The Big Issue: The Diet Industry and Obesity Crisis

The Growing Concern

Last week it was revealed that obesity poses a huge threat to our future. At the same time, one of the world's leading experts on body image tells us not to diet, while a figurehead of the size-acceptance campaign sheds pounds. So, who are we meant to believe... and what are we meant to do? The Scottish Sunday goes in search of answers.

The History of Body Image

In 1978, Susie Orbach's book "Fat Is A Feminist Issue" exposed the moral bankruptcy of an image-obsessed culture. However, even after 25 years, the number of people with eating disorders, especially among young individuals, continues to rise. Celebrities who publicly claim to embrace their bodies often resort to extreme measures to achieve slim figures. The issue of body image has extended beyond just women as body-consciousness now affects men and even adolescents.

The Weight Gain Trend

Contrary to the increasing focus on weight loss, the population has actually grown fatter in recent years. Health experts warn that the obesity pandemic represents the biggest challenge in humanity's evolutionary history. The average British person has gained significant weight over the past two decades, and one in five British adults is currently clinically obese. If current trends continue, a quarter of the population will be classified as obese by 2010.

The Disconnect Between Body Image and Health

In light of the obesity crisis, the body-image agenda needs to shift its focus. While it is understandable that many individuals are dissatisfied with their bodies, the reality is that nearly half of the population is officially overweight. This raises the question of whether it is time to accept that we need to lose a few pounds for the sake of our health. However, the issue of body weight is complex, intertwined with emotional factors that lead to overeating or unhealthy relationships with food.

Understanding Emotionally-Driven Overeating

Susie Orbach argues that the constant dieting culture has disrupted our natural bodily mechanisms that regulate eating. Continuous dieting can lead to a disconnection from normal hunger and fullness cues, resulting in distorted relationships with food. Furthermore, she suggests that emotional issues and distress are often exasperated by societal pressures and parenting habits, which can contribute to problematic eating behaviors from a young age.

Conflicting Approaches and Solutions

Susie Orbach advocates for a more accepting approach towards larger body sizes and creating diverse representations of beauty. Her organization, AnyBody, highlights the need for 'ethically' manufactured clothes in a range of sizes and supports advertisements that challenge the idea that one must be thin to be considered attractive. On the other hand, Shelley Bovey, a prominent figure in the size-acceptance movement, chose to pursue weight loss after years of advocating against anti-fat prejudice. Bovey's experience highlights the complexities of body image and the personal struggles individuals face in striving for self-acceptance.

Building Confidence and Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles

Parents, especially those who have experienced weight issues themselves, face challenges when it comes to discussing body image with their children. The goal is to boost children's confidence and create a supportive environment, regardless of their size, to prevent the development of eating disorders. Additionally, an emphasis should be placed on promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity, rather than solely focusing on weight as an indicator of health.

The Need for Compassion and Change

Ultimately, the obesity crisis demands a compassionate approach that acknowledges the emotional complexities surrounding body weight. Instead of piling on the pressure and resorting to body-shaming, society should seek to create an environment where individuals feel empowered to make positive changes for their well-being.