Put that tin of duck fat down!

Researchers are finding empirical evidence linking obesity and depression.  Which is the barbecued chicken and which is the fried egg is not yet clear.  As they say "you're eating because you're depressed, and you're depressed so you're eating".  Of course we all knew this but what is great is that there is research being conducted into these links in order to help overweight/obese people.


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245910.php 


And righteous comments in the article about the stigma of obesity.


Go Dr Stephanie Fulton:

"Although popular culture jokes about these illnesses and even mocks the people who are suffering, obesity is a serious and major public health issue that already affects hundreds of millions of people. As a society, we must avoid creating stigma and discriminating against obese and depressed people. With regards to research, it is urgent that we identify the molecules and neural pathways involved in obesity and obesity-related illnesses. My colleagues and I are committed to identifying the brain circuitry involved in these diseases and to improving the tools available to researchers working in the same field."

What can each of us do to get off the food/mood treadmill?  Perhaps a key step is to stop regarding overweight as some awful personal defect that completely defines us.  Everyone has coping strategies - but things like drinking, cutting and overspending aren't quite as obvious.  (No one walks around with their massive, overdue credit card statement stuck to their chest.)  So should we call them as lazy, stupid and lacking in self control as obese people?  No, no, no.  We want people to adjust their thinking about obese people from the derogatory descriptors to "oh dear, I wonder what's eating that poor soul".  And obese people out there, listen up.  That goes for you too.

Small, Medium, Large......and now Stupid

Just when you think you've heard everything, here comes another idiot publishing yet another "diet" book.  Read this article and either laugh or weep.  The author sounds deranged.  But perhaps it is a satire on the dieting industry - although that may not have been the intention.


http://www.dailylife.com.au/health-and-fitness/dl-wellbeing/a-diet-that-tells-the-truth-about-diets-20120524-1z6xf.html 


If I hear of anyone taking ice cold baths - watch out!

60%?

This is a paragraph from an article in today's Age Online.  It talks about how much we worry about work and study but this excerpt really caught my eye. 


Worries about weight ranked highly for women only. That was not surprising, given the cultural obsession with the appearance of women, Professor Hudson said. ''But it is really alarming that 60 per cent of women said they worried about appearance at levels that interfered with their quality of life.'' (my emphasis)

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/executive-style/management/top-of-worry-list-work-work-work-20120504-1y47u.html#ixzz1uFrfBtH9


Phew!  No wonder we are always so tired.  How much does worry about appearance (especially weight) "weigh" on your mind?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Sunday 6th May is International No Diet Day. So be kind to yourself, eat what you want, savour every mouthful and leave the guilt for another day.  Or you could just ditch the guilt and discover that you actually eat less, rather than more.   Hmmmm.  What a radical concept!