I have been obese for some time now. Slim people just don't realize what big people go through. A lot of people think that all we have to do is stop eating so much. Well, when you are a bit depressed like I am, you tend to eat to make yourself feel better. Ok, say you are a skinney person and you are addicted to nicoteen or alcohol. That is like a bigger person being addicted to food. I don't think that a lot of people realize that food is an addiction for some people. It can be an addiction just as say, marjuana, is that's spelled right. Anyways, I am not defending obesity in any way. I have a type of authritis that eats away at my joints. So, if I don't lose weight by the time that I graduate college, then I have a great possibility of ending up in a wheel chair. I am a freshmen and some may think that three more years is plenty of time. Well, I have been trying to lose weight since I was eleven years of age. Now don't look down on me just yet, I have lost 35 pounds and some have said that they think i've lost a little more. I have lost weight, but most of that weight loss was over the summer. Most of the time at college I have stayed the same weight. I praise the lord that I have not gained it back but I just want it gone! I just wanted to state that it is very hard but, also, very doable! Anyways, if you have any comments about this blog then please don't be snotty about it!
Obesity and all of its great quirks... whatever, who am I kidding.
By ilovethemoviepe... - Posted on March 22nd, 2008
I agree with you on the fact that a lot of people in the U.S. don't fully understand this issue and the individual challenges that every person goes through--people tend to group everyone under the same category and tack on certain labels or characteristics to everyone in the group (I guess that constitutes stereotyping)! Your pointing out food as an addiction like nicotine and drugs is extremely valid because it is based on the same principles--to make one feel better temporarily and take away the pain, which turns into an addiction through the rewriting of the brain's reward pathway. It is very powerful--I have struggled with depression for a long time now too--and I don't think people understand how devastating and debilitating it can be. It's not that I don't want things to change--I'm fighting it from all angles! And it doesn't just go away with "positive thinking", although that is a component. It is a process, and you have to be consistent and persevere through it. But I'm sure you of all people know that already! I don't know if you've been reading up on the latest studies that conect addictions to a person's genes, but that is a pretty interesting concept. It doesn't mean that you have been doomed from birth to be more susceptible to addiction, (you can fight it through your willpower!), but it points out a significant truth that people face different challenges, so that's why you should never judge anyone! I hope people start to understand this more, and I'm glad you have the same mindset. God bless and keep your head up held high! 35 pounds is a huge accomplishment--you have no idea!! Keep it up--you can do it! And if you are having trouble, try to target the problem from the core--the depression. Don't let it get to you! Own yourself!
Yeah! Now I'm pumped up! :)
Your genetic statement is true. I've extensively studied genetics, and some individuals are more prone to addiction.
F*** Religion. Read more here:
http://www.progressiveu.org/020528-f-religion
I think the main argument against big people and overeating is that it is a treatable condition/personal habit that can be changed if the person wants to bad enough. Many people would rather eat and feel good temporarily than sacrifice that feeling for better health and more attractive size. It seems like you want it enough to make the change. Addictions are everywhere, but those who overcome them are the ones that show true character.
Good luck with your weight loss. Have you tried any support groups, or even reading a book by people who have dealt with the same issue? These could help you out some.
Cheers!
F*** Religion. Read more here:
http://www.progressiveu.org/020528-f-religion
My family is addicted to drugs, alcohol, nicoteen, and food. I had no idea that it was a genetic thing! I mean, I knew that you could gain weight easier becuase of genetics, but I had no clue abuout the addiction thing! Anyways, RELIGION saved my life!
My dad was a really cool guy, and he died of an addiction. I think there is a huge misconception about people who are addicted to a substance--the whole "druggie" stereotype, doesn't have the motivation to quit, isn't dedicated enough or grounded enough to understand the devastation of addiction... Yeah my dad wasn't like that. He was a family physician (amazing doctor! I know...because he always fixed me up when I was hurt! :D ) and he worked in the ER, giving his time to help others. He was a father of 5, and had unconditional love for his children. He always took us to the park, played b-ball with us, and made each and every one of us feel special and loved. But he was hurting at the same time. I hope people can understand that circumstances are different for different people, and addiction doesn't mean someone simply lacks the motivation to get past it. I wish he were still here right now because I think there is more acceptance and understanding for people battling depression. If only he could've held out for another decade. Society is growing past its ignorance.
*sigh* Marijuana is not addictive.
Then why was I addicted to it?
Food is not addictive either - how were you addicted to food? Because you can be PSYCHOLOGICALLY addicted/dependant on anything.
You are getting on my nerves! I respectfully asked poeple not to be snotty with their replies! Ask any doctor! It can be addictive! I would be very grateful if you would stop replying to my blogs because you are being very rude to me and I don't deserve it!
To... Kiota
Well techincally it is not physically addictive... maybe saying it differently would be better. It is true though that food and marijuana are mentally addictive as are many other things.
I didn't think Kiota was being "snotty" in this particular blog. She was stating a fact that, to the best of my knowledge, is true. You can't be physically addicted to food. Psychologically, yes. But not physically.
I'm not sure about weed... I've heard that it's extremely difficult to become addicted to it, but if you are addicted, it can be bad news.
Either way, it wasn't a good example of things that one can be addicted to.
I had every respect for this blog and for your comments until you started getting snotty about people getting snotty and frankly I find that a bit hypocritical... especially when I see that Kiota actually wasn't being snotty.
PS: Please use the "REPLY" button when responding to comments. That way we know who you're calling a snot.
----
You are the Voice of the Childwen of the Revowution! [Toulouse, Moulin Rouge]
If you want to respond to a specific person... hit the reply link at the bottom of the comment. That way, you won't have to specify 'to Kiota' at the bottom of your post.
And she's not being rude. She's trying to inform you.
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
Ah! Thank yoooou. People these days... :]
Wow, overreaction much?
I suggest you and whatever "doctors" told you marijuana is PHYSICALLY addictive do some research.
Again I ask, how were you addicted to foo, since food is not PHYSICALLY addictive? Same way you were addicted to marijuana.
I know where you are coming from! No not because I am over weight, but because my mom is. She has been tryin to lose weight since I can remember and she really just can't do it. It is hard for her to do that and try to keep up with my brother and I, heck you could even throw my dad in there. She has tried numerous diets, exercise, eating healthy etc but it all seems to only be a couple punds here and there. She is a great cook too which doesn't help the cause because she lovvvvves to cook!
I truly believe that people underestimate the challenges people go through when they are over weight. People are unfair to them and you could even go as far to say ignorant.
Bravo for this post, and good luck! I think you can do it!