Obese vs The World

25 stone British mother of two Christina Briggs has described her alarming story to reporters yesterday. Briggs accused her obese situation as the result of her lack of wealth, claiming that she is fat because she ‘cannot afford organic food and gym membership’. Instead, the unemployed Brit, living on benefits, suggested that the government should fund her quest to lose weight as she cannot afford to eat her favorite takeouts while paying for health classes and activities.

Rather than a cause for concern, this horrific new statement is being met by the public with an unexpected sense of compassion. A recent survey conducted by a reporter measures the upcoming generation, middle school student’s opinions of the upcoming widespread issue that is obesity. Astonishingly, rather than anger, the results of the survey revealed that many students feel remorseful towards the situation, with no less than 100% of participants stating that they felt that society judges the obese and makes them feel unwelcome.

After much research, the unfortunate fact was that one cannot change the economic growth of fast food chains around the world, but what they can dig deeper into is the word society thrown into the statement of obesity. Is society judging Briggs what fuels her ignorance, or is it what she believes of herself and what she deserves? Maybe our next candidate will change your opinion:

Our reporters embarked on another survey, based on the mixed public reactions to British burlesque dancer Charlene Taylor. The ‘claimed to be’ size 16 dancer told reporters of her campaign to inspire fellow obese women to take on her seductive occupation, with the belief that you don't need to be skinny to be attractive. Some felt enthralled by her bewitchment of the ritual that is skinny people playing seductive roles like burlesque dancers, while others were disgusted by Taylor‘s more anti seductive approach, with 60% stating that being unhealthy is not at all attractive.

Which is more attractive, skinny or obese people? It is now becoming a stereotype to see people accusing companies of using stick thin models, and encouraging the ‘coat hanger’ body shape. But being obese is just as unhealthy as eating a peanut everyday. Is shovelling twinkies into your mouth everyday really what society wants attractive to be? The reason why it is so difficult to pick one is simply because the answer is neither. In the 1950s, when the idea of pop culture and seductive women began to intertwine, the idea of a perfect woman was not someone who felt comfortable in their own skin, it was someone who was healthy, curvy and attractive. As a private psychologist quoted to our reporters, ‘people often mix up the definition of seductive and beautiful. The definition of sexy is a stereotype that will always be there, but the definition of beautiful is spontaneous beyond belief. Being beautiful is being charismatic and genuinely comfortable with how you look, regardless of your weight. That is what being comfortable in your skin really means. But being healthy comes first.’

For all the obese people out there, this article is not going to bring you down. It is meant to inspire you to make that difference. In 2050, 50% of Americans will be obese. Every person counts to that statistic. If society starts to accept obese people thinking they are fine the way they are, nothing will change. What happens when it’s 75%? 80%? Do we really want to be that world that gave into the second chicken nugget? We cannot all be rich and sexy, but we can all be beautiful, and that should be something the obese, including Taylor and Briggs strive towards to make this world a better, healthier place. If they really want to be those things, they will be accepted no matter what if they chucked out their twinkies and hit the treadmill, as will the other 2.1 billion people, nearly 30% of the world, will want to strive towards. You can be beautiful and not be skinny, but you can be healthier and happier. Research indicates that 20% more people are happier being healthy than wealthy. So make those changes today, do what you want to do, be who you want to be, but remember, the only goal that society will ever have, whether it’s 2014 or 2050, everyone has the right to be beautiful and happy, and that’s what it takes for society and the obese to truly comprise.

Staying Healthy

Austin Bennett threw up, again. This time all over the kitchen floor. The remains of his last few few meals splattered across the red tiled floor, in a disgusting arrangement of colours. It was the seventh of september almost three weeks after school had started again for Mr. Bennett, who goes to UWCSEA East. And it’s no coincidence that he was sick at the start of the new school year, right after the summer holidays. During the first few weeks back at school colds, viruses and other bugs spread through the school like wildfire. It gets almost impossible to walk around the school without hearing someone cough, sniff or sneeze. But why is it that so many people get sick during the first few weeks of school compared to the rest of the year?

A source working as a nurse in the UWCSEA East campus helped to clarify why. “At the start of the year there are unequivocally more illnesses that get passed around than the rest of the year. We also find that lots of students get sick at the end of the year because everyone is rundown and exhausted after the busy school year.” She explained, when asked why people would be sick after having a long holiday, she went on to describe that “It’s because over the summer everyone goes to lots of different countries, they eat different foods, meet and interact with lots of new people and go on airplanes and trains, which are all perfect opportunities for bugs and viruses to spread. When all the students come back to school and are around each other for over seven hours a day, everything they may have picked up over the summer is spread to the other students around them.”

According to a health website called www.webmd.com airaplanes, trains and other forms of public transport are one of the most common places that infections and virases are spread. This explains why so many students get sick from traveling lots during their holidays.

Stay Healthy

‘The coughing of humans is like a virus’ says a doctor.

If you travelled in the MRT you will have most definitely noticed those children and elders coughing right on your shoulder, neck and even sometimes your ear.

Most people on the MRT do not cover their mouths when coughing.

‘They do not do this as they are worried that their hands will get dirty’ said a 9th grade student. What they do not realise is that, when they do not cover their mouth, it causes the germs to move and work faster (meaning infecting others).

She also includes that ‘They should honestly at least use a tissue paper to cover their mouth while coughing. And if they use a tissue paper they will not be dirtying their hands!..’

Where as there are a few people who wear masks. Another 9th grader was asked her opinion on this topic..’They are not protecting others, actually they are protecting themselves. Since, they are wearing the mask the germs can not affect them.’According to a doctor ‘The smart ones use a mask in the MRT. They are actually self-aware..’

Why are viruses and fevers spreading so quickly on the MRT? ’Lots of people go to the hospital and take a MRT home. Basically you will not be able to know if the person right next to you has an illness..’ according to an anonymous source. ‘I think it is dangerous if we allow sick people on to the MRT. It kind of risks other peoples health..’ he adds.

So, in conclusion the MRT is quite dangerous for our health and more people should take this into consideration.