Dr Phil is an American psychologist widely known on commercial television. He features on Oprah Winfrey's talk show, as well as having one of his own (aired on the Nine Network here in Australia between 3 and 4pm EST).
The episodes address various health, social and psychological issues, one of which is about obesity and weight loss. The 2-part special on 'My Big Fat Attitude' and 'The Fight Over Fat' address the issues surrounding 'plus-size' individuals who weighed several hundred pounds.
Central to the debate on 'My Big Fat Attitude' is whether fat people are fat because they want to be, or are they fat because of factors beyond their control. Also, present is one 'plus-size' lady weighing over 400 pounds stating that the rest of society should accomodate to her size, while a 'slimmer' woman weighing 95 pounds said she found fat people 'revolting', claimed that they 'pigged out' at buffet-style resturants and made 'disgusting' noises while they ate. Dr Phil, in attempting to 'referee' the debate, told her she was being judgemental.
In the 'Fight Over Fat' episode, Dr Phil examines 2 issues. The first is whether or not the fast food industry is to blame for the USA' obesity problem, are people 'victims' of an 'exploitative marketing machine' or are they really responsible for what goes into their mouths. The debate was spurred by obese individuals suing (or threatening to sue) fast food outlets for their problems. The counter-claim by these resturants (like McDonalds and Wendy's) is that they take steps to inform consumers of the nutritional content of their meals; and that no-one 'forces' them to eat their food. The second issue is about seats in planes with airlines: should obese people be forced to purchase two seats or should the (slimmer) person sitting nearby be entitled to a refund if she or he doesn't get the full use of his or her seat?
Another link on Dr Phil's website states the 'top 5' myths about obesity and his attempts to dispell them: That Fat people don't realise they are fat and why; that fat people are lazy and slow; that they eat too much; that they eat because they are hungry; and that they are always unhappy about their size. His answers are that many overweight people ARE aware of their size; that it is unfair to judge one's whole character or motivation because of their weight; that self-image and body-image are unrelated; and that obesity is caused by factors other than eating (the amount of physical activity, one's metabolic rate, psychological factors, social factors, genetics and other medical reasons).
One may ask why I may consider this issue as important. Well, firstly, I am a student of the Behavioural Sciences and my intended field of specialization is Psychology. In many respects, weight management is a mental health, as well as a physical health issue, and there are many psychological factors behind it.
Secondly, I am what could be considered a 'plus-size' lady in that I am larger than a size 10 (between a size 14 and a size 16 to be exact), something which is not helped by the fact that I am only 5ft, 4" high. Nor do I look like one of those slim 'supermodels' that appear everywhere you look. Nor do I wish to be! People, mostly boys (and may I had that most of them are either boys, or [worse still] men who act like boys) criticise my 'voluptuous' appearance. Some of them even have the hide to call me 'fatty' or 'fat arse'. And I'm not even ANYWHERE as big as those guests on Dr Phil's show!!! I'd hate to see what people would think of my if I was.
But just because my BMI (body-mass-index, or weight-to-height ratio in 'lay' terms) is not what others think it should be, it DOES NOT mean that I don't respect myself nor accept personal responsibility for my own health or well-being. I make an effort to keep my weight down by exercising and trying to eat the right foods (although it doesn't necessarily mean that my weight will shift). I pride myself on being reasonably attractive and well-groomed. My face is pretty, my hair is nice, I wash, I clean my teeth and I dress with class. I am very well-educated.
Thus, my heart goes out to these 'plus-size' people - there is no way I wish to be in their shoes. And my answer to the 'plane seat' debate: if airlines and transport companies can accomodate physically-disabled people in wheelchairs, then there is no excuse for not accomodating for the 'plus-sized'. Just make bigger seats!!!
For more information, go to: www.drphil.com
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