Health News
- A Leading Authority On Bullying In Schools Offers Ideas For Recognizing, Preventing And Dealing With It
By Melissa Landon Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues How do we recognize, deal with and prevent bullying, particularly in schools? A leading authority on bullying offered some ideas June 12 in a University of Kentucky training session...
- Most Overweight Diabetics Don't Know How Much To Exercise For Weight Loss, And They Don't Exercise Enough
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Many overweight people with diabetes don't exercise enough for weight loss, and they also don't have a clear understanding of the recommended amount of exercise, according to a study reported by...
- Common Beliefs About Obesity And Weight Loss Found To Be Myths
Think going to gym class drives weight loss, or that breastfeeding protects a child from obesity? Think again, because these are among seven popular myths about obesity myths, according to an international team of researchers. The seven...
- Is Obesity The New Normal?
There?s an old joke that goes something like this: ?If you want to feel thinner, hang around with heavier people.? Maybe that?s not so funny anymore. With two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight or obese, the ?look? of Americans has changed. We?re...
- Body Image And Weight Loss
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I can?t think of one person I know ? man or woman ? who is not critical in some way of their own body. The concept of a positive body image is foreign to many people ? especially those trying to lose weight. An interesting study...
Health News
Fighting Back From ?Weight Bullies"
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
When did the idea become acceptable that the personal weight issues of other people are somehow everybody?s business? Many people feel entitled to comment and judge others about whom they know nothing. They are who I call ?weight bullies.? Weight bullies are occurring with increasing frequency, and I believe they are a big step in the wrong direction!
Here is a case in point: an overweight television anchor in Wisconsin received an email from a viewer commenting on her obesity. The remarks included (1) surprise that her physical condition had not improved over the years, (2) that she should present and promote a healthy lifestyle, and (3) that she was a poor role model, especially to girls.
While many overweight and obese people are judged ? both intentionally and accidentally ? the usual response is silence and hurt feelings. Many patients have told me they feel obesity is the last ?acceptable? area for open criticism and that they are not only hurt by comments, but feel they are somehow less worthy or deficient as human beings.
This courageous TV anchor, Jennifer Livingston, fought back. She used the negative email she received as an opportunity to speak out against weight bullies. Talking directly to viewers while on the air, Ms. Livingston addressed all people who are not only struggling with their weight, but with other physical and emotional issues. Her message: ?Don?t let your self worth be defined by bullies.? You can watch the entire four-minute broadcast of her inspiring words on YouTube by clicking here.
Have you experienced weight bullying? I?d love to hear your thoughts on the topic!
- A Leading Authority On Bullying In Schools Offers Ideas For Recognizing, Preventing And Dealing With It
By Melissa Landon Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues How do we recognize, deal with and prevent bullying, particularly in schools? A leading authority on bullying offered some ideas June 12 in a University of Kentucky training session...
- Most Overweight Diabetics Don't Know How Much To Exercise For Weight Loss, And They Don't Exercise Enough
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Many overweight people with diabetes don't exercise enough for weight loss, and they also don't have a clear understanding of the recommended amount of exercise, according to a study reported by...
- Common Beliefs About Obesity And Weight Loss Found To Be Myths
Think going to gym class drives weight loss, or that breastfeeding protects a child from obesity? Think again, because these are among seven popular myths about obesity myths, according to an international team of researchers. The seven...
- Is Obesity The New Normal?
There?s an old joke that goes something like this: ?If you want to feel thinner, hang around with heavier people.? Maybe that?s not so funny anymore. With two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight or obese, the ?look? of Americans has changed. We?re...
- Body Image And Weight Loss
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I can?t think of one person I know ? man or woman ? who is not critical in some way of their own body. The concept of a positive body image is foreign to many people ? especially those trying to lose weight. An interesting study...