 |
|
|
|
|
January 14th, 2009
10:06 AM ET
National addiction to overeating?
One of my favorite television shows is “Intervention.” On the show, people with harrowing addictions are confronted by loved ones with the help of a trained interventionist. Typically, the episodes end with the addicts going to rehab. It's my idea of “must see TV”: trauma, drama and redemption all wrapped into an hour. Most of the time, the people on the show are addicted to drugs or alcohol. But there was one addict with a different story. Josh was a compulsive overeater. In his early 20s, Josh spent his days gorging on fast food and sweets. He weighed nearly 550 pounds and was miserable. Every time Josh walked up the stairs, he felt as if he were going to have a heart attack. Something about Josh really struck me. He had a gentle demeanor. His passion was singing and he had a beautiful voice. When he went away to the rehab, I was really rooting for him. The other night, I caught a follow-up episode on Josh. It's hard to believe what's happened to him. Josh's story came to mind as I read an unsettling statistic. For the first time, obese Americans now outnumber the merely overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 32 percent of Americans are overweight, 34 percent obese and 6 percent are extremely obese. To put that into perspective, if you are 5 feet 5 and weigh 150 lbs, that's considered overweight. If you weigh 180, that's considered obese. Statistically, women as a whole tend to be a tad more obese then men. As we've pointed out many times, America has an obesity epidemic. Over the years, we've seen a number of carrots and sticks offered as ways to combat to this major U.S. health issue. Some health insurance policies offer discounted gym memberships to help people watch their weight. In New York City, certain restaurants have to post calorie information on menu and menu boards. In Mississippi, lawmakers even discussed proposing a bill that would make it illegal for restaurants to serve obese people. That idea was shot down pretty quickly. Ideas abound. But still the numbers go up. Why? I decided to ask an unconventional expert. I tracked down Josh. He is doing great. In the past year and a half, he has lost close to 249 pounds. He's now around 300 pounds and is working hard to lose 100 more pounds. I asked him why he thought the number of obese Americans is growing. While he doesn't claim to speak for all obese people, Josh thinks for most of them food is an addiction. "It's a cheap way to stuff down emotions," says Josh. "I used food as a drug so I didn't have to feel." Josh says food for him is like booze for an alcoholic. "I don't think it's a matter of willpower. I could not control the power of food," he says. He couldn't just have one sliver of cake. "I'd eat the whole thing," he says. Like an addict looking for his next fix, Josh says, he use to plan his days around when he was going to eat and what. When he went into rehab, Josh says he had to come to terms with some things about who he is and what he wants. "The number on the scale is just one small part of the story," he says. "The real miracle has come through my spiritual and emotional growth. My goal is to help other people who have been where I was." I love Josh's story and hope he continues to lose the weight and grow into the man he wants to become. His confidence is soaring. He plans to audition for “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” Josh has become a success story in America’s obesity epidemic. I am curious. Do you think obesity is the result of addiction? Do you think health insurance companies should pay for compulsive eating rehab? Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.
Next entry »How can cardiac calcification be treated?
« Previous entryFood allergies: Not so nuts after all
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
How do I delete computer passwords from a different user on my computer?
https://twitter.com/katekdesigns
Can I simply say what a comfort to discover somebody that actually knows what they're discussing online. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people should read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you're not more popular since you certainly have the gift.
http://spacioclub.ru/forum_script/url/?go=http://storiedicinema.com/2015/05/26/bande-a-part-recensione/
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast because I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this topic here on your site.
https://galter.northwestern.edu/exit?url=https://bluesaffireinc.com/2017/08/optional-practical-training-opt-for-f-1-students/comment-page-5301/
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your internet site.
https://www.ttf.sdsu.edu/?URL=ingenieurleistungenreiter.com/index.php?option=com_phocaguestbook&view=phocaguestbook&id=1&Itemid=4&t=4540&limitstart=56320
Howdy, There's no doubt that your web site could be having browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it's got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent site!
/
http://audio-iwasaki.com/ys4/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=1551&url=https://internetmarketingoregon.com
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won't disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, however I truly believed you'd have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
http://www.foodprotection.orgwww.foodprotection.org/a/partners/link/?id=98&url=https://postfallsmarketing.com
combigan 5 ml combigan bottle sizecombigan
http://vanpeople.com/space/link.php?url=https://online-website-marketing.com/
https://tieba.baidu.com/mo/q/checkurl?url=http://webdesignpostfalls.com
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy I found this in my search for something concerning this.
https://scripts.affiliatefuture.com/AFClick.asp?affiliateID=1567&merchantID=617&programmeID=2028&mediaID=0&tracking=&url=https://ocrvcenter.net/rv-repair-shop-barstow-california
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Fairly certain he's going to have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
http://www.danubiushotels.com/inc/u/?https://ocrv.life/rv-repair-shop-palm-desert-california&_ltra=dab4d1d3b7718c2c9e91a686f3ff7361.ltra.1613.12
You are so cool! I do not suppose I have read a single thing like that before. So great to discover someone with some original thoughts on this subject. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the web, someone with a little originality!
https://publishing.brookes.ac.uk/?URL=ocrvcenter.com/peterbuilt-collision-repair-shop-near-me/holostyak-stb-2021
http://affiliate.joomla-monster.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=789&url=http://ocrvshop.com/rv-toilet-repair-near-me
https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/lalaport/iwata/redirect.html?url=http://fleetservicesocrv.com/van-wrap-shop-near-me/
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I've read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this web site.
https://sh.shulcloud.com/track.php?id=4c5c111e733449a9a439790f0d4b1431&url=https://ocrvshop.com/rv-repair-shop-cathedral-city-california
Hi there, I do believe your site could be having web browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it's got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic site!
https://www.triathlon.org/?URL=ocrvcenter.net/rv-shades-repair-near-me
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.
http://aff-tracking.dkt.com.vn/click/33966?url=http://ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-bathroom-repair-near-me
/
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS. I don’t understand why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
http://s2.aspservice.jp/beautypark/link.php?i=5a0d1ac6bfc45&m=5a0d35dd18e6f&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-laguna-niguel-california
https://www.lolinez.com/?https://ocrv.life/rv-repair-shop-villa-park-california
https://obmen-vizitamy.ru/redirect/?g=http://affordableranking.com/
http://track.affclkr.com/track/clicks/3171/c627c2b89e0522dbfe9cbd2e8d2b8914736245cb75e9f0ab416db1046005?t=ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-pico-rivera-california
https://glowing.com/external/link?next_url=https://ocrvcenter.com/delivery-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people for this subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
/
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
http://blog.e-napolistore.it/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=http://affordableranking.com/
http://fudou-san.com/link/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=2898&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/concrete-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
I needed to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
https://sports-ranking.com/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=7&url=https://web-movimento.it/viewtopic.php?id=50848
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!
http://adnet.infonet.com.br/get/ad.dll/click?codigo=2259&secao=460&url=http://ocrvcenter.com/box-truck-repair-near-me
http://old.kut.ac.ir/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
I like it when people get together and share thoughts. Great site, continue the good work!
/
This page definitely has all of the information I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
/
http://uonuma-kome.com/link/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=370&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/prostar-collision-repair-shop-near-me
Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
https://space.sosot.net/link.php?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-agua-dulce-california/
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
https://www1.arbitersports.com/Content/HideMobileAlerts.aspx?redirectUrl=http://ocrvcenter.info/rv-repair-shop-glendora-california
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes that produce the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
https://track.effiliation.com/servlet/effi.redir?id_compteur=22157233&effi_id=leparfroid244&url=http://ocrv.mobi/rv-repair-shop-west-covina-california
Hello there! I just wish to give you a big thumbs up for your great information you've got right here on this post. I'll be coming back to your website for more soon.
http://clients3.weblink.com.au/clients/aluminalimited/priceframe1.aspx?link=https://ocrvmotorcoaches.com/rv-repair-shop-signal-hill-california
https://www.nfaap.org/sso/sso.aspx?nfredirect=https://arthurgayqm.bloggazza.com/3155736/how-much-you-need-to-expect-you-ll-pay-for-a-good-rv-roof-repair-near-me
Can I simply just say what a relief to uncover somebody who genuinely understands what they're talking about over the internet. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to check this out and understand this side of your story. It's surprising you aren't more popular since you definitely possess the gift.
http://www.gyogan.net/su/ps_search.cgi?act=jump&url=http://www.affordableranking.com
You are so interesting! I don't suppose I have read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to find someone with original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
http://ljc.jieju.cn/agent/rdandstat.aspx?url=https://radiobanadir.com/information-minister-returns-home-back/comment-page-22/
Howdy, I believe your website may be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it's got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful blog!
https://www.gvomail.com/redir.php?k=1560a19819b8f93348a7bc7fc28d0168&url=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/moving-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
This is the right blog for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that's been written about for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great!
https://moad.dipujaen.es/index.html?redireccion=https://ingenieurleistungenreiter.com/index.php?option=com_phocaguestbook&view=phocaguestbook&id=1&Itemid=4&t=2340&limitstart=65060
https://www.cadmios.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ what is tadalafil https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – cheap generic cialis for sale cialis without a prescription
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don't seem to get anything done.
https://cbrerealtytrust.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes that produce the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!
https://blogranking.fc2.com/out.php?id=1032500&url=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/clark-forklift-repair-orange-county-california/
Great post. I am going through many of these issues as well..
http://www.gozoom.com/redirect?id=10c2fc6799d8056f0099665cf0eb2712&userId=&target=2&url=http://www.affordableranking.com
I really love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own personal blog and want to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Thanks!
https://www.bashinform.ru/go/?http://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/hemet-forklifts
cialis at canadian pharmacy https://tadalafilol.com/ – tadalafil best price usa tadalafil cialis without prescription https://cttadalafil.com/
generic brimonidine combigan eye drops