Does this bother anyone else?

No matter how many times you say "you should lose no more than 2 pounds a week," you still get these people that say, "I WANT TO LOSE 30 POUNDS FAST THESE NEXT TWO WEEKS!" And they think they can because there are all these advertisements saying lose up to 10lbs this week. And then when they find out they can't lose that much weight that fast they give up. On tv, instead of having all this talk about how fast you can lose weight and all that junk. They should be telling you the truth. Like, you have to be determined, eat right, and exercise.

Instead they make it seem EASY. So then there's all these people that are like, I want to lose weight FAST. Well, sorry, not going to happen.

And this doesn't have anything to do with all this, but... Don't you think the obessity in America is increasing because people make such big deals out of obessity? seriously. If you try and put your kid on a diet and if he or she doesn't want to, it is going to fail. The child will probably end up GAINING weight because he or she feels restricted from bad foods so he or she wants them.

I think people need to lay off the charts about obessity increase, stop making such a big flipping deal about it, and lay off... I think the parents just need to step it up and stop buying the bad stuff, stop taking their kids out to McDonalds every other day, and we wouldn't have this problem. Everyone needs to step back a little bit and let them decide...

idk, this is just what I think...

I think the parents just need to step it up and stop buying the bad stuff, stop taking their kids out to McDonalds every other day, and we wouldn't have this problem.

That is the definition of a parent putting their kids on a diet.

Original Post by moonikins:

I think the parents just need to step it up and stop buying the bad stuff, stop taking their kids out to McDonalds every other day, and we wouldn't have this problem.

That is the definition of a parent putting their kids on a diet.

Not necessarily.  If done right, it's the definition of a parent practicing good eating habits.  Parents need to set a good example about what they put on the table, and practicing good eating habits.

I grew up in an age where you only had a soda one day a week.  That was usually on a Saturday or Sunday night as a treat -- the same with ice cream.  Eating a fast food meal was also a treat and not the norm.  Not surprisingly, back then (1960's), being overweight was being a minority and not the norm.

You said it!  Someone at work asked how did I lose so much weight and I told them eating right and running/lifting.  They were like, "huh."  Had no interest in actually 'doing' what it takes to get that way. 

Original Post by moonikins:

I think the parents just need to step it up and stop buying the bad stuff, stop taking their kids out to McDonalds every other day, and we wouldn't have this problem.

That is the definition of a parent putting their kids on a diet.

With respect, I disagree with you, moonikins.  

Children learn what they see.  If parents making good, healthy choices about food, being active, etc., it becomes the norm for the children.   Parents need to provide children with a solid foundation so they have a better chance at being successful adults and that includes morals, work ethic, and healthy life choices.

Don't you think the obessity in America is increasing because people make such big deals out of obessity?

No.  I think the obesity in America is increasing because people are eating more calories and getting less exercise.

Original Post by dbcanada:

Original Post by moonikins:

I think the parents just need to step it up and stop buying the bad stuff, stop taking their kids out to McDonalds every other day, and we wouldn't have this problem.

That is the definition of a parent putting their kids on a diet.

With respect, I disagree with you, moonikins.  

Children learn what they see.  If parents making good, healthy choices about food, being active, etc., it becomes the norm for the children.   Parents need to provide children with a solid foundation so they have a better chance at being successful adults and that includes morals, work ethic, and healthy life choices.

 

i agree -- it's the definition of teaching your kid a healthy lifestyle. :)

it doesn't mean restricting treats, it just means teaching your child they are just that -- treats! :D

Well, as a child.  (And it was the 60s).  I had sodas every day, lots of ice cream, and ate tons of sugary cereal. I also had McDonald's or sonic a couple of times per week. 

I also spent hours outside every day running, biking, doing gymnastics in the grass, and just playing.  

I didn't have a problem with my weight until I was 13 or so and started spending a bunch of time on the phone and/or sitting in front of the TV.  And even then I was just a little pudgy.  In fact, my goal weight is what I weighed then.

im going to have to agree with karozel.   for every one obese kid that eats too much junk, there are probably 10 skinny kids who eat just as much junk.   i think getting outside, playing with friends, doing extracurriculars like sports and cheerleading are the most important ways to stop childhood obesity.   obviously a change in diet would help, but as a former obese kid (currently an obese adult) i isolated myself from everyone because i felt too big and fat to fit in.   In fact, the other kids thought i was too fat to fit in too.   I was never welcome to play sports with the other kids and I did everything I could to avoid the humiliation of trying to socialize.   I isolated myself and found solace in TV and video games...and I just got bigger and bigger and bigger.  

 Obviously not feeding your kid mcdonalds everyday would be a good start, but lots of skinny people eat junk.   It breaks my heart when I see an overweight kid.  I know how helpless they feel.   Obesity can happen to anyone but mentally it will always be an adult problem.  Poor babies.

I would, however, like the media to stop treating obesity like its the plague.   I find the media to be so insensitive and rude towards obesity.   I do wish they'd shut up about it in general.

Original Post by thesuperbex:

Original Post by dbcanada:

Original Post by moonikins:

I think the parents just need to step it up and stop buying the bad stuff, stop taking their kids out to McDonalds every other day, and we wouldn't have this problem.

That is the definition of a parent putting their kids on a diet.

With respect, I disagree with you, moonikins.  

Children learn what they see.  If parents making good, healthy choices about food, being active, etc., it becomes the norm for the children.   Parents need to provide children with a solid foundation so they have a better chance at being successful adults and that includes morals, work ethic, and healthy life choices.

 

i agree -- it's the definition of teaching your kid a healthy lifestyle. :)

 

it doesn't mean restricting treats, it just means teaching your child they are just that -- treats! :D

^This.

I agree, there needs to be more commercials about nutrition and losing weight the right way. I mean there are adverts for fast food, prescription meds, lawyers, sexual/massage lubricant and viagra...there can be one that actually has a point.

Man when I was a kid McDs was this super rare treat, it made McDs actually awesome back then. =/

Original Post by jessicasbc:

im going to have to agree with karozel.   for every one obese kid that eats too much junk, there are probably 10 skinny kids who eat just as much junk.   i think getting outside, playing with friends, doing extracurriculars like sports and cheerleading are the most important ways to stop childhood obesity.   obviously a change in diet would help, but as a former obese kid (currently an obese adult) i isolated myself from everyone because i felt too big and fat to fit in.   In fact, the other kids thought i was too fat to fit in too.   I was never welcome to play sports with the other kids and I did everything I could to avoid the humiliation of trying to socialize.   I isolated myself and found solace in TV and video games...and I just got bigger and bigger and bigger.  

 Obviously not feeding your kid mcdonalds everyday would be a good start, but lots of skinny people eat junk.   It breaks my heart when I see an overweight kid.  I know how helpless they feel.   Obesity can happen to anyone but mentally it will always be an adult problem.  Poor babies.

I would, however, like the media to stop treating obesity like its the plague.   I find the media to be so insensitive and rude towards obesity.   I do wish they'd shut up about it in general.

I believe me and you are twins from different parents. /nod

I went through the same thing and I agree with everything you've said. I really hate when the news is on and it talks about obesity and it shows fat people walking around on the streets (no faces though) and no one notices the 10+ skinny people walking near them in the background, lol.

When we went to McDonald's as kids, it was a really big deal; same with KFC. This was because it only happened about once a month.

Just like with other things-- when I was a kid, getting a new bike was a HUGE deal, or getting some sort of new clothing or jewelery that I had been coveting, when I got them, I felt truly excited and it was great.  I see kids now getting everything they ask for, right when they ask for it. 

The whole point is to teach children that it's a big deal to get these things.  That they are SPECIAL.  But it also meant that going to McDonald's or getting junk food was an  AMAZING treat.  It also meant that because I didn't get much chips or processed chocolate, when I did get it, it was a treat, but it also meant that my body couldn't eat loads of it.  My mother wasn't doing it because I was on a diet-- none of us were fat kids, she was making homemade cookies and bread etc, but she didn't like seeing us eat processed, sugar laden foods. 

If kids grow up with the expectation of eating these things all the time, they're destined to put on weight as adults when they're less active and their metabolisms slow down.

It doesn't bother me i just think it is naive of the person to think/believe it. I had a young girl at work who was on a "Diet"! and had lost 10lbs in 8 days I offered her a little subtle advice but she knew better!

6 wks on she has regained all the weight and then some.....my point is made!

Original Post by jessicasbc:

im going to have to agree with karozel.   for every one obese kid that eats too much junk, there are probably 10 skinny kids who eat just as much junk.   

well then those skinny kids need some guidance as well. the focus should be about being healthy (eating and activity wise), not about looking thin. 

yeah im sick of the focus on obesity myself. even if you are thin eating mcd's every day just isn't good for the body.

wow... I'm surprised that this got this many replies. lol\

Again. All of this is MY opinion so if you disagree that's fine. I know I'm wrong with some of this stuff so it's fine. Everyone has their own opinion.

For me, I had a problem with obesity from genes and stuff. About half of one side of my family is under 5' 5", and about half of those people are fat. I had this problem when I was a baby, then I thined out a little bit but still was chubby because I didn't grow as fast as other people.

I wasn't lazy or anything. I played sports a lot. But I do admit I could have eaten better. I ate about how every other kid ate. I probably had fast food twice a week and a ice cream once a week. and soda about 3 times a week. But then I started to bulk up at about 12. I pretty much stopped growing at 4' 10" and then slowly grew to 5' 0" and kinda stayed there until now.

BTW TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!! I'M 15!! :)

anyway I think I'm about to start a growin spurt soon because I have grown 2 inches in the past 3 months so I'm 5' 2" now. And just turned 15...I know...I'm short... But I will be so happy if I can be really fit and be above 5' 6". That's all I'm asking for. Above 5' 6"...lol

Anyway. That's the story of my life. People just don't realize that their eating habits are really unhealthy. Just taking 2 visits from fast food away a week will make you so much more healthy. And instead of having a soda everyday. Have it twice a week and replace it with water. It's so simple, and I FINALLY get it.

lol I love how everyone refered to McDonalds as the bad place to go. If I would have to pick a fast food place to go it would be Taco Bell. Oh my gosh I love that place. The double cheesy beef burritos.. only 89 cents. I used to get 2 which would be almost 1,000 calories! Plus all the soda I drank it would be 1,400 calories. insanity! Happy I got out of that.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

Original Post by lysistrata:

Don't you think the obessity in America is increasing because people make such big deals out of obessity?

No.  I think the obesity in America is increasing because people are eating more calories and getting less exercise.

 Bingo.

I also think it's the lack of education about how much exercise we do need, what kinds of foods are truly healthy, and what portions are.

Most people think that a huge steak from Outback Steakhouse (those 16ounce ones!) is ONE serving. Try like 4.

I think kids are fat because their parents give into their whining wants and needs, don't take them outside because we're all so scared of kids getting hurt/kidnapped/etc,. these days, but we're killing them with tv/video games/fast food/sodas anyway!

I do admit I was a pig this morning. But I think I needed it. It was kinda healthy though. It's my birthday, so, you know, my mom makes what I want. Well I wanted baked oatmeal which is pretty much my favorite food to have. It's like a dessert to me but it's healthy. don't you love those? lol :) And instead of milk, I use water. And I don't use butter or margarine and it's STILL amazing. If you want the recipe it goes like this.

4 cups oats, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, little bit of cinamon if you want, and 2 eggs.

You mix it all in a medium sized bowl and pour into a 9" 13" pan and put in oven and 350?? i think... for 30 minutes or until you think it's done. It's usually done by 20-25 minutes in my oven. My mom tried something amazing today though. She put blueberries, strawberry, and some crushed nuts. I swear it was a dessert. But nope, just oatmeal.

So last night I didn't eat that much at all so I was hungry. I had my normal protion and was like...I'm still hungry...So I said what the heck I need this. So I had about 4-5 portions of that oatmeal. Which probably equals up to 700-800 calories. Then I had some fruit salad which was probably 100 calories. and a hard boiled egg. 70 calories. So about a 900-1,000 calorie meal. I was a total pig but it WAS for breakfast and it wasn't cake or anything like that. I exercised for about an hour which burns about 470 calories off. This isn't that bad is it. It just struck me that I should be concerned about this. This is first time I have pigged out in about 2 weeks. And since it was healthy It felt GREAT to be full. This won't wreck anything will it?

I don't think indulging on your birthday is too terrible- especially considering it was something you seem to have enjoyed a LOT.   Heck, I'm going to try that oatmeal thingy this weekend for Sunday breakfast!  I bet that was a better treat than store-bought birthday cake, which is what I always had growing up (blech).

I agree with your point about fast weight-loss.  I know I used to always get pressured into losing weight in a relatively short period of time.  I'd go on all these drastic diets and if I didn't lose 10 lbs immediately I would get discouraged and just binge on all the stuff I had been depriving myself of, thus gaining more weight.  So, I'd be lying if I said that behavior/mindset didn't contribute to my current weight problem.  However, I think that's only part of the problem and doesn't really apply across the board.  I do think that the main problem is just lack of education regarding nutrition, portion control, etc. 

Oh, and happy birthday! =)

Original Post by bennyboy5:

I do admit I was a pig this morning. But I think I needed it. It was kinda healthy though. It's my birthday, so, you know, my mom makes what I want. Well I wanted baked oatmeal which is pretty much my favorite food to have. It's like a dessert to me but it's healthy. don't you love those? lol :) And instead of milk, I use water. And I don't use butter or margarine and it's STILL amazing. If you want the recipe it goes like this.

4 cups oats, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, little bit of cinamon if you want, and 2 eggs.

You mix it all in a medium sized bowl and pour into a 9" 13" pan and put in oven and 350?? i think... for 30 minutes or until you think it's done. It's usually done by 20-25 minutes in my oven. My mom tried something amazing today though. She put blueberries, strawberry, and some crushed nuts. I swear it was a dessert. But nope, just oatmeal.

So last night I didn't eat that much at all so I was hungry. I had my normal protion and was like...I'm still hungry...So I said what the heck I need this. So I had about 4-5 portions of that oatmeal. Which probably equals up to 700-800 calories. Then I had some fruit salad which was probably 100 calories. and a hard boiled egg. 70 calories. So about a 900-1,000 calorie meal. I was a total pig but it WAS for breakfast and it wasn't cake or anything like that. I exercised for about an hour which burns about 470 calories off. This isn't that bad is it. It just struck me that I should be concerned about this. This is first time I have pigged out in about 2 weeks. And since it was healthy It felt GREAT to be full. This won't wreck anything will it?

happy birthday. they don't count as long as you normally eat healthy. and well, you're a teenage boy (right??) and even tho too much healthy food can get stored as fat, you're at the age when you need mega nutrients anyway. i think you should feel proud. hopefully you influence your friends.

Original Post by octo-luv:

Original Post by jessicasbc:

im going to have to agree with karozel.   for every one obese kid that eats too much junk, there are probably 10 skinny kids who eat just as much junk.   

well then those skinny kids need some guidance as well. the focus should be about being healthy (eating and activity wise), not about looking thin. 

yeah im sick of the focus on obesity myself. even if you are thin eating mcd's every day just isn't good for the body.

 i agree.  thats why i dont really think that the obesity epidemic is really the problem.   there is a widespread lack of nutritional knowledge and good habits for people of all sizes.  pointing out all the obese people is just the easiest (and most misleading) way that the media addresses the issue.