Just My Size

I love what Julie has to say about exercise videos for plus-sized people.

"If videos like “Just My Size Yoga” get people comfortable with the idea of exercising, even looking forward to it? That’s a great victory. Sure, there are plenty of beginner-friendly exercise videos out there, but as far as I know they all harp on weight loss as the ultimate goal. 'Walk it off with George.' 'Weight Loss Walk with Leslie Sansone.' Not all plus-sized people have “Stop Being Plus-Sized” on their to-do list."

Get Moving

Our resident scientist, Jen Wade, pointed me to this interesting study about weight. Jen Wade sums it up nicely: "They asked obese and lean volunteers to wear special underwear with motion sensors on it, and found that the lean people were much more active than their obese counterparts. They say different people have different natural activity levels, and that this is a major contributing factor to body weight."

The doctor in charge of the study has replaced his desk chair with a treadmill.

Shades of Gray

Renee happened to mention in the comments that she had posted in her own blog about the differences between how white celebrities and black celebrities are percieved when it comes to weight. Her perspective is fasinating.

"When I went to college and dropped 20lbs from stress, I was working @ the Gap. When I came home from break all my white female coworkers told me how great I looked. The black guys were like, you look like a crackhead. Being a girl, naturally I listened to the men and of course gained my weight back w/the quickness, but those two contradictory views have never left me."

Her entry also touches on the fact that celebrities have some mythical ideal weight and are equally likely to be plastered on a tabloid for being too skinny than for being too fat. (See current tabloids featuring Nicole Ritchie and Lindsay Lohan. Also the schizophrenia of the tabs not being able to decide if Jessica Simpson is successful or skeletal.)

Worth Reading

A fascinating article about the psychological and physical effects of weight-loss surgery, with lots of intriguing personal stories.

"In the annals of obesity literature, this is not a topic that’s received a ton of attention. But attend any bariatric support-group meeting, and this much is clear: One has to learn to be skinny. Even the smallest adaptive behaviors take years to shake—buying clothes too big, deeming a subway seat too small, refusing to be first through a crowded bar."

“I was amazed . . . I’m still amazed.” She stops, puts down her cup. “It just amazes me to see how much power comes with prettiness."

"If the woman married when she was thin, had kids, became obese, and then had the surgery, the marriage almost always got a lot better... But if the woman married someone while she was obese and then became pretty...well, then she found a job. Got her colors done. Felt better about herself. And almost every one of those marriages ended in divorce.”

I don't much care for the word "pretty" being used as a synonym for "thin" in that sentence, just for the record. Thanks to Nadeen for the link!

No Wonder Lindsay Lohan's Doing Coke

This season's ridiculous discussion about the question of whether a perfectly normal-shaped young woman is "fat" is being talked about over at the American Idol LJ. This year's target is Carrie Underwood. Last year it was Diana DeGarmo. I am sure Kelly Clarkson came in for her fair share of it, too. (Fantasia didn't seem to get criticized; possibly it's more acceptable for an African-American woman to not be a stick? I don't know. Just a theory.)

The linked thread is full of people who mostly have the right idea about it. On the other hand, I did read over on Idol Forums (which I will not inflict upon you, what with the crazy blinking icons, smileys, typos, hysteria, etcetera) a lot of posts about how Carrie's "fat" was going to make her "undesirable to record executives" and "impact her ability to do a good performance." HELLO!? She's a size four!

I don't recall people ripping Ruben to shreds, although he is overweight to the point where it's legitimately unhealthy and kind of scary to watch him huffing and sweating all over the place. You really hope the poor guy will get it together.

I love how American Idol is a microcosm of society. Or maybe I just tell myself that to justify the fact that I can't... stop... watching it. Clay Aiken Rulez!!1!

Still Yo-Yo-ing

Diet Blog did some investigation into the issue of yo-yo dieting.

I agree with the conclusion, which is basically, no wonder we're all so confused!

Yo-Yo, Yo.

Apparently there is no truth to the claim that yo-yo dieting slows down the metabolism. Or at least it's never been proven. That's kind of amazing. I had no idea.

More Post-Baby Weight Stuff

"R&B sensation Jamelia has hit out at celebrity mothers who regain their svelte figures almost immediately after giving birth."

In this article. But to be fair, I know some naturally very thin women who don't gain much weight during pregnancy and their bodies just instantly return to normal. It seems unfair and all, but it does happen. Not to say that she doesn't have a point, but everyone's body is different.

Obesity And Class

Obesity is apparently becoming more prevalent among higher-income people, according to a new report. But the article also reinforces the challenges facing the lower income population:

"For years, doctors have known that the people most likely to be overweight have the lowest incomes. Fresh produce and other healthful fare can be expensive as well as less accessible in low-income neighborhoods than fast food and other high-fat options. Just last week, a report criticized the government nutrition program that helps feed millions of low-income women and children for, among other things, providing hardly any fresh produce and favoring high-calorie juice over whole fruit... It can be hard to exercise in inner cities, where the streets may be too dangerous after working hours. Many groceries in low-income neighborhoods don't stock expensive fresh produce. And people who work two or three jobs have little time to make home-cooked meals."