Why do people who are obese say that they "don't eat much" when they can be seen eating in the street.

Answer 1

1. People who are obese do not necessarily claim they "don't eat much". You haven't taken into account the fact that there are also plenty of people who openly love food, have a tendency to over-indulge and make no secret of that.

Some of those who do claim not to eat much may actually be telling the truth (as one answerer illustrates, it is actually possible for thyroid problems to result in weight gain).

But what about those who lie? Perhaps they're in denial and don't want to make a bad impression or seem greedy. Perhaps having to put on such an act makes them eat even more in private (especially when onlookers make judgments implying that fat or obese people can't afford to be seen eating at all or suggest that such a sight is revolting). There's certainly a lot of prejudice against fat people so, to be honest, I can see why a person could be driven to that.

2. Logically, what exactly has "eating in the street" got to do with how much a person consumes overall? A person who eats on the move may not actually get around to having a proper sit-down meal and, as another answerer pointed out, it isn't only obese people who eat in the street anyway.

Consider flipping the question round. For example, you might wonder about the dietary habits of a thin person who you *never* saw eating or a fat person who was eating whenever you saw them, but do you think you would ever ask the question "why do some thin people claim to eat loads when you never see them eating in the street?"?

Answer 2

Just because you may be obese does not necessarily mean you over eat or are eating the wrong foods. Some may actually have an underlying medical condition. Although I am not obese now, there was a time when I really was very big, I did not eat much at all and when I did I stuck to what I believed to be very healthy foods, like veggies, fish and tons of salads (never touched junk or fatty foods). I was always tired and very depressed and could not understand why I was so big. It was not until a very close and dear friend pointed out an article she had read in a woman's magazine about Under active thyroid glands, that I decided to get checked out by my Dr. After a very simple blood test I was diagnosed as having this and put on medication. The weight came off very fast, I was not so tired anymore and thankfully my depression lifted (sadly not before my marriage broke down as a result of my condition) It it not nice to assume that just because a person is over weight, they must be eating too much. Have a little compassion, and remember that we all have feelings and sometimes we are not able to help how we are. We all have a right to eat what we like where we like without judgement. Just because you may have narrow hips does mean you need to have a narrow mind!

Answer 3

That's a real sweeping statement just because you see them eating in the street doesn't mean that they're lying about eating. I don't think that anybody who is obese would ever claim that they never eat at all.

Obesity is as much of a psychological problem as anything else, those who are obese need help not only trying to lose weight but they also need to re-adjust their attitude towards food so they have a healthier attitude about what they're putting into their bodies.

Answer 4

i reckon its denial.... they know they are extremely over weight and probably comfort eat?! I think its just a huge vicious circle... U have asked one of those very differcult to answer questions! i know what im trying to say but cant seem to type it and make it sound like its making sense!
They deny eating lots even though its kinda obvious (even more so when u catch them eating lots!) otherwise they clearly wouldnt be as big as they are! A bit like when u say uve just started a diet.... u usually end up eating more, and usually the wrwong kind of stuff or if u smoke but havent made it to the shop b4 it shuts...straight away, u NEED a cigarette! where as if u had a new pack in front of u, then u probably wouldnt want one!
It might just be classed as kidding yourself....self denial, or perhaps the person has more issues than eating loads...mayb they are a complusive liar!!

Answer 5

so do thin people not eat in the street? just because they are obese dosent mean they have to stop eating all together!! if an obese person is out all day are they not allowed to eat at all? i take it your thin or you wouldnt of asked a stupid question like this and no im not obese!!

Answer 6

Some people I guess are in denial. I reckon others probably don't eat much, but what they eat is probably wrong. For example all they might eat in a day is white toast with butter, a Big Mac and Fries and a Mars Bar and a packet of crisps. I eat lots more than that, but I eat lots of fruit and healthy options.

Answer 7

Its a simple answer to the complex problem..It is what they eat not how much..Some are carrying heirititary genes that influence their weight as well..Personally I think we should be more concerned about the images the media portrays than the obesity in society..Judging people by appearance is just ignorant,a form of predjudice and morally wrong!

Answer 8

I think eating in the street is disgusting whoever does it. Find a bench, sit down, give yourself time to digest for goodness sake!

Answer 9

Anybody can eat as much as they like , they just got to work most of it all off.

Answer 10

because its not just what you eat its to do with exercise and your metabolic rate also. my mate is obese but its all to do with her medication for a life threatening condition . so she has a choice be fat or die ! i know what i would choose.