Watch shows like 1,000 Pound Friends or 1,000 Pound Sisters. Both entertaining shows, but they really highlight the struggles of obesity.

A healthy weight is important. Being overweight causes all sorts of health problems to occur over time. We all feel better when we like what we see in the mirror.

One of the big problems with obesity and being overweight is you tend to get away with it until a certain age. When you are older you will find obesity or even just being overweight can cause dozens of health issues. Excess wear on bones is just one thing. Kidney and heart issues - and in a lot of cases if you are overweight you cannot even get surgery done. This has happened to a friend of mine just this week here in Perth - Australia. His BMI is too high (body mass index).

Society gives mixed signals: on the one hand, there's all this "big beautiful people" stuff and on the other, tons of commercials about losing weight fast, get rid of those extra pounds, etc. Then there's the eat healthy messages, alongside all the restaurants advertising extra large portions. Meanwhile, do they really care about anyone's health? Of course not, they just want to make $$$. People who are very overweight need to talk to a doctor, because of all the health problems that go along with this. But just being a little more overweight than the "average person" (whoever that is?) shouldn't bother anyone, if their health's good. I'd suggest, if you want to take off the weight, to try eating smaller portions, rather than cutting out things you like. Okay, I'll (finally) shut up!

You should care about your health others don't care about your health care make you take care of yourself.

The strain on your health and well being, and if you really want to be that way, you don’t have the positive attitude or will to change, but the impact on yourself and your health isn’t good long term

been there. not there now, haven't been there for forty years . but am still enduring the consequences of diabetic retinopathy, diabetes type 2, heart disease and peripheral nephropathy.

if you have big bones you look obese but you are corpulent and the fat is only belly fat , easy to reduce with a mild diet ..

I've been overweight most of my life.Edited 24-Mar-23 19:49pm

We just had Australian of the Year glorifying being overweight. Are you kidding me. what this country needs is get fit campaign not catering to bad habits

Tax payers care cuz it costs them a lot of money, your GP cares, your family cares, your partner, your kids... You can be overweight and healthy depending on your body composition - if that composition is predominantly fat then that's bad. If predominantly muscle then that's much better for you. People can even be skinny fat and have a healthy BMI but terrible for health body composition. Too much fat increases risk for a lot of diseases but if you move a lot (exercise) then this changes the bad fat into good fat/fuel.

Obesity is a problem in Australia and America as well. It's very easy to put weight on but much harder to lose it. I weighed 55 kilo's for most of my adult life but after my thyroid was removed it became a struggle and I have watched the number get higher and higher. First I went on the Duken diet and it worked for many years but then seemed to stop working. As I have healthy eating habits I went to see a nutritionist who told me my diet was fine but perhaps I wasn't eating enough. Then I tried Jenny Craig and in 12 months lost 200 grams. They must have been the most expensive 200 grams in the world. I have Polymyalgia and my GP told me to take anti-inflammatories, I gained 2 kilo's so went back to see the GP. She said not to worry because my BMI was normal. I don't care about my BMI, I'm overweight and I know it. I struggled to get rid of one kilo but the second is being a real pain and hanging on for dear life. I went to see the GP a third time and demanded to see a specialist because I should not be gaining weight so easily. Being overweight is not healthy. First it's not good for your back to be lugging too much weight around. I have gone from a size 8 to a size 10 and now a size 12. Where will it end, size 20? Being overweight means you are more likely to get cancer, heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol. None of which I want. I'll never be 55 kilo's again but 65 would be easier to live with than what I weigh now.

no. short ans. & if any1 believes otherwise they are fooling themselves Edited 24-Mar-23 18:10pm

Really why do people have to be nasty about weight. Weight is a health issue yes but really if you dont like fat people keep your opinion to yourself.

3 years ago I had a gastric sleeve, which I paid for myself because I didn't qualify for the public system in NZ. I was 130kg and am now 86kg. Yes, I am still considered overweight but, at size 14, I'm happy with my weight and have maintained it for 2 years now. I have a lot more energy and feel a lot more healthy.

being over weight increases your risk or heart disease, cancer, diabetis, and many neurological disorders, so you may be considered fit, but not necessarily healthy, in having said that, is the model, wafer thin body ideal, I think not, perhaps its finding the happy medium, having a hormonal imbalance or many other issues that can affect weight means you body is not as it should or could be, healthy, i think therein lies the answer.

It ok if you want to die early

It all depends on your fitness level. Being excessive obese and very unfit would be a health risk. If you have a active lifestyle but carry a few pounds, I wouldn't be too concerned.

It's proven that some people of a larger size are still healthy. Some people have a larger bone structure and density. Some have a heavier muscle mass. Some have issues of Genetics. I think it all healthy food was the same price as junk food, we would have a lot more healthier people in the world

Overweight is a vague term. Do you mean a few pounds, or do you mean morbidly obese? I weighed 346 lbs., and I had gastric bypass surgery. My cardiologist years later told me that I would not have lived without the surgery. I literally dieted myself to that weight! Every time I lost weight, I regained it back plus more until I was horribly obese. Too much fat around your organs is NOT healthy. I don't believe in those weight charts. I finally got under 200 pounds, and I am happy with that weight considering how far I have come! My doctor still thinks I'm overweight, which I am according to their charts, but I'm no 70, and I feel happy with where I am. I don't deny myself anything because that makes you want it more. However, if I were able to exercise, I'm sure I would be healthier and thinner. I think you are the best one to answer that question as to what feels healthy for you!

Maybe.

obesity is not good in any shape or form, it's not a matter of saying "Who cares if I am bigger" it's not the point obesity can bring many other health complications and risks. There is professional help out there only if one is really set their mind and commits to wanting to change their lifestyle for long-term benefits for you and the family and achieving that goal and feeling good about yourself. It's not easy although the better you do something about it, the less chance there is for unwanted medical issues.i

I think it can be very difficult to loose weight. For some people its a very complex issue and not just a matter of eating less. I think there are psychological as well as physical reasons people are very overweight. I think obesity puts a strain on the heart even if you exercise and are obese.

if you are obese your health will suffer eventualy

Yes Sumo Wrestlers somehow manage it.

Not really, but i guess there's a difference between being 5kilos over your weight class or 30kilos over. If you are 30kilos over or more then that is very unhealthy.Edited 24-Mar-23 14:34pm

U can be slim & unhealthy so weight isn't everything, however when get into obesity, guess there's a range, but it puts a strain on ur organs, so that's not so good - if things are working harder do they wear out quicker? Like the heart? Hmmm

I was 7stone 5 ounces. During one pregnacy I doubled my weight, as I had been in hospital from the time I was three months it was hormones or genetics that caused the issue. It took 42 years to get back down to 10 stone. Eating healthy and eating in moderation was good for me however it was a really slow process. I am still considered obese because of my build. I have always been healthy.

If anything I'm underweight, not considered obese at all personally.

Yes you can. exercise for 20 minutes a day, and walk for about 5 kilometer a day. I am 132 kg and have a knee problem, and my health is good

. Genetics can play a part , as long as you eat a healthy diet and excersize- keep active. Above all else though is our mental health! having support from those you love and happiness

Generally when overweight there can be some health problems and it is not always easy to lose the weight for some people. I have watched some people really struggle with it.

I know someone who is very short and heavy. She is a hard worker and not at all lazy. I feel you can be somewhat healthy but I’m sure they would still have some health problems

The biggest problem becoming bigger is health. It is harder for surgical procedures to be done if they are necessary, the equipment in hospitals and nursing homes is not designed to take such big weights, and the end result is it is so much harder to live happily. I was watching the pounds [kilos] go on while my partner was still alive, but since then because I am not hungry a lot of the time, the excess has just fallen off and I am back to my fighting weight of when I was a teenager. The great thing about this is I feel so much better and fitter and it is nice to wake up of a morning feeling 'Yes I would like some breakfast today'. Many of my friends have cut out one meal a day and they swear by this to lose then maintain weight. Remember we still have the genes of our ancestors who never knew if they would catch something or find some edible food to eat that day, so we are not really designed to eat 3 full meals a day, let alone all the processed rubbish that is around these days.

i feel sorry for over weight people it must be a very hard struggle

I used to be a size 10 until my late 40s. I am now between sizes 12-14 and am considered to be overweight. I am very active in the workplace (including my volunteering), eat as healthily as possible but still am having trouble getting rid of excess weight - even with strenuous exercise! Perhaps it is my mother's/grandmother's 'genes' now catching up to me after being blessed with a svelte figure most of my life! (and naturally my age - 66). Who cares if I am bigger?? .... hell yeah, I do 😒Edited 24-Mar-23 12:35pm

Yes, but it is harder to be healthy. No one but the person can help, unless they want help. It has to be a choice made and acted on.

It’s all about genetics, isn’t it? Some people have great genes, some have crappy ones. The possibilities are endless for what’s healthy and what isn’t.

It depends, everything in moderation and walk daily for exercise and yes the BMI is out of date

It depends how overweight a person is. If they are morbidly obese then it is very unhealthy and even life threatening.

I broke down and recently asked a surgeon for help. After 5yrs in the gym my stomach wasn’t going away. So I did get a BBL almost two years ago. I no longer have any fat around my stomach after the liposuction.Edited 24-Mar-23 11:30am

I would love to loose 10 kilos for my own health, but am finding it hard. Not all of us were born with the able to eat anything gene and not gain weight. I do worry about the health issues that some people will face.

Depends on what they are basing ‘overweight’ in. If it is the BMI then yes 100% you can be overweight and very healthy. Overweight is an open and silly term to use when discussing whether or not someone is healthy

Being overweight can cause problems with the body, the heart, being the main one. Also the knees can become a problem trying to keep that weight up, I have family members who have had problems with weight, and either have lost it naturally or had to have stomach stapling. But still put the weight back on. Its a struggle for some and not so for others. But to be 600 lbs and over is not good at all.

Well each to their own. I do need to loose weight and at my age I am finding it difficult. I know how I could loose a lot of weight and that would be to stop drinking beer but I don't want to so there for I am what I am and if no one likes it `Don't let the door hit you on the way out' so to speak. I have never been a fit person, hate sports and you'll never see me in a gym ever. I do walk some as we do that nearly every morning not just for the exercise but for our pets too, if we didn't our old dog would just sleep on the bed all day. They are great motivators to get up and move. I think as long as a person is happy then it really doesn't matter what size you are as we are all different in shapes sizes and personalities. The world would be rather boring if we were all the same. Not all one size fits all.

I am not too Overweight. I always wonder if those are just look like that anyway (like it's genetic). Although trying to loose weight is an on going process. Sure it possibly keeps me more healthy, Still I could be even more healthy and loose even more or be less healthy and put on more. So really what is the best? But the main thing is if I'm a bit over weight, I can loose weight faster, but it get's much harder to loose weight as I go down, then so easy to put weight no matter what. So what is my best weight? I have found diet or fasting is much faster than exercise of course.

I am obese, I would love to loose some weight. I seem to loose a kilo or two, then put it back on the next time. I am unable to do much walking because of a back and knee problem, which I wish I could do. I do have quite a few health problems, sleep apnoea, diabetes, hypertension, plus a couple of others. If I could loose the weight, some of these things will be better straight away. I am late 60s.

People need to understand the health risks.

Why not? Have a look around! There are people of all shapes and sizes. Check out Sumo Wrestlers - some are over 200Kgs but their Health checks show their Hearts and other important organs are 100% Fit! Explain that, if you can. Yes, there are people who are grossly overweight as a direct result of their appalling Diets of Pizzas, McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, Burger King, KFC and other similar Fat, Salt and Sugar engorged Junk Food, the Sugar-lade Soft Drinks etc. Other than those issues, I think it all depends on one's Inheritance. Some tall, or very tall men and women are Physically very big, yet they live long and healthy lives with no serious problems and some develop serious health issues. Some are not, some seem unable to put on any weight at all, they eat Healthy foods BUT they still have Heart Attacks, Strokes, get Cancers. There are small statured people some are fat, some are thin and the same health issues arise for them too. Stay away from all the Junk Food for it has been That being said Proven to be Dangerous and lead to serious Health Issues. That being said it does not mean that on very rare occasions you can't give yourself a naughty, self-indulgent, unhealthy treat!

I'm a diabetic. Once I realized I cut out much of the junk foods and re-commenced walking. Got down to 54.6kg and basically have stayed that way for over the last 20 or so years. If you manage this then much of the "junky" foods don't matter anymore. They have lost their "eat me" charm.

No. Obesity is not good for body and overall health. People make lots of excuses. Just keep moving and don't eat junk food easy.

I am 65, 1.93/1.94(6' 4" +) and 140kg(2 years ago was 164 Kg) and apparently I am obese.I still walk with my dog for 50 mins twice a day at Botanical Gardens just over the road. Its a mixture of uphill/down hill & flat. By the charts I should be around 100kg but I am pretty happy as I am

Yes.

what determines you are overweight, I am 60 and recently retired I weigh 105 kg having a lot of back trouble, I got told to lose weight because I was borderline overweight for my age, I didn't know what that meant, I must admit I lost 15 kg and life improved a wee bit but not much, you have to be happy in your own skin my friend if you are having problems do what you need to do if you are not, listening to your heart, not your neighbor

Most people says you can't, but to eat healthy does not necessary mean you have skip meals or give up everything you like. proportion meals is it three meals a day in-between eat a snack a cookie oatmeal or something you like you want get hungry but most of time you feel too feel but do not feel you cheated on your diet because your full but be glad you are not hungry after eating three regular meals plus a snack in between it'll work and you feel good when you do this I know i am one those that has a tendency to get a little overweight at times. Most of mine is skipping and trying to find something that will take the hunger away.

You can carry some extra weight and is ok as long as a regular easy excersize is incorporated. turn some of it into light muscle..doesn't take a lot..stationary bike twice a week ..walk your dog more and need to eat big eat right ..lots veg.. lean meat..fish eggs and salads don't have to be boring..more fruit and nuts..it's all cool with a little efforts ..not perfect but certainly improved..

i'm in shape rounds a shape.and everybody is different. Bmi was brought out in 1834 one square meal a week and we still use it today.

Losing weight involves appropriate pattern of dietary habits, physical and mental activties. If someone is overweight, it produce some difficulties for the person as well as for the society. An obese person occupy more spaces which sometimes is difficult in public transport. Some other problems are still there.

Don’t believe you can be overweight & healthy. So many very fat people in Australia now.!

Everybody is different

Obesity is a health condition not just laziness for some people. Ive had sleeve surgery and then got diagnosed with epilepsy shortly after and im on constant medication which doesnt help. Yes there are some people that dont want to do anything about it. But it is very hard when you have other chronic health issues on top of obesity which contributes to weight gain aswell.

Be you

Lucky or good management that I am slim and trim. (and good looking)

Isolate too much at home due to COVID19

Yes you can be overweight and be healthy as many are. There is a difference in being a little overweight and being grossly overweight, obese, where you cannot be healthy.

I think this has been a major topic way before the Covid-19 Pandemic, sadly, I think that it has been talked about that some people do stay healthy as their health check up does not show any stress on the rest of their functionalities.

I think you can be slightly overweight and healthy. I also think it is about the amount of exercise a person does. it doesn't have to be organised sport - just movement of any type.

Mostly depends on genes and diet as to what size your body is to be. Some can be well overweight with no health issues others just have health issue no matter their body size. If you do daily exercise and eat mostly healthy go with the flow, don't let all the hype get you down as that will create more health [both mental and physical] issues that being over weight

Unfortunately as menopause hits, it can affect many women.

People need to avoid the poisons of processed foods. If you eat healthy and are still overweight, then it is not your fault.

You should care about your health! It’s your life It’s your life at the end of the day and.it can affect your health in many ways!

Always been big. When younger I played hockey for my schools and city. 4 practices a week plus games, biked everywhere, big. Worked in the building industry, big. Have a home gym, still big. So yes you can be big and healthy. It's who I am and I'm fine with it, by the way does my as* look big in these jeans? 🤣

You yourself should care as it could cut your lifespan down dramatically

Only by burning the calories you consume will you be able to maintain a good weight.

I did a lots of loss of weights but i can't i had skip meal. Not eatting no oil, milk, egg or meat this months i can't loss weight. Excise as well. Its the body as we get older some get fat and can't stop it. All my life i did all this weight loss on the market nothings work. I also skip meal each day to stop getting fat but do not work. Peoples said when they got covid vaccination they start having bad heart and getting sicker. Do you believe them or not. Edited 24-Mar-23 07:23am

I agree some people are naturally bigger, however there is a difference between big and obese. It’s ok but you must be healthy and eat healthy, if not that’s when things go wrong.

Ask a Sumo wrestler! Yes, you can be healthy overweight, but you have to work at it. They exercise! Now, me, on the other hand, I hate formal exercise, so I walk my dog, and work outside in my yard. Recently I cut 300 calories off my daily food intake, down to 1200 from 1500, and I'm losing steadily 1-2 pounds a week, but I'm also more active since it's getting warmer out. In the USA Americans are also obese. I'm trying to get down so I'm healthier. I don't want to die because I'm too heavy at my age. Started at 180lbs at 5'3", and now I'm 173lb and still losing! ;-D

NO, You have a choice and too many people are lazy east rubbish, dont move around and are glued to an idiotbox encouraging you to kill yourself with all the glittery rubbish they promote. If you dont respect and look after your mind and body that is your choice. I cant do anything about it.

I cant say much about healthy eating, but for your own longevity, trying to loose a bit of weight would be a healthy option

Eat healthy and do some exercise even if its just walking or if you have a garden get out there and keep it looking good it all helps you to stay healthy

Change eating habits and exercise to stay healthy

According to the BMI scale, I'm moderately obese but my GP says that I'm what he'd call actively obese. I only have a spare tire around my stomach and a bit of fat on my arms and neck, all of which I'm trying to lose. I can still walk for 2 hours without stopping and only get winded if I go up big hills. Obesity comes in many forms but I do think we owe it to each other to be as healthy as possible so as not to overwhelm the health care system so that we can all get medical care when we need it

IT IS BAD THAT PEOPLE ARE LIKE THAT BUT IT IS THERE CHOOSE

If you want to be obese that's fine but don't moan when all the health problems arrive in later life.

I am overweight but I trying to lose weight

Yeah I'm big but I'm getting trying to lose weight as I'm hemiplaegic on my right side and I'm getting healthier.

Larger than life! Fortunately there are styles of clothes now that accomodate large people, and in some cultures voluptuous is beautiful! one must like/love themselves no matter what size they are, however what we put in our mouth’s can affect our health and overall well being. I’m a curvy lady, and in the past haven’t had a healthy relationship with food, now I’m in a good place overall, and most of the time make good healthy choices, indulging sometimes! Shaking sugar, has been a challenge!!! Love a latte with a date scone or blueberry muffin and cream cheese, delicious…

My family are big, it broke my heart to see my dad age and become less and less mobile, with buggered knees and trouble getting in and out of seats plus having to call the ambulance to get him out of the bath or pick him up after a fall. So i exercise and count calories to save myself future pain and humiliation. Yes each to their own , but please don't let obesity become the norm it will catch up with you eventuality. Everyone finds it hard to lose weight or there wouldn't be such a huge industry around diet and weight loss. But its not brain science, energy in , energy out....the price of fruit and veg doesn't dictate the amount of food you allow to enter your body. Portion control is the real secret, not what type food you consume. The good news is that I've found weight comes off quicker than it went on and the feeling of success when i lose weight is far greater than the feelings i had putting it on. Good luck to any one out there struggling, you deserve your best life

Yes

Not really because being overweight can cause or be due to underlying health issues which must cause anxiety or concern. Also the frustration which comes with being overweight eg. finding clothes to fit, being breathless, unable to do some tasks, worried about what others think despite pretending you are OK about it.

I am trying to lose weight is because I am too big for my height in which the doctor me that I need to lose some weight.

To each their own.

I do believe it's personal, yet it does affect so many aspects of our lives/death that it should matter. Our inner body parts, organs and functions seem to be very unique; the cost of changing clothing sizes and utilities (like chairs, beds, bath can add up); not to mention the mental stresses that seem to accompany "too larger" sizes these days. All aspects of what constitutes "total health" should be the individual and their family's concern. The mind is a very powerful tool in any/every size we carry. slim/skinny isn't always healthy either. Still embrace yourself first, before trying to fix your self to please others. Love isn't just about what others can see, as your heart's health "in totality" is what truly matters...you have time on earth to be your best you and to all others around you ⏱️😁

Maybe , depends on many things,,,Up to the individual, far too many judgemental people , get a life, mind your own business and move on

Depends on the individual

Yes you can be overweight/medically obese and be fit and healthy. BMI as a measure of how fit and healthy you are is a flawed methodology and has been proven to be so (I have been saying this for decades based on my own experiences and what I have witnessed). Regardless of whether I have been in a healthy or unhealthy weight range, I have felt exactly the same even though my clothes were different sizes. I could still exercise for as long as I always did without being tired etc. I always ran rings around people younger than me at work and thinner than me that were the same age for energy (and being able to stay on my feet and function to a high level). Is this genetic? Is this because I was always active when I was younger so my size mattered less when I was older? I don't know but could be a contributing factor. I do not have any form of diabetes or high cholesterol, blocked arteries or any other "problems" that are generally associated with being medically obese. My blood work always comes back to be comparible to someone 30 years younger than me (this could be genetic because even as an ocotgenarian, my grandmother's bloodwork always showed that her bloodwork was as good as someone in their twenties). I guess one should ask themselves if they are overweight, medically obese or obese if this impacts your daily life and activities and do you have any other health problems as a result of it? If so, then do something about it. Losing weight is not easy and many people will find that when they have lost weight, it is possible that at some time in the future that not only will you put that weight back on but put on more than that. Are you generally healthy and happy? Then this is all that really matters.

It depends on a lot of different factors. If someone is obese and it is causing health problems or has strong potential to, then it needs to be addressed. I think it's difficult to lose weight because food is always there, is not typically seen as addictive, and so many social occasions center around unhealthy food. You can be overweight and healthy, but it all depends on how overweight and why. Being overweight or obese does up the risk of significant health issues.

The most obese 'have' country on the planet is the USA. Normally, 'have-not' countries led the world in obesity rates (due to the aftereffects of colonialism (aka global terrorism)). Why some people find it difficult to lose weight is a discussion between the person trying to lose weight, a Dietitian/Nutritionist, a Medical Doctor/General Practitioner, and/or a Psychologist/Psychiatrist. Furthermore, being overweight and being obese is two different things. YES - you can be overweight and be 'metabolically healthy'. FYI: I have always found it difficult to gain weight during my lifetime - because of my unique DNA factors - I have a 'fast metabolism - burn calories in food at a super-charged pace' rate and 'high metabolism burn energy in food at a super-charged pace' rate compared to the 'normal' fast metabolism and 'high' metabolism rate for a 'normal' homo sapiens without my DNA issues. I see a Dietitian/Nutritionist every two months - as I get older (unfortunately) my body changes due to my unique DNA factors quicker than the normal (Yes - I know - What is normal?) homo sapiens body does. Other words you only get one body - you have to learn to deal with the 'quirks' that come with your unique BODY (in a healthy manner - Bon Appetit :-)!Edited 24-Mar-23 13:36pm

I think it depends on how much over weight you are. Twenty pounds isn't a medical concern but 200 certainly is

you and your family should care.