Obesity

THE TWENTY-THIRD POUND

My appetite is my shepherd. I Always Want. It maketh me to sit down and stuff myself. It leadeth me to my refrigerator repeatedly. It leadeth me in the path of Burger King for a Whopper. It destroyeth my shape.

Yea, though I knoweth I Gaineth, I will not Stop Eating, For the Food Tasteth so Good. The Ice Cream and Cookies, they comfort me. When the table is spread for me, It Exciteth me, For I knoweth that soon I shall dig in! As I filleth my plate continuously, My clothes runneth smaller.

Surely bulges and excess weight shall Follow me all the days of my life, And I will be FAT FOREVER.

Source unknown

American Poll

Half of Americans in a recent poll said they or their family members have suffered from depression, 46% considered it a health problem, and 43% saw it as a “sign of personal or emotional weakness,” according to the National Mental Health Association. Other topics measured included alcoholism (seen as a personal weakness by 58% and a health problem by 34%) and obesity (38% deemed it a weakness, 48% a health problem).

Where to go for help? Three choices were allowed. 45% suggested a medical doctor, 60% a mental health professional, but only 20% suggested a church, minister, rabbi, or priest, and just 14% suggested a spouse, relative, or friend.

National and International Religion Report, Jan. 1, 1992