Should it matter?

[TheHaitian]

I thought people were being silly (or plain idiots) for criticizing Mrs Obama Weight when she was talking about healthy eating for kids and weight control.

I sent the link to my wife to get her opinion since she works in Public Health; but wonder what would YM say.

Belgium new minister of public health is said to be to fat to occupy the post.

[TheHaitian]

Forgot link:

www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/fat-health-minister-critics-attack-4435156

[Peace Of Mind]

I would not take health tips from somebody who looks unhealthy any more than I'd take financial tips from somebody who is broke and a financial train wreck. 

Yes, it matters but not just because of the weight.  The lady in the OP looks unhealthy even if she was thin IMO.  Or is she just really, really old? 

[ArchietheDragon]

20 stone?   Holy mama!

[TheHaitian]

Oct 17, 2014 14:25:36 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

20 stone?   Holy mama!

Can you translate that into lbs for me?

[ArchietheDragon]

Oct 17, 2014 14:27:04 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Oct 17, 2014 14:25:36 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

20 stone?   Holy mama!

Can you translate that into lbs for me?

no idea.   LOL.  


Actually I did google it and it is 280 pounds. 

[dannylion]

Mrs. Obama appears to be quite fit and healthy to me.   I do not see that she has a weight problem. I didn't understand what all the criticism was about. I would be thrilled to be in her physical condition.

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2014 14:33:19 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Mrs. Obama appears to be quite fit and healthy to me.   I do not see that she has a weight problem. I didn't understand what all the criticism was about. I would be thrilled to be in her physical condition.

This.  I don't see anything wrong with Mrs. Obama's weight.  She looks really healthy. What is the deal?

[Abby Normal]

I don't know. If the main issue is obesity and how to deal with it- who has more perspective  the obese person or someone who has never had a weight problem?  Who are obese people more likely to listen to -  someone who is struggling with it as well or someone who is thin?

I think she has an amazing opportunity to be a great role model.  Just what would it say if she dropped to a normal weight?

[souldoubt]

Oct 17, 2014 14:51:23 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

I think she has an amazing opportunity to be a great roll model.  Just what would it say if she dropped to a normal weight?

If she laid off the rolls maybe she would be a better role model.  Heyooooooooooooo (sorry it's Friday and it's slow)

In all seriousness as someone else mentioned you aren't likely to take financial advice from someone living on the streets unless it's what not to do.  In this case it's reasonable to expect some people to be skeptical of advice someone who is obese is giving about healthy living.  If you went to the gym and they set you up with a personal trainer what would you think if you got to your first appointment and the trainer was 100+ pounds overweight?  I'd probably think I'm getting punked.    

[Abby Normal]

Oct 17, 2014 14:57:17 GMT -5 souldoubt said:

  If you went to the gym and they set you up with a personal trainer what would you think if you got to your first appointment and the trainer was 100+ pounds overweight?  I'd probably think I'm getting punked.    

If they said they had lost a 50+ lbs already I would do whatever they asked.  If they said their goal was to get to their ideal weight and what steps they were taking, I would do whatever they asked.

But you're reaction is very typical. 

[souldoubt]

So if someone tells you what you want to hear you'll do anything they ask?  Anyone that big that did lose 50 lbs probably just had to eat somewhat healthy and move more.  At the root of it all it's pretty simple for most people - eat less and move more.  You can exercise 7 days a week but if you have a horrible diet then it's hard to lose or maintain weight.  I'd be more impressed with someone who was previously overweight that is now at a healthy weight because the hardest weight to lose is that last 10-30 pounds.  The first so many pounds for someone really overweight can be lost much easier and without drastic changes or even a complete lifestyle change.  Really being healthy isn't about losing weight quick or losing the first bit of weight you need to lose it's a long term healthy lifestyle that includes exercise whether that's going for walks, swimming, hitting the gym or training for a marathon.  I want to hear that persons story and tips more than the person who just started making healthier choices.  More power to that person but they've got a long way to go.

[Iggy aka IG]

Interesting topic.

Last year a certain local group wanted to increase sales taxes in order to build a ginormous recreation center.  "For the kids" and "Childhood obesity is on the rise" the most vocal leader of that group lamented.  She is rather tall for a woman, and not small by any means (I personally think she looks of average height/weight).  And you bet her opposition criticized her for it.

[Abby Normal]

So discrimination is ok if they are fat.  I get it now.   Judge her on how she looks. Not the job she does. 

[Waffle]

I see a lot of overweight nurses and doctors - I wouldn't discount a health professionals advice just because they were overweight. 

[Deleted]

Sometimes you have to seperate the message from the messenger. It can be good information that makes a lot of sense when you think about it or research it, even if the person that gave you the information appears to be struggling to put it to use in their own lives.

Like when you compare it to advice about money, I'm not living lavishly, but there are a lot of people I could give good basic financial advice to and it would serve them well to listen and take heed because they don't even have the basics right.

I've never understood the criticism about Mrs. Obama either. Is it because she's not stick skinny? Everyone is not meant to be downright skinny. How could it possibly be a bad thing that wants our children to eat healthier food and be healthy? The statistics on obesity show us that it's a no-brainer that many of us, children and adults, have room for improvement in our diets. Here's someone with a familiar face, telling people how they can improve their habits and be healthier. From what I understand, she practices what she preaches and she's active, it's not like she's a big blob sitting around saying "do as I say, not as I do".

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2014 15:27:43 GMT -5 Waffle said:

I see a lot of overweight nurses and doctors - I wouldn't discount a health professionals advice just because they were overweight. 

My primary care doctor of almost 20 years is overweight. Actually, I'm pretty sure she's what's considered obese. That doesn't mean she's not a good doctor and it certainly doesn't mean that she didn't know what she was talking about all the times she's harassed me about how bad smoking is for my health.

Maybe I should've done us both a favor and offered a pact where I'd stop smoking if she agreed to lose some weight. Sounds kind of mean though.

[Peace Of Mind]

I thought we were talking about the lady in Belgium?  You can't compare Mrs. Obama to her. 

And a doctor is medically trained to give medical advice on illnesses and cures, etc.  I've never had one discuss nutrition with either DH or I ever.  Our doctor is over weight but not horrible.  He's a good doctor and we take his advice.   When DH gained weight and his blood pressure started going up our doctor admitted that he needed to lose too (and he did) and told DH he needed to work on maintaining a better weight because type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure runs in his family.  But he didn't discuss foods or calories, etc. with him.   

I wouldn't take nutrition advice from this person either.  She looks very unhealthy to me.   

[sesfw]

I see a lot of overweight nurses and doctors - I wouldn't discount a health professionals advice just because they were overweight.

I changed cardiologists because the one assigned to me in the hospital looked like Santa without any padding.  He would talk to me and had a hard time breathing.  His bedside manner was't the greatest either.  I changed to the one DH goes to and had a difficult time getting my records from the first Dr.

My primary Dr told me what a gifted Dr he is but I couldn't get past his girth.  So for me to listen I had to change.

I've seen a lot of overweight in the medical field but not to this extent.

I'm very shallow and I admit it.

[thyme4change]

Michelle Obama is 5'11" and 170 pounds.  She is a big lady - but not fat.  I'm not sure many people have a real understanding of what the proportions need to be on a healthy 5'11" woman.  

[zibazinski]

DF has issues with some of the front office help at his doctors office. I don't care that they are overnight and a lot of them are. What I care about is that they look dirty and unkempt. One of them smells. I'm just glad they're in the front office. If they were back giving me my flu shot or something, that'd be another story.

[thyme4change]

I have to admit I had trouble taking weight loss advice from the PA at my ob-gyn's office because she was at least 300 pounds.  I was 6 weeks out of birth and I had 10 extra pounds on me from my original weight.  I was still in the normal BMI range - so I'm not sure why she spent 10 minutes telling me how to walk around the block.  (And I know I pull out the hotter then hell card a lot - but it was still over 105 degrees out, so no, I wasn't out walking the baby during my maternity leave.)   

I guess this lady could have had a thyroid condition or whatever, but her advice was not helpful.  Since I spent my entire life in the "healthy" range, and was still in the "healthy" range - giving me trite "walk around the block" advice was dumb.  Maybe I normally did a full on work-out routine, and I was waiting for the doctor to give me the thumbs up.  She didn't even ask.  Maybe I was happy to be 10 pounds up, because most of it was in my boobs.  Boobs were new to me.  Fun.

[8 Bit WWBG]

I think Dark nailed it.

Knowing what to do is only half the battle.  The discipline to DO it is much different.  You are going to a doctor for medical advice, not for motivation.  I don't need a medical degree to know that moderating portions, and getting my heart rate into the fitness zone for 30 minutes 3x/week is good.  Its just a lot harder to DO than to SAY.

But yes: when someone sits there and criticizes you for not doing something they, themselves ALSO don't do (or don't have to do) ... there will be pushback.  Like being told I can't work for a competitor by someone who is already financially set just doesn't work for me.

[milee]

I struggle with this one.

My sister is fit but heavy. She's actually a spin instructor and has incredible cardio stamina, plus she's strong to boot. But she never lost the weight she gained after being pregnant and carries a lot of that weight in her lower belly area. I know how much it hurts her feelings when she's had students stay after her spin class to tell her how much they enjoyed her class and express their admiration for her being able to do that kick butt workout when she's "pregnant".    And as her sister, I know she's strong and has good cardio, but I worry that the extra weight she's carrying will hurt her joints long term, make her organs work harder, possibly increase her risk of cancer and cause other issues. 

No easy answer.  But I think part of the question inherent in the OP has got to be - how much of this particular job is just behind the scenes setting and influencing policy and laws and how much of this particular job is serving as a public spokesperson and motivator?  Not sure about the split for the Belgian Minister of Public Health.  For the US Surgeon General (which I'm guessing might be a somewhat equivalent post), it's probably more weighted towards being a public spokesperson and motivator than it is setting and influencing policy and laws.  For someone whose job is primarily being a public spokesperson and motivator, it would be reasonable that their appearance and actions regarding their subject matter of expertise is important. 

Similar question for a personal trainer.  Part of their job is technical - knowing what to do and explaining it to the client - and part of their job is PR/motivator.  It varies by venue which is most important and even what is considered motivating.  For my sister, she would never be hired by one of the meat market type gyms because her physique would not be considered a good advertisement for the clientele that they hope to attract.  But the YMCA and some local women's gyms absolutely love her because they feel her "real woman" figure was motivating to their clientele, showing them that you don't have to be a size 0 to be fit. 

Guess I'm not really answering the question in the OP.  But here's my best attempt: if in Belgium, like in the US, one of the biggest upcoming health crises facing the country is the rising rate of obesity and the role of Minister of Public Health is to provide guidance and motivation on health issues, unless there is more to this woman's story (she's in the process of losing weight and has already lost 100 pounds and is sharing her journey, something like that) it might be difficult for her to offer guidance to the public that the public would consider motivating.  She may be greatly respected on other topics and serve well on those issues, but giving advice and motivation on healthy eating, obesity and exercise will be a tough sell.  That doesn't mean she shouldn't be Minister - because they may have other more pressing health issues on which she's an expert and can provide great leadership.

[Shooby]

Is it possible that human beings simply are SUPPOSED to be different shapes and sizes? I mean, you don't expect a bull dog to be a Chihuahua. Or a Beagle to be a Great Dane. I am not sure why we think humans should all fit the same mold?  The lady in the pick may simply be a bulldog .

[Blonde Granny]

You have a valid point Shooby. Unfortunately, the society around us says women should be 100# and 6 ft. tall. Oh, and definitely, women are to have no lines or wrinkles on their faces nor any dark spots. Our necks should be long enough to accommodate the largest of turtle necks and we definitely need to wear 5" high platform heel shoes.

Men OTOH, don't quite have the same requirements, other than to be one good  looking hunk of a man.

If either women or men don't meet the criteria for perfection, then they are doomed to a life of inadequate career results and sorrow.

But wait....if you buy the brand new one of a kind discovery made by Dr. Witch Hazel, you too can join us and reach your full potential within 30 days.  If not, you can send the empty bottle back and receive a full refund, minus all shipping and handling.

[Deleted]

Michelle Obama has a tough job.  Flying from city to city, not sure if she's "allowed" to go out jogging, probably every meal is a public occasion.  I stay slim by cutting my calorie intake to about 1,000 calories 2 days a week.  How would that work on her schedule?  What would the headlines say if she asked for just a green salad and a glass of club soda at a fund-raising dinner?  ("Michelle Obama fighting anorexia")  Then there are the local occasions- street fairs, county fairs, etc. You gotta be photographed enjoying the local specialty, even if it's fried butter on a stick.  What's she supposed to do:  reply, "I'm not gonna put that crap in my mouth; it's people like you who are responsible for the obseity epidemic".   Yeah, that'll go over real well. 
If I were President or First Lady I'd be shaped like Grover Cleveland.  Give her a break.

[emma1420]

It does matter if it's a public role. It's one thing to be a little overweight, but the woman in question appears to be morbidly obese. She's not a little overweight, she appears to be dangerously overweight. While I think there is some value to have someone in that kind of role who can speak from experience about how difficult it is to fight obesity, I think it's more critical for that person to model healthy habits. At least I would find it very difficult taking advice who knows that their weight is putting them at high risk for metabolic disorders, heart disease, cancer, etc., and who chooses to do nothing about it.

[hoops902]

I'll take "health advice" from someone who's overweight.  I wouldn't take "weight" advice from someone overweight though.  Just like I wouldn't take advice on how to get clean from meth from someone with a meth habit.  I wouldn't take advice on how to quit smoking because it's terrible for me from a smoker.  "Health" is such a sufficiently broad topic though that I think plenty of people who are obese know plenty about it.  There's also a difference IMO from getting facts from someone who can't do it themselves, and getting advice from someone who can't do it themselves.  If you're obese and my doctor and you tell me having excess weight increases risk for heart disease...ok fine...that's a fact...and you can know that while being obese yourself.  Don't tell me how simple it is to lose weight by just doing these random 3 things though...it's clearly not that simple if you can't do it yourself.

[hoops902]

Oct 18, 2014 10:30:33 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Michelle Obama is 5'11" and 170 pounds.  She is a big lady - but not fat.  I'm not sure many people have a real understanding of what the proportions need to be on a healthy 5'11" woman.  

Her height and weight put her right into the "healthy" category actually.  She doesn't even categorize as overweight.