I am involved with some organizations which advocate and offer services for those of us with weight issues. There is still discrimination against obesity. Sadly, people are bullied and demeaned by the public and even the medical profession. Those with weight issues are often unfairly blamed for work situations and publicly shamed for their appearance. I have missed out on promotions, pay increases and other work opportunities because of obesity. I have resigned from jobs where I have been bullied and treated as a lesser person because of how I appear.
Obesity is complex. It is not a moral issue, nor does it reflect a weakness or lack of control. There are many aspects to this complicated and misunderstood condition. In my own personal journey, my obesity was influenced not just by my unhealthy lifestyle; but the culture in which I lived and my genetics.
I believe our culture is to blame both for the discrimination and the increase in obesity. Although we know that fast foods increase inflammation in the body and lead to obesity and illness, they can still be easily purchased. We now have a worldwide epidemic, yet the public largely remains uneducated with many believing that eating less calories and exercising is the way to lose weight; so, it is a matter of willpower, not the quality of the food we eat.
There is pressure from our culture to conform. On the same night, we will witness advertising for fast foods such as KFC and McDonalds, and weight loss supplements and miracle tablets. But very few have confronted the crux of the matte: the average Australian diet is unhealthy. What we consider to be normal in our culture is a lifestyle which causes high inflammation and eventually illness. It is not just those who are obese who struggle with inflammation; as a culture we suffer from it.
No one teaches that the best foods can be found on the outside of the supermarket, not on the shelves in the middle of the store. Fast foods are readily available, yet healthy alternatives such as fruit and vegetables as a snack are rarely offered at public events. Very few of us live a healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy foods are freely available because there is a demand for them. That is, people without obvious obesity are consuming the same foods.
Remember, we are all in this together. Only as one can we change this trend.
In love, Jenny.
