11-20-10 The Explanation

Yesterday, I posted a controversial statement to create a conversation. I stated that "Obesity is a selfish rebellion physically manifested," and I stated I would not elaborate on why I felt that way, I wanted your opinion. I will give some explanation today, but I think this may be an ongoing discussion. I like the responses I received, and there were many that just emailed me. I think I struck a chord with this statement however, and I would like to clarify, this is not to be taken as negativity or belittling to my people of fluff. I am looking at this as an emotional factor in the weight challenges we all face. I know this will not apply to everyone, and I know there are some people who have medical reasons for there weight. But for the rest, I think this applies.

First, let me define my reasoning. I was not surprised to see that many people were saying this is a coping mechanism. After all, in the dictionary a coping mechanism is defined as, "an adaptation to environmental stress that is based on conscious or unconscious choice and that enhances control over behavior or gives psychological comfort." -Dictionary.com. This seems exactly right at first, except it also gives you a crutch, and it is really only defining the actions taken, not the core internal response at the time of reaction to a stress. In other words, defining obesity or the causes of obesity as just a coping mechanism is kind of sweeping the causal issues under the rug, don't you think? Simply because this kind of obesity is simply caused by our own actions, and therefore in need of those actions defined so as to stop, we should be facing this head on. 


My view of my weight has always been defined as a coping mechanism. As I believe, most may see their issue this way, but just look where I am at. When is this no longer just a need to cope? What I discovered about myself in the last two days is that I never completely learned how to process my emotions in a healthy way. Instead of confronting causal issues, I eat, get grouchy, lash out, get funny, or get away and then I call it coping. I also do this coping in-spite of the people around me. Regardless of their feelings, I am going to do what I feel like at this "trying" moment. In this moment I really don't care what kind of  warnings I have been given, what kind of emotion I have been shown toward these actions, what kind of self hatred I have previously felt after my self indulgences, I am going to do what I feel is needed to cope. This to me is the definition of selfish rebellion. Coupling this with the "F-U" candy when someone has just called you fat, or showed you concern, or given unsolicited weight loss advice, and you have a deepening issue of rebellion. I realize that most of us are caught in a pattern of habits that define our reactions to certain situations, and this is exactly what I am talking about. Why did we start reacting this way in the first place? Why is further destroying our body our way of releasing some stress? Why can't we stop?

Your thoughts on this would greatly be appreciated.

11-20-10 Progress Report. Trying to map my triggers. No straying from my plan today, all I have left is a small snack and a quart of water for the day. Love you all. James