Deseret News | Utah leaner in a country that's too fat

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Utah leaner in a country that's too fat

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Utah Native | 3:21 p.m. July 1, 2009

Utah is not the fattest, not by a long shot. Look at the people in any state in the deep south--we look anorexic by comparison.

Richard | 3:23 p.m. July 1, 2009

Don't get me wrong I like a good cheese burger also but I view it like a cold beer it is a treat, something I eat occasionally NOT EVERY DAY. And honestly I know a lot of fat mormons and a lot of skinny ones I really wasn't attempting to put down anyone's beliefs.

Belgie | 3:26 p.m. July 1, 2009

Paraphrasing here, but...he who has to be commanded in all things is a slothful servant. the WoW does not need an amendment. We just need to be better disciples.

I think that if people were exposed to the costs of their unhealthy lifestyles (i.e. - eliminate group insurance rates and government plans), most would be motivated to get healthy because it would be the only way they could afford health insurance / health care.

Comments continue below

Cheap Food | 3:27 p.m. July 1, 2009

Something to look at is the price of healthy food. The prices for food are skyrocketing and eating off the dollar menu is often the cheapest option for me.

Cora | 3:37 p.m. July 1, 2009

Growing up in Murry in the 50's and 60's, we were considered low income most of those years. My mother however fed us in a healthy way that has stuck with us kids for many years. Soda pop was a rare treat as was candy or money to buy it with. We drank water or goats milk, and sometimes that awfull powdered milk.
We road bikes and walked to school, the store, liberty park, fairmont park to swim. We hiked as teenagers, and continue to walk all the time.
Couldn't afford a doctor unless it we were in danger, same with a dentist.
I see my daughter in law feed her kids one popsicle, then as many chips, candy, and crap in general as the kids want. Then instead of kicking them out to play, they sit in front of the TV. She thinks shes doing the kids a nice thing by feeding them crap and letting them sit around like a plant.
Start young with good habits, you will more than likely continue them. If you feel hungry, or you need a smoke, please just take a 20 minute walk instead.

Anonymous | 3:47 p.m. July 1, 2009

I have a couple of comments. First, I have lived all over this country as a military wife and I can tell you there are less fat people here than in the South or Midwest by far. I also would like to say something that is politically incorrect but true, obesity rates began to rise with the advent of food stamp and WIC programs and farm subsidies. Food being cheap has made people obese. Beans and rice are cheap nutricious and not fattening. The notion that poverty makes people fat is ludicris. I have been fat and thin as I am now. The difference: the amount of exercise I got and the quantity , not type of food I ate. My husband, children and I live in the same house and eat the same food. We are not overweight, but my husband is. Quantity counts in food and exercise.

Anonymous | 3:48 p.m. July 1, 2009

Homemaking has become an almost lost skill. Women brag that their families have to get their own meals. Mothers slap down cold cereal for breakfast, pizza for supper, and ice cream for snacks. Most parents anymore do not know how to meal plan and buy appropriate items, get physical exercise, make sure their children are on a healthy time schedule, and actually eat meals together. I watch this last generation of young parents and how they raise families and there is no comparison to how the mothers of the past (up to the 60's).

Yes, HOMEMAKING is a lost skill.

From the mouth of babes | 3:56 p.m. July 1, 2009

In a state that is largely made up of religious fanatics, it seems the majority turn to food for comfort when they are unable to cope with the stuggles of life and their religion lets them down. Forbidden to drink a glass of wine or tea, they endulge in high fatty foods--the infamous cookies & punch are at every church function. It's time to look beyond the so-called Word of Wisdom and live by the spirit of that law, not the letter. In the wise words of my 7-year old nephew: "Your body takes care of you, why not take care of your body!"

wet | 4:05 p.m. July 1, 2009

Americans sit around more than any other generation. (Check how people get to church. Even with chapels less than a mile from most people's homes, count how many people you see walking or riding a bike.)

While sitting around, they consume salt, sugar, and fat.

Next, they gripe, complain, and get depressed.

Finally, we're supposed to pay for a new, more expensive health care system when all it would really take is to cut back the fat and move around more than a chess player.

qet | 4:06 p.m. July 1, 2009

Dear Bandit,

Why don't you start a new diaper recycling program? Just include your address and I'll make sure plenty get delivered to your house.

Jann | 4:08 p.m. July 1, 2009

I dont live in Utah but did at one time. I have a weight problem and my insurance company offered what they called a wellness program. So I called them up to ask them if it helped with weight loss. Their only response was that they covered gastric bypasses. I was hoping that they would cover weight watchers and a fitness club or something along that line. There idea of helping an overweight person was to have a "wellness coach" call you to see how you were doing. What a joke! I have fought obesity my entire life; and it has always been a struggle. It seems when I have lost it I somehow gain some of it back. I have had friends and family that have had gastric bypasses and all I have ever seen is that they have become very sickly. A good friend of the family had one done shortly after it came out and it caused an abrupt change in her personality. So I am really scared to get a bypass done. I would rather do it the old fashioned way People should have compassion for overweight ppl. It is a hard thing to overcome.

Land of the Large | 4:23 p.m. July 1, 2009

Biggie Size and the buffet. It's no wonder the numbers prove what people can already see for themselves.

Anonymous | 4:27 p.m. July 1, 2009

Mississippi has some Big Ones too.

Anonymous | 4:45 p.m. July 1, 2009

Has anyone heard of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism? Well, if you're fat, you'd better have your thyroid checked. Many times your thyroid isn't functioning and you just need to get on synthroid, armour thyroid or the like. If you're too skinny you could have the opposite trouble. Diagnosing this problem is a simple blood test. If you have a thyroid problem, you probably have difficulty getting pregnant if you're a woman, as well as an inability to sleep and generally are overweight. See your doctor!

High Fructose Corn Syrup | 4:49 p.m. July 1, 2009

This nasty man made sugar is everywhere because it is so cheap and sweet. Don't eat it and you will definately loose weight.
Most of the so called "Food" we eat isn't even food. It's chemicals. Preseratives to add years of shelf life (how long can a vegetable or a egg sit on a shelf without spoiling?) and then more chemicals to make it taste the way it is supposed to. Refined flour then enriched to out back just a few of the nutrients bleached out.
No wonder we eat more! We're hungry for actual food!
Read labels. It you can't pronounce it then it's not food, don't eat it because your body can't process it. It goes to your fat cells, which collect toxins. Toxins make you sick!

Enjoying life again | 5:07 p.m. July 1, 2009

Losing weight and getting in shape is a choice people must make. We can't force it on anyone and name calling or passing judgement does little to help. I've lost 70 lbs over the past few years and now get to listen to people comment on how thin I am. It feels great. I encourage everyone who is over weight to find out how to help themselves. It really is possible to eat right and exercise and feel good about yourself again.

Good luck!

From California In California | 5:34 p.m. July 1, 2009

I dunno what everyone is talking about. Utahns are SO fit! Are you kidding. I'm in beach country, Celebrity palace, and people are FAT. You'd think it would be different, but Californian's aren't doing too hot. Too much good food I think, seriosuly.

I miss living in Utah BECAUSE of the gym. Girls where fit. I felt almost competitive about staying in shape and going religiously to the gym because everyone my age lookes SO good (i'm in my 20's). Here... is just a bunch of fattys taking up time on the treadmill. I hate it.

Feel proud Utah. You guys look pretty good if you ask me. And the 15-20 pounds of over-weight... FORGET about it. I'm 5'5, size 4 dress, size 6 jeans, and am pretty toned everywhere: i weight 150! It's genetics maybe... Mexican Indians are built to last ;)

The Libertarian in me says... | 5:36 p.m. July 1, 2009

Live free or Die.

Freedom means, free agency.
Live how you want, when you want, where you want.

However, your FREEDOM ends and the very point it affects another.

If you wanna smoke?, smoke.
Drink?, drink.
Eat?, eat.
Just beware, you must live with the consequences your choices.

But, the very second ones actions affect or cost me and my family [time, money, insurance, resources, etc.] is where I absolutely draw the line!!!

Let Darwinism run it's course.

The Deuce | 5:48 p.m. July 1, 2009

I have visited Utah on many skiing adventures and found that there are a number of overweight people in a state that promotes it's great outdoors. I do know many LDS people and except for a few, they are at least 40+ lbs overweight, except for the women who vary. Regarding wine and green tea, I would think that these two items would be promoted for health reasons by the LDS but I am not familiar with their "Word of Wisdom" document. Is there a reason that obesity is not addressed by this religion as other issues of health are?

FYI | 6:13 p.m. July 1, 2009

I can never recall looking in the mirror & saying, I think I want to be fat and/or gain more weight today.

I can never recall sitting in my car drinking a bottle of coke and worrying that my blood alcohol level is to high to drive.

I can never recall eating a Krispy Kreme donut and and wondering if the people close by will be inhaling toxic chemicals from my donut.

I turned 49 a week ago and on Monday I was sitting with my doctor trying to find a way to get my blood pressure down so my thoracic anuerism wont blow and kill me. The obvious plan was to loose weight and exercise. If it were only that easy I would have never gotten to where I am at today.

I stuggle with the eating healthy although I know it needs to be done. As far as excercise, I completed the Inaugural Seattle Rock N Roll half marathon on Saturday. No bad for being 5'4"/256lbs.

To the ones who are repulsed by "fat people", why don't you try going blind & you wont be offended by the looks of fat people.

icky dickie | 6:23 p.m. July 1, 2009

I am LDS. To the comment that skinney made. Yes i believe that we are temples. It sounds to me that skinney is a one room,low profile,small garden type of temple. I on the other hand am a large over developed,large foyer,many roomed temple.I enjoy my life and i hope that skinney will have many more happy years with a small,one room temple.

Utah Doc | 6:27 p.m. July 1, 2009

You can thank the Utah Public School System and the UEA (Utah Education Association) for lining the hallways of Utah schools with candy and soda machines for the past two decades. Obese kids being taught by obese teachers. The trend, and the toll it is taking on lives is painful to watch and difficult to treat.

Anonymous | 6:30 p.m. July 1, 2009

It is well known how poor the Utah diet is.
When I first moved here, I was amazed at the barrels and barrels of candy and other junk food in the grocery stores.
More than I've ever seen anywhere.

Where is the Real Savings? | 7:00 p.m. July 1, 2009

To: Fat People

Call me a jerk but I can't stand to look at skinny people. It's like looking at someone with an incurable disease (smugness). It's disgusting.

Because of my obesity, I will die at 54 and save a FORTUNE in health care costs over the long haul.

The man who posted "Fat People" will live to be 92 and over the last twenty years of his skinny life will eat up (pun intended) a FORTUNE in health care costs.

Where is the REAL (long term) savings?

so? | 7:02 p.m. July 1, 2009

Mormons are like everyone else... fatter than they should be. So what else is new? Mormons also sin just as much as Christians.

People are people, doggone it... they just are. No one has the keys to the kingdom, or the perfect way. Look around yah, there are the answers to that questions.

I grew up in Utah. Great place in many ways. Pure hypocrisy in other ways. Would I let my kids grow up there?

No way jose............. no way.........

Society is amusing | 7:23 p.m. July 1, 2009

Show me an overweight persons daily routine then tell me being overweight or obese is genetic, in almost all cases.

How 'bout respect for your fellow animals, it's not much of a mystery. How many vegans do you see that are overweight? Not any money to be made in it but eat a vegan diet for a month, if your detoxicating body doesn't die from it, and after consulting with your doctor (by law), and see if that weight doesn't come flooding away.

Also why not put a large tax on ice cream like alcohol in the LDS equivelent of bars? These places are always packed, candy is dandy but liqour is quicker!!!

Nice Ad | 7:49 p.m. July 1, 2009

I love the irony of having a MacDonalds ad in the middle of the article.

run and not be weary | 9:11 p.m. July 1, 2009

...enough said.

BMI | 9:23 p.m. July 1, 2009

I never believe obesity statistics. According to the BMI I'm overweight but have a lot of muscle that makes me seem obese on paper. I'm very fit but just happen to carry a healthy dose of muscle, which weighs more than fat. I have to pay extra on my life and health insurance and I'll bet I'm healthier than 90% of the people that fit their "preferred" base

Texan | 9:49 p.m. July 1, 2009

I live in Texas and have been to Utah and I have definately noticed that Utah children are skinnier. Way to go Utah! However, the adults are not near as good at it. There is more of a stigma in Utah about being fat as a child/adolescent.

Cost | 10:54 p.m. July 1, 2009

Doesn't it cost more in the long run by NOT eating healthy? With medical bills associated with type 2 diabetes and other health problems, loss of mobility, increases in insurance costs, less enjoyment from life, etc... the cost for healthier foods seems comparatively smaller.

Jess | 10:59 p.m. July 1, 2009

Since my early 20s I have had to watch my weight. I found that by eating wisely and exercising regularly, I have been able to stay within the normal range most of the time. People have said to me, "You are so fortunate that you don't have a weight problem." These are the same people who are porking out at the snack bar while I am heading to the gym.

Chad | 12:06 a.m. July 2, 2009

It truly doesn't matter so much what a person eats as how active they are. Fact is, most people sit on their butts all day, or go to the gym to read on the treadmill. I have friends who eat rather poorly and work out. Those friends are in decent shape. I have other friends who eat pretty well but sit around alot. They are obese. It's not very hard to understand. But, I suppose there is not much money in just staying active. Quite a bit of money is useless designer foods.

Roy Rogers McFreely | 9:10 a.m. July 2, 2009

re; Correction | 2:26 p.m. July 1, 2009
//I might mention that the Church DOES speak out against obesity and SPEAK speak for exercise and fitness.//

Actions speak louder words. Does THE Church really want fit people? Those less than healthy are compliant. What does it really matter. Y'all will have the bodies of Supermodels and World class Athletes in the next life. Won't you??

//Please, show the same compassion for your Mormon neighbors that you expect them to show to you.//

Majority should set precedence.

//For you who think losing weight is easy or that there are quick fixes, I might mention that a huge body (pun intended) of research on the subject shows that obesity is an extremely complex problem, involving genetics, biochemical, social, and environmental issues. Please, show some compassion for those who obese.//

Actually, its not. Don't eat when upset. Consume plenty of fiber and water as well as burn more than you consume.

LarryLarry | 9:27 a.m. July 2, 2009

Truly obesity is a disaster for America. But what can be done? A recent article that I read indicated that once people become overweight there is a permament change to their body chemistry that makes it nearly impossible to lose weight and keep the weight off due to constant addictive cravings for too much food. Since everyone needs to eat to survive, it is just too easy to eat "a little too much" all the time and too easy to consume the omnipresent inexpensive junk food that is in the grocery stores, in the fast food restaurants, in the schools, and advertised extensively in all media.

We need more research to help people currently suffering from obesity. At the same time we must be compassionate to these people suffering from obesity. In the meantime it is a duty of all of society to prevent children from becoming overweight. If we can prevent obesity in children by encouraging a more active life and healthier eating, perhaps in a generation the obesity epidemic can be something for the history books.

Food Glorious Food | 9:46 a.m. July 2, 2009

This article made me hungry.

Utah's in a Healthy Position | 9:57 a.m. July 2, 2009

If you go to the website and examine the stats, you see an interesting trend in childhood obesity when compared with adult obesity. Utah had the LOWEST childhood obesity rate in the country. Most states, including Colorado, had a much higher percentage of fat children, than adults, while in Utah, the adult rate and the child rate are very close.

IMO, this seems to indicate that in other states children are being neglected--overindulged with food--while in Utah that factor would be less, and the family lifestyle (fat kids eat as their fat parents) correlation is more the norm.

If anything this study demonstrates a problem for most other states, and while it'd be nice to see the obesity rate going down, with increases in unemployment and very poor food quality the poorer you are, some of these rates are to be expected in a depression--at least until starvation starts to set in... ahem. :)

Anonymous | 12:20 p.m. July 2, 2009

Really frustrating to me is that I not only have to pay for my healthy diet of whole grains and natural foods, membership dues, time exercising, and so forth, I then have to foot the bill for those overweight as their bodies begin to succumb to their weight. Whether that is heart failure, knee replacement, or even depression, I end up paying it through the government. I say stop paying for it! If somebody is overweight and it is determined that they were in control (which has got to be at least in the 90% range), they don't get government help. Why do we give people an easy way out on this thing (as well as other things)!

lean and mean | 5:33 p.m. July 2, 2009

I'm curious as to the ratio of adults who are obese as to how many are LDS and how many are not. I'm seeing an increase in fatter LDS adults and kids...which means someone is not following the word of wisdom very well. It is becoming increasingly difficult to live "in the world and be not of the world."

A microbiologist | 1:20 p.m. July 3, 2009

Obviously the person writing about corn fed beef and E. coli has no idea what he/she is talking about. E. coli is everywhere and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of different strains. Some make you sick and some don't. It's a coliform, and since cows live and lay in their poop when they're slaughtered it's bound to get everywhere, regardless of whether the cow ate corn or grass before it met it's maker. Just properly cook your beef and you won't have to worry about it.

Ever heard of mad cow disease? If you want to protest something cattle/health related then protest cattle being fed other ground up animal parts.

Another uninformed wacko standing on a soapbox...

And FYI, it doesn't really matter where in the country you've happened to notice fat people, the only way to know which states have the biggest (no pun intended) occurence of obesity is to do a complete census of the population or a randomized survey. Since as people we have a tendency to notice some things and be oblivious to others, what we happen to off-handedly observe means nothing.

to anonymous | 8:18 a.m. July 4, 2009

I live in Georgia, you ought to come here if you think Utah is obese. Every time I visit Utah, I think, "wow what a skinny state." Our local Walmart's regularly have ALL the motorized carts in use because of morbid obesity.

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