Why is it normal/OK to be obese in Ireland?.

It's not ok to be overweight in Ireland, at least from a social point of view. I've always been overweight, and although I have regular steroid medication to take, and congenital hypothyroidism, I don't blame any of that. I blame myself for allowing myself to become obese in the first place.

However, saying it is "ok" to be overweight in Ireland is nonsense. I've always been the victim of some cruel comment or another, even last week there I got such a slagging on a night out off guys my own age that I just went home and cried most of the night. This is so so common among overweight girls and I just feel it's really sad.

I'm a medical professional so I understand the risks associated with obesity, but each to their own!

wakka12

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote: »

It's not ok to be overweight in Ireland, at least from a social point of view. I've always been overweight, and although I have regular steroid medication to take, and congenital hypothyroidism, I don't blame any of that. I blame myself for allowing myself to become obese in the first place.

However, saying it is "ok" to be overweight in Ireland is nonsense. I've always been the victim of some cruel comment or another, even last week there I got such a slagging on a night out off guys my own age that I just went home and cried most of the night. This is so so common among overweight girls and I just feel it's really sad.

I'm a medical professional so I understand the risks associated with obesity, but each to their own!

I completely agree, I was fat as a child and you definitely don't feel accepted, its not even subtle, people will very openly mock the fact you're fat, Im in college now and the amount of adults you'll see bitching about a person being fat is just ridiculous, even more so when alcohol is involved

Being fat is certainly common across the west, but its not accepted socially at all

wakka12 wrote:

Being fat is certainly common across the west, but its not accepted socially at all

Obesity poses serious problems for both the individual and society, why should it be socially acceptable? Smoking as an example is no longer socially acceptable and also for good reason.

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Obesity poses serious problems for both the individual and society, why should it be socially acceptable? Smoking as an example is no longer socially acceptable and also for good reason.

Because the individual should have choices over their own health, and should not be judged for said choices.
I'm on a weight loss journey, I've lost 15 pounds so far, out about 6 back on, so currently have 2 stone 6 to lose. I'm making an effort but it's so damn hard, I can't see why that effort shouldn't be socially acceptable?

Subcomandante Marcos

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote: »

Because the individual should have choices over their own health, and should not be judged for said choices.

Healthcare providers are allowed to deny transplants to people who don't follow rules in regard to their recieving donor organs. Smokers not giving up the fags or drinker's not leaving down the bottle are regularly denied access to donor organs because the cost of the process is so huge and the risk of it being wasted on someone who will abuse it is too high.

Should the same principle be applied to obese people in regard to care for their on going health issues such as biabetis, chronic heart disease, acute stroke risks etc?

Obesity is a ticking time bomb that is going to cripple economies and healthcare services if it's not tackled head on, that is a fact.

People shouldn't be targeted but the issue should from a public health perspective. In the same way as tobacco is. It should be highlighted how dangerous it is at every opportunity.

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote: »

Because the individual should have choices over their own health, and should not be judged for said choices.
I'm on a weight loss journey, I've lost 15 pounds so far, out about 6 back on, so currently have 2 stone 6 to lose. I'm making an effort but it's so damn hard, I can't see why that effort shouldn't be socially acceptable?

As a medical professional who claims you know the risks associated with being overweight I would challenge your comment above about people should be able to make choices about their own health.

That would be fine I and every other taxpayer didn’t have to fork out for your surgery when you inevitably have a heart attack or other health related issue associated as you pointed out with being overweight.

This **** about a journey. Christ. Eat less ****, do lots of cardio, not weights like I see a lot of overweight people doing in the gym, plenty of time for that when you’re a lot thinner and “journey” over.

It’s not rocket science this.

To answer your question OP I’d say it is absolutely socially acceptable. It’s rampant. And moreover the children and teens are falling into the same trap. Processed junk and **** all excercise.

Nobody bats an eyelid at it and the obese blame the government or depression or some other medical condition they have (most likely caused by being fat) for not getting off their fat asses and doing something about it.

/rant.

Ps... I’m huuuuuuge.

Ps ps: Kidding, go to the gym 5 days a week and eat healthy most of the time.

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote:

Because the individual should have choices over their own health, and should not be judged for said choices. I'm on a weight loss journey, I've lost 15 pounds so far, out about 6 back on, so currently have 2 stone 6 to lose. I'm making an effort but it's so damn hard, I can't see why that effort shouldn't be socially acceptable?

Totally agree if someone wants to indulge a lifestyle choice that's there business just don't expect society to pick up the tab.
Who siad trying to address the issue of weight loss is not socially acceptable? Don't make up stuff no one said it takes away from your credibility.

murphyebass wrote:

Ps ps: Kidding, go to the gym 5 days a week and eat healthy most of the time.

You don't even need to go to the gym, nature provides us with a wonderful free gym. It's called the outdoors.

Hitman3000 wrote: »

You don't even need to go to the gym, nature provides us with a wonderful free gym. It's called the outdoors.

Fair point. I have a gym in work so I use it but if I didn’t I’d go outside. I have done so in the past. Running is what every single overweight person should do. Quickest way to burn calories. 5k, 400 calories approx gone right there!

Actually on that people need to educate themselves on calorie intake v what they should be taking in daily to lose or maintain weight.

But again that’s probably the governments fault.

murphyebass wrote:

But again thatâ€™s probably the governments fault.

Did you not get the memo? personal responsibility was abolished 20 years ago, it's now always someone or something else's fault.

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Did you not get the memo? personal responsibility was abolished 20 years ago, it's now always someone or something else's fault.

Like the episode from the Simpsons about the binmen taking out the bins for them.

Can’t someone else do it became the slogan as far as I remember when they elected homer.

Subcomandante Marcos wrote: »

Healthcare providers are allowed to deny transplants to people who don't follow rules in regard to their recieving donor organs. Smokers not giving up the fags or drinker's not leaving down the bottle are regularly denied access to donor organs because the cost of the process is so huge and the risk of it being wasted on someone who will abuse it is too high.

Should the same principle be applied to obese people in regard to care for their on going health issues such as biabetis, chronic heart disease, acute stroke risks etc?

Obesity is a ticking time bomb that is going to cripple economies and healthcare services if it's not tackled head on, that is a fact.

People shouldn't be targeted but the issue should from a public health perspective. In the same way as tobacco is. It should be highlighted how dangerous it is at every opportunity.

I totally agree that transplants should be provided to those who are most likely to take care of the new organ and will live a lengthy life on receipt of said organ, including obese individuals.

murphyebass wrote: »

As a medical professional who claims you know the risks associated with being overweight I would challenge your comment above about people should be able to make choices about their own health.

That would be fine I and every other taxpayer didn’t have to fork out for your surgery when you inevitably have a heart attack or other health related issue associated as you pointed out with being overweight.

This **** about a journey. Christ. Eat less ****, do lots of cardio, not weights like I see a lot of overweight people doing in the gym, plenty of time for that when you’re a lot thinner and “journey” over.

It's not always that easy to lose weight. I really don't eat fatty foods or takeaways or general junk food, it's more down to portions. I've spent a good share of the last few years depressed and it certainly didn't help matters. I'm also recovering from an eating disorder that made me quite ill as a teen, so I will take any and every precaution to ensure I don't hit that level of rock bottom again. It's a journey for me, because it will be slower than the average person.

It's unlikely I'll have a heart attack, it's more likely I'll die of infection. My immune system is ****e.

[/QUOTE]

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Totally agree if someone wants to indulge a lifestyle choice that's there business just don't expect society to pick up the tab.
Who siad trying to address the issue of weight loss is not socially acceptable? Don't make up stuff no one said it takes away from your credibility.

I agree with awareness campaigns and education, I don't agree with addressing the issue head on to a person.

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote:

I agree with awareness campaigns and education, I don't agree with addressing the issue head on to a person.

Why, how is any different than telling a smoker that cigarettes cause cancer and kill or to an alcoholic that alcohol is either going to kill them or destroy their life. Why does obsesity get a free ride in your opinion?

corks finest

Depends where u live,I'm in a co council/Cluid/affordable housing area,,,,I've monsters around me,moved from a middle class area ( mostly normal / average sized ppl)

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Why, how is any different than telling a smoker that cigarettes cause cancer and kill or to an alcoholic that alcohol is either going to kill them or destroy their life. Why does obsesity get a free ride in your opinion?

There's no way I would directly approach a smoker or alcoholic either? If they are looking for advice, fair enough.

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote: »

It's not always that easy to lose weight. I really don't eat fatty foods or takeaways or general junk food, it's more down to portions.

I've spent a good share of the last few years depressed and it certainly didn't help matters.

I'm also recovering from an eating disorder that made me quite ill as a teen, so I will take any and every precaution to ensure I don't hit that level of rock bottom again.

It's a journey for me, because it will be slower than the average person.

It's unlikely I'll have a heart attack, it's more likely I'll die of infection. My immune system is ****e.

.[/quote]

Portion control. C’mon that’s not hard. Count your calories and be honest. It’s impossible to not lose weight if you do this correctly. Especially with a bit of running alongside it.

As for the depression and eating disorders, ugh any more cliche “problems”/excuses you can throw out there?

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote:

There's no way I would directly approach a smoker or alcoholic either? If they are looking for advice, fair enough.

Sometimes intervention is appropriate. Would you stand back and say nothing if someone were walking towards a cliff? Why is ok do you think to remain silent and let someone possibly unknowingly destroy themselves?

murphyebass wrote: »

.

Portion control. C’mon that’s not hard. Count your calories and be honest. It’s impossible to not lose weight if you do this correctly. Especially with a bit of running alongside it.

As for the depression and eating disorders, ugh any more cliche “problems”/excuses you can throw out there?[/QUOTE]

I'm trying to build up to running but I'm not fit enough even for couch to 5K yet. However I walk to and from work (2k each way) so I'm not sitting around all day either.

Please don't insult what's happened to me like that. I have to fight the urge to be sick every time I eat. All I think about is calories and how quickly I can get to a bathroom to purge and about how much I could get up in X amount of time. Losing weight isn't as black and white as you portray.

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Sometimes intervention is appropriate. Would you stand back and say nothing if someone were walking towards a cliff? Why is ok do you think to remain silent and let someone possibly unknowingly destroy themselves?

It's pretty hard not to know about smoking seeing as how graphic the images are on the boxes! :pac:

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote: »

Portion control. C’mon that’s not hard. Count your calories and be honest. It’s impossible to not lose weight if you do this correctly. Especially with a bit of running alongside it.

As for the depression and eating disorders, ugh any more cliche “problems”/excuses you can throw out there?

I'm trying to build up to running but I'm not fit enough even for couch to 5K yet. However I walk to and from work (2k each way) so I'm not sitting around all day either.

Please don't insult what's happened to me like that. I have to fight the urge to be sick every time I eat. All I think about is calories and how quickly I can get to a bathroom to purge and about how much I could get up in X amount of time. Losing weight isn't as black and white as you portray.[/quote]

How did you get fat if you got sick every time you ate? Hmm.

I’m just making the point that every fat person has a story how they became fat and excuses for not doing anything about it.

Depression and eating disorders are thrown around a LOT as excuses. Time is another one.

Then the I’m gluten intolerant gets thrown into the mix. Suuuure you are. Where’s the test. Go on show me the test that says that you have been medically diagnosed as being intolerant to gluten. Oh I see you just want to use it as an excuse not to eat bread/carbs. Ok whatever floats your boat.

McCrack

murphyebass wrote: »

Like the episode from the Simpsons about the binmen taking out the bins for them.

Can’t someone else do it became the slogan as far as I remember when they elected homer.

I just cant take anyone seriously when they reference the Simpsons in anything

Bitches Be Trypsin wrote:

It's pretty hard not to know about smoking seeing as how graphic the images are on the boxes!

What you have never heard of the harm obesity does? Calorie information in restaurant. RDA on food packaging. All pass you by?

murphyebass wrote: »

I'm trying to build up to running but I'm not fit enough even for couch to 5K yet. However I walk to and from work (2k each way) so I'm not sitting around all day either.

Please don't insult what's happened to me like that. I have to fight the urge to be sick every time I eat. All I think about is calories and how quickly I can get to a bathroom to purge and about how much I could get up in X amount of time. Losing weight isn't as black and white as you portray.

How did you get fat if you got sick every time you ate? Hmm.

I’m just making the point that every day person has a story how they became fat and excuses for not doing anything about it.

Depression and eating disorders are thrown around a LOT as excuses. Time is another one.

Then the I’m gluten intolerant gets thrown into the mix. Suuuure you are. Where’s the test. Go on show me the test that says that you have been medically diagnosed as being intolerant to gluten. Oh I see you just want to use it as an excuse not to eat bread/carbs. Ok whatever floats your boat.[/QUOTE]

I haven't really put on much weight, I hit rock bottom doing my leaving cert at 18 when I couldn't stay in school because the distance from the canteen to the bathroom was too far. This didnt result in a massive loss though because the eating patterns of binge purgers are rather specific and often don't end in weight loss.

On recovery I certainly gained weight, but I'm happy I did, because it showed progress and at least I'm not 18 year old me anymore. I still hate how I look. I still have scars from the self harm. But I'm trying to combat that in a healthy way now, and I really don't appreciate being belittled for it.

Hitman3000 wrote: »

What you have never heard of the harm obesity does? Calorie information in restaurant. RDA on food packaging. All pass you by?

Yeah I agree those are good healthy steps to take?

B0jangles

I haven't really put on much weight, I hit rock bottom doing my leaving cert at 18 when I couldn't stay in school because the distance from the canteen to the bathroom was too far. This didnt result in a massive loss though because the eating patterns of binge purgers are rather specific and often don't end in weight loss.

On recovery I certainly gained weight, but I'm happy I did, because it showed progress and at least I'm not 18 year old me anymore. I still hate how I look. I still have scars from the self harm. But I'm trying to combat that in a healthy way now, and I really don't appreciate being belittled for it.

Please don't feel like you have to explain yourself to the assholes on boards - they like to hide behind notions like 'I'm cruel to be kind', 'tough love' and so on, but most of them are just self-righteous bullies looking for a target.