Are We Focusing Too Much On Obesity?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22479045
I suppose to fat people it can seem like being underweight is considered a result!

[magsmay]

No we aren't -its a huge problem and until people realise they are fat because they eat too much and don't do enough exercise nothing will change. I've been there -all the excuses - oh they are making clothes much smaller these days -oh its just middle-aged spread you can't expect to weigh the same at 50 that you did at 30 -well yes you can -but only if you want to -blowing own trumpet here but I have lost 30lbs since Xmas and feel I've lost 20 years along with it ;-)

[ummmm]

I don't think judging school childrens weight would give you an accurate figure.

My youngest son was a bit of a chubster until he hit puberty. Now he's really thin.

My other 2 children were considered underweight but ate like pigs.

[ToraToraTora]

well done mags, but do you think that underweight issues get ignored or are they not really issues at all in most cases?

[ummmm]

Tora....some people are naturally very thin.

People are not, in general, naturally fat.

[aelmpvw]

i think the bmi index needs another look when a 14 stone athlete who is obviously very fit is considered obese

[AlwaysConfused]

underweight issues are considered anorexia, and any underlying health issues seem to be overlooked.

That's not a scientific answer by any means, just how thing appear to be these days

[magsmay]

Tora -this is a difficult one -one of my friends has a child who will not eat -he is naturally very thin but gets offered food and is very active and healthy in other ways -she was approached by the school nurse and given leaflets on correct nutrition for children -she was livid! My 12 year old boy was like a bean pole up until christmas -now hormones are kicking in and he's looking a little podgy -this worries me more than when he was skinny.

[boxtops]

It's been said for some time that our general overweight condition is going to cause hughe health problems in coming years, with diabetes rising even more, and fat unhealthy children dying of preventable conditions, before their parents.

[mikey4444]

ummmm...you have hit the nail on the head. I am 18 stone and I'm that heavy not because of an under-active thyroid but an over-active knife and fork !

[sunny-dave]

"Are fat people an easy target?"

"Yes - they are quite big and, by and large, don't move very fast"

[mikey4444]

sunny-dave...you are a caution, you really are !

[sunny-dave]

Also a victim of fork/mouth over-activity mikey :+(