Readers sound off on 'Fat, Obese? Blame Yourself!'

LAST WEEK'S column, "Fat, Obese? Blame Yourself" really fired up many Daily News readers, so much so, that quite a few were compelled to write me. Never one to shy away from controversy, here's what some of our readers had to say (letters edited for space):

Ms. Garrison,

I am all in favor of people's taking responsibility for their conduct and decisions.

Not everyone who is overweight or obese got there because of poor eating habits.

The causes of obesity are not necessarily that one's eating habits are poor or out of control. For you to have made such a blanket statement is irresponsible and harmful.

For example, poverty can be a cause of obesity. People who are poor cannot always get access to a diet rich in healthy alternatives. Some people have diseases which cause them to be overweight, no matter what they do, or do not, eat. Some people can eat thousands of calories every day and be thin as a rail, while others can barely ingest a few hundred calories without gaining weight. Their genes are not their fault.

You have spread prejudice and oppression by legitimizing faulty conclusions.

Taking responsibility for one's conduct and decisions requires that each of us is respectful of others, and that we do not rush to unfounded judgments, make harsh conclusions or paint large segments of the population with the same ugly brush - all without bothering to get the facts first and to understand how/why obesity is a health issue and not a feeding-frenzy.

By "feeding into" already existing prejudice, you are giving voice to discrimination against other human beings, who came out of the womb the same way as you.

Perhaps you should write a column of apology and explain that you did not intend to be so rudely and grossly disrespectful to your fellow human beings, and that you accept responsibility for your harsh, but ill-considered, remarks.

- Joan

Ms. Garrison,

I read your article on Philly.com today. I can say I've never written in to an author before but felt compelled to share another alternative to "a verbal sucker punch to the gut."

I agree with you wholeheartedly that a change is needed. I do agree personal accountability is necessary. I do not agree that this is the only thing necessary for many folks to achieve a healthy weight. Many factors that I feel influence or dictate weight issues we can control (portion sizes, etc.). Others, not so much (the crap the food industry puts in our food, medical issues, emotional issues left untreated, etc.).

Regardless, people don't need to be publicly told or shamed for their weight.

Articles such as this embolden people to have no compassion, to not attempt to help by searching for the real underlying issues of obesity. Instead many just judge, mock, shame. A slim frame does not equal healthy. I have friends who partied till the sun came up, smoked like a chimney, ate whatever they wanted and didn't gain weight.

Others might have had 30 pounds on them but were at the gym two times a week and tried to be healthy. Although their weight was higher, are they less healthy?

I was a competitive runner my whole life. Upon my first pregnancy, I developed hypothyroid and was diagnosed with lupus. I had a sick child, I had to have hernia repair after my C-section due to the swelling throughout pregnancy. I could barely walk for four years due to the lupus issue. Meds were not kicking in as I hoped. Guess what? People judge. They don't care what your "excuses" are. Read the posts under your blog. Not one ounce of compassion. Even if my health wasn't so bad, me having three miscarriages over the last few years might make me want to be an emotional eater.

Does shaming me make me want to eat better? No, it makes me give up on myself and society ever accepting me.

As a trainer, I'd challenge you and anyone else who thinks that being "honest" with people is the best medicine and a one-size-fits-all approach to motivation.

I have spent two years working overtime saving money for a treadmill and got it last week. This will alleviate my child-care issue. Now I can finally focus on me. It's my time now. Please spread positivity.

- Shannon