Between The Ears Motivation

[Bally]

I think we all know the consequences of the obese lifestyle but in spite of that most of us fatties still fail to do what is required to do what it takes to get healthy and eat mindfully. When I found out that 40% of people are obese as of 2020 and that in the 1970's only 3% were obese that caused me to seek to identify the problem. This was pointed out to me by a therapist. She asked me my theory as to why I was morbidly obese, and why 40% of Americans are obese. I think if she had told me why it would not have done me any good. I had to figure it out for myself.

What is your theory to why there is an obesity epidemic and why are you a part of it?

 

[Llama]

I am not obese but as far as we can tell the obesity epidemic stems from a combination of things: easy availability of high-calorie/low-satiation foods, poverty (it´s hard to cook healthy meals when you´re working three low-wage jobs and caring for a kid while living in a food desert), loss of food culture, lack of affordable mental health care... And I´m probably missing some others, not to mention everyone´s personal reasons differ a bit. What were yours? Or are you just here to bash others for not yet being at the point you´re at now?

 

[Bally]

I am not obese but as far as we can tell the obesity epidemic stems from a combination of things: easy availability of high-calorie/low-satiation foods, poverty (it´s hard to cook healthy meals when you´re working three low-wage jobs and caring for a kid while living in a food desert), loss of food culture, lack of affordable mental health care... And I´m probably missing some others, not to mention everyone´s personal reasons differ a bit. What were yours? Or are you just here to bash others for not yet being at the point you´re at now?

What is interesting is that you who are not obese answered the question.

I think that food industries play a significant role in the obesity epidemic. In the greedy US the obesity epidemic is being exploited for obscene profits. We can blame those evil people but that will not help the people that they have addicted to junk food.

The more accurate answer is, fat people consume more calories than they burn.

I was lazy and gluttonous. I picked quick and easy food to eat. For instance, 3 apples have less calories than one cubic inch of cheese. Apples take more effort and time to eat.

One thing I did is I watched what lean people do and what fat people do. The answer is, watch what lean people do and do it and watch what fat people do and don't do it.

I watched what they put in the grocery carts. I watch what they order in restaurants how fast they eat. I've see their laziness and ambition. Lean people eat more responsibly.

Here's another fact. The leanest Americans live in the liberal blue states and the fattest Americans live in the conservative Southern red states. There is more crime, divorce, teen pregnancy, porn use and lower average IQ in the Bible belt. While correlation is not causation, when it comes to moral failings one cannot ignore the data. Is gluttony a sin? Is adultery a sin? Is fornication a sin? Is crime sin? Is sin even a thing.

The brain scans of fat people are different that those of lean people.



When fat people lose weight and eat responsibly their brain scans become normal.

 

[Llama]

What is interesting is that you who are not obese answered the question.

I´m going to hazard a guess and say it may be because an obese person answering your question - even if they´re on their way to a healthy weight - opens the door to personal attacks instead of rational discussions. I was only ever borderline obese and it didn´t last long but it was enough to know how quickly you get sick of those things.

With of all the correlations you mention you forget one extremely important one: poverty. Poverty influences all the other things you mention in a negative way.

 

[Truffle Monster]

Mate I mean this with all sincerity; are you alright?

the language we use and manner in which we use it tells a lot of someone’s state of mind.

Please feel free to tell me I’m concerned about nothing but if I can help just let me know.

 

[alligatorob]

Hey Bally, welcome to the forum! I think you will be good addition here, maybe a bit different person than others, but probably good for us, and hopefully good for you.

I am and have been almost all of my adult life an obese person, and

the fattest Americans live in the conservative Southern red states. There is more crime, divorce, teen pregnancy, porn use and lower average IQ in the Bible belt

that is exactly where I was born and raised. What you say is true, and I get your point. The south has other problems too, you missed some big ones, but I still like it and am usually proud to be a redneck or cracker.

In answer to your question my sense is that overeating is quite natural, we evolved in a time of scarcity and for the first million or so years of human existence people who ate everything thing they could get their hands on were more likely to survive. Now we have lots of high calorie high fat foods available in great quantities. I know for myself I ate them in great quantities for a long time. I am not sure stopping that is in my human nature, I have to have a lot of help to do it. And I have found that kind of help here.

I suggest you start a diary on the Weight Loss Diary page (https://weight-loss.fitness.com/forums/weight-loss-diary.9/ ) and tell us more about yourself and your goals. I will be looking for it.

 

[overlandflyer]

.... In the greedy US....

lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride.
human traits not bounded by political borders.
generalizing a people diminishes your credibility.

 

[overlandflyer]

... why <was i> a part of it?

lack of information... spread of misinformation.
it was not until i got smarter about nutrition that i lost weight.

unfortunately the food lobby is too strong to allow for any government action.

 

[Bally]

lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride.
human traits not bounded by political borders.
generalizing a people diminishes your credibility.

Culture plays a role when it comes to vice. In the northern US there are a lot of Catholics and Jews and the Catholics confess sin and the Jews make atonement. The religious cults in the South e.g. Southern Baptists, Pentecostal and every other manner of people who think they are "born again" and are a guaranteed heaven. These people behave disgracefully because there is no accountability. The medical industry happily enables them with their medications, C-PAP machines, bypass surgeries, power chairs, and tolerance for their behavior. American MDs are a greedy nasty bunch and they along with the food industry enable the slovenly lifestyle of Americans.

Fat people don't know what to do because they remain blissfully ignorant and the greedy capitalistic system is exploiting disease by cruelly enabling fatties. Give junk food to a fatty is like giving heroine to junkie. Fatties need to RESIST! No more easy calorie laden food.

 

[alligatorob]

Bally, we make ourselves fat, we have to find a cure or fix ourselves. Blaming it on religion or business or political parties won't help, there may be some facilitation but we can't fix that here. All we can do here is find a way to deal with what we have and make ourselves healthier and happier.

If you are onboard with that and want help and/or to give help to others in the process we'll be glad to have you.

 

[Bally]

I´m going to hazard a guess and say it may be because an obese person answering your question - even if they´re on their way to a healthy weight - opens the door to personal attacks instead of rational discussions. I was only ever borderline obese and it didn´t last long but it was enough to know how quickly you get sick of those things.

With of all the correlations you mention you forget one extremely important one: poverty. Poverty influences all the other things you mention in a negative way.

This depends of on personal one takes the truth. Before I got real I read other diet forums and now I see how insidious the sabotage can be along with the pontificating of misinformation.

I do my own shopping so I don't buy the poverty excuse. I eat cheap and healthy.

 

[Bally]

Bally, we make ourselves fat, we have to find a cure or fix ourselves. Blaming it on religion or business or political parties won't help, there may be some facilitation but we can't fix that here. All we can do here is find a way to deal with what we have and make ourselves healthier and happier.

If you are onboard with that and want help and/or to give help to others in the process we'll be glad to have you.

I am not blaming it on religion. I am merely pointing out the fact that the Bible belt is by every measure of depravity the American South is depraved. Gluttony and sloth are considered to be 2 of the 7 deadly sins. But... the 7 deadly sins in a Catholic thing. Religion is part of culture.

If you want to get to and maintain a healthy weight all you have to do is keep your daily caloric intake between 2500 and 3000 calories depending on your height and physical activity. Now you know how to do it. So do it! If there are any reason for why you can't keep your caloric intake between 2500 and 3000 let me know. Note: at 2500 calories the most weight a man can maintain is 160 pound. Note: at 2000 calories the most weight a woman can maintain 140 pounds.

If you want to be at the correct weight now you know how to do it. Will you do it?

 

[Truffle Monster]

I see how insidious the sabotage can be along with the pontificating of misinformation.

so pretty much what you’re doing here then? Several times you’ve posted the same “information” which appears to be based solely on your opinion/interpretation but failed to name your source when confronted yet continue to spout negativity and bring those around you down.

I gave you the benefit of the doubt and sought to be of assistance should you be reaching out in some way to no avail. The conclusion I draw from your posts is that you are here for one (or more) of the following reasons

1/ as a source of bullying in some misguided attempt to make yourself feel better about something in your life
2/ as a troll in a misguided attempt to stir up some entertainment at the expense of others
3/ genuinely trying to lend assistance to others who may benefit using a misguided “tough love” approach
4/ to extract information and insights into other people to use for content in a blog/book/other publication
5/ building up to selling a product/service to people that promises the world and delivers nothing

I’m honestly trying to determine your motivation for being here and I have to say as a people watcher I’m fascinated. I just cannot draw any concrete resolution.

As Rob has previously stated if you are here to genuinely assist others you’re welcome but if not feel free to be kind to members here and not spread negativity where it doesn’t belong.

What I would ask of you should you choose to stay and contribute to the forum is to read through the forum rules about respect towards others, contributing in a positive manner and understand that the vast majority of people facing a struggle to change their lives will NOT derive assistance/motivation from insults such as “fatties.” As I’ve previously said language is very important. This is a supportive and welcoming forum and one where we value the WHOLE member; mentally, physically and spiritually. Behaviour/language that puts any of that at risk for ANY member is not tolerated.

Please note I am NOT a moderator nor an admin. I am simply a member here who cares for the state of all members (yourself included - my offer of assistance still stands if you have something you wish to talk about completely anonymously and freely of judgement; feel free to send me a direct message).

 

[Bally]

Hey Bally, welcome to the forum! I think you will be good addition here, maybe a bit different person than others, but probably good for us, and hopefully good for you.

I am and have been almost all of my adult life an obese person, and

that is exactly where I was born and raised. What you say is true, and I get your point. The south has other problems too, you missed some big ones, but I still like it and am usually proud to be a redneck or cracker.

In answer to your question my sense is that overeating is quite natural, we evolved in a time of scarcity and for the first million or so years of human existence people who ate everything thing they could get their hands on were more likely to survive. Now we have lots of high calorie high fat foods available in great quantities. I know for myself I ate them in great quantities for a long time. I am not sure stopping that is in my human nature, I have to have a lot of help to do it. And I have found that kind of help here.

I suggest you start a diary on the Weight Loss Diary page (https://weight-loss.fitness.com/forums/weight-loss-diary.9/ ) and tell us more about yourself and your goals. I will be looking for it.

In in the 1970's only 3 - 4 percent of Americans were obese. Human nature is not the cause. America is the fattest nation on earth and I think the UK in number 2. The US is food centric. Food is recreation for Americans.

I'm still dropping weight and I'm on schedule to reach my goal and I'm not looking back. Food no longer has a hold on me.

When we get fat our brains change. Fat people have bigger appetites than normal sized people. As they get smaller their appetites eventually get smaller but it takes time. When you eat slowly your brain catches up with your appetite. If you drink a large glass of what you will eat less. It you eat small meals frequently you won't be as hungry.

 

[Bally]

so pretty much what you’re doing here then? Several times you’ve posted the same “information” which appears to be based solely on your opinion/interpretation but failed to name your source when confronted yet continue to spout negativity and bring those around you down.

I gave you the benefit of the doubt and sought to be of assistance should you be reaching out in some way to no avail. The conclusion I draw from your posts is that you are here for one (or more) of the following reasons

1/ as a source of bullying in some misguided attempt to make yourself feel better about something in your life
2/ as a troll in a misguided attempt to stir up some entertainment at the expense of others
3/ genuinely trying to lend assistance to others who may benefit using a misguided “tough love” approach
4/ to extract information and insights into other people to use for content in a blog/book/other publication
5/ building up to selling a product/service to people that promises the world and delivers nothing

I’m honestly trying to determine your motivation for being here and I have to say as a people watcher I’m fascinated. I just cannot draw any concrete resolution.

As Rob has previously stated if you are here to genuinely assist others you’re welcome but if not feel free to be kind to members here and not spread negativity where it doesn’t belong.

What I would ask of you should you choose to stay and contribute to the forum is to read through the forum rules about respect towards others, contributing in a positive manner and understand that the vast majority of people facing a struggle to change their lives will NOT derive assistance/motivation from insults such as “fatties.” As I’ve previously said language is very important. This is a supportive and welcoming forum and one where we value the WHOLE member; mentally, physically and spiritually. Behaviour/language that puts any of that at risk for ANY member is not tolerated.

Please note I am NOT a moderator nor an admin. I am simply a member here who cares for the state of all members (yourself included - my offer of assistance still stands if you have something you wish to talk about completely anonymously and freely of judgement; feel free to send me a direct message).

I trying to reach people who need to know the facts.

Truth is kind but sometimes the truth hurts.

I have provided useful information.

 

[Trusylver]

@Bally you are calling this tough love, however all I am seeing here, is a bully mentality with "facts" that are in fact complete BS and have no connection to reality.

Re brain image, there is no scientific data here or appropriate study to compliment this image.

Brain imaging research seems scientific (Munro & Munro, 2014) it can be more persuasive than it should be, with studies showing that non experts are especially likely to accept bogus claims when accompanied by a brain image (Ali, Lifshitz &Raz, 2014; McCabe & Castel, 2008). In one study the words "brain scan indicate" led participants to confuse correlation with causation (Weisberg, Kiel, Goodstein, Rawson & Gray, 2008). You should be cautious of the dangers of "neuro-seduction"

If you want to get to and maintain a healthy weight all you have to do is keep your daily caloric intake between 2500 and 3000 calories depending on your height and physical activity. Now you know how to do it. So do it! If there are any reason for why you can't keep your caloric intake between 2500 and 3000 let me know. Note: at 2500 calories the most weight a man can maintain is 160 pound. Note: at 2000 calories the most weight a woman can maintain 140 pounds.

This data here has absolutely no basis in facts whatsoever.

It you eat small meals frequently you won't be as hungry.

Effects of meal frequency on metabolic profiles and substrate partitioning in lean healthy males. - PubMed - NCBI

Less frequent eating has also been shown to improve satiety and reduce hunger compared to more frequent meals.

As a Moderator, I strongly suggest you tone down your bully behaviour on this forum, members are here for a supportive environment with real and verifiable information.

 

[alligatorob]

I am merely pointing out the fact that the Bible belt is by every measure of depravity the American South is depraved.

Hey come on, I told you I am a southerner, born and raised in the Bible belt. As a group we are not "depraved", and I am beginning to take a little offense at this. I am more willing than most southerners to admit and discuss our faults and problems, but this kind of generalization is not truth, it's wrong and very unhelpful. As are some of your other statements.

 

[Bally]

so pretty much what you’re doing here then? Several times you’ve posted the same “information” which appears to be based solely on your opinion/interpretation but failed to name your source when confronted yet continue to spout negativity and bring those around you down.

I gave you the benefit of the doubt and sought to be of assistance should you be reaching out in some way to no avail. The conclusion I draw from your posts is that you are here for one (or more) of the following reasons

1/ as a source of bullying in some misguided attempt to make yourself feel better about something in your life
2/ as a troll in a misguided attempt to stir up some entertainment at the expense of others
3/ genuinely trying to lend assistance to others who may benefit using a misguided “tough love” approach
4/ to extract information and insights into other people to use for content in a blog/book/other publication
5/ building up to selling a product/service to people that promises the world and delivers nothing

I’m honestly trying to determine your motivation for being here and I have to say as a people watcher I’m fascinated. I just cannot draw any concrete resolution.

As Rob has previously stated if you are here to genuinely assist others you’re welcome but if not feel free to be kind to members here and not spread negativity where it doesn’t belong.

What I would ask of you should you choose to stay and contribute to the forum is to read through the forum rules about respect towards others, contributing in a positive manner and understand that the vast majority of people facing a struggle to change their lives will NOT derive assistance/motivation from insults such as “fatties.” As I’ve previously said language is very important. This is a supportive and welcoming forum and one where we value the WHOLE member; mentally, physically and spiritually. Behaviour/language that puts any of that at risk for ANY member is not tolerated.

Please note I am NOT a moderator nor an admin. I am simply a member here who cares for the state of all members (yourself included - my offer of assistance still stands if you have something you wish to talk about completely anonymously and freely of judgement; feel free to send me a direct message).

I will answer your concerns/paranoia more complete:

You say: 1/ as a source of bullying in some misguided attempt to make yourself feel better about something in your life

That's absurd and without merit or proof. I feel fine about myself. I am what I am and I do what I do and I don't have problem with that. It's called being a grown up. The term fatties is not a pejorative. The fat acceptance mob uses that term to describes themselves ad they wear it as a badge or honor. The accurate description of the obese is often considered unkind. Lean people see us as gluttons. We fit that term to a T and the more we deny it the more intellectually dishonest we become. Denial kills.


2/ as a troll in a misguided attempt to stir up some entertainment at the expense of others

Since most people agree with me (the ones who are serious about losing weight) I think the charges you are leveling are trollish. The fat acceptance people hate the idea of weight loss ad responsible eating and they call anyone who is critical of their dangerous life style as body shamers. I became disgusted by my body and mostly my behavior. That disgust is what made me get serious and accept the grim reality to where my life was headed. It also crushed my large and in charge ego and made me keenly aware that the only person who could help me was me.

3/ genuinely trying to lend assistance to others who may benefit using a misguided “tough love” approach

You are 1/2 right. Truth is truth and sometimes truth is a bitter pill. Our politically correct society has excused and ignored the behavior that leads to obesity and helped to create a populace that is weak and sick and ailing. 3/4 of Americans are fat or obese and the continue to dig themselves into early graves with their forks. Kind of absurd don't you think?

4/ to extract information and insights into other people to use for content in a blog/book/other publication

I'm not but maybe I should. There really is not too much to glean from what I am doing other that to say and ask, "If you eat the correct amount of calories every day from here on out you will lose weight and you will not become fat every again. Why won't you do that?

5/ building up to selling a product/service to people that promises the world and delivers nothing

Since there are now products that have any real effectiveness for weight loss with the possible exception of the dangerous prescription drug Contrave there is nothing I or anyone else can sell you that will make you lean. BTW Contrave is a combination of Wellbutrin and Naltrexone. Wellbutrin is a dangerous feel good drug and Naltrexone is used to treat heroine addiction and alcoholism.

I've explained how to lose weight and keep it off. Here is is again:

1. Calculate your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) by multiplying your weight in pounds by 10. That will give you the number of calories you should be eating. Example: If you weigh 400 pounds then you BMR is 4000 calories per day.

2. Eat at your BMR and as you lose weight recalculate. and eat at that level.

3. When you reach your ideal weight. Keep your calories at around 2500 if you're male and 2000 or less if you are a female. Women look best at a low BMI (body mass index) BMI. Learn what BMI is.



I use the Asian BMI chart because for women 23 should be the cut off point for most of them as women tend to be less muscular than men. I have also read that many females are healthy below 18.5.

Now you know what to do. There are no more excuses or equivocation. There is no need to complicate this. No more excuses. DO IT!

 

[Llama]

Women look best at a low BMI (body mass index) BMI. Learn what BMI is.

Wow, you really said that.

I use the Asian BMI chart because for women 23 should be the cut off point for most of them as women tend to be less muscular than men. I have also read that many females are healthy below 18.5.

And that.

It also crushed my large and in charge ego

You mean to say your ego used to be even bigger? Fancy that.

...

Please find a different hobby. Trolling isn´t a good look.

 

[Llama]

I have clearly and succinctly explained how each and every fatty here can lose weight and keep it off

No you haven't. You've posted reductionist clichés that completely ignore the complexity of human psychology. You've repeatedly posted your personal opinion or hear-say as fact and never cited a single peer-reviewed source. All you do is accuse knowledgable people like Tru (who doesn't need to go "look things up" because she actually HAS the studies to back up what she says) of... being probably fat and therefore wrong? We could play fallacy bingo with your posts but honestly the only advice I have for you at this point is to print the exchanges you've had on this forum, show them to your therapist, and do something about your self-loathing.