How to Debunk the Obesity Myth

We live in a society obsessed with thinness. The U.S. boasts the highest rate of anorexia-related deaths in the world and the highest number of diet-focused companies hawking their wares. There are many who see obesity as a health crisis. Yet, there are growing numbers of specialists who say this is not the case. Follow these steps to debunk the obesity myth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Do a little research to find out the facts about obesity. Increasing mubers of researchers in the field say that the government, the medical establishment and the media are painting an inaccurate picture of the problem. The simple reason is money. It is in the interest of government and healthcare professionals to keep us spending our dollars on weight loss.
2. Consider the facts surrounding the obesity myth in order to debunk it. According to the Center for Consumer Freedom (CFC), the weight-loss industry uses hysteria-tactics to make people believe that obesity is the cause of all society's ills to add more dollars to their coffers. And, CCF points out that "the pharmaceutical industry in particular is putting its enormous resources behind research that grossly exaggerates the health risks and costs of being overweight, as well as its prevalence. Once they convince us of the "problem," drug manufacturers will peddle the (lucrative) "cure."
3. Question the realities of obesity-related health issues. When you read articles or hear news programs saying that 65 percent of the country is obese (and therefore at risk of heart disease, stroke, etc.), be aware that the reason more people are being classified as overweight is not because they actually are, but because the government changed the weight index standard a few years ago so that it fits in with what weight-loss companies want to use.
4. Take control of your own body image. The biggest problem with the obesity myth is that it makes people, women in particular, feel horribly about their own bodies. This leads to self-starvation (anorexia) and forced purging (bulimia). No one can be happy or beautiful while indulging in these kinds of activities to stay "thin."
5. Focus on being happy and healthy rather than thin. If consumers vote with their dollars and refuse to spend them on weight-loss foods, drugs or programs, then it will allow them to focus on their own happiness. This, in turn, will tell the diet companies that consumers are not interested in their myths.