Buy Walking Videos‘Obesity Epidemic’ Overblown
This article from UCLA shows, point by point, exactly what I’ve been saying about the “obesity epidemic.” It’s a great read.
The media has been throwing around the word epidemic as if it were a fact, but the true definition of an epidemic is far different that what is actually happening in the United States.
“The term ‘epidemic’ refers to the rapid and episodic onset of infectious diseases and is associated with fear of sudden widespread death,” said UCLA sociologist Abigail C. Saguy. “Deaths attributed to obesity are calculated using odd ratios, which are often only slightly higher for those in the obese categories. This is a much looser use of the term ‘epidemic’ than, say, the flu epidemic.”
In fact, recent research has found no appreciable difference in mortality rates among fat Americans with a BMI less than 35. Only 6 percent of the American population fall into that category, Saguy points out. Many more medical issues pose a greater threat to more Americans, most notably malnutrition and smoking.
If you have been bothered by my entries about Fat Acceptance, here is something to help you get over your fear. The health care industry has been trying to scare you to sell you pills, surgeries and gadgets. Releasing the fear and accepting all people, including yourself, as you are is the first step to getting healthy without their expensive alternatives.
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January 30th, 2006 at 10:01 pm
That is a great article. Thanks for posting the link.
I’m troubled by one part, but I’ll have to deal with that later. Kids are calling.
January 31st, 2006 at 9:33 am
Quote:
“The term ‘epidemic’ refers to the rapid and episodic onset of infectious diseases and is associated with fear of sudden widespread death,” she said. “Deaths attributed to obesity are calculated using odd ratios, which are often only slightly higher for those in the obese categories. This is a much looser use of the term ‘epidemic’ than, say, the flu epidemic.”
In fact, recent research has found no appreciable difference in mortality rates among fat Americans with a BMI less than 35.
The research she is referring to is flawed. See my post here for more information:
http://blog.physicsdiet.com/2006/01/31/ObesityEpidemicOverblownConcludeUCLASociologists.aspx