8. The fat person with limited knowledge, resources and genetic potential and a great attitude will produce much better results every time.
9. The sooner we stop getting in shape for 'events' (weddings, birthdays, reunions, parties) and start getting in shape for life, the sooner we'll start to see forever results.
10. The fitness industry and medical profession have a one-dimensional approach to weight-loss — physical. This is ignorant, naive and ineffective. Losing weight (effectively) is a complex, multi-dimensional process (physical, emotional and psychological).
11. Losing weight is not about finding the right program, diet, supplement or drug; it's about finding the right attitude.
12. Many (okay, most) fat people make excuses and tell lies. A lot. Just ask the ex-fat kid. Yes, I know this sounds offensive but if you had experienced the thousands of conversations with as many fat people as I have, you'd know that I'm telling the truth.
You can get offended or educated; it's a choice.
13. By the way, 'fat ' is not an insult (in this discussion); it's a physiological state.
14. The sooner we call fat what it is (as opposed to deluding ourselves by calling each other full-figured, big-boned and heavy-set) the sooner we will get serious about addressing obesity in a real, practical, no bullshit way. Perhaps we should worry less about political correctness and more about heart disease, diabetes, bowel cancer and the plethora of other obesity-related conditions. "Whatever you do.. don't mention the 'F' word — you might hurt her feelings; she's not fat, she's... voluptuous!"
15. We love to play the blame game. We wanna blame someone or something for our obesity. It's a time thing. It's a genetics thing. As long as it's not a 'me' thing. Otherwise I might have to get off my ass and take responsibility for my fat self.
If you're still talking to me, let me know your thoughts and where you're from.
PS. If you want to explore this subject in greater detail, there's a book called Fattitude which ain't too shabby. Not sure about the author — but apparently the book's okay.
Article comments
1 - Frank
Hi Craig
Great article. It got away from the all-body think and approached the mental attitude. Now, a further step would be to the spiritual plane - the land of the soul. There, study of the creative Word of the Founders of all religions, as well as prayer and meditation become the food and drink of man -real nurishment. The courses of the meal aren't easy. The dishes are detachment, certitude, servitude, sacrifice, patience, humility, loving-kindness - truly good deeds. Hard to digest, but perhaps ultimately the most nutrient-dense in the real Reality.
"Hey Mate, pass the twinkies."
Frank
2 - Craig Perry
Good article Craig (and great name too). Everytime I see an episode of 'The Biggest Loser' I'm appalled at the lack of psychological coaching these poor people get. I can even pick the contestants that will put the weight back on the quickest after the leave...just based on what they say and how they behave. Their mindset's are not changed so how do they expect to keep the changes made to their body.
3 - Heidi
After being overweight my ENTIRE life I finally won my battle against obesity and lost over 100 lbs in less than a year through healthy eating and exercise. I know how hard it is to have faith that this type of change is possible when you have failed for so many years (I started at 270lb and a size 24, now a size 4)...but it is! My story was so inspirational ABC featured it on Extreme Makeover last month. To remind people -- you truly can do it (which is a HUGE part of the psychology, I never believed it was genetically possible because I failed for so many years!) -- I've launched a website HEIDI HYPE to keep people motivated and remind them they CAN defeat their past -- even if they come an overweight family and have been overweight their entire life. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out! I'd love to know what you think!
Heidi
4 - Roni
Awesome article!! A little harsh but I think that's what people need to hear.
signed-
Ex-fatty who changed her attitude and kept 70lbs off for 2 years now! :~)
5 - Kc
Hi Craig,
The psychology of losing weight is the number 1 thing I struggle with. I've done weight-watchers off and on since I was about 10 years old. I've got about 50-60 pounds to lose in order to be fit and healthy, and while being thinner is very appealing to me, I don't understand how to reconcile the psychological change required. I've always seen myself as a big person - and it's become part of my self-identity. How do you separate body-image from a sense of self? Is it a matter of realizing that you are not a 50+ pound overweight person on the inside, too? What are some of the mental shifts required in order to reconcile the difference between what you see in the mirror and how you feel about yourself? It's possible I'm not making any sense, but I'm trying to put my struggle into words as best as possible.