Why do fat people get fat?

Question

You do have a choice you know.

Yeah fair enough if your parents got you fat from a young age, but if you were normal then got fat, why would you do that fat stuff?

I was jus wondering because I was in Kenya recently and some of my friends out there saw an american talk show and they had of course fat people on there and they couldn't understand why they were so fat, and kept asking me to explain, and I was saying that a small percentage of them had no choice, from childhood or illness etc.. but other than that I could only come up with laziness? They just couldn't get their head round it? neither can I really

Answer 1

Why are skinny people skinny?
Why do smokers smoke?
Why do alcoholics drink?
Why are some people thick?

Answer 2

According to the BMI factor, I am also fat. I was told recently by my physical trainer that because I am athletic, I am in another category from the average BMI factoring chart.

I have had a hysterectomy, so my age has a lot to do with it. I have to take a steriod for my allergies which has a lot to do with it. I work 2 jobs because teachers really do not get paid well enough to just maintain one job and put their kids through college and my husband passed away, so that adds to the fat factor too.

I work out 2 or 3 times a week, but because I broke my foot last May, I am only allowed to do certain types of work outs that do not include aerobics which are the best fat burners. I do watch my intake of calories, but all things considered, it is not thing to do to lose weight.

So, had I not had the hysterecotomy, was still bleeding profusively, still had the headaches from my allergies, did not take steriods and worked out 5 days a week instead of worked and completely selfishly devulged into my body instead of my health and helping financial and with tutoring my children's education, yes, I could still be the very thin very physically beautiful woman I was 7 years ago.

I still believe beauty runs skin deep. If you see me in shorts, you will see strong muscles and if you talk to me, you will see a vivacious personality who is selfless and loving and that is a much more pleasing person in my eyes than someone skinny who gives a hoot about others.

Answer 3

No not all people do have a choice to be skinny or to be "fat". Some its due to the medicines they have to be on due to illnesses, some it may be a thyroid disease and there can be many other medical factors that cause weight gain. There are alot of people that it is beyond their control. Its not like the choices that we all can make weather to smoke, drink, or to be a kind loving person or to be a jerk. Those we all have control over. Some we don't, some get the hand life deals them.Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 4

You do know scientists are investigating a fat gene. Then a lot of people start to eat for comfort, find snacking more rewarding that a full meal, that is when they don't have both! Full meal and snacks in between. Their stomach becomes distended so needs more food to be full.

Then you have the emotional/Mental aspect as eating as some do is also an addiction.

I know we all have a choice. We can say OK! I've put on so much weight, time to go on a diet/Cut down on snacks and others but what is easy on us can seem impossible to others.

Answer 5

I am fat. I don't have a problem with this, other people find it more of a problem than I. Why am I fat ? Since I was 13 I've been overweight and as I got older it just increased. I enjoy good food I'm not talking about takeaways crisps chocolate but good rich food.

My other problem as well is that I comfort eat. Its how I've always been, If I was anorexic I would have had help If I was bullimic I would have had help all of these are emotional disorders and body morphics who see something that just isn't there.

But because I just eat its not seen as a problem makes me quite angry because I would love the help to get over things that have happened to me in the past but I'm just not that important my problem isn't seen as important but it could save my life.

I have a question Why is my life not worth saving?????

Answer 6

I'm fat - actually I'm obese according to my BMI. I still think most people would say I'm just tubby but you cant argue with the facts. I know why I'm fat / obese / tubby and it's because I do no exercise and eat fatty foods. I do put a slight blame on my age, as soon as I hit 30 the weight stopped dropping off me when I tried so I reckon it will take more effort. By the way I smoke so you can hate for that too if you like.

Answer 7

Genetics, and metabolism have a major role in a person's weight gain or loss. People are generally ectomorphic-wide bodied with shorter limbs, endomorphic-thin bodied with longer limbs or mesomorphic-average or muscular bodied. Additionally, there are medical conditions which contribute to weight gain as well as many medications taken for other conditions cause weight gain as a side effect. ALso, there are some people who have naturally, been quite athletic throughout their lives, and are then unable to work out due to illness or injury, possibly with the added insult of weight enhancing medications. Finally, there are many people who eat many more calories based on improper diet and inadequate exercise. This often their own fault, but on occasion it is due to the limitations placed on them by their occupation and other obligations. They are forced to eat out every meal and are working 14-16 hour days and do not have time for exercise. All of this can be factored in. It is not always that they just don't care. Some people have a choice, and others do not. But it is not for you to judge any one else based on their appearance.

Though I did find it ironic that the star of Top Gear commented on how overweight Americans were as his stomach hung over his belt. I guess it is easier to point fingers than to look in mirrors.

Answer 8

I would say around 10% of obese people are medically challenged or genetically large. Other than that, its laziness. Especially these days everyone wants a magic pill, a quick fix. People spend millions on diets and surgeries while kids right here in the US are starving. Messed up, huh? i always think its pathetic how you always see the overweight people drinking diet drinks w/ their big mac. Whats the point. If you arent going to stop going to mcdonalds and at least go for a walk daily, you dont get to whine about how mean it is to call you hefty.

Answer 9

Some people suffer from genuine illnesses or have psychological problems which cause them to overeat. It's easy to criticise if you don't suffer yourself. People don't 'choose' to be fat. For some it's a living nightmare. Of course diet and exercise help, there's no denying.

Answer 10

Check out a store instead of shopping online.

Answer 11

Host a party—the cleaning and prep work helps keep you off the couch.