Larger-size clothes should come with warning to lose weight, say experts

[Demi]

The Times
London, UK
15 December, 2006



Clothes made in larger sizes should carry a tag with an obesity helpline number, health specialists have suggested. Sweets and snacks should not be permitted near checkouts, new roads should not be built unless they include cycle lanes and food likely to make people fat should be taxed, they say in a checklist of what we might “reasonably do” to deal with obesity.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, the team says that “pull yourself together, eat less and exercise more” is an inadequate response to obesity, voiced only by “less perceptive health professionals” and the media. What fat people need is help, advice and sympathy to overcome their addiction to food, says the group of public health professional, which includes Sir George Alberti, the Government’s national director for emergency care.

Their checklist of possible actions includes:

Printing a helpline numbers for advice with all clothes sold with a waist of more than 40in for men and 37in for boys, women’s garments with a waist of more than 35in or size 16 or above, and more than 31in for girls

Banning the placement of sweets and fatty snacks at or near shop tills and at children’s eye level

Taxing processed foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat

Introducing health checks for all school leavers, both primary and secondary

Allowing new urban roads only if they have cycle lanes

Establishing a dedicated central agency responsible for all aspects of obesity

The report was put together by Laurence Gruer, director of public health science at NHS Health Scotland, and Sir George, who is emeritus professor of medicine at Newcastle University. The Glasgow University professors Naveed Sattar and Mike Lean also contributed to the report, which calls for wider acceptance of drugs and surgery as ways of cutting the health risks that stem from obesity.

The report concludes: “Medical practice must adapt to the current epidemic of obesity and nutrition-related diseases. The profession must unite the forces of public health and acute services to generate sustainable changes in food and lifestyles: matters at the heart of our cultural identities.

“Furthermore, training in public health medicine should urge all doctors to contribute towards bringing changes in the food industry and in the environment that will lead to a more physically active, healthier and happier population.

“As the prevalence and costs of obesity escalate, the economic argument for giving high priority to obesity and weight management through a designated co-ordinating agency will ultimately become overwhelming.The only question is, will action be taken before it is too late?”


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,174-2505374,00.html

[KvonM]

oh..... my..... goddess......

you know, it's bad enough trying to find flattering, affordable clothes in larger sizes that don't utilize the gauzy-flowy technique (because i seriously look horrible in those). it's nerve-wracking to walk into a clothing store and see things you THINK you should be able to wear (like right size and cut) but turn out looking bad. it's depressing to the point where only iron-clad willpower keeps me focused on finding nice clothes. if i saw a tag with some kind of obesity hotline number on it, i'd never shop in that store again.

i know i'm fat... the mirror reminds me every day. society does a damn fine job of judging me based on my size, i do NOT need my clothes doing it too.

What fat people need is help, advice and sympathy to overcome their addiction to food, says the group of public health professional, which includes Sir George Alberti, the Government’s national director for emergency care.
"addiction to food" my ass... i came by my large body frame, short stature, and muscle mass honestly. even when i'm thin, i'm still a plus size because that's how i'm built. i'd love to see what they consider "food likely to make people fat" as well for that tax thing they suggest.

i wonder if being pissed off at the world burns extra calories.

[ReginaW]

What fat people need is help, advice and sympathy to overcome their addiction to food, says the group of public health professional, which includes Sir George Alberti, the Government’s national director for emergency care.

How exactly is a tag on clothes saying "You're Fat Get Help - Call 1-IM-TOO-FAT" even close to being compassionate or sympathetic?

Good grief, what's next from these "brillant ideas" experts?

[jwc]

oh..... my..... goddess......

i know i'm fat... the mirror reminds me every day. society does a damn fine job of judging me based on my size, i do NOT need my clothes doing it too.


This reminds me of all the articles that periodically come out saying doctors have a responsibility to tell people they need to lose weight. Like we hadn't figured that one out...

I often wonder how many people avoid going to the doctor for that very reason. I always refuse to be weighed at the doctor's office-I tell them if they are going to give me some medication where dose is predicated by weight, then I'll weigh for them. Otherwise, I already know what I weigh and they don't need to know :lol: They always look at me amazed that I would question their orders to step on the scale.

I also would not buy clothes that told me I was fat.

[Jenn123]

As a fatty, I'd buy clothes whether or not there was a tag on them that reminded me I'm fat. It wouldn't sway me one way or the other. I wouldn't CALL the help line because they would guaranteed not be suggesting or supporting low carb, but it would just be another tag to tear off and throw out.

What would bother me more is the taxing of food. I wouldn't agree with thier evaluation of "obesity promoting" food, and I also believe the last thing we need is yet another tax. Besides, if the government is profiting off of the epidemic and peoples' inability to make healthy food choices, well then it's not exactly like they're going to be any more motivated than they are now to fix the problem. :)

I'd rather see "obesity promoting" PROCESSED foods cost more with the difference going to feed third world countries than further supporting the government. JMO.

[GeorgeMead]

I am ever amused by the notion that product labels, particularly, warning labels, are a solution to a problem. Well, actually they are, they make product liability claims more difficult to sustain. Do they make life safer for consumers, I haven't a clue. I do have my doubts, however. For over thirty years I have been an electro-mechanical technician. By training and experience I know that there are limits to how much power, (electrical current), can safely flow in a wire. Here in the US you cannot purchase an extension cord that does not have a warning label on it, in fact it is hard to find a product that does not have a warning label. My 4x4 SUV has a warning label that it is more likely to roll over than a "conventional" automobile. Thank you very much. What next, warning labels on everything? Who reads these things? I have helped friends and neighbors with electrical problems where they are attempting to run large loads through small extension cords, did they read the labels? No. Could they understand them if they did, no. Do the Lables cover the legal anus of the manufacturer? To some extent. Is the expansion of labels to everything a solution to any problem, hardly.

[potatofree]

I guess they would be covering their butts while the pants are (hopefully) covering ours. :lol: I wonder if they thought, while trying to avoid whatever lawsuits may come their way from not warning us of our own supposed stupidity, that someone might sue them for emotional distressed from reading a "You're fat!" label on a pair of pants?

<snicker>

[kallyn]

Ugh the idea of taxing food "for our own good" gives me the willies. I get to decide what is for my own good, thanks.

[mike_d]

What fat people need is help, advice and sympathy to overcome their addiction to food ...What they need is advice on what they should be eating to break the hold food has on them. The sat fat tax is not the answer.

[KvonM]

I'd rather see "obesity promoting" PROCESSED foods cost more with the difference going to feed third world countries than further supporting the government. JMO.
Ugh the idea of taxing food "for our own good" gives me the willies. I get to decide what is for my own good, thanks.

i completely agree here too... the first thing they'd jump on is all the foods we rely on daily, like mayo, butter, olive oil, cheese, heavy cream, and probably even red meat. i'd rather see them jack up the taxes on the processed stuff and leave the "whole" foods like meat, eggs, butter, fresh produce, and cheese alone.

[Mandra]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/Soundtrack5/Smileys/morons.gif


Oh, I'm fat? I hadn't freakin noticed, I was wondering why the clothes were shrinking.

[potatofree]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/Soundtrack5/Smileys/morons.gif


Oh, I'm fat? I hadn't freakin noticed, I was wondering why the clothes were shrinking.

:lol: Love the smilie...AND the sentiment.

It's kind of like the warning label on blowdryers that warns you not to use it while showering. You just KNOW some moron tried it and attempted to sue... or they never would have thought to include it. (I hope)

I have yet to see anyone take a look at the warnings on cigarettes or booze and say "Omigawd! It's BAD for me?" and put them down.

[ReginaW]

It's kind of like the warning label on blowdryers that warns you not to use it while showering. You just KNOW some moron tried it and attempted to sue... or they never would have thought to include it.

"Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth." -- On a novelty rock garden set called "Popcorn Rock."

"Do not use orally." -- On a toilet bowl cleaning brush.

"Do not use as ear plugs." -- On a package of silly putty.

"Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage." -- On a portable stroller

"Do not iron clothes on body." -- On packaging for a Rowenta iron

"Warning: do not use if you have prostate problems." -- On a box of Midol PMS relief tablets

"Warning: May contain nuts." -- On a package of peanuts

"Not to be used as a personal flotation device." -- On a 6x10 inch inflatable picture frame

"Not dishwasher safe." -- On a remote control for a TV

[GeorgeMead]

I have yet to see anyone take a look at the warnings on cigarettes or booze and say "Omigawd! It's BAD for me?" and put them down.I strenuously object!
" GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the surgeon general, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects (2) consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems."I just took a very close look at that label on my beer can and set it down. The fact that it was empty and I was on a mission to get a fresh one is irrelevant.

[Nancy LC]

There already is a warning, it's the mirror in the fitting room. :p

[Dodger]

I have yet to see anyone take a look at the warnings on cigarettes or booze and say "Omigawd! It's BAD for me?" and put them down.One of my grandfathers was a lifelong smoker. When the Surgeon General first came out with the announcement that cigarettes were unhealth, he quit smoking that day. Never picked up a cigarette again.

[KvonM]

I strenuously object!
I just took a very close look at that label on my beer can and set it down. The fact that it was empty and I was on a mission to get a fresh one is irrelevant.

i think my monitor needs a warning label... "do not use while viewing humorous posts and drinking water"... thanks george :thup:.

and of course, there's "do not leave the toaster unattended", which makes me wonder if i'm supposed to carry it with me at all times, taking it to work with me, even having it in the bathroom. do i have to hire a babysitter for my toaster? if i bring it with me when i'm out, do i need a special carseat or harness for it? if i'm at the mall, do i need a special stroller for my toaster, or will a grocery carriage suffice? if my toaster is among other toasters, is it attended or unattended? what's the acceptable ratio of adults to toasters?

[jkmfrog]

i wonder if being pissed off at the world burns extra calories.

If it did, I'd already be at goal and likely I would never have needed low carb, this site, and every diet I've tried. I would be teaching classes on "channeling your inner %*!~& to be thin", pubishing my best selling self help/weighloss book and franchising a chain of "%*!~& lifestyle centers." :) ;) Based on my personal experience, I suspsect it actually makes one store more fat. :eek:

[MyJourney]

Will they also have hot-lines for eating disorders on clothing that is a size 0? What about clothing that the government deems to be too short or too revealing?


I once asked not to be weighed at a doctors office and they refused to see me until I got on a scale. Not because I needed medication but just for the record.

[potatofree]

:lol: I'll give you .25 of a point for that, GeorgeMead.

Nancy- sadly, objects in the mirror are often even larger than they appear. <sigh>

[StLouisTom]

"
"Warning: May contain nuts." -- On a package of peanuts"

Actually this one makes some sense. Peanuts are legumes, not nuts. But they are sometimes packaged in a plant that also packages tree nuts (i.e. almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.), which some people may be allergic to.

[kyrasdad]

This is high on the list of stupidest ideas ever. People used to quietly tell me that I needed to lose weight. I wanted to say, "No sh**, Sherlock!" I mean, how useful is a label that tells a fat person he's fat? He knows it. Intimately.

The people who came up with this need clothing labels that warn them that they lack common - and perhaps common decency.

[francisstp]

I'd rather see "obesity promoting" PROCESSED foods cost more with the difference going to feed third world countries than further supporting the government. JMO.

I did totally agree with your comment until this point. These two alternatives are really the same, you know...

[francisstp]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/Soundtrack5/Smileys/morons.gif


Oh, I'm fat? I hadn't freakin noticed, I was wondering why the clothes were shrinking.

Looking at your stats, I'd day they are loosening. ;) :thup:

[Absinthe62]

Will they also have hot-lines for eating disorders on clothing that is a size 0? What about clothing that the government deems to be too short or too revealing?

Great minds think alike. I was scrolling down to post that thought when I saw yours. I wonder if they will ever come out with negative-sized clothing? Junior's size -5 anyone?

[Equinox]

There were a few nice ideas in that article, I particularly liked the one about not allowing roads to be built that didn't have bicycle lanes; cycling through Oslo is a nightmare and not for the faint-hearted much less the timid or myopic; but the clothes thing is harrassment, pure and simple. In twenty years or so, when hopefully the whole obesity trend has reversed into low-carb and good health (Yeah, I know... but I can dream, surely...), we'll be able to look back on stupidities like this and wonder what kind of society could even consider that...

[Demokat]

The people who came up with this need clothing labels that warn them that they lack common - and perhaps common decency.

You hit the nail on the head. What ever happened to common decency anyway? It seems that the rhetoric in this country (and the UK also) has been shaped by the nastiness on reality TV shows, and has leaked into our everyday lives. It's very sad.

[potatofree]

There were a few nice ideas in that article, I particularly liked the one about not allowing roads to be built that didn't have bicycle lanes; cycling through Oslo is a nightmare and not for the faint-hearted much less the timid or myopic; but the clothes thing is harrassment, pure and simple. In twenty years or so, when hopefully the whole obesity trend has reversed into low-carb and good health (Yeah, I know... but I can dream, surely...), we'll be able to look back on stupidities like this and wonder what kind of society could even consider that...

I just moved into a new subdivision (it kind of looks like a huge construction area right now :rolleyes: ) and they're putting in a bike path throughout. This whole end of the city has a network of them. It's funny to watch the occasional jogger or biker overtaking the long lines of car traffic.

The clothes thing IS harassment... but I get a huge laugh from a feminine-hygeine company here in the States that decided to print health tips and positive affirmations on the wrapper of their product. I guess anything that could make one laugh at a time like that... :lol:

[joesfolks]

Put the label on the clothes. Economically speaking this is what I predict:

1.people will fail to purchase the products
2.people will purchase products that do not have the tags, even if they have to get them from another country
3. demand for products without labels will go up.
4. demand for products with labels will go down
5. suppliers will notice the difference in their bottom lines
6. suppliers will discontinue the use of the labels to ensure that they can grab some of the profits generated by the non-lable suppliers.
7. Back to normal

[NixCarbos]

It wouldnt matter to me either way. I rip all the tags off my clothes when I buy them.

I know I'm fat, I dont need to be reminded by some multi million dollar low fat diet supporter who thinks all I need is more will power :o

[NixCarbos]

but I get a huge laugh from a feminine-hygeine company here in the States that decided to print health tips and positive affirmations on the wrapper of their product. I guess anything that could make one laugh at a time like that... :lol:

oh yes :lol: "have a happy period"

is there really even such a thing :idea:

[Lessara]

I don't know about you guys but can you image, being the customer who is at the check out and the clerk sees the warning, then looks at you, then looks at the tag and then looks at you....

"Wonderful, just Wonderful... so much for intilling them with a sense of awe" - Far Side (Larson)

[liddie01]

Well the problem I see is that a 6' woman and a 4'10" woman could wear the same size, without the tall woman being overweight at all.

[sublime]

"Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth." -- On a novelty rock garden set called "Popcorn Rock."

"Do not use orally." -- On a toilet bowl cleaning brush.

"Do not use as ear plugs." -- On a package of silly putty.

"Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage." -- On a portable stroller

"Do not iron clothes on body." -- On packaging for a Rowenta iron

"Warning: do not use if you have prostate problems." -- On a box of Midol PMS relief tablets

"Warning: May contain nuts." -- On a package of peanuts

"Not to be used as a personal flotation device." -- On a 6x10 inch inflatable picture frame

"Not dishwasher safe." -- On a remote control for a TV

Not to be taken orally, --on a tube of preperation H :lol: Can you imagine!! :lol: :lol:

[gryfonclaw]

All I gotta say is, thank god Mom gave me that sewing machine a while back...

[Wyvrn]

All I gotta say is, thank god Mom gave me that sewing machine a while back...As long as you don't use it in the shower.

[Lisa N]

Not to be taken orally, --on a tube of preperation H :lol: Can you imagine!! :lol: :lol:

Well...sometimes things do happen by accident and I can see how someone might confuse a tube of prep H for toothpaste, but....ewwwww! Then again, it might have done wonders for those unattractive fine lines around the mouth... :lol:

Real life example: my DH works second shift a lot and goes to bed much later than I do and generally tries to turn on as few lights as possible in the process. We both use an anti-snore spray that I keep on my nightstand. Well....for some reason a bottle of lavender room spray wound up next to the snore spray and...well...in the dark they felt similar until DH attempted to spray some at the back of his throat. Next thing I know, he's in the bathroom gagging and coughing and saying, "are you trying to kill me???" It was kinda hard to read the label on the lavendar spray that said (I kid you not) 'not to be used as breath spray' in the dark. :lol:

[gryfonclaw]

As long as you don't use it in the shower.

Aw, man! And I was gonna save some time, too....

[GeorgeMead]

I was in Laughlin for Christmas and the Edgewater casino was giving away these pins for your clothes about the size of a half dollar with an array of flashing leds and a warning: for external use only...

[danabear]

Well...sometimes things do happen by accident and I can see how someone might confuse a tube of prep H for toothpaste, but....ewwwww!

I accidentally put hair remval cream on my toothbrush and then put it in my mouth. It was the morning of my wedding! But then again, if I'd just bothered to check what it was I wouldn't have needed a warning label. :lol:

[Angeline]

We both use an anti-snore spray that I keep on my nightstand.

Anti-snore spray ...? I've never heard of that. Does it work?

[sublime]

I read a story once of a woman who was getting ready for a gyno exam and sprayed some deoderant stuff down there. When the doc started her exam he stated, hmmm, nice. She had sprayed spray glitter all over it, you know that kind for your hair :lol:

[sublime]

I was in Laughlin for Christmas and the Edgewater casino was giving away these pins for your clothes about the size of a half dollar with an array of flashing leds and a warning: for external use only...
Oh Laughlin, *sigh*, its been too long :) Oh Vegas, *sigh* its been way too long!! :)

[potatofree]

oh yes :lol: "have a happy period"

is there really even such a thing :idea:

There were times I was VERY glad to get my period, but I didn't need the headlines. ;)

My daughter had some inflatable Barbie doll furniture, and it actually had a warning "Not a lifesaving device". http://forum.lowcarber.org/gallery/files/3/1/0/5/6/er.gif

[sublime]

Mom, do you ever get that unfresh feeling? :lol: :lol: :lol:

My girls would come running out saying "MOM, I STINK, WHAT DO I DO!!!!" :lol: :lol:

[Equinox]

"Warning: not to be used as a nutcracker." on a pistol...
"Warning: improper packing can result in serious injury or death to the user" on a parachute...

A couple of classics from Norway: On the door of an immigrant's corner shop, translates exactly to "Out for lunch. Will return suddenly". And a transmission tower which is open to the public (for the spectacular view of Oslo) has an elevator that informs you via a lit up sign; "I fart". This actually means that the elevator is moving.

[potatofree]

"Warning: not to be used as a nutcracker." on a pistol...
"Warning: improper packing can result in serious injury or death to the user" on a parachute...

A couple of classics from Norway: On the door of an immigrant's corner shop, translates exactly to "Out for lunch. Will return suddenly". And a transmission tower which is open to the public (for the spectacular view of Oslo) has an elevator that informs you via a lit up sign; "I fart". This actually means that the elevator is moving.

It would also be a GREAT warning for the guy I got to stand behind in the hospital elevator once. :help:

[ReginaW]

I read a story once of a woman who was getting ready for a gyno exam and sprayed some deoderant stuff down there. When the doc started her exam he stated, hmmm, nice. She had sprayed spray glitter all over it, you know that kind for your hair :lol:

LOL - posts like this one need a warning...don't sip your coffee as you read this...........laughing too hard may cause coffee to come out your nose :lol:

[NixCarbos]

There were times I was VERY glad to get my periodhttp://forum.lowcarber.org/gallery/files/3/1/0/5/6/er.gif[/img]

lol yes, i've been there too!! lol :lol:

[Lisa N]

Anti-snore spray ...? I've never heard of that. Does it work?

You know...I was skeptical at first, but it really does seem to help espcially when combined with Breathe-Right nose strips (http://www.breatheright.com/).
I can get the nose strips at Costco at $10.29 for a box of 38 (just bought some tonight, in fact) and the spray in the cold/allergy department of my local grocery store for about 8 bucks a bottle (lasts 3-4 weeks with 2 people using it). I consider it a small price to pay for a decent nights sleep. :)