We always hear about the obesity epidemic in America: It’s a major issue! People are dying! Fat people are evil! While it’s true that being overweight can lead to serious health problems, it is not true that being overweight automatically means being unhealthy.

Which explains the new “Fat Acceptance” movement that is spreading across the country. Activists and supporters of this movement are screaming from the rooftops that being fat is OK, and as long as people are making good choices to support a healthy lifestyle it should not matter what size pants they wear.

And I totally concur. I cannot tell you how sick I am of salads, fad diets and feeling guilty when I want a Potbelly Oreo Shake so badly I could punch someone. So, you know what? I’m joining this movement and I urge you to do the same. Stop kicking yourself for enjoying a hot dog at your football tailgate. Stop crying after a late night pizza binge.

Put down that carrot and join me in embracing ourselves, no matter what size we are. And what is the best way to do that? By enjoying some of life’s most delectable treats. Come on, it’s OK; fat is in! Read More »

If you’re an obese teenage girl, you’re half as likely to go to college as a “normal” teenage girl.

Researchers at the University of Texas-Austin confirmed this hypothesis in a recent study of 11,000 young adults, proving what we’ve all known for years: obesity isn’t just detrimental to one’s physical health.

But why are girls getting the brunt end of this stick?

Even girls of average weight have image problems; obese girls are dangerously subject to a negative self – image. And a negative self – image lessens the desire to be social, to go to college, and to generally succeed in anything either than being overweight, creating a vicious cycle spurred by the obesity epidemic.

Researchers say that obese girls can improve their self – worth by joining clubs or creating close relationships with parents and teachers. God. If I hear “join a club!” as the solution to a pervasive social issue one more time… I just don’t know.

The fact of the matter is, once an epidemic keeps people from attending college, one of the best and most accepting receptacles for everyone from weirdos to clowns to jocks that one will see in a lifetime, the solution cannot be to “join a club.” Read More »