuals, with identical living situations, turn out differently. With the same level of activity, one ate all the time and got fat while the other ate a more typical amount and stayed fit. These were lab animals but the genetic idea in question may exist in humans as well. Kind of a sensor that tells you to stop eating when you're full. Some of us don't tend to eat enough because we don't feel hungry, while others tend to feel hungry all the time. Whose fault is that?

Eating, on the other hand, is a choice, but according to the above we are not all equal in the eating department. So then you suddenly find yourself morbidly obese and want to get out of it. It's not easy. Being overweight can carry with it all the psychological issues you might have with any other area in which a person may feel inferior. Things you're afraid to try because you don't think you can do them. Fear of failure that's so great it doesn't allow you to try.

Most people will never try a unicycle because they are so convinced they could never do it they won't allow themselves to commit the time to find out otherwise. We've all seen these people. The same attitude can be applied to anything, and that's what leads us to all the messed-up ways people can get to be. Being fat is just one of them. Which brings me to something great that Dustin wrote:

For the noble people who posted that we shouldn't have any prejudices: easier to stop breathing. Whether you suppress the feeling on seeing someone is a whole different matter, or not doing anything with the stimulus you get. It's the same thing on seeing a really hawt girl, you think "Wow she's hot", or on sight of a very pale person "He/she must be sick" and on the sight of an overweight person "..." fill it in, that was what this topic was for.But are we slaves to our prejudices? Actually we're not. We can grow out of them. All it takes is education and a little determination. When I used to look at people of different colors, for example, my head used to fill with preconceived notions of what that told about those people. Over the years I have come to know so many varied people of all different colors, that a person's color no longer "slots" them in mind. I have learned to wait and see what a person says or does before I start to form any "real" opinions about them.

Does this mean I don't see "fat" when I look at a fat person? Not at all. What it does mean is that I don't assume someone is lazy or gluttonous just because they're overweight. Once I mentioned to my wife that many of her company's clients (she works with developmentally disabled adults) are overweight. Shouldn't they try to be more active? Her answer was twofold:

1. Of course, so should anyone whose overweight. But in most cases it's up to the individual to want to do it, and to then follow through and do something about it. Too many of us don't.
2. Many of her clients have to take various types of medication to help them deal with all sorts of ailments, often of a psychological nature. Many of these meds make you lethargic, where it's a lot harder to stay thin and even harder to exercise. In short, for a lot of people it's a much better life to be fat than schizophrenic.

Don't judge, support.
If necessary, grow up. You *can* change your prejudices.

[Unibugg]

I go to as many unicycling conventions as I can and run most meetings in the Netherlands. I've been to Unicon with 1000+ people and I can say there were not a lot of overweight people.

1000+ out of what is our estimate so far? a million?

[Spoonthumb]

...when you're a kid. When you grow up and have to sit for 40 hours a week at work, and your body doesn't function as well, then getting exercise requires more discipline, especially if you have other responsibilities like a family to take care of.

Have you "fatophobes" ever thought that maybe some people have other priorities or would rather spend their lives sitting around tickling their tongues instead of staying "in shape?" I know, it's hard for me to imagine too, but not everyone thinks just like you. Hating fat people just shows that you're a tool of the media that promotes a certain image of what it mean to be "in shape."

Pshf...like sitting in school is any different...i sit in school for more than 40 hours a week so dont give me that crap...

[cathwood]

It's really difficult to get back 'into shape' after having children (like there is some particular shape we are supposed to be in). It's even harder to get 'into shape' when you have young children and a job and no one to babysit for you to go out and get some exercise because your husband and you co-ordinate things so that you are looking after the kids when he is working and vice versa.

You have very little time to exercise so you can't get a buzz from that. You are too responsible to get a buzz from drugs or alcohol so you go for the next best thing - chocolate. (Everyone needs a regular buzz).

You have different priorities - like childcare, housework, keeping yourself financially healthy, to pander to the media's construction of the ideal 'shape'.

You fatists oppressors are just swallowing the media/hollywood representation of what we are supposed to look like. Baaaa.

[yoopers]

It's really difficult to get back 'into shape'...
Like I always say, "Round is a shape."

[BillyTheMountain]

Don't you hate it moreso the shows that support normal weight people to stay normal weight, or to even be proud of themselves, like it's some super accomplishment, or something to be proud of. Or shows like America's next Super Model, making like Model weight and figure is something to aspire to? Whe it's all just a lot fo crap, right?

I know this belongs in the "who hates normal weight people?" thread, but no one is reading that one.

You fatists oppressors are just swallowing the media/hollywood representation of what we are supposed to look like. Baaaa.

And I agree with John that what you eat is a choice, and the fascists don't want you to have a choice. They want to oppress you.

Fatists are insecure people who defensively overvalue their temporarily slim healthy bodies (At consciousness raising groups about this, we call such people "TSHs").

Fatism is a social disease!!!

[Unibugg]

You are too responsible to get a buzz from drugs or alcohol so you go for the next best thing - chocolate. (Everyone needs a regular buzz).


Oooh, great idea. A chocolate high while getting a "uni fix". :D

[habbywall]

I dislike fate people. Extremely overweight people I dislike. Pudgy people are usually okay. But fat people I dislike.
I like phat people though. But that isn't about this thread.
I will vote in your poll now. Then leave. I'm not going to discuss this topic, just tell you how I feel about it.
The End.

[The UniSLAB]

I actually thought their was going to be a point to what you said but then I realized it was another "I got kids...blah blah blah...got better things to do..." excuse.

When in reality its very simple. SELF CONTROL:) Their is no need to just eat chocolate b/c you can't go ride a bike around the block or do some crunches in your house while watching t.v.

Haha, chocolate buzz...:rolleyes: ....You must really like your food

It's really difficult to get back 'into shape' after having children (like there is some particular shape we are supposed to be in). It's even harder to get 'into shape' when you have young children and a job and no one to babysit for you to go out and get some exercise because your husband and you co-ordinate things so that you are looking after the kids when he is working and vice versa.

You have very little time to exercise so you can't get a buzz from that. You are too responsible to get a buzz from drugs or alcohol so you go for the next best thing - chocolate. (Everyone needs a regular buzz).

You have different priorities - like childcare, housework, keeping yourself financially healthy, to pander to the media's construction of the ideal 'shape'.

You fatists oppressors are just swallowing the media/hollywood representation of what we are supposed to look like. Baaaa.

[SqueakyOnion]

You have very little time to exercise so you can't get a buzz from that. You are too responsible to get a buzz from drugs or alcohol so you go for the next best thing - chocolate. (Everyone needs a regular buzz).



Just try smoking! A buzz AND you lose weight! (nevermind the health concerns..)

It's true though, chocolate releases endorphines in your brain. Just like coaine, heroine, and alcohol (but not marijuana), only in much lesser amounts.


On a more serious note, I REALLY liked what John Foss (Mr. Foss? I guess on the informality of forums, I can use a first name?) said about controlling and changing prejudices. That is EXACTLY what I am constantly doing, trying to change my prejudices. It's really hard. The hardest part is recognizing when you are thinking a prejudicial thought. Once you recognize them, you can control them and, OVER TIME, change them.


Most people will never try a unicycle because they are so convinced they could never do it they won't allow themselves to commit the time to find out otherwise. We've all seen these people. The same attitude can be applied to anything, and that's what leads us to all the messed-up ways people can get to be.

I think this can be directly applied to people's prejudices. They accept them, without any commitment to change. It's too hard to change the, so why even try?



I'm really glad John Foss and cathwood have voiced their thoughts. I fear if they hadn't this would have become a mild hate thread, save for my posts and maybe a few others. I feel my opinion is validated now, hehe.

[Unibugg]

I actually thought their was going to be a point to what you said but then I realized it was another "I got kids...blah blah blah...got better things to do..." excuse.

When in reality its very simple. SELF CONTROL:) Their is no need to just eat chocolate b/c you can't go ride a bike around the block or do some crunches in your house while watching t.v.

Haha, chocolate buzz...:rolleyes: ....You must really like your food


There are a lot of mature young people who would know what Cathy's posts are about. But I guess it is too much to expect you who haven't been alive even 2 decades to read between the lines and have a clue as to what a 42 year old woman has experienced and what having and raising children could do.

You might want to do a little research on dopamine receptors. You'd learn a lot.

[Naomi]

1000+ out of what is our estimate so far? a million?


1000 may well be a small proportion of a million. But statistically it is a good sample size, and results based upon it have considerable significance as an indicator of what the other 999,000 will be like in general.
It does of course assume a fair sampling method, and if it were the case that overweight unicyclists simply do not attend conventions....

However I would say that in general anyone who unicycles is likely to have an active lifestyle. Maybe some take up unicycling specifically to lose weight and improve their fitness, but it is unlikely that those already significantly overweight would consider unicycling as a first step in trimming their figures. Most considering unicycling would already consider themselves to be fairly active, and therefore just looking to diversify their interests.

Nao

[The UniSLAB]

You might want to do a little research on dopamine receptors. You'd learn a lot.

Thank you. I learned so much.

Now I know what to tell everyone if I ever get overweight. "It's my dopamine receptors... honestly".

[Unicorn]

I love Fat People! Fat guys kind of eliminate the competition and hell, who hasn't gone hoggin? Just don't let your mates see you with them!

Honestly, I have no problems with fat people as long as they are not sitting next to me in a plane, train or bus!

I got some fat friends. They are just like all other people. Some are envious of slim people and some are just happy the way they are.

I do find it kind of annoying when I see a chick who would be sooooo sexy if she only lost X amount of pounds though!

I agree with Ivan! If I were a dictator I would ban the use of whale blubber and use the human substitute instead! Its just that whales are endangered and Fat People are everywhere!

Unicorn

[johnfoss]

But I guess it is too much to expect you who haven't been alive even 2 decades to read between the lines and have a clue as to what a 42 year old woman has experienced and what having and raising children could do.Thanks for responding to that one so I don't have to. Live on your own for a while, in your own place and fully supporting yourself financially to start to get the picture. But you'd have to add kids to really know what she means (being single still leaves tons of time).

1000 may well be a small proportion of a million. But statistically it is a good sample size, and results based upon it have considerable significance as an indicator of what the other 999,000 will be like in general.One million is my estimate of the # of unicyclists in the United States. Japan claims over 6,000,000 in that nation of about 100,000,000 alone. But let's say the folks that go to Unicon represent 1%. If they do, does anyone really think they represent the "typical" unicyclist? Gimme a break.

Are unicyclists generally on the fit, or average build side? Yes. What does this mean? Not a whole lot, unfortunately. Look at any other sport that requires a similar amount of effort to learn and do and you may notice a similar level of fitness level or average build. Bowling? Golf? Not so active. Bicycling? People who crank out lots of miles are usually pretty fit, etc.

[Borgschulze]

I'm thin, but I'm also very unfit.

I can run a kilometer, I can bike 20km+ non stop, but I can't do things like weight lifting... I have no abs... I can barely do 10 push ups...

What I have is metabolism. I'm pretty much pure bred cyclist... :rolleyes: All the strength is in the legs.

[mill_mobile]

I'm thin, but I'm also very unfit.

I can run a kilometer, I can bike 20km+ non stop, but I can't do things like weight lifting... I have no abs... I can barely do 10 push ups...

What I have is metabolism. I'm pretty much pure bred cyclist... :rolleyes: All the strength is in the legs.
Im like this too - But i like to say i'm fit...
I can run about 6K, ride a bike 50K, cant lift weights, no abs, and struggle with push-ups...
Cyclist is where i'm at:D

[Unibugg]

Thank you. I learned so much.

You're welcome.

[dudewithasock]

...and hell, who hasn't gone hoggin? Just don't let your mates see you with them!

Umm...

http://www.myteespot.com/images/Images_d/d_7387.jpg

I do find it kind of annoying when I see a chick who would be sooooo sexy if she only lost X amount of pounds though!

I hear ya, man...I see a lot of that in my generation now. I can understand it if you're in a situation like Cathy's, where you're an adult with a job and a kid or two and a lot of responsibility, but come on, a high schooler? College undergrad? Keep the weight under control for us! :P

[wobbling bear]

there may be many reason for disliking the mere sight of a fat person.
one important may be fear: "hey am I slowly going that way?"....

My personal feeling is that there is "fat" and "fat"....
In my home country (SW France) people from the lowlands tend to be overweight ... but have a fairly low rate of such things as heart disease or diabetes ... why is a much debated topic. So I tend not to be wary of that kind of "pudgy" or "bearish" look which is common in my family.
When I was a young boy one of my friend (who was russian) had a metabolic problem and was obese in an unhealthy way. I was sad for him because other children were poking fun at him.
Now I must admit I feel unease when in presence of some obese people : I say "some". why "some" and not "all" remains a mystery to me .

[nick]

It's really disgusting that so many males in this thread consider that the main reason for women to stay fit is to look good for them.

[wobbling bear]

It's really disgusting that so many males in this thread consider that the main reason for women to stay fit is to look good for them.
the reverse is also true: there are many places on earth were women must be overweight to be considered a suitable wife.:(
(and fat men are considered rich enough to raise a family)

[dudewithasock]

It's really disgusting that so many males in this thread consider that the main reason for women to stay fit is to look good for them.

My post was largely sarcasm, if you didn't pick up on that.

[monkeyman]

Wow, some of you guys are assholes.

Cathy and John both said it right.

[WOFT]

In some african cultures, being fat is a sign of wealth and attractiveness - In times of famine, the stored fat/energy would mean that the wealthier/fatter people had a greater chance of surviving whilst the thinner people didn't do as well.

For many africans living a western lifestyle (as in most cities in South Africa), being fat is still attractive, even though it is no longer functionally relevent. Yet for many south africans of european descent ("westerners"), being thin is attractive.

I see a lot of black africans are overweight and happy. I see a lot of thin white africans happy. I also see a lot of thin white africans who place so much emphasis on being as thin as a typical magazine model, and being damn unhappy getting there and maintaining it. Being unhappy can be unhealthy too.

Being overweight does predispose one to health complications, but it is difficulty to quantify this. Where is the cutoff between being fat and healthy, fat and unhealthy and fat and sick? I am relatively fit, have normal BMI. I have friends who play rugby who are, by BMI definition, obese - They happily outpace me in a half marathon. Are they so much unhealthier than me? I don't know. Do you?

1: injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights; especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims2 a (1): preconceived judgment or opinion (2): an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b: an instance of such judgment or opinion c: an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics

I find it difficult for people to accept their own prejudices without making an effort to change them. Yes, everyone does have prejudices, but that does not mean it is okay to have them.

People are allowed to make their own lifestyle choices. You may not agree with them, but you don't need to dislike them because of it. I have friends who do drugs. i am against drugs, but I don't judge them for it, and it certainly does not affect my friendship with them. Why should it? I don't belive it is healthy, but they don't believe riding a unicycle on single track is healthy (they think it is dangerous). They don't judge me. Why should they? We have made our own lifestyle choices, and we deal with the consequences of illness or injury. On the other hand, if my friends became addicts, I would definitely talk to them about it (and have). Still, it is their choice. If it were my choice, everybody would be like me, and that would really suck!

I think that being fat is often a lifestyle behaviour. The choice to do exercise and eat healthy is simple. Do actually do it and sustain it is extremely difficult. It is simple to make money - go start a business. Is it easy? hell no! I have great respect for people who can maintain a target weight after dieting. I see eating as an addiction. I struggle to control my eating, but I do a lot of exercise, and am lucky that I have a high metabolism. I really enjoy food, and would struggle to diet. So, should I be judged? like many fat people I am an "addict", but I have time to exercise mainly because my hobbies are active?

[Zzagg]

I find it difficult for people to accept their own prejudices without making an effort to change them. Yes, everyone does have prejudices, but that does not mean it is okay to have them.reading the whole tread, this is just what I was thinking:
I think it requires a lot of courage, time and wisdom to admit you/I have prejudices and to identify them. But once you put the finger on one, doing nothing about it is simply stupid.
In a metaphorical way, imagine your car makes an funny noise when you drive at 150 km/h. You're quite bothered and spend a few hundreds dollars/euros/whatever to know where the problem is. Finally the mecanic tells you that if you drive a little slower, the noise will stop. So what do you do? keep on driving (too) fast despite the noise and blame those nasty car facturers, or drive slower (safer)?
I respect people who admit on a public forum that they are "fatophobe" or whatever... but if they know it and try and blame the others for that :mad: ...(as if the prejudice was for them :rolleyes: )

Oh and i really don't understand the issue: "fat people bother me because america is known worldwide as "Obeseland" so what?!!!
As far as I'm concerned, I live in a country which has the reputation of being dirty and am part of a so called dirty population.
What would I care about that? I know I live a healthy and clean life, truthfully respecting the annual toothbrushing, taking the average bimestrial shower and I change my underwear every week just like any human being...:rolleyes:
I mean If I travel to the US, I won't tell a fit guy "oh you're american... So you're the fat guy, he?".
:rolleyes:

[unisteve]

One thing I particularly noticed when I visited France was the utter lack of fat people. It was mind blowing.

[wobbling bear]

One thing I particularly noticed when I visited France was the utter lack of fat people. It was mind blowing.
this is no longer true:
- obesity is gaining ground : specially when you are "poor"
- as stated before there are regions in France where lot of people are overweight (without being obese) but the fact is that health problems are different across regions (southerners being less prone to heart diseases).

[wickedbob]

I like big butts and I can't lie. No, I really do not care. I am not friends with many FAT people, but that has nothing to do with how heavy they are or how fat they look.

[BillyTheMountain]

Andrew,

I hear ya, bub. It got that way for me and I was gone probably approaching a year or so...don't remember rightly. But it's stuff like this (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65884) that causes me to walk away in disgust.
Bruce
.

[yoopers]

.
No, Dr. William. The thread is not the issue. The issue is shortsightedness, immaturity, disrepect, arrogance...all those fine qualities that beleaguer our great society of current and upcoming generations.

By the way, thanks so much for erecting this little billboard over here where it doesn't belong. Your quite a guy.

[uni57]

I don't see any harm in this thread. It is a discussion of our prejudices and stereotypes. When you shine a light on the cockroaches, they scatter into the remaining darkness. There was some thoughtful discussion and examination of our inner feelings. Feelings that we might acknowledge as wrong. Feelings that have been programmed by the media. Feelings that we may be ashamed to have. Not all discussion was enlightened, but I think it was good to air our darker feelings. The ensuing discussion has perhaps led a few of us to introspect and become better people. I've begun the process of confronting my own prejudices as a result of this thread.

This thread is not about "fat people". This thread is about us. About our feelings and prejudices. The particular prejudice under discussion was not chosen randomly. It was based on the (rather faulty) notion that most of us are athletic and more-or-less fit. So, how does an athletic-oriented group feel about the morbidly obese? Not normal overweight or even run-of-the-mill obese. But the gigantic people who elicit in you the "wow" response -- no matter how much you see them as just another person. The question examines differing lifestyles, eating habits, and views on health. To me, it is an interesting and non-offensive question.

I think this is a good thread. Maybe more potential good than exercised good. But still good.

[yoopers]

I don't see any harm in this thread. It is a discussion of our prejudices and stereotypes. When you shine a light on the cockroaches, they scatter into the remaining darkness. There was some thoughtful discussion and examination of our inner feelings. Feelings that we might acknowledge as wrong. Feelings that have been programmed by the media. Feelings that we may be ashamed to have. Not all discussion was enlightened, but I think it was good to air our darker feelings. The ensuing discussion has perhaps led a few of us to introspect and become better people. I've begun the process of confronting my own prejudices as a result of this thread.

This thread is not about "fat people". This thread is about us. About our feelings and prejudices. The particular prejudice under discussion was not chosen randomly. It was based on the (rather faulty) notion that most of us are athletic and more-or-less fit. So, how does an athletic-oriented group feel about the morbidly obese? Not normal overweight or even run-of-the-mill obese. But the gigantic people who elicit in you the "wow" response -- no matter how much you see them as just another person. The question examines differing lifestyles, eating habits, and views on health. To me, it is an interesting and non-offensive question.

I think this is a good thread. Maybe more potential good than exercised good. But still good.
Dave,

You are probably right. Very well spoken. I haven't read this thread in depth, haven't had or maybe more accurately, haven't taken the time. I apologize for my off-the-cuff seething. If there is a good to the thread's subject matter and subsequent discussion, I would agree that it hopefully served to open some eyes and caused some internal noggin knockin' on both sides.

[BillyTheMountain]

No, Dr. William. The thread is not the issue. The issue is shortsightedness, immaturity, disrepect, arrogance...all those fine qualities that beleaguer our great society of current and upcoming generations.

By the way, thanks so much for erecting this little billboard over here where it doesn't belong. Your quite a guy.


Yoops,

I'll ignore your possible sarcasm, and accept your thanks. It got you to finally look at a thread you were prejudiced against without really knowing it (like so many prejudices), and inspired Dave to express a truly meaningful sentiment.

I agree with you that shortsightedness, immaturity, disrepect, arrogance all beleaguer our great society, but I'm optimistic about the next generation!

On the other hand, I always wondered where billboards belong, or whose to say what belongs where on the JC forum. But that's content for another thread.

Be well!

Billy

[yoopers]

Yoops,
I'll ignore your possible sarcasm, and accept your thanks.
No hiding the sarcasm here, Bill.

[UniDudeDX]

who took my post off?

[yoopers]

It got you to finally look at a thread you were prejudiced against
You or your post had nothing to do with anything of the sort. You're accepting credit where no credit is due.

[uni57]

Billy's tongue is surgically attached to his cheek. Everything he says is tongue-in-cheek and designed to mess with people's minds. I assume he knows he screwed up, but he's not letting on. Because Billy is relentlessly "Billy" -- with the pedal to the floor. Billy is "Billy" -- with the knob turned up to ten. You gotta love him for that. He's a good guy. A little maddening from time to time, but a good guy. Don't let his continued antics get to you.

Say you're sorry, Billy!

[yoopers]

Billy's tongue is surgically attached to his cheek. Everything he says is tongue-in-cheek and designed to mess with people's minds. I assume he knows he screwed up, but he's not letting on. Because Billy is relentlessly "Billy" -- with the pedal to the floor. Billy is "Billy" -- with the knob turned up to ten. You gotta love him for that. He's a good guy. A little maddening from time to time, but a good guy. Don't let his continued antics get to you.

Say you're sorry, Billy!
Preaching to the choir, Dave. Both Dr. Ryan and I have been around awhile and know each other well. His antics don't really "get to me" as much as I just decide not to expend the energy to put up with relentless tongue-in-cheekiness. Not sure what I did to him to deserve things like the "billboard" antic though, but, as you said, that's just Billy. It's not personal, I'm just part of his foothills along with the rest of the world at his feet. So off I go to expend energy on more important things.

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them.

[ivan]

Well, done Yoopers. First you attack people in this thread by calling them prejudiced without providing too many examples. Then you pedal back and start threadjacking it with all that BillyTheMountian is just that kinda mountain stuff instead.

And then you say you don't like these forums anymore... I wonder why.

[yoopers]

Well, done Yoopers. First you attack people in this thread by calling them prejudiced without providing too many examples. Then you pedal back and start threadjacking it with all that BillyTheMountian is just that kinda mountain stuff instead.

And then you say you don't like these forums anymore... I wonder why.
Ivan,

Please point out where I specifically named and attacked people in this thread. Also please point out specifically where I called someone predjuiced. Then please reexamine where (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showpost.php?p=930747&postcount=129) any threadjacking took place. Lastly, I would like you to quote me in saying "I don't like these forums."

Please accomplish all this before your next post.

Bruce

[ivan]

Ivan,

Please point out where I specifically named and attacked people in this thread. Also please point out specifically where I called someone predjuiced. Then please reexamine where (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showpost.php?p=930747&postcount=129) any threadjacking took place. Lastly, I would like you to quote me in saying "I don't like these forums."

Please accomplish all this before your next post.

Bruce
But it's stuff like this (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65884) that causes me to walk away in disgust. <- from what Billy posted. He could've made it up himself, but since you didn't say anything about it being made up, I assume that it's real.

I apologize for my off-the- (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showpost.php?p=930851&postcount=132)cuff seething. <-if you apologize for it, then you acknowledge doing it, unless your apology wasn't sincere.

I didn't reexamine it much, sorry. The thing is it isn't much about fat people or prejudice, it's mostly about Billy the mountain and his antics. Which is fine by me, seeing as my the Captain of the Threadjacking Squad(even though it's no longer active).

And I'm sorry if my post wasn't fair to you in some ways, I wasn't trying to attack you, just point out a few things.

Lots of love,
Ivan

[dudewithasock]

predjuiced

Mmmmm

http://www.soymilkquick.com/images/juicer_images/fruit%20juice2.jpg

[digigal1]

Threadjacking the threadjack...

I read an article the other day (I can't stand it that I read things and never remember from where) about a lab that did "suger addiction" tests on rats. Normal rats, when given the choice to ingest sugar or cocaine, chose the sugar some crazy high percentage of the time (somewhere in the 80 - 90% range.) Even already COCAINE-ADDICTED rats, at the end of one week's time, chose sugar the majority of the time.

I hope some of the teenagers who've posted their dislike of fat people gain some weight in middle age then google themselves and read this thread in 20 or 30 years. That's all. I want life to show them some humility. I was walking down the street in Lake George this summer and some guy says "Paula!" I turn to look and actually said to him, "who are you?" I finally realized who it was; I used to work with him. He used to be gorgeous: perfect face, perfect hair, perfect body. He was never a mean person, but he was so good looking he intimidated sometimes. I swear it's been less than 10 years since I saw this guy and he's now middle-aged, overweight, thinning/greying hair, some wrinkles. Not that I've become beautiful in the same amount of time, but I must have changed less because he recognized me!

A different issue but think about it: I attended a class on being a supervisor and dealing with disabled people in the workplace. One of the slides said: "what's the difference between being disabled and not being disabled?" One would think they were trying to show that defining "disability" is difficult (try it, it is.) However, the answer was: "about 5 minutes." Imagine you're prejudiced against people who are differently mobile, then you walk off the curb and get hit by a bus and spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair.

[steveyo]

A different issue but think about it: I attended a class on being a supervisor and dealing with disabled people in the workplace. One of the slides said: "what's the difference between being disabled and not being disabled?" One would think they were trying to show that defining "disability" is difficult (try it, it is.) However, the answer was: "about 5 minutes." Imagine you're prejudiced against people who are differently mobile, then you walk off the curb and get hit by a bus and spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair.Excellent perspective. We should all count our (numerous) blessings and be tolerant.

[yoopers]

One of the slides said: "what's the difference between being disabled and not being disabled?"
Thanks, D-gal. I also agree with your excellent perspective.

One thing...I'm currently taking a class in Special Education called Survey of Exceptional Children. I didn't know this before, but there is a difference between saying disabled person and person with a disability. In a way, it's a small thing but evidently to the exceptional person, it's a big thing. The education perspective seeks to focus on the person first and the disability second in order to more readily identify them as people. Therefore, it's "person with a disabilty" instead of "disabled person." I think I'm learning to like the new way the descriptor reads.

Additionally, disability and handicap are two different things. A disability is a condition of a person whereas a handicap is a difficulty the person experiences while living in society. More great learnin' from my classes. I'm having a great time with it all. So much good stuff.

[uni57]

Since we've been talking about BillyTheMountain in this thread, I'll give an example of how he messes with people's minds (he's GOOD at it :) but only a few of us know where he gets his special powers from)...

For a while, he was quoting me but totally changing what I said. He would just make things up. He does this to other people, but he did it to me a lot. So, I decided to "get even" with him. Big mistake.

I created this thread...

Happy Birthday, BillyTheMountain!!!!! (http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58721)

I'm sorry I deceived everybody, but I actually have NO IDEA when Billy's birthday is. I just made it up to mess with him. And just to drive me crazy in his uniquely "Billy" way... he just went along with it! And he never once mentioned it to me. Not even when I saw him a few months later in person. Aaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!! :) He had the last laugh.

[Unibugg]

I want life to show them some humility.

A little humility never hurt anyone. We should all have an extra helping now and then.

[BillyTheMountain]

You or your post had nothing to do with anything of the sort. You're accepting credit where no credit is due. And furthermore, the people who post in teh Do you "dislike" fat people thread are prejudiced!!

And what's even worse, BillyTheMountain is just that kind of mountain!!! That's the main reason I don't like these forums anymore. I stayed away for a YEAR, and now I'm staying away for TWO years.

Yoops,

HA! Caught ya!!

You said you never go to this thread because you thought it was really stupid and unethical--quote unquote!!!

Well, done! First you attack people in this thread by calling them prejudiced without providing too many examples. Then you pedal back and start threadjacking it with all that BillyTheMountian is just that kinda mountain stuff instead.

And then you say you don't like these forums anymore...[quote unquote]
I wonder why.

BillyTheMountain
:D

[uni57]

and start threadjacking it with all that BillyTheMountian is just that kinda mountain stuff instead.Um, wasn't that me?

[Danni]

I don't mind fatness. I don't feel any grudge when someone fat walks up to me.

Sometimes you see these ginormous whales taking half the isle in supermarkets and, yes I feel revolted, I feel sorry for them, and I wish they would (if they can) do something about it. The thing about obesity, is that you don't know if it sparked by eating disorders, genetic trouble, or just no exercise and being careless with what they eat. It's not like smoking, where you know the person chose to stick a fag in his mouth.

I think this is what Ivan meant (I certainly hope so!).
If I see someone fat on the train, I offer them my seat.

[yoopers]

Happy birthday, Billy.

[ivan]

I think this is what Ivan meant (I certainly hope so!).
If I see someone fat on the train, I offer them my seat.
Yeah, pretty much.
I don't offer them my seat on the train, though, because we don't have trains in Cyprus.

[tobbogonist]

Wow this thread is off the show!!!!

if a fat person was not fat would that effect whether or not you like them?

[bugman]

Threadjacking the threadjack...

I read an article the other day (I can't stand it that I read things and never remember from where) about a lab that did "suger addiction" tests on rats. Normal rats, when given the choice to ingest sugar or cocaine, chose the sugar some crazy high percentage of the time (somewhere in the 80 - 90% range.) Even already COCAINE-ADDICTED rats, at the end of one week's time, chose sugar the majority of the time.


I got really fat using this method to break my cocaine addiction. I have since broken my sugar addiction. I realized that I am really addicted to living above ground as opposed to 6 feet under. I did a blood pressure test about 6 months ago, and when it read 130/90 I darn near had a heart attack!:eek: Amazing what a motivator fear can be. I have gotten back to the gym, riding my uni and eating much better(no sugar). The result is a current Blood Pressure of 105/70 and a loss of about 40 pounds of fat and an increase of 8 pounds of muscle. It doesn't take long to let yourself go and it is sneaky too. I was out of shape and overweight for a couple of years, and it made the idea of going for a ride on the uni painful not fun. Now it is something I look forward to once again.

Shout out to the regulars:
Digi
Jjuggle
Billy
Dave
and more... I'll try not to be such a stranger. I hope all of you have been taking care of yourselves. -Chad

[podzol]

Hi Folks,
I have a physiological condition called hypothyroidism that often leads to obesity. It slows ones metabolism down so far that calories become very hard to burn and are stored instead. It is genetic and I cannot change this.

The condition has very distinct symptoms and I also see obese folks with some of the additional distinctive characteristics: a very diffuse pattern baldness and wiry hair.

The condition is, in theory, entirely treatible. 100%. The treatment amounts to taking one pill/day. That's it. One pill. I manage and I have a normal weight and BMI (nor am I bald or wiry haired). Now what person can't take a pill to fix this problem?

1. People with no access to a physician
2. People who can't afford the medication
3. People with self esteem issues
4. People with memory issues
5. People who don't consider obesity a "condition"
6. People who don't understand their doctor (language and IQ issues)
7. People in denial about having a chronic metabolic disorder
8. People who can't get pharmaceudicals easily
9. People with drug interactions that cannot take synthetic thyroid pills
10. People with religious reasons for not taking pills

Hypothyroidism is just one of the many disorders that impede the maintenance of healthy weight. All these folks are people. All of them have real problems that prevent them from maintaining a healthy weight. Hating them for their weight is just plain silly. Please understand that for everyone being healthy isn't a first priority. Sometimes just making it to the next day is, or even other people's well being. Life isn't always so simple. I say this knowing that about 65% of you Americans on the forum will face the challenge of extra weight someday.

[ivan]

Can someone answer me why so many Americans on here equate dislike with hate.

For me, dislike, is not liking something. If I dislike someone I'd try to avoid them.

Hate is that burning passion that makes you grab an axe and chop to pieces whatever or whoever it is that you hate.

I don't hate fat people. But I dislike them slightly. Like, I wouldn't set a fat person on fire, but if there were two empty seats on a bus, one next to a lean girl and another one next to a whale with a large coke cup in the hands I'd totally go for the lean girl, duh...

[dudewithasock]

Well said, Ivan. I don't 'hate' anyone...but I dislike a lot of people.

[mill_mobile]

Can someone answer me why so many Americans on here equate dislike with hate.

For me, dislike, is not liking something. If I dislike someone I'd try to avoid them.

Hate is that burning passion that makes you grab an axe and chop to pieces whatever or whoever it is that you hate.

I don't hate fat people. But I dislike them slightly. Like, I wouldn't set a fat person on fire, but if there were two empty seats on a bus, one next to a lean girl and another one next to a whale with a large coke cup in the hands I'd totally go for the lean girl, duh...
very well said :)

[Spoonthumb]

Can someone answer me why so many Americans on here equate dislike with hate.

For me, dislike, is not liking something. If I dislike someone I'd try to avoid them.

Hate is that burning passion that makes you grab an axe and chop to pieces whatever or whoever it is that you hate.

I don't hate fat people. But I dislike them slightly. Like, I wouldn't set a fat person on fire, but if there were two empty seats on a bus, one next to a lean girl and another one next to a whale with a large coke cup in the hands I'd totally go for the lean girl, duh...

sigged, that last part that is

[spazdude222]

I want to say I think you are (most of you that is) assholes, but the truth is, I feel the same aversion from overweight people that I haven't met...sometimes. Not a strong enough one that I even notice it, just enough that when I think about it, I know it's there. The thing is though, there really are conditions that make it hard not to be overweight. Most of you seem to be saying "I'm skinny, it's not that hard, they are mostly just lazy bastards" which makes me ALMOST want to chop you guys to pieces. I have, for example, a really close friend who's overweight, but it started as a side effect of his medication. He put on a bunch of weight because of a drug he was taking for depression. He doesn't eat a crazy amount of food. He doesn't sit on the couch all the time. he likes to go out and walk and stuff more than I do. Not to mention, some people try desperately to lose weight, but can't. Or at least not quickly. I understand how frustrating it is to work your butt off for months and see no results. After about 6, it gets pretty hard to keep it up. When the effort seems to be pointless, the motivation soon dissipates. Another thing that contributes to problems with weight is High Fructose Corn syrup. At least in America, EVERYTHING has high fructose corn syrup(HFCS) in it. The problem with this chemical killer, is that it's high in calories, but because of it's unnatural properties (it's a man made chemical) the human body doesn't register the calories as such. For instance, you can drink a lot of soda, which equates to a crap load of calories, without your body ever saying "hey, you're full, stop eating." Almost all comercially sold foods have this compound in them, and thus American's eat more calories than their bodies can account for. Not to mention the fact that HFCS is a simple sugar and can be digested in less than an hour, and stored as fat in less than a day. I hate that people seem to think it's always the fault of obese people. Sometimes it is, but often it is not. More than anything though, I just hate when people make fun of them for their weight. I'm guilty of this mind you, but at those times I hate myself. It doesn't matter what the person lools like, they have value. Not to mention, fat people KNOW THAT THEY ARE FAT, so you don't ever have to tell them. Show compassion to them.

[BillyTheMountain]

Happy birthday, Billy.

Happy Birthday, Yoopers!!

Chad, I'm so glad you're back on top!! Good to hear you did it. I've gained too much myself, but I keep getting on the Coker and riding--of course, my dog needs it, so I'm glad I have her to do it for.

And remember, many people would ALWAYS choose the larger lady or man:

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Billy

[The UniSLAB]

So what your saying is that its not their fault for eating bad food and giving up on losing weight after 6 months due to no noticable change in weight? O well, if 6 moths of working out can't negate years and years of poor eating habits and lifestyle then I guess were all screwed.

At anyrate its not their fault right?

I want to say I think you are (most of you that is) assholes, but the truth is, I feel the same aversion from overweight people that I haven't met...sometimes. Not a strong enough one that I even notice it, just enough that when I think about it, I know it's there. The thing is though, there really are conditions that make it hard not to be overweight. Most of you seem to be saying "I'm skinny, it's not that hard, they are mostly just lazy bastards" which makes me ALMOST want to chop you guys to pieces. I have, for example, a really close friend who's overweight, but it started as a side effect of his medication. He put on a bunch of weight because of a drug he was taking for depression. He doesn't eat a crazy amount of food. He doesn't sit on the couch all the time. he likes to go out and walk and stuff more than I do. Not to mention, some people try desperately to lose weight, but can't. Or at least not quickly. I understand how frustrating it is to work your butt off for months and see no results. After about 6, it gets pretty hard to keep it up. When the effort seems to be pointless, the motivation soon dissipates. Another thing that contributes to problems with weight is High Fructose Corn syrup. At least in America, EVERYTHING has high fructose corn syrup(HFCS) in it. The problem with this chemical killer, is that it's high in calories, but because of it's unnatural properties (it's a man made chemical) the human body doesn't register the calories as such. For instance, you can drink a lot of soda, which equates to a crap load of calories, without your body ever saying "hey, you're full, stop eating." Almost all comercially sold foods have this compound in them, and thus American's eat more calories than their bodies can account for. Not to mention the fact that HFCS is a simple sugar and can be digested in less than an hour, and stored as fat in less than a day. I hate that people seem to think it's always the fault of obese people. Sometimes it is, but often it is not. More than anything though, I just hate when people make fun of them for their weight. I'm guilty of this mind you, but at those times I hate myself. It doesn't matter what the person lools like, they have value. Not to mention, fat people KNOW THAT THEY ARE FAT, so you don't ever have to tell them. Show compassion to them.

[uni57]

The guy who is 150 pounds overweight (we're talking about the seriously obese in this thread) may indeed diet and exercise for six months and hardly notice a difference. If he loses a pound a week steadily for six months, he will still be 124 pounds overweight.

I think it's been said here before, but two out of three of the people posting in this thread will eventually be overweight or obese (in the US, at least). Just because you are active now, and just because you have a high metabolism now, won't necessarily save you in the future.

It's easy to let your weight creep up without really noticing it. You'll notice right away if you are thin. But if you are 20 pounds overweight, are you going to notice another two pounds? And then another pound?

It's like accumulating too much credit card debt. Some people are not good at managing their finances. Actually, a LOT of people. The balance creeps up and then you owe so much it almost seems hopeless. And it's hard to pay off the debt because the interest rates are so high. You pay what you can when you can, but really you are just trying to make ends meet and get through the day. You try so hard, but you barely make a dent in your BIG FAT problem.

Not everybody is perfect at every aspect of their life. Some get fat. Some go into debt. Some do both.

[BillyTheMountain]

Not everybody is perfect at every aspect of their life. Some get fat. Some go into debt. Some do both.

And some are frustrated because they're not out catching speeders, and don't have a siren on their Coker.

[digigal1]

So what your saying is that its not their fault for eating bad food and giving up on losing weight after 6 months due to no noticable change in weight? O well, if 6 moths of working out can't negate years and years of poor eating habits and lifestyle then I guess were all screwed.

At anyrate its not their fault right?

It might very well be their fault. But are you perfect? Huh? What about you? Huh? NO, DAD, WHAT ABOUT YOU?!?

[yoopers]

So what you're saying is that it's not their fault for eating bad food and giving up on losing weight after 6 months due to no noticable change in weight? Oh well, if 6 months of working out can't negate years and years of poor eating habits and lifestyle, then I guess we're all screwed.

At anyrate, it's not their fault, right?


It might very well be their fault. But are you perfect?
Black kettles, D-gal, black kettles.

[The UniSLAB]

It might very well be their fault. But are you perfect? Huh? What about you? Huh? NO, DAD, WHAT ABOUT YOU?!?

haha what? I never said I was perfect, infact I'm far from it.

BTW, I appreciate the grammatical correction to my previous post, I can FINALLY turn it in to my English teacher:) She's been bothering me about it lately

[maestro8]

NO, DAD, WHAT ABOUT YOU?!?
http://i.realone.com/assets/rn/img/5/5/2/2/14742255-14742261-large.jpg