The following excerpts are from a television program by Frontline, which aired on
the Public Broadcast System on November 3, 1998:
- Men who were fat, but fit, had no increased mortality rate.
Lack of fitness may be a more important indicator of wellness than fatness.
- When we see individuals in heights varying from 4 ½ feet
to 6 ½ feet, we accept this as normal from genetic diversity. We are not as quick to
accept a genetic tie to body size, even though research suggests there is a very strong
link between the two.
- When we talk about body image we can give a message of
either hope or despair. Hope: I can have a healthy body. Despair:
I can have a perfect body.
- Poor body image is so prevalent in our society, it is now
often accepted as normal.
- Currently the obesity rate in the United States is doubling
every 7 years.
- Food has been industrialized. Food is now
planted, harvested, transported, manufactured, and promoted on an industry-wide basis.
This is a dramatic change from time when families planted, harvested and prepared their
- It has never been easier to become fat. It has never been
less acceptable to be fat.
Source: Thomas, A. "Fat," a program of Frontline
and WGBH, Boston. Program aired on November 3, 1998. Program transcript
Compiled by Betty Holmes, MS, RD
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