At least, that’s damn near what the UK’s National Obesity Forum and International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk is telling people, as per this article: “Tell loved ones they are overweight this Christmas“.
Given this advice, I think I’m going to tell teenagers about every spot of acne on their face.
Because guess what? Us fat people? We know we’re fat. Every goddamn moment of the day, we know we’re fat already. You pointing it out? Not helpful.
Suggesting that someone “make simple lifestyle changes such as becoming more active, making small alterations to their eating habits and replacing sugary drinks for water” during the holidays – when everyone’s setting out a spread of food is just downright cruel.
“Wow, Timmy, that’s a gigantic zit on your face! Is that makeup you have on to try to hide it, because it’s certainly not working! That’s probably why your last girlfriend dumped you. Maybe you should eat less chocolate. Oh, look, your gran made a cake!”
The funny thing is, most people know this.
“The survey of more than 2,000 people found 42% of 18 to 24-year-olds would not tell a loved one they should lose weight because of a fear they would hurt the other person’s feelings.“
That’s because those people actually have some empathy. Unlike the officials and doctors.
Perhaps we need to have one more difficult conversation.
“Hey doc. Did you know you have a really piss-poor bedside manner? That crap only works for House because he’s not real. It just makes you an asshole.”