Back off!

Here's an interesting story on the New York Times' website tackling the "culture of shame and accusation" surrounding obesity. I find it amusing that in an age in which we are sensitive to race, ethnicity and orientation, we still get a kick out of making fun of fat people and generally making them feel even worse about themselves. As a formerly obese person, I can tell you this with absolute certainty -- overweight people know they are fat. Trust me on this. You don't need to tell them. It's the same as going to an amputee and saying, "hey, do you know you're missing an arm?" And here's another fact you can take to the bank: If it were easy to lose weight, people wouldn't be obese. There's a lot more than diet and exercise to consider; there's a deep psychology surrounding one's self image that's is intrinsically linked to obesity. Some people become fat to shield themselves and to support a negative self image. So, skinny people of the world, have a heart. Tell the obese people in your life that you love them the way they are. I guarantee that this approach will encourage someone to lose weight and get healthier. Oh, and one more thing, should that obese loved one drop 50-60 pounds, don't condescendingly say, "you look so much better!" You think?