National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance

[James]

http://www.naafa.org/

Will wonders never cease.

The purpose of NAAFA is to:

* Work towards providing equal opportunity for fat people wherever obstacles and/or discrimination exist.
* Disseminate information about the sociological, psychological, legal, medical, and physiological aspects of being fat.
* Advocate and sponsor responsible research about the various aspects of being fat.
* Empower the large number of people regarded by the medical profession as "obese" to accept themselves, to live more fulfilling lives, and to promote acceptance of fat people within society.
* Serve as a forum where issues affecting fat people can be discussed in an unbiased setting.

NAAFA fights society prejudice against fat people through education.

* NAAFA works to dispel the common myths that are used to justify treating fat people as second-class citizens: "If they really wanted to, they could lose weight;" "It's not healthy to be fat;" "Fat people are ugly."
* NAAFA reaches out to national and community groups through our Speakers Bureau, literature displays at community fairs, and traveling exhibits. "The Diet Deception" is a memorial exhibit commemorating those who have died from dieting, weight loss surgery, and prejudice-affected medical care. NAAFA "Hall of Fame" honors fat people throughout history who have contributed to society.
* NAAFA works extensively with the media, and NAAFA representatives have appeared on such programs as 60 Minutes, 48 Hours, Larry King Live, Donahue, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. NAAFA's message has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, and many other well-known newspapers, radio programs, and magazines.
* Information on health, legal issues, and the progress of the size acceptance movement is provided by the NAAFA Newsletter, as well as by publications of local chapters and special interest groups.
* At regional gatherings and conventions, discussion groups and workshops are held to bring supporters up to date on the latest size-related issues.

[sageofages]

Reminds me of a "group" aka clique I belonged to in HS (in Redlands, CA)...

The "Fat Is Where It's At" club.

All female, all not really fat, all thinking they were.

And now I *really* am fat....if I had only known.....

[AKA_Monet]

Remember that 80's rap song entitled: "More bounce to the ounce"... from Roger and ZAPP.

[AlphaFrog]

This is a great place for me to post my PSA.

Dear Girl on South Blvd, and anyone else who needs the reminder:

If any of the following apply:

Bigger than a 10 or 12 (Depending on how you "carry" it)
Muffin Top
FUPA
Stretch marks
Funky belly button

YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR A MIDRIFF/HALTER TOP. Especially when all of them apply, girl on South Blvd. I am not skinny, so I cover myself, please do the same.

Thanks,
The Rest of Charlotte and Surrounding Counties

[OneTimeSBX]

ok, now, i agree that obese people are not all gluttons who sit around at buffets and stuff themselves. hell, more of us would be in that boat if it werent for good genes. i do believe people should be more educated in sensitivity issues. the discovery health channel has a show on at least once a week about obesity/health problems that are totally not the persons fault.

but to embrace your obesity if it is truly a problem you have not attempted to solve? im not so sure...

[RU OX Alum]

it is unhealthy for anyone to be overweight

[mulattogyrl]

Originally Posted by OneTimeSBX

ok, now, i agree that obese people are not all gluttons who sit around at buffets and stuff themselves. hell, more of us would be in that boat if it werent for good genes. i do believe people should be more educated in sensitivity issues. the discovery health channel has a show on at least once a week about obesity/health problems that are totally not the persons fault.

but to embrace your obesity if it is truly a problem you have not attempted to solve? im not so sure...

I'm with you on this one. I mean, some people are just naturally bigger than others, and they don't lose weight easily or easily put it back on, just like there are people who no matter what they eat they don't seem to gain. HOWEVER, that's not an excuse to just sit in front of the tv & eat a quart of ice cream every night either. I think we should all be health conscious.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by OneTimeSBX

the discovery health channel has a show on at least once a week about obesity/health problems that are totally not the persons fault.

Oh, so Discovery has identified that condition where people take in fewer calories than they burn but still gain weight?

Not to be a jerk, but I just hate the phrasing of "totally not the person's fault" - they may have more difficulty, but it's not like God made them fat. Eating made them fat, and work can make them un-fat.

[BigRedBeta]

* NAAFA works to dispel the common myths that are used to justify treating fat people as second-class citizens: "If they really wanted to, they could lose weight;" "It's not healthy to be fat;" "Fat people are ugly."

Uhhh...if by dispel you mean you're going to try to tell me being fat is a healthy condition, I'm REALLY going to have disagree. As a medical student/future medical professional, I just don't know how else to say it. The data is out there, and study after study after study, shows undeniable evidence that being overweight is associated with/causative of numerous health problems. Even when it's a glandular problem (which does happen - ie Cushing's), there are risks due just to carrying around the extra weight.

This is bullshit, and I think that for the majority of people who are obese, it all comes down to making choices. You don't even have to make tough choices - like switching from regular to diet pop, or chips to pretzles. Small things do matter. Even just going from a Venti Latte at starbucks to a tall makes a difference!

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by BigRedBeta

Uhhh...if by dispel you mean you're going to try to tell me being fat is a healthy condition, I'm REALLY going to have disagree. As a medical student/future medical professional, I just don't know how else to say it. The data is out there, and study after study after study, shows undeniable evidence that being overweight is associated with/causative of numerous health problems. Even when it's a glandular problem (which does happen - ie Cushing's), there are risks due just to carrying around the extra weight.

I don't disagree that being fat is not healthy...however, studies also show that someone who exercises regularly and eats decently healthy, but is still overweight, can be healthier than a skinny person who sits around and eats junk food all day.

[mulattogyrl]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I don't disagree that being fat is not healthy...however, studies also show that someone who exercises regularly and eats decently healthy, but is still overweight, can be healthier than a skinny person who sits around and eats junk food all day.

I agree!! (coming from the overweight person who eats decently and does some exercise, but is still overweight )

[PM_Mama00]

Originally Posted by BigRedBeta

This is bullshit, and I think that for the majority of people who are obese, it all comes down to making choices. You don't even have to make tough choices - like switching from regular to diet pop, or chips to pretzles. Small things do matter. Even just going from a Venti Latte at starbucks to a tall makes a difference!

I agree with all that. Even such a little thing as not drink any pop/soda at all can help you lose.

My personal trainer was doing the easiest exercises with me and they really helped to tone and decrease body fat percentages. I thought it was hilarious that when I was dieting, I lost maybe 2lbs. When I went back to eating whatever I want, in smaller portions, I lost 5lbs, and continue to losing more.

I don't totally disagree with this association though. There were times where I've gotten passed up for a job because of my looks. And no, I didn't assume. A friend of mine who'd worked there told me and was pissed by it. And if a person is healthy and overweight, they shouldn't have to be passed up for a job is they could do it better than a good-looking skinny person.

Oh and people need to get off the thought that you can't be overweight and healthy. If I could post my latest bloodwork and full physical reports, you'd never know that I'm the weight I am. The most unhealthy thing about me is the mild arthritis I have in my wrists and knees. Part of that is hereditary, and part is from playing sports that are damaging to these parts.

[mulattogyrl]

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

Oh and people need to get off the thought that you can't be overweight and healthy. If I could post my latest bloodwork and full physical reports, you'd never know that I'm the weight I am. The most unhealthy thing about me is the mild arthritis I have in my wrists and knees. Part of that is hereditary, and part is from playing sports that are damaging to these parts.

I agree. My bloodwork and physical reports always state I'm in good health.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I don't disagree that being fat is not healthy...however, studies also show that someone who exercises regularly and eats decently healthy, but is still overweight, can be healthier than a skinny person who sits around and eats junk food all day.

This is somewhat misleading, though - being "more healthy" than someone with an abhorrent lifestyle is not the same thing as having overall good health, you know?

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

Oh and people need to get off the thought that you can't be overweight and healthy. If I could post my latest bloodwork and full physical reports, you'd never know that I'm the weight I am. The most unhealthy thing about me is the mild arthritis I have in my wrists and knees. Part of that is hereditary, and part is from playing sports that are damaging to these parts.

Don't you think your knees would respond to treatment a little better with less weight? In fact, most knee and leg issues are affected by changes in weight, some quite drastically. There's some homeostatic effects here, too - a holistic element, and while you can be overweight and not in poor health, all of us should strive for a healthy weight and lifestyle.

[BigRedBeta]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

This is somewhat misleading, though - being "more healthy" than someone with an abhorrent lifestyle is not the same thing as having overall good health, you know?

This is absolutely true.

Being healthy isn't about other people. It's about YOU. Almost by definition, you, at a lower weight - with all your habits and choices remaining the same - would be healthier. The "lighter you" would be at decreased risks for Diabetes, for coronary artery disease, for degenerative joint disease, for high blood pressure, and so on. Further, if you notice, I keep talking about future complications and risks. At this exact moment, you may have perfect exams and lab work, but that won't last forever - even in the healthiest, ideal weight individuals. But if you're carrying around extra weight, your relative risk is increased to start having major disease processes take place.