The big blubber war.
"Most obese and overweight people are unable to shed pounds and keep them off with dieting and exercise."
Quoted from 'Brown' Fat Could Offer Key to Weight Loss. The article doesn't say whether they are unable to shed pounds and keep them off with dieting and exercise because it doesn't work or because they lack the willpower to keep it up. I sincerely hope it's not the former, because technically I've been borderline obese and I'm pretty darn sure the diet and exercise is working pretty well.
I always get a little steamed up in regards to obesity issues, feeling simultaneously compassionate towards and frustrated with overweight people. I just think about how unhappy I was being overweight (am? technically I still am, but I've come so far that I don't feel that way), and how much more I love my life now that I'm getting into shape. It's not easy. It really takes some dedication. I do believe that if I can do it, anybody can do it, and I wish more folks would believe that of themselves instead of waiting around for a magic fat pill. I don't have tons of willpower. I made little changes over a long period of time until I learned that what my body wanted really was the good stuff and not the junk. In fact, I have so little willpower that I can't keep any junk around or I'll scarf it down. The hardest part is learning to avoid emotional eating, which I still have trouble with. Fortunately, I think I've begun to really understand that nomming down on malted milk balls (or raisins as it goes now) isn't going to fill any gaping voids in my life and I've started finding other ways to distract myself or satiate the need. It also helps that I'm too damn poor to eat out often (or even buy many groceries). ;)
Any sacrifices I've made are totally worth it. I have more energy, more self-esteem, and more sex appeal (or so I like to think). For any of you who are trying to lose, or thinking about it, I will happily give you as much support as I can. Getting into shape is a lot easier when you know people who are doing it, too, and will help you out, whether it be with cheerleading, sharing experiences, or making healthy choices. I can't stress enough the positive thinking - don't dwell on what you're giving up, focus on what you'll gain. And remember that as long as you're trying, you haven't failed. Nobody's perfect and everybody relapses, but if you keep trying, the relapses will be fewer and farther between. What you're doing for yourself is awesome.
I'm thedreya and I endorse this message. ;)
P.S. You can replace 'overweight' with 'out of shape', since skinny people can be out of shape, too, and health frequently has very little to do with pounds and much to do with proportions.