Choice(lazy, poor diet, low self esteem, poor, dumb, etc..) or no choice(genetics, disease, bullshit, denial, etc...)?

a VAST VAST VAST VAST majority it is a choice.

Choice.

Maybe the fact that the genetics make it tough to keep weight off, it is just easier to become lazy about it.

97 - 98% choice

...fuck you people! I don't have to put up with this shit, I'm outta here!

thavoice wrote: a VAST VAST VAST VAST majority it is a choice.

This.

Mainly choice.

unless you have hypothyroidism or some other verifiable medical condition its all choice...

Choice, but far more difficult genetically for some.

I'm working to lose weight. The main reason I've gained it is because of my bad habit of eating a lot of late-night pizza due to herb indulgence combined with a general lack of exercise.

Therefore, I blame it all on genetics.

Late-night pizza is the best.

Could there be different reasons for different people? Or do we have to generalize everyone?

It's mostly a choice, but it's also a disease. Not just a switch an obese person can simply turn off.

FatHobbit wrote: Could there be different reasons for different people? Or do we have to generalize everyone?

Good answer.

Choice... with an asterisk.
It is a choice to eat the wrong foods/drinks and not get enough exercise.

Once someone does become overweight, then it becomes more of an addiction issue... much like any other drug, alcohol, sexual, tobacco, etc. addiciton. It is more of a mental problem at this point. Probably easier to overcome physically... than other addictions, but mentally just as challenging. Why do you medicate with food/bev? The core reason(s) is the problem. JMO

FatHobbit wrote: Could there be different reasons for different people? Or do we have to generalize everyone?

I think there are different reasons, but this is also something that can be generalized. Obesity can be genetic, but going beyond genetics is choice. If you work your butt off, but can't lose the weight, then it is obviously genetic. But, seriously... how many people would seriously fall into that category? A very, very minute percent.

sleeper wrote: Choice(lazy, poor diet, low self esteem, poor, dumb, etc..) or no choice(genetics, disease, bullshit, denial, etc...)?

lol

its all about self discipline, some people have it, some people dont

Heretic wrote: I'm working to lose weight. The main reason I've gained it is because of my bad habit of eating a lot of late-night pizza due to herb indulgence combined with a general lack of exercise.

Therefore, I blame it all on genetics.

THIS

I'd say mostly choice...

But when fat parents take their fat kids to McDonalds and every other fat inducing choice that is not really their own then there's a bigger problem.

Now you have a fat young adult who knows they're fat but little in the way of exemplary leadership and less in the teachings of self control.

Genetics to a point then habit takes over. most people have a predetermined body structure. meaning no matter how much they work out or how well they eat, they will never have 6 pack abs etc.

Glory Days wrote: Genetics to a point then habit takes over. most people have a predetermined body structure. meaning no matter how much they work out or how well they eat, they will never have 6 pack abs etc.

diff between 6 pack abs and bein fat!

You people freaking kill me! lol I am 40 years old. I am 6'5", 286 lbs. I played sports all through school and college plus afterwards in gus mackers and such. I weighed between 250-270 through my 20's and early 30's. Just depended on my habits and if I was working out. Now, at 40 I am roughly 30+ pounds over what I normally was. Just a year ago I vowed to lose weight, I was 302 lbs at the time. I worked out for 6 days a week watching what I ate, and in 9 months time I lost 3 lbs. I went to the doctor for a yearly checkup and explained to him my problem. He had some tests ran and bloodwork. Then he sent me to an edocronologists, and they found that my thyroid was working properly! Now medicated, 2 months later I have lost 13 lbs and my metabolism is jump started again. So, it isnt as uncommon as some of you think!

redstreak one wrote: You people freaking kill me! lol I am 40 years old. I am 6'5", 286 lbs. I played sports all through school and college plus afterwards in gus mackers and such. I weighed between 250-270 through my 20's and early 30's. Just depended on my habits and if I was working out. Now, at 40 I am roughly 30+ pounds over what I normally was. Just a year ago I vowed to lose weight, I was 302 lbs at the time. I worked out for 6 days a week watching what I ate, and in 9 months time I lost 3 lbs. I went to the doctor for a yearly checkup and explained to him my problem. He had some tests ran and bloodwork. Then he sent me to an edocronologists, and they found that my thyroid was working properly! Now medicated, 2 months later I have lost 13 lbs and my metabolism is jump started again. So, it isnt as uncommon as some of you think!

Thyroid problems probably don't account for more than 5% of the general population overweight.