hugo says:

Hey Duff,

A few days ago Drº OZ from Oprah was here in Portugal, and in one of the interviews that he gave in TV he spoke mainly of the eating habits of Europeans, focusing on Portugal... He mentioned those points you talked about (big meals, lots of fat), he told that Americans dont walk to much, and he was surprised that in Lisbon we walked 4 or 5 Miles and didnt see no "supersized" person, the problem is that all of this is changing and getting more and more similar to the habits of America.
He also spoke about the Portuguese traditional cuisine, that he likes a lot, because in Newark there is a big Portuguese and he goes there a lot to have lunch, maybe you should try it sometime!

Keep on Rocking!!!

Peace

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 2:23AM

Richard says:

Everyone is built differently and there is obviously going to be all different shapes and sizes, but I was in Las Vegas a few months ago and there is no reason for human beings as a species to be as fat as some of the people i saw there. One lady was so fat she had to get around in a motorized buggy.

Keep the seats as they are make them big enough for a large adult but yeah if you cant fit into a reasonable space then either expect to pay more or find another way to get to your destination.

My take on it anyway.

P.s Duff saw loaded at Download and it was amazing, one of the highlights of the weekdend.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 2:25AM

Cat says:

I would have to agree with the British actors. I lived in Miami for years and every single person that came from another country gained weight, no exemption. I would also have to say that there are other reasons than super-sizing of the meals, food in America ( I believe) is much more processed than in other countries plus all the Hormones... Its just Too unhealthy..

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 2:37AM

Sophia says:

I went to a movie recently called Food Inc., it's by the guy who did Fast Food Nation. The film shows not only how they acctually make the food you eat at a fast food restaurant, it shows how unhealthy it actually is. Every time I drive my a McDonalds, there is always a line at the drive thru no matter what time of day it is. In the movie, they showed a family who lives in the South. They are Mexican and all of them are overweight. The father has diabetes, so they have to pitch in a big ammount of their income to buy his medicine. This means that they only have enough money to get cheap food - fst food. It's sad to watch, because the fast food habit is probably the reason he got diabetes in the first place.
I definantly recommend this movie, the only downside is that it'll make you not want to eat another chicken ever again. Love from NY

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 5:12AM

Enhigher says:

I've had a similar discussion with a couple of my friends as well.. Here in Australia we can buy tickets with extra leg room.. These seats are mainly targeted for people who are tall and me being 5"2 doesn't really fit into that category, but for only $25 more i can enjoy this luxury.. I'm sure that there are a lot of people like me and if there comes a day when you can get wide seats, i would definitely buy these tickets.. Ensuring my comfort is paramount.

So this will bring up the questions.. How will the airlines police this? and in the future will this mean that the fatter we get, does this mean the fat can't fly?
Perhaps like at the movies, the airlines can sell a combo deal.. wide seat + extra fat baggage per 10kgs..

xx

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 5:23AM

Erin says:

I have recently moved to Australia from South Africa and I can't believe the size of the portions here! They are massive, twice the size of the average portion you get in South Africa. I don't understand how anyone could actually eat it all! Australia also has an obesity problem (big surprise!)and the government is currently considering subsidising gym memberships for people that are considered obese. Maybe the US should look at something like that? Or maybe there should be a limit on portion sizes and people should just learn to cut down on the ammount of crap that they ingest.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 5:27AM

Misty says:

Considering the economy I was thinking most restaurants could cut back on the portions and the price.There is way too much food on most plates that combined with the finish your plate mentality is a big reason people are getting so big. I usually eat what I want then get the rest to go you can easily get two or three meals out of many 'servings'. I like the analogy Enhigher used about paying for extra leg room. You are required to pay for extra luggage too, should it matter how you are 'carrying' it? So can we start a movement to remove the age restriction on kids meals? :)
That is one that I will give some of the fast food chains kudos for, I can get a kids meal instead of monster calorie, couldn't finish it combo.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 6:58AM

E! says:

I was on a plane recently and a basketball team was flying with us on the flight. I felt so sorry for those guys - not an ounce of fat on any one of them and they barely fit into the seats. Legs and arms were everywhere! This is a problem of the airlines being allowed to make the space a person is reauired to sit in during a flight way to small for the "average" person. And by the way, are the airlines flying people or cargo? If they want to charge by the pound for everyone that would be the only rational and fair way to handle the situation. If you are going to treat people like cargo, charge accordingly. Two different pricing categories based on an arbitrary "size categorization" is nothing but discrimination, plain and simple.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 7:00AM

Kristin says:

I am a 5'-3" 31 year old mother of 2 who has struggled with food addiction my entire life. I watched as my mother struggled with obesity throughout my childhood, and I soon fell into the same vice. At the age of 5 I put on excessive amounts of weight and struggled with it through my childhood years. When I was 15 I was wearing a size 14 in WOMENS clothing. My mother and I dieted together trying everything from Weight Watchers to the Cabbage diet.

After 12 years of being tramatized by my piers for my portly appearance, I turned to anorexia. In 3 months time I dropped 50 pounds. Anorexia ultmatly leads to bulemia, because you eventually have to eat. To an anorexic food is the devil so you must purge it from your body. I was ectsatic by all of the attention I started recieving after I got "skinny". For the first time in my life boys liked me and told me I was beautiful.

As with most people who have eating disorders, I eventully gained back some of the weight in college. I got married and became pregnant with my first child. When I left the hospital with my newborn baby boy I had to face the depressing fact that I was now a whopping 231 lbs! So I decided it was time for all of this to STOP.

Today I am holding steady at 135 lbs and I can finally fit into a SIZE 2. I feel and look better than I could have imagined. My secret you ask? I kicked the puking and starvation diets and started to exercise. I reduced the amount of trash carbohydrates in my diet and replaced them with meat & veggies. My metabolism went into hyperspeed. Now I pretty much eat what I want, I just eat it in moderation.

Diets don't work. Changing your lifestyle does. Food is an addiction as vicous as herion or nicotne. There are very few people that cannot lose weight due to hereditary conditions. That is just a bullshit exuse to sit on your ass, eat what you want and blame your problems on someone else.

You can make yourself into anything you want to be!

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 7:02AM

Lynn says:

I totally agree with you Kristin - the best thing is to change your lifestyle - better eating habits and exercise. The thing is our eating habits in America have gotten so bad and become so ingrained in our psyche that for most it's probably a major challenge to overcome that. The easy availability of junk foods is astounding. We truly are a fast food nation of super sized proportions, and the advertising campaigns aimed at our kids don't help matters. As a nurse, I could go on and on about this, but I'll stop.

I work in a long term care facility and in recent years many of the patients who are being admitted are getting bigger and bigger, no longer comfortably fitting the standard sized beds and lifts that we have always used. Sadly, I think it's something we will be seeing much more of in the future.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 8:06AM

Erin says:

I completely agree. Seems like Americans always blame something or someone else for the weight problem. One is also not going to stop fast food places from offer larger sizes and restaurants from biggering their portions. So don't order the big size and eat only half of every sit down meal - take the other half home for lunch. You'll save money and calories. And get off your butt and excersize.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 8:07AM

Leonie Anne says:

Hi Duff,

great article, as ever... :) How ever, I would like to make a comment. I'm a bigger woman myself, lucky for me I still fit in a normal airplane seat.
I crave sugar and fat like an alcoholic craves alcohol. (and I know that you know what I mean :))
Basicly I decide to eat when I feel really fucked up and/or don't want to feel my negative emotions. Fortunately I am in "rehab". Through therapy I try to control my binges and I learn to accept my emotions and face my fears etcetera.

I am absolutely convinced that food is a new drug, which is accepted world-wide. But being fat is still NOT accepted. Look at the fact that they want to charge bigger people for a seat in a plane. And while an average mall is loaded with clothing-shops with sizes 0-4, it is a crime to find even a SINGLE shop with nice looking plus-size fashion, (I think your wife could make BIG money when she would design some beachwear in the plus-size section, hint, hint. And I would be the first one to buy it. :D)

I could do a column myself on the difficulties for being bigger, and my foodaddiction but it is Duff's space.... :)

Leonie-Anne

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 8:34AM

Lori says:

Hey Duff - we are the same age and I remember "getting company" on a Friday night, serving chips or getting out a candy bowl. Now people stay in and watch TV (lazy bums) and if someone comes for a visit, most people put out a $50-$100 spread of food!

Now, on all the "weight loss" shows there are doctors and psychologists etc. to help deal with people are overweight. Where is the accountability? People over eat and don't move!

It took some time for me to learn how to eat organic food to fuel the body and get in a routine to work out before work, but it is what is best for me and I do it. Plus, I go to France alot and they are depressed and suicidal people, but very fit so I definitely see your point that it is an American killer.

This is already an epidemic in my opinion, but more importantly Americans need to be accountable for their actions. Not dismissing legitimate health issues, but 9 times out of 10 it isn't anyone's fault but their own.

Decided to jump in on this thread and hope you all continue to have safety in your travels. Lori

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 9:15AM

Jesse says:

Have you seen the movie Walle. its a great movie for animation and it shows the human race evolved into all fat people who cant do anything physical for themselves. I will not explain it all but its a good twist on what you are talking about.

The movie theater food thing drives me crazy because when I am there I feel like I am the only one who gets it.

My wife and I are putting on a benefit concert to fight breast cancer at The Crocodile in Seattle July 10th. Duffy Bishop is our special guest(old school Seattle blues/rock) and it should be a great time. If you are not traveling you and your wife should check it out. You can follow the link to see the details.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 9:28AM

Jesse says:

http://sites.google.com/site/racknrollbenefit/

just in case people dont know you have to click on my name to follow the link.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 9:30AM

Henrik says:

This was great, I totally agree!

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 9:34AM

Katy says:

As I was reading this I just knew someone would bring up the "food is an addiction too," logic. And it's probably true. If anything it could be worse than some because you can't stop eating completely so that temptation is always there.

But I tend to think that at the end of the day the simple truth is being addicted to something can't make you immune to the damage it can do, so at some point you've got to make that choice.

Of course it's going to be harder than for you (and this is a hypothetical 'you', this isn't aimed at any particular person) than it is for most people, but everyone will have at least one thing they have to do but find much harder than they believe it should be, and everyone has to make that same choice - do they just assume there's nothing they can do and live with the negative consequences or do they keep trying incase there is something?

Look at Terry Pratchett. He's been diagnosed with Alzimer's, currently an incurable disease. He's not a doctor or medical expert so he's not likely to find the cure and I doubt anyone would fault him for just assuming there's nothing he can do and accepting it.

But he didn't. He's supporting organisations that might have a chance at finding a cure in any way he can and researching everything that's known about the disease and possible ways to slow down or treat it himself in case there is something he can do.

The worst thing anyone can do when faced with any problem is simply say "It's not my fault, someone else should find the solution/come along and fix it for me" and then carry on exactly as they were as if it makes no difference.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 9:39AM

katie says:

okay.... i see mr.mckagan clearly doesnt understand the concept of "the sweeter the pushin'"

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 11:13AM

katie says:

also do you know how much a salad cost at mcdonalds? like $5.00 and a double cheeseburger, excuse me,a "mcdouble" cost a buck. its not a coincidence that poorer people are generally larger. you can get a box of twinkies for next to nothin.

but i see mr. seattle is turning in to mr. california again......maybe he should get another haircut....

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 11:27AM

Janean says:

"A parent's bad eating and health habits get passed down to their children."

Amen. So to does a culture's! You hit on that aspect with the portion sizes. Another appalling example, imo, has been the removal of most cafeteria style lunch options from our schools (and, yes, I say this fully recalling how bland the foods were). Instead Taco Bell, Straw Hat(pizza), BK and the like, have the contracts to 'service' the public school populations.

Really? We are going to test and grade you on your knowledge of the four food groups and general nutrition but it's not cost effective for us to provide you with a nutritious option for eating while your here at school, kids. Thanks, the Tax Payers/your Parents/the School Board/the Community

Then!!! We are going to bitch, moan, shake our heads in utter bewilderment at or panic over an EPEDEMIC of obesity among children w/all of it's attendant medical ailments which WE ARE complicit in having created. Complete bullshit.

Lest I am unclear here, I believe ACCOUNTABILITY at the level of the individual (kids/parents), the community and on a corporate scale (see, Taco Bell, local School Boards and Government at all levels) is the key. If none of us ever sees ‘fit’ (get it?) to own our parts in ANYTHING…offending folks w/a bigger plane seat option will be the least of our problems.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 12:14PM

Susan Hawke says:

While your 'super-size' portion commentary is factually based, your solution (concurrence) to charge more for obese people is SOPHMORIC. Rules don't change behavior; it makes people rebel. As a rocker, you should know that, Duff! A bit more 'establishment' minded these days, eh? You're getting soft, bub....

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 12:18PM

mary says:

There is no doubt that obesity is a problem in America. I think we can also agree that many factors have contributed to this issue. So I'm not sure we will all agree on the solutions or how obesity became a problem.

But has anyone else noticed more recently (pretty much since the recession) that more and more people are loaded into the fast food lines or other eateries that offer cheap foods? There is a Little Caesar's right down the street from me and the lines are out of the door by 6:00. A large pizza for $5.00 is irresistible to those with large families who want to eat cheap and with little effort. This increase may be due to 1) money and 2) that parents are working overtime or 2 jobs to feed their kids and pay the bills during this economic downturn. It's an easy solution for a meal however right or wrong you think that is.

Another thing I have noticed is that public schools are cutting out healthy lunches as well as PE or any other physical activities. I can remember in high school eating pizza everyday with lots of soda, chips as a snack, followed by candy. Of course, all high in sugar and fat. The healthy eating lecture in the education process is diminishing on top of the poor food choices offered by the schools.

Healthy eating is definitely taught and learned by parents and environment. It takes enormous commitment and time to prepare healthy meals and to exercise on a regular schedule. Coming from someone who works full-time and is a full-time student, I understand why finding the time is difficult.

The majorty of people this article addresses probably do work full-time and have little leisure time to think about anything except sleep and bills. I just think it's too easy to group all obese people into one category and stereotype them as lazy and worthless people who pollute society.

Off topic, BUT...What I find interesting as well about this article is that while it addresses an important issue in relation to weight, it fails to address the other problem that is also prevalent in our society (especially with girls/women): body image and perception. We know that the media's perception of beauty has remained warped for decades. So I find it just as unhealthy to teach girls that size 0-2 supermodels are the embodiment of beauty as teaching them poor eating habits. Those images can have a very negative effect on a young person's image of themselves which may contribute to the statistic that eating disorders are rising in women and also in men.

There has to be a balance and I believe it must start with parents. While children should be allowed to indulge in the danger foods now and then, you should also cook healthy meals for them so that they learn which foods are better for them.

Now, should obese people be charged 2 tickets? Maybe they should, but only if they also charge extra for parents with uncontrollable children or for people who refuse to follow the rules (like putting their carry-on luggage in a compartment away from their seat)? There are many things I find obnoxious about flying- but obese people just don't make the top of my list...

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 12:55PM

luisa says:

hi Duff,
don't worry, now that you're in Italy you can eat lots of vegetables and very good food without all those fats!
(good deal of patriotism XP!)

Does anybody teach anything about food education (or health education, how do you say that?) in american schools?
That helps, i mean, in Europe we have doctors who do it and, as you said, we don't have all those obesity problems you have...

see ya tomorrow in Milan! (do you mind if I take a crossword puzzle to you? XD)

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 1:51PM

Hux says:

In the UK we abolished such things as the 'Super Size' option in McDonalds, as the larger population blamed such options. However, I would class our old super size option as a medium when compared to the states, and although I do like to pig out when I go to the states, I couldnt do it every single day!

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 2:56PM

Karen says:

Hi Duff, hi everybody !

I am French and travel at least once a year in the US. One of my American friend offered me a book called "Those French Women Who Don't Get Fat" by Mireille Guiliano. Unfortunately I still didn't have a chance to start reading it. But to me, being fit and thin seems obvious and easy ! I eat fruits and vegetables every day (in France, in TV commercials for food, they recommend to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day to be healthy). I don't drive but sometimes run to catch my bus or the metro, use my bike or walk, even to go to work. I don't eat between meals and if I do I don't eat junk food. I work out a lot...

It is definately true that portions in USA are way too big !! I have to admit I'm a big eater but I'm never able to finish my plates wherever I travel in America. And the food is so fat it actually makes me sick.
I was also very surprised once I was at my friend's house. I asked one of her friend who was over at her place to bring me a peach from the kitchen. She felt very stupid, looking at the basket in which there were different sort of fruit...she didn't know what a peach is !

Anyway, we all agree it's all about education. But I'll never understand how some people can let themselves gain to the point they get obese.

Keep writing Duff, it's always a pleasure to read your column.
And please, come play in France !!!!

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 4:55PM

Sheila says:

Thanks for letting everyone have their chance to yet again voice their judgements on people they don't know and couldn't possibly know their struggles. Was it you that yelled "Stop eating cheeseburgers!" to me while I was waiting to cross the street in Fremont? FU

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 5:57PM

Sarah says:

Heya,

lol I think people should eat healthier - it's better for themselves AND for us.
About the plane seats; I think they should ask more for 'wide seats'. People should be aware of what they eat. If you can pay large meals because you really want to eat that much you have to pay a wider seat.

Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 10:59PM

Andrea says:

Hi all,

I am all for freedom and the responsibility it brings with it. It seems illogical for me that anybody would blame their fat asses on McDonalds (with or without the super-size option), brainwashing by commercials and clever marketing tools, peer pressure or worse still, the cost ratio between fast food and healthy alternatives. Cent for cent, healthy home-made food is cheaper than any other option.

I mean what ever happened to free will? Otherwise very intelligent, articulate and successful individuals seem helpless in the face of Cap'n Crunch or the terrifying Ronald McDonald. I am sure that the same people that blame their extra pounds on the incapacitating effects that crappy food has on their self-control would never accept or acknowledge a similar weakness in any other aspects of their lives.

This is not to pass judgment on obese people. I am not skinny myself and would rather stay hone eating candy than going to the gym. But I would like to encourage all of us to be honest with ourselves and start taking ownership and responsibility for our choices. If you are overweight and okay with it then fine. Nobody has the right to discriminate you for that, but there are ramifications such a health problems and expensive airplane fare. And to skinny, granola-addicted readers, have fun once in a while and don’t take it to seriously either. I mean beauty standards change all the time. It’s not like you are going to be the pretty ones for ever, so get over your self-righteousness and go eat some bacon.

Now, while I am aware of the importance of a balanced diet, I am also painfully aware of how beauty standards are just as oppressive and damaging to health. Eating disorders are and anxiety brought on by insecurities about one’s looks on the rise, and I think it is because the equation between beauty, nutrition and health is unbalanced. Yes, it is important to eat well, exercise regularly and all that, but isn’t it just as important to recognize that we are all different, valuable and cannot all be size 8? Or even worse, size 0, which seems to be the shit nowadays? While a beautiful person is fun to watch, an interesting person is the one that has more to offer than just the wrapping…

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 12:26AM

Katy says:

Two things:

1) Why does everything on this topic have to be so polarized?
If you support healthy eating and excerise then you must have no experience coping with weight problems and believe freakishly thin models are the ideal image of beauty? Not to mention you never have any fun and hate everyone bigger than you.

But if you feel some sympathy for overweight and obese people you must be obese yourself because you're too lazy and too busy blaming all your problems on everyone but yourself?

Is it totally impossible for there to be a middle ground, or for anyone but you to have any sign of common sense? I really don't think so. Previously Duff's readers have shown themselves to generally be an intelligent, reasonable and articulate bunch. Why resort to rediculous assumptions and accusations about each other now?

2) In spite of the name fast food is rarely quicker than making something at home. On average it takes me about 30 minutes to make a meal from scratch, less if I'm using pre-made sauce or something. When you factor in driving to the shop, waiting in line, ordering, waiting for your food and driving back it's going to be about the same.

As for price I could make a large pizza for about £2 (approx. $3) so it really is cheaper as well.

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 2:43AM

Andrea says:

@Kathy: What??

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 3:57AM

Katy says:

Andrea, in case you're wondering my post wasn't a response to yours.

I can't be here often enough to make sure my comments are directly below others that they might relate to, I just have to add them on the end when I am here, but even so that was a general rant at the overall tone of the comments here rather than being directed at one particular thing/person.

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 4:47AM

Kris says:

Yes, accountability for the choices we foist on our children and ourselves. Yes, teach and practice good eating habits and fitness. However, there is also a class element here that you gloss completely, Duff-->what foods are affordable in the stores located in impoverished neighborhoods, etc. The topic is not simple, not easy, and, yes, people do get their feelings wrapped up in the discussion, and it should be of no surprise, since we also operate from a culture that has a difficult time showing what "healthy" looks like. The discussion is polarized, in part, because our received images are--particularly, but not exclusively, for women.

But, since I was on a plane in the economy section for five hours yesterday, flying to Seattle to run a marathon, and I was most uncomfortable wedged in that space that might accidentally provide enough space and leg room for the average seven-year old, but not for most "average folk," and certainly not for the legs I am blessed with, I feel certain that airplane travel is NOT the place to begin the discussion of overall weight issues in American culture. There are simply too many other issues bound up in air travel.

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 7:32AM

Phil Seibell, MD says:

Dear Duff, from a physician and true die-hard fan of yours:

The obesity epidemic in the US should be addressed through incentives, in my opinion, although because food is a true addiction just like any drug addiction, I think that obesity treatment needs to, without a doubt, incorporate psychiatry (cognitive-behavioral therapy in particular). Motivational interviewing is another form of psychotherapy that may be helpful, or mindfulness-based therapies, for example.

The discussion you raise also brings up the larger issue of national health care, which I support. In a national health care model difficult ethical decisions regarding who receives what treatments (i.e., transplants), would be inevitable, and would be culture shock for the USA. One might envision that the obese may be less likely to qualify for major procedures under a government-run system due to the lesser life expectancy they carry. One would hope that over time such a system, however, would provide such incentives for a healthy lifestyle that America could one day beat the obesity epidemic. Myself recently having traveled to Prague, Munich, and Salzburg, there definitely was a stark difference, especially in Prague.

Another issue is that doctors in this country are overworked and underpaid. Most insurance companies do not reimburse well and fight doctors for every last penny. Medical residents are worked 100+ hours per week and are taken advantage of by hospitals in ways one cannot even imagine (but we accept that abuse, thinking it is simply our "right of passage"). Believe me, the 80 hour work week law means nothing to most big training hospitals.

Maybe nationalized healthcare can make medical education more affordable as well (most of us are squandering in debt).

Thanks for your amazing music. I still remember listening to "Believe in Me" on my way to my vascular surgery rotation at 5AM.

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 8:08AM

Katy says:

Is it really supposed to be cheaper to buy fast food, or other junk food?

At a quick estimate 7 take-away meals for two people in this town would cost £65-£95, whereas the weekly food bill for the same two people buying basic ingredients at the local supermarket and cooking for themselves is £30-£40.

What am I missing here?

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 9:21AM

Ashley says:

Duff, I really enjoy reading your articals,I have to say as a LARGE women I understand your point about the seats, but also I hope you realize that though there are some people that fit the lazy, sit on there butt and eat everything in site catagorey there are also those like me that have 4 children, work 60hrs a week to just get by,I know I should take better care of my self but time is limited and when I come home from work after a 12 hr shift cook dinner spend time with my kids, do laundry, clean house ect.....I find my self to exhausted to exercise,and I don't work a desk job,I work in a hospital and on my feet 8 to 12 hrs a day 5 days a week so "LAZY" is not in my vocabulary.As I said I am a LARGE women and with out making "EXCUSES" for my self there are deep pshycological reasons I have an addiction to food and I have worked on it for years with little to no success.I just want you and others to realize that obesity is a very sensitive issue to those of us that are obese and peoples attitude towards us can cause embarrasment,as well as anger towards those that think all FAT people are LAZY.I do respect your opinion,and hope you understand mine.

Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 9:46AM

Dario says:

"Dolomites join world wonder.
Jun 26.
Announcing its decision in Seville, a United Nations heritage panel praised the Alpine range as ''one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere.'' The World Heritage Committee panel voted unanimously for the stunning mountain range."

Duff you are welcome in Dolomites !!

Posted On: Saturday, Jun. 27 2009 @ 12:38AM

Mad_Mama says:

Certainly a hot issue, istn't it? I'm tall - like you, Duff - legs too long to fit in airplane seat areas comfortably.

Don't think I'll wade in on the fat vs thin controversy here. Nuff said.

However - I cannot imagine a prettier place to live and hike in that our Washington on a gorgeous weekend like we just had. Get Tim up here, and get on that mountain! Sigh... fabuloso!

Posted On: Monday, Jun. 29 2009 @ 3:22PM

Slim says:

Very Good Topic Duff-
Ive been fat before but not by my own will. I was forced to take medicene that made me feel like the biggest piece of shit in the world. So I know it sucks to be fat. Why dont they just put energy additives into water like they do in Europe? But not to make fun of anything but they should make fat people swallow air and "inhalants" and fart out pure gas.... If you can sniff it and get high I can burn it in disskies hahaha. I gotta go get my food stamps...600$ thats why Im fat Katy.

Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 30 2009 @ 2:30AM

Camille says:

The airline issue - charging extra for larger seats - isn't going to happen in the U.S. For the people whose weight really is due to a medical condition, it would constitute discrimination on the basis of health. So far, the airlines have not been able to find a way around that.

Obesity is never going to get addressed in this country - a healthy population is not profitable. We'd have to wipe out our processed foods industy, the entire diet industry, it would take a huge bite out of drug companies, not to mention the surgical weight loss industry.

What do you suppose the odds are of getting rid of your high sugars, high carbs processed foods? Not going to happen. And as long as they are a fraction of the cost of healthier foods, Americans are going to keep eating them.

The statistics on obesity and income ranges are also very interesting.

Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 30 2009 @ 2:09PM

Anonymous says:

Duff - I am in total agreement with you. But let us consider the affordability of good food. Vegies are more expensive than meat. Brocolli (Let's have a Dana Carvey shout out chorus; not to mention "Call any Vegetable" rememberance for Frank Vappa 1965)
Education is key to this - not to mention the US health insurance crisis.
The US has foods from every where in the world but we made the crappy stuff to afforable and addicting.
Looking forward to see you at CR2 Fest in Colorado, one of the more heathly states.
It would be great if you and your friend Nikki do a double bass, state appearance with " Call any vegatable... and chances are good, the vegatable will respond to you" Rutataba....; tribute to fellow music renagade Frank Sappa and eating habits of the US.
PS - fattest state Mississippi.

Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 1 2009 @ 1:47PM

Peacemaker says:

I don't have a pb membership, so i'll post my comment on what you wrote today here;

Duff, take a trip to Cuba and then tell me about capitalism being the best system yet devised. Over there, even with the embargos of the USA and many other countries which are politically invaded by the U.S., the people of Cuba are fightin' an honourable war and over the years created a better education and healthcare system then nearly every country around the world (including America). Yes their system isn't perfect either, they had to ban a few things we take for granted (like personal internet use) in order to keep the Imperialistic propagandas away from their people. Those (imperialists) were the same people who feed the americans the same bs about a general health care system putting the government between you and the doctor. Well, yeah putting a private insurance company is much more convenient to those greedy bastards.

I love your music and from what i've read over the past years, you seem like a very cool guy. So please stop the capitalistic propaganda, atleast untill you've read about socialism from the socialists side.

Peace.

Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 1 2009 @ 5:49PM

Andrew says:

Hey Duff,

Today is July 2 no new "COLUMN"???? i just think your very very very busy guy. But It's ok man take care and god BLESS you and your family always.

Androcel Alorro - from the Philippines BIGGEST Guns and Roses, Velver Revolver and LOADED FAN

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 9:36AM

katie says:

....velver.....teehee

Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 1:41PM

Anna says:

Hi there,
I'm a long time fan but had no idea you climb. Cool. I do too. Good way not to get fat huh :) Unfortunately we do have supersize in Europe, and the problem you address is growning here too. Maybe McDonald's should build some climbing walls? :P

Posted On: Friday, Jul. 10 2009 @ 9:24PM

Petra, Orlando says:

Hey Duff!

Being (originally) from Europe and living in the US since 2001 AND being obese myself I know what you are talking about and in no way am I offended.
I haven't been back to Europe for the single fact that it IS uncomfortable sitting in those way too narrow seats even for thin people!
So I choose not to fly or if I do I will buy 2 seats just to not bother anyone else with it - it is not comfy plus it is humiliating sitting next to another person and crowding out of their also narrow space on a plane.
Should they charge extra? Sure if they ARE making bigger seats and give you more room I'd be happy to pay some extra as long as it is not exuberant.
Just thought to give my 2 cents on this subject!
Hug, Petra

Posted On: Monday, Jul. 13 2009 @ 11:21AM