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Obesity versus Portliness versus Political Correctness
by docjerry · Filed Under: Health & Wellness · Miscellaneous
“The more people increase their wealth, the greater proportion of their income they spend on wellness.” Paul Zane Pilzer
These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! (Psa. 73:7; NLT)
I happened to run across a fascinating article on AOL last week that described a study by the University of Washington that concluded that “The percentage of obese shoppers is almost 10 times higher at low-cost grocery stores, compared with more upscale stores. And poverty is the key reason.” I found the article fascinating for several reasons (BTW, the article is today’s Link of the Day.)
First of all, the conclusions of the study are likely valid, but there is a lot more going on than just poverty. In fact, one of the commenters on the article wrote (sarcastically, I hope), “What a terrible conclusion! Obesity is caused by poverty? Really? People just can’t afford to not eat too much? Give me a break. Only in America.” While amusing, that misses the whole point as well. It’s not about eating too much nearly as much as it is about eating the wrong things.
The second thing I found fascinating about the article was the comments that poured in as a result. As a blogger, I know how difficult it can be to get people to comment on your blog. You usually have to write something very controversial and then have very thick skin to weather the result. This article scored and scored big as they had 283 impassioned comments after about four days. And while who has time to read them all, the first page of 20 will give you a feeling for the controversy. One of the major issues is that it appears politically incorrect to associate obesity with poverty. My, my. Give me a break!!!
The third thing was that the article triggered some very interesting (to me, anyway) reflections on my part. It used to be that fatness was associated with success and comfortableness. Wikipedia writes, “For most of human history mankind struggled with food scarcity. Obesity has thus historically been viewed as a sign of wealth and prosperity.” Except I suspect that the politically correct word of the day was “portly” rather than “obese.” (Ever wonder what’s the difference?)
Along those same lines, William Shakespeare wrote Julius Caesar in the late 1500’s in which Caesar said, “Let me have men about me that are fat; Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o’nights; Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much, such men are dangerous.” Isn’t that a hoot? Old Jules should feel very safe and secure in today’s society.
Wikipedia tells us that “During the 19th century, views on obesity changed in the Western world. After centuries of obesity being synonymous with wealth and social status, slimness began to be seen as the desirable standard.” So that’s where we find ourselves today. It’s just a matter of time before our cultural norms will be modified once again to reflect reality. I guess that’s the way it works.
Prayer Power
Father, I find myself wondering sometimes if you’re laughing or crying as you watch things unfold. I find it amazing how powerful the human mind is in rationalizing it’s activities.
Link of the Day
Skinniest People Grocery Shop HERE
Photo by Kim & Amy
6 Responses to “Obesity versus Portliness versus Political Correctness”
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Jerry Graham, aka "DocJerry," is a professional lifestyle and leadership coach and a social marketing authority who coaches ministry leaders, small business owners, and network marketers, on how to properly capitalize on the current Internet trends. He is also a blogger, a charter member and guide at Renegade University, and one of the Super Guides at Marketing Merge. 
Sharon Graham, R.N., is a professional lifestyle coach and a wellness authority who coaches a broad range of clients from corporate executives, small-business owners, and other professionals, to stay-at-home moms and dads in how to achieve and maintain wellness. Sharon is also a blogger, a sought-after public speaker, and a great cook who is currently compiling a cookbook. 
OK>..well, imo, political correctness is bogus. Seriously, that’s probably enough said about that
As far as “obesity is caused by poverty” I would have to say “huh”…if poverty means the only choices you have when it comes to food are high fat, white, high glycemic foods, then I would say “of course that’s true”! But the reality is that ALL people have a choice of which foods to buy. Granted, they may have to decide between organic and non-organic..but weight gain or loss would still be irrelevant since wellness is based on the food choices, such as more veges and fruits, etc…and the most disturbing fact is that years ago we never had to worry about whether or not foods were organic because they all were!! Until our government decided to step in and “regulate” our foods we were much better off.
Could it be that the correlation is really between the lack of proper goals/values and immediate gratification via the taste buds?
Peggy, I agree that those things do play a part. I am a strong supporter of “what we think about we bring about” and I think people are really discouraged with their weight loss efforts and they are not delving into the “why” of how they got to that point. Most weight loss groups don’t even address that issue…that’s why Sharon’s wellness coaching has “excellence” written all over it!
As a person who struggles with both weight and finances, I can tell you that it is very difficult to feed a family of five healthy food on a minimal budget. When every dollar counts, macaroni and cheese at $0.33 or $0.50 a box and ramen noodles for $0.11 per package help stretch the dollar. A ten pound bag of potatoes is cheap. Fatty hamburger is much less expensive than lean hamburger. If I “chose” to feed my family the fruits and vegetables you advocate, Nancy, we wouldn’t have enough food to get us through the week, which would help my waistline, I suppose. But my family would be hungry. Healthy foods are expensive foods and because of that, they become a “treat” when the budget allows. And Peggy, it has nothing to do with proper goals/values, unless you think it’s improper that I vlue keeping food on my family’s table.
Sally, I feel your pain. I have two daughters that struggle to feed their families as well. One thing that they have started doing is clipping coupons. The other thing is that they have started reading the grocery store’s specials flyer and buying only what is on special. I do the same thing, for the most part. How about some of the less expensive veges, such as kale and collards…which are laden full of nutrients? If your family must eat bread, and most have to for lunches and to help extend the meal, how about shopping at a bread discount store? Do you have any friends in your situation that could join forces with you and buy in bulk? The most critical thing is that you, as the parent, are educated on exactly “what” is healthy and what is not. That can be done for free at your local library. Check out any books by Dr. Weil. If you have internet access, google search anti inflammatory eating for families and pull from some of their suggestions. You may not be able to feed your family organic foods, that’s okay…just learn what is “not” a good choice, such as things like high fructose corn syrup..have sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes…if you must eat mac and cheese, make your own from scratch..there are several small changes that you can make without it altering your budget..I promise there is..I wish you and your family good health.
Sally, I meant no offense. Actually, the hypothesis I made was formed from my own life experience.