ARE YOU OBESE? READ THIS BLOG IF YOU SAY “NO”

From:  John Hernried, M.D.

    

Most patients who come to the Obesity Treatment Center have a medical diagnosis of obesity and know they need help.  However, I know we are treating the tip of the iceberg when it comes to obesity. I was always amazed in my internal medicine practice, when an obese patient would say; “I may need to lose a few pounds sometime.” Even if I pointed out that their weight was dangerously high and would lead to serious medical problems, they would say:  “At least I’m not obese.”

      

It turns out this type of thinking is not uncommon in the overweight. An  interesting new study presented in April at The American Society of Nutrition Conference by Dr. Kimberly Truesdale of the University of  North Carolina at Chapel Hill asked patients of various weights to assess their own weight status (underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese).  Those who were of normal weight or overweight estimated correctly about 90% of the time.  However, only 15% of patients who were obese correctly assessed their own status as being obese. 

      

“These findings have important public health implications,” says Dr. Truesdale. “If obese adults do not consider themselves to be obese, they are not likely to pay full attention to public health messages about the consequences of being obese. More research is needed into why obese adults do not consider themselves to be obese, with two possibilities being perception and denial.”

      

I’m concerned because I’m only reaching 15% of the population at risk and wonder how to get the message out to the rest.  I believe that not recognizing your body size is an image disorder just the opposite of anorexia but just as pernicious.  There is likely a neurobiological component that allows the body to be in denial and “save” the excess storage for time of famine.  Learning how to address this denial will play a key role in dealing with the obesity epidemic.  I am greatly encouraged that BMI is being noted at nearly every physician visit at many medical institutions in my community because it is an objective measure that cannot be denied.

      

I recently read a business book that discussed how several good companies faced the “Brutal Reality” in order to make the necessary adjustments to be successful.  If you are reading this blog entry, take a deep breath, and link to our BMI calculator and see where you are.  If you have a BMI over 30, take another deep breath and consider asking for assistance.  Congratulations, you are now in the 15% that realize you have a medical condition that requires attention.  This is a big first step!!

Comments

[Victoria]

At 5'7" and 206 I didn't realize I was clinically obese until I calculted my BMI one day. I knew I was overweight - but obese? No way.

Since then I've lost 65 pounds on low-carb and am a healthy weight, though I want to lose a few more pounds still. :) I like myself and what my body can do now. No way am I going back!

[yin yin wu]

Hi,

I'm writing an article for the stanford science magazine concerning obesity and ethics and would like to use the image of the thin person stuck within the fat body. Your permission and the name with which you would like the picture to be credited with would be very appreciated.

Sincerely,

Yin Yin Wu
writer

[poi]

hallo

[poi]

hallo

[Sam Lawday]

I would like to use the picture of thin man within the small man for a school project, but I need permission and you would be acknowledged and so would that be ok
many thanks
sam

[Desiree]

Hello,
I would like your permission to use the picture of the thin person within the fat, candy-filled body for a college project. If you could repond as soon as possible; it will be deeply appreciated.

Thanks,
Desiree

[Jelnaar]

Hello

I would like to thank you for the wonderful raised by the topic,

Excuse me, I ask that you help,

I am pharmaceutical student at the university, the project graduated from obesity.

If you have any ideas or suggestions I hope you benefit.

This is like Stuie that the deadline for delivery of the project at the end of May 2008, so I hope to respond to accelerate if this is possible.

Greetings to you

[Rebecca D.]

Hi,
I'm a nursing student at McMaster University and I'm doing a health fair about diet and i would like your permission to use the picture of the thin person within the fat person as one of my display pictures.

Thank You
Rebecca D.

[Joanna]

The picture of the thin person inside the obese person is excellent. I am a doctoral student studying childhood obesity and the food environment and would like to request permission to use the picture in my powerpoint presentations about this topic matter.

Thanks so much!
Joanna

[kanapo]

Hi

My name is Kanapon . I'm freshbaked doctor ( 1 yr work )
I'm really interesting about Obesity problem ,So I wana know that if I interest in this problem What Speciality that I should be apply for .

If u reading this one . Please send the answer by email.

Thank u very much

( sorry for my stupid english )

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[Joan]

Excellent article. I never thought of myself as obese and now I realize that I am. I'm starting on a weight loss journey and is maintaining a blog throughout the entire process. That picture of a thin person stuck in an obese body represents exactly how I feel. I'm requesting permission to use it. A response via email would be appreciated. Thank you.

laura

[Elizabeth]

I would also like to use the picture of thin man within the small man for a school feature article on obesity affecting children. but I would need your permission and you will also be acknowledged.

thanks a bunch Elisa!