tri_a_lot wrote:
That is the paradox. There has been no scientific proof. Just claims based on highly questionable research. Having said that though, anyone is free to blame genetics if they want. That is the great thing about it, there is always a way to avoid "self-blame" in our culture. It is a great way to get yourself "off the hook" for taking responsibility. I don't have any problem with people who are overweight, and even people who are constantly complaining about it. I just don't like it when they insult other people for being skinny that is all. And as you can see from the responses, there are a lot of people that feel the same way. Unless you are an medical research authority on genetic factors in weight gain and weight loss, you are reaching a little far here. Questionable research? Yes, the research still has questions to answer, because a scientific study that has HUMANS as subjects is difficult to conduct as completely objective. Typically the researchers acknowledge this. They aim for completely controlled settings while conducting research, but it's difficult and expensive. Did you read the article I posted? It describes some of these experiments, which are very involved, cover long time periods (many years) and are controlled for a number of 'questionable' factors.
But it's pretty insulting to those thousands of researchers to dismiss their work because it doesn't fit with
your personal (i'm guessing nonacademic?- do you work in a lab? do you have a degree in human physiology?) ideas and observations of how the weight gain/loss physiology works. This is akin to somebody claiming that global climate change is a hoax because it's been unseasonably cold in New York for one month of the year. This isn't a study, this is a minute observation by one person in one place in one small bit of time.
But it sounds like your issues with weight loss/gain are deeper, more personal, and involve some serious hurt from your past. This makes you highly unfit to comment on the science and research by the way. In actually conducting research, your opinion about the outcome doesn't matter. The numbers are the numbers and that is that.
However, it makes me feel like arguing with you about the scientific process it is not the point- I see you need some reassurance from others that you are indeed the victim, and better than the lazy fat people.
So I'll agree a little here- it totally sucks to have people comment on your body/eating habits, etc. And it's unfair to you that your family assumes you are anorexic. But like I said before, the things
they say are about them, not you. So either talk back and make it clear you're not putting up with their shit, or gracefully duck out of the conversation. And yes, not ALL overweight people are genetically screwed and have to work much harder to lose the weight (like some of those studies DO show-sorry can't help it). Some overweight people treat their bodies like utter shit, eating fast food every day, never working out, and escalating their health problems. And yes, YOU are better than them in the health department, for losing weight and keeping if off, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, try having some compassion for the overweight people by looking at other aspects of their lives- what do they do for a living? Are they kind? Thoughtful? Good with children? Generous?
I used to think this woman I worked with was a total loser. She's about twenty pounds overweight, was tired and cranky all the time, and always was coming in late and leaving early. Lazy. Then I actually got to know her and learned she had thyroid disease and had hers removed. She lives on pills to regulate her body, and if the balance isn't perfect she is achy and tired and miserable. We go on walks together and she taught me how to knit. She's my friend. And I judged her completely wrong because I didn't have the whole story (and I was being a total bitch).
Also, please don't hate on science. Thanks!