New Fat States Report just out

[Chuck(G)]

So where does your state rank?

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2005/

[Teubonium]

Hey, we're the skinniest

But you wouldn't know it by looking at me

[bort]

29th...that's not very exciting.

I thought it was funny that there was a map of the US, with a list of the state names below. I wonder if they think people don't know which state is theirs?

[Chuck(G)]

As one with a truly competitive spirit, the question is not "where does my state rank?", but "where do I rank in my state?".

Joe, that's very commendable! So where do you stand in your state's obesity rankings?

[Dan Schultz]

Well.... after reading the 'Indiana' statistics I'm going to quit worrying about it. I'm supposed to be FAT

[Lew]

We're number 22. I guess I need to go out and start eating more. I won't rest until we're NUMBER 1!

[Doug@GT]

...but why am I supposed to g.a.s. about what the federal government might or might not do about it (except what they will charge me for not minding their own fat-*** business) ?

I was wondering the same thing...so what if there's a "national policy paralysis"?

Those who can lose weight through normal means can exercise their own initiative, instead of waiting for the gubment to do it.

Those who won't lose weight by normal means won't be affected by the suggested policies on that site.

Doug "who's state ranks 12th"

[windshieldbug]

Does this mean we will be subject to a "No Stomach Left Behind" initiative?

[MaryAnn]

I see we've reverted to pictures of food...where are the naked ladies?
Where is the Elvis impersonator picture? Can't we see him adjacent to a steak or burger or .... hard boiled eggs.... or something?
MA

[Chuck(G)]

...but why am I supposed to g.a.s. about what the federal government might or might not do about it (except what they will charge me for not minding their own fat-*** business) ?

I was wondering the same thing...so what if there's a "national policy paralysis"?

Those who can lose weight through normal means can exercise their own initiative, instead of waiting for the gubment to do it.

Good point.

But let's take a look at the consequences of letting things go the way they're going.

You'll note that the study mentions that more low-income people tend to be obese than middle-income.

You'll also note that obesity is one of the contributing causes for type II diabetes in children:

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/patient/today/qa.htm

And there's been an explosion in type II diabetes frequency in children.

Type II diabetes is a very costly disease over the period of a life. Blindess, amputation and various other bad things happen.

...and those seemingly most at risk are the low-income people. Who's going to pay for their health care?

Why, we will, of course!

.

[Mark]

I see we've reverted to pictures of food...where are the naked ladies?
Where is the Elvis impersonator picture? Can't we see him adjacent to a steak or burger or .... hard boiled eggs.... or something?
MA

Is this close enough?

Freeway will be joined by Harlot O’Hara and Lil’ Sin-Claire this weekend but unfortunately Delilah Manhandler is taking her naked tuba act out on the road.

http://www.vueweekly.com/articles/default.aspx?i=686

BTW, I am astounded that a Google search for "naked tuba steak elvis" returned 538 matches! The Internet is indeed a very weird place.

[Chuck(G)]

http://www.nbc5.com/news/4892708/detail.html



Chicago's answer to poutine?

[bort]

Back in college, a local diner had the same thing, but called 'em "Hobo Fries." (And no one cared.)

[Lew]

I see we've reverted to pictures of food...where are the naked ladies?
Where is the Elvis impersonator picture? Can't we see him adjacent to a steak or burger or .... hard boiled eggs.... or something?
MA

With an "off topic" thread about obesity, what else but food or a fat Elvis would you expect? At least in this context they're relevent.

[ThomasDodd]

Good point.

But let's take a look at the consequences of letting things go the way they're going.

You'll note that the study mentions that more low-income people tend to be obese than middle-income.

Worse still was this line:

People who receive food stamps are more likely to be obese compared to both eligible non-participants and higher-income individuals.

So the government is making people fat, with our money, and then asking us to pay for the medical care afterwards.

Notice to the there are eligible non-participants. I.E. people who could get food stamps and don't. And they aren't as fat as those who take the government handout.

And did you here about the Doctor that getting in trouble for telling a patient she was fat?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9063638/
He was on several morning shows.

[Chuck(G)]

Then, they'll die sooner and that will save us a lot of money!



bloke "who remembers (before stuff was all pergressiv 'n' sh*t) when his family was (by today's standards) 'pooooor'...No one died from obesity, and we paid all of our own doctuh beillz."

Skating dangerously close to politics, but...

Sure, Joe, I'm with ya! If stoopid parents don't want to have their kids vaccinated against polio, measles, TB and whatever, why should we force them or provide it for free? Let them shoulder the consequences. It'll do wonders for the economy, what with wheelchair and respirator sales going up.

And fer gosh sakes, let's quit fluoridating water! Folks who want it can buy fluoridation kits. Why should the government be in the business of telling us what's good for us? Everyone knows that fluoride is a communist plot.
---------------------
I don't know if you remember the polio epidemics before the vaccines came out, but I'm old enough to remember kids with crutches and braces and iron lungs.

If the NIH studies are right, we're on a collison course with another epidemic, this time of diabetes. It's in our best economic self-interest to have a healthy population.

But I don't think it's just the food. When I was a kid, our diet, particularly during the winter months, could hardly be called "balanced". But phys ed was part of school and we got plenty of activity otherwise. Maybe that would be a starting point.

[Dan Schultz]

Then, they'll die sooner and that will save us a lot of money! ...No one died from obesity, and we paid all of our own doctuh beillz."

Skating dangerously close to politics, but... Sure, Joe, I'm with ya! But phys ed was part of school and we got plenty of activity otherwise. Maybe that would be a starting point.

Yeah.... remember playing 'slaughter ball'? Hmmm... I seem to remember another popular name for the game that is totally politicaly incorrect these days. Sure as heck can't do that any more OK kids... go sit on the couch and play. There's treats in the fridge.

[windshieldbug]

How 'bout if the gubment gives people a whole bunch mo' fatty foodz and bunches o' cartons o' cigz?

Cool, where can I sign up?

[ThomasDodd]

How 'bout if the gubment gives people a whole bunch mo' fatty foodz and bunches o' cartons o' cigz?

Cool, where can I sign up?

Me to! Me to!