Combating Obesity Through Self Acceptance

Earlier this month, the Memphis fire department was called to the home of Cedric Gatlin because of an injured wrist. Normally, a wrist injury wouldn't be a cause for alarm, but, in this instance, dire action was needed because Gatlin couldn't walk because of his obesity. His weight is 700 pounds and he hasn't been out of his home is over 2 years. The firemen on the scene decided that the best way to remove Gatlin, was cut a hole in the side of the house. After working for an hour, a dozen firemen carried him to an awaiting ambulance.

I listened in amazement, and wondered what got him to this state? What warning signs did he ignore? Where were his loved one? His sister stated that the family had tried to get him help, but, he was too embarrassed and he was no longer able to walk as a result of his obesity. Two years is a long time not to get out of the house. He had quite literally made himself a prisoner in his own home.

So, what is obesity? Obesity is a term used for people who are extremely overweight as defined by the Body Mass Index. Using the BMI chart, one can determine their ideal weight as proportioned to their height. Between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal; anything over 25 is overweight and 40 and above is extreme or morbid obesity.

For so long, obesity has been viewed as a willfulness on the part of a person to overeat and be overweight. However, in more recent years, medical professionals are categorizing obesity as a disease. I am not quite sure if it is a disease so much as a symptom of something much more serious. When we have the flu, we show symptoms with a cough, sneeze or fever. Some professionals believe that overeating is a result of depression and stress. Therefore, just losing weight will not solve the problem, in fact, until the cause is resolved, weight lost is almost impossible. For this reason, people find themselves moving from one unsuccessful weight loss program to the next.

How does a person gain self-acceptance when the world around them views them in an adverse way? People who are struggling with depression, stress or poor self image, should get professional help. Determine the problem, then, create an atmosphere for healing in that area by being around people who understand and want to help. Often times, well-meaning family and friends believe that they can ridicule a person into weight loss, but, are probably making the situation worse. A person who is already depressed doesn't need to hear how 'fat' they are. Family and friends should find a way to be supportive, without being critical and judgmental. Then, and only with self-realization, professional input, and a compassionate support group, will the overweight person find the will needed to combat and win the battle again obesity.

There are a lot of weight loss motivators, but, the greatest one should be ones health. Obesity leads to many health conditions, which include diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and shortened life expectancy. Then, there are more basic desires, like the ability to wear smaller sizes and look good doing it, feeling comfortable in social settings and just feeling more energized. No matter the motivation, the obese person should approach weight loss for self satisfaction and not for the approval of others. Taking control of the situation will help keep prospective and help achieve the greater goal. There are many weight loss methods and programs, but, the most effective ones are self-determination, self-love and self-acceptance.