I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please
Is it just me, or does the following quote horrify you?
“The unapologetically unhealthy restaurant . . . serves . . . 9,982-calorie ‘quadruple bypass burgers.’ (Patrons who are able to finish them are escorted to their cars in wheelchairs.) Customers who weigh over 350 pounds eat free.”
Quadruple Bypass Burger® Image credit: heartattackgrill.com
Surely You Jest
That quote comes from a recent Yahoo! News article announcing the death of a second unofficial spokesperson and regular patron of the Heart Attack Grill restaurant, a restaurant which literally lives up to its name (Heart Attack Grill Spokesman Dies of Apparent Heart Attack). Other patrons over the years have enjoyed various ‘medical emergencies while dining at the grill,’ including a man who suffered a heart attack “while eating a ‘triple bypass burger’.”
What, you mean I don’t have to pay extra for that?
Before I took this year to play in the writing world, a research path in pediatric obesity beckoned me, beginning with my public health degree’s capstone project. (Click here for abstract if curious.)
So indulge me in a bit of public health foreplay. I promise I’ll be gentle.
Whose Fault Is It?
When it comes to obesity, it’s easy to blame the individual.
If she ate less and exercised more, she wouldn’t be overweight.
Whoa. Not so fast. It’s not quite as simple as that.
The influences of any chronic condition, including obesity, nest within one another. In public health we refer to this as the Social Ecological Model.
Image credit: Partners in Action (depts.washington.edu)
- At the core of the model is the individual; let’s call him Joe.
- A social network of family, friends, and coworkers wrap their loving arms around Joe.
- Further snuggling this motley crew is the outside community, complete with its environmental evils (restaurants called the Heart Attack Grill) and environmental angels (parks, sidewalks, accessible gyms).
- Next up comes the institutional tier, where healthcare systems and organizations help influence Joe’s health outcomes at all three of the previous levels.
- And finally, formal policies help keep Joe in check, whether at the local, state, or federal level.
Think of the arrangement as a lovely set of nesting dolls. Or an ugly set, like this one my husband picked up in St. Petersburg, Russia.
“Hey, my sweet Oksana, some American debil finally bought those ugly babushkas!”
In other words, it takes two to tango. Or in this case, five.
Come On, Carrie, That’s a Bunch of BS
Before you accuse me of making excuses for a person’s obesity, please know that I do understand it ultimately comes down to individual behavior. But arguing about that gets us nowhere. The fact is, many people choose not to or are unable to change their behaviors, and it’s easier to understand why when one considers this nesting doll model:
Bubba: “Hey Joe, come out to eat with us tonight.”
Joe: “Well, I should really make a healthy meal at home.”
Bubba: “Oh, come on, it’s 5-dollar off night at that Heart Attack place. What are you, a wuss?”
Joe: “Hey, who’re you calling a wuss? I’m in. But maybe we should walk there to get a little exercise.”
Bubba: “No can do. You know there aren’t any sidewalks on the busy road leading to the burger joint. The cars will smack us down like bowling pins.”
Joe: “Okay, I’ll drive then. But I have to get home early. I haven’t been feeling so good. My insurance sucks, so I’ve missed my check-ups. And they don’t cover my blood pressure meds, so I’ve only been taking half a pill.”
Bubba: “That stinks. There should be a law saying they have to cover those things.”
Dotty Dee, who’s been silent thus far: “They should make a law banning restaurants that serve 10,000-calorie burgers…”
I hope you get my point. Yes, as individuals we need to make good choices. But no, ‘society’ should not get off scot-free. Only when change happens at every layer of Mr. Rubin’s ugly little nesting dolls can positive outcomes occur.
Agree? Disagree? Scary restaurants you’ve visited? Just want to say ‘hi’?
Related Articles/Websites
Overweight and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Nutrition and Obesity, American Public Health Association
Creating Vibrant, Healthy Communities, Healthscaping Northwest Blog
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Carrie Rubin is a physician with a master’s degree in public health. She is the author of The Seneca Scourge, a medical thriller.
511 Responses to “I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please”
Hi Carrie, this is such a great post on a very timely issue. I think it’s great that you are bringing to light some of the social factors that do play into obesity, and other health issues. I’m a Social Studies teacher in a school with a large population of students that are part of the ‘chips and soda’ breakfast club — we make unhealthy food incredibly cheap and accessible, making it difficult for children to make healthy choices on their own.
In Canada, they’ve recently passed legislation taking pop and chocolate bars out of vending machines in schools, but there is still a long ways to go in terms of providing healthy alternatives and nutritional information to young people.
Thanks so much for writing this — love the babushka dolls, and your articulate and well-researched post!
“we make unhealthy food incredibly cheap and accessible”—Isn’t that the truth? And to make matters worse, for only a few dimes more, we allow people to supersize their items. Well, at least here in the US, we do; not sure about Canada.
Many of our schools are getting soda and candy out of the vending machines, too, but it’s tough because a lot of schools get support from companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi. Talk about a conflict of interest!
Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks so much for stopping by. You two have a nice blog, and it’s great you find time to travel. I’m sure after weeks of teaching, you need a little escape.
I’m an emotional over-eater, and I’ve recognized this and have begun to change my habits and blogging about it.
I wish you well on your journey. Thanks so much for stopping by!
When I worked in the CCU in NYC I had a patient who was a real ‘foodie’ from Louisiana. He went out to dinner at Jean-Georges and had the foie gras with a side of cardiac arrest. After his stents were placed he said the foie gras was so good, that he would do it all over again! Some people never learn…Great post.
Oh, yeah, fois gras isn’t exactly low in fat, is it? You would think cardiac stents would be enough to help people change their behaviors, but sadly it obviously isn’t.
Stuff like this is what makes America great. Freedom to blow your ticker up!
‘Blow your ticker up’, it will!
Thanks for reading!
My coworkers and I used to joke about a restaurant just like this. We’d make an omelet, and if it had three meats and a cheese or two, we’d laugh about calling it the stroke. Then we found out such a place really existed and that it was a thousand times worse than we imagined, and now…not so funny.
People have heart attacks and strokes at other restaurants, too. Every server who’s been in the business for a few years seems to have a story of someone being carried out on a stretcher or dying on a bathroom floor. It’s terrifying, especially when it’s that person on oxygen who tells you they have conditions eating a rare steak with drinks and cheesecake. The server is “Oh, um…I mean…should I be serving this person?” One of my server told me his story, in tears, and the other patrons were angry that service was taking slightly longer, even when they told them they had a medical emergency. Some people, gah.
Butter It, too. I don’t know if you know what that is, but it’s a creepy butter substitute that doesn’t pop and burn the cooks that is often used on flattops when cooking food. That stuff is higher calorie than butter, full of creepiness, and gets all over one’s food in higher proportions. If you eat at a restaurant everyday, you’ll smell it coming out of you. Hence, along with a lot of other reasons, I make a point of not eating at work, even though it’s free for me. I’ll box up the ingredients I want and take them home. I’m not eating that crap on a regular basis. Moderation is key.
Oh, I have not heard of Butter It. Sounds horrible. It’s gotten to the point that eating out really has to be mostly a once a week thing, because the calorie count is so ridiculous (though thankfully there are some restaurants that offer nutritious fare; or at least fare that won’t break the calorie bank). I never order pasta when I go out. One, because I think my homemade sauces taste better (and I know they’re healthier), and two, because if you bring home leftovers from a restaurant pasta dish and open the box up the next day, you’ll see a solid layer of residual butter and fat lining the bottom of the box. Really gross to think how much fat they’re using to create these sauces.
We love to try different restaurants, and some of our favorites are gluttony at its finest, but as with most things, it all comes down to moderation.
Thanks so much for all your great comments on my posts. I appreciate it!
[...] I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please. [...]
We need to make it “less cool” to mock eating well and less cool to eat that kind of disease producing food! Food is supposed to nurture not just be entertainment!
So true. And that’s exactly what this restaurant does–it mocks healthy eating. It promotes the fact that there’s nothing healthy on its menu. I get that that’s their marketing tool, but when people are bombarded with stuff like this all over the place, it’s hard to make positive changes.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I eat cake for breakfast, lunch, and tea. With cake as a snack inbetween. Occasionaly I have a burger as a substitute.
Well, then, I think you and that restaurant will hit it off great.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Great article. I believe restaurants are getting better however in what they offer and more aware of the demand for healthy food.
Yes, some are getting there, and it’s nice to see. My family loves a trip to the Cheesecake Factory now and then, and they have a really good Skinnylicious menu.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
informative & enjoyable,
thx for sharing
Thanks for reading!
Just the idea of this place gives me indigestion. Great post. Congrats on Freshly Pressed!
Thanks, Lisa. And yes, that restaurant better sell some antacids with those burgers. Or have surgeons nearby for when stomachs rupture…
[...] For the truth we seem unable to universally acknowledge head on over to Carrie Rubin’s excellent post on peer pressure and super sizing http://carrierubin.com/2013/02/18/ill-take-four-burgers-and-a-heart-attack-please/ [...]
Congrats on your second freshly pressed! You are star quality! And thank you for your tweet mention the other day too! I am resurfacing (barely) while doing exam notes, gave myself a break with your witty humor and hilarious post on Feb. 25th. Another giveaway! I am still relishing in those delicious memories of chocolates.
Hope you’re doing well amongst the treadmill of comments 
Thank you for stopping by! It means all the more considering how busy you are–I know how busy exam times can be. When I first read your comment, I thought you meant you still had some of the chocolates left. I was very impressed, because I know I wouldn’t have any left. But then I saw the word ‘memories’ and realized the chocolates are now in past tense.
I finally broke down and pressed your article… I tried to resist like a junk food junkie craves french fries
Thanks so much. Very kind of you!
[...] I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please. [...]
Reblogged this on topdiets and commented:
yes this burger looks so fatty and it may cause heart attack indeed, i suggest after eating you go for some physical exercise to reduce some unwanted weight and be fit.
James
I agree. Some major exercising is in order after eating this burger. Better yet, avoid it all together.
Thanks for the reblog!
it’s UNREAL places like the “heart attack” exist, and define america. big fan of the diagram of how obesity can relate to other things than just the person. great post.
Thank you. And yes, sadly, America is being defined by our waistlines. At least that’s often how other countries see us.
Thanks for the comment!
Reblogged this on allatoonacommunity.
Thanks!
Congratulations on getting Pressed! This is a great piece. I agree, it does take 5 to tango in this case.
Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by.
[...] I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please. [...]
Nice post. Have you read the latest NY Times magazine article on junk food? I don’t think the human race stands a chance against the junk food scientists. And even those who no longer work for the junk food giants appear to have a difficult time admitting the extent of their culpability.
I printed it out–an earlier commenter steered me to it as well. I intend to read it this weekend. Goes along nicely with other research I’ve read in this area. So glad to have found it. Thank you! And thanks for visiting. Much appreciated!
Why is it that most things that taste good are bad for us? Why can’t we have negative calorie pasta and cakes? Why does carb indulgence beget even more carb cravings? It’s a conspiracy, I tell you! I long for the days of yore when Rubenesque forms were the ideals of beauty, then the Kate Mosses of the world would be green with envy at my voluptuous perfection.
Btw, I wanted to share a post I wrote about my battle with the bulge.
http://emmblu.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/to-binge-is-to-die-a-slow-death/
It’s because these good-tasting things are loaded with fat, sugar, and salt, the three of which work together to trigger feel-good dopamine in our brains, making us want to keep eating. There is good research behind this. That’s why it’s so hard to put down the “Baskin Robbins’ two-scoop sundae” you mentioned in your binge post. And the food manufacturers know this…
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it.
[...] I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please. [...]
I loved your post. You make a really great point. I do believe that society plays a huge role in obesity and they should be held accountable.
I personally love to go out to eat. However, we are constantly finding that it is incredibly difficult to find food at restaurants that is even remotely healthy. On top of the desire for healthy food when we go out, we also add the requirement that it be vegan. It is amazing to me how many restaurants simply have nothing to offer us, when really it would probably be easier and less expensive for them to provide a reasonable portioned entree made up of vegetables than an enormous slab of meat, they just seem to lack the creativity to come up with anything.
I agree; it can be really difficult to find something healthy and less than 1,000 calories in a restaurant. It’s gotten to the point that when we eat out as a family on the weekend, we use that as our primary meal for the day and just have something light for the other two meals, if even that. I imagine it’s even more difficult when one’s a vegan. I don’t eat red meat (though I’ll eat poultry), and I find even that difficult. So much meat on a menu! Who needs all that? And then when you are able to order a side of broccoli, it’s either frozen or steamed and seeped in butter. Frustrating.
Glad you liked the post, and thanks so much for stopping by!
It never fails to amaze me, how we as a species do so much to preserve our lives and more so to destroy ourselves.
Oh, such a great point. Talk about the ultimate oxymoron. Well said.
hmmm.. interesting. I don’t think it’s as controversial as you mentioned in the next post. I lean more towards it being we fatties who are responsible, since any grown arse adult in this day and age of the google machine SHOULD know what’s good or not good for them. McD’s is only busy because people choose to eat there. Then again, I think restaurants have an obligation to do the right thing with their menus and for their patrons. Paula Deen is the antichrist poster child for the unethical, cooking that unhealthy garbage and not telling anyone she’s diabetic for what, a year? Aweful. PS…Freshly Pressed!! Go girl!
Well, I think the controversy comes in because I don’t think it’s the individual’s fault all on his/her own. I think we’ve created an environment that dangerously promotes obesity.
And yeah, that whole Paula Deen thing was crazy. At least she’s coming out now and talking about it, and she and her family have lost lots of pounds.
Thanks for stopping by! You know I appreciate it.
Been trying to read more consistently, but between the work computer, the ipad and the phone and the “LIKE” buttons not working on anybodies pages half the time, it’s hard to catch up!
I’m happy to see you whenever you stop by. We all have lives, after all.
I love this post! I’ve been on a clean eating journey as a part of a fitness model quest and being health conscious is more than what happens in the gym and kitchen- it’s also dealing with the social pressure of “fitting in” at restaurants, cafes, etc. Isolation from the rest of the world was HUGE for me at the beginning, simply because I CHOSE not to join in when my friends, colleagues, family, etc. ate junk. Some people understood, others would sneer and give dirty looks.
Anyway, you’ve summarized it extremely well: individual choice is key here, but society is also partially to blame!
It’s not fair that people who are making an effort to be healthy can’t go out to eat without risking sabotaging their attempts. And it’s even worse when family members and friends sabotage one’s efforts. So I empathize with you trying to make positive changes when others around you make it more difficult.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
Reblogged this on SCSU Campus Rec and commented:
This is a must read!!
Thanks so much for the reblog!
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
I agree. When I stopped eating sugar in my early 20s many people around me were inadvertently sabotaging me. I think people just don’t realize. I found that to be good with my dietary restrictions I had to avoid some people in my life for a while because they didn’t understand and they made it really hard for me to do what I needed to do. Great post. 
Thank you! And you’re right, sabotagers make it so difficult for people, whether it be food, alcohol, tobacco, or other substances. I think the Heart Attack Grill and other restaurants are major sabotagers. We went out to eat last night at a local restaurant, and it was so nice to be served reasonable portions. There’s no reason eating out should make one have to forfeit all other meals for the day, but when a plate contains 1500-2000 calories, that’s what needs to be done.
Thanks for the comment!
Yikes, I’m the odd man out on this topic. Don’t know if I should counter it or not. For me, I’d just like the nutrition information on a restaurant, then I can make my own decision on whether or not to eat there. As far as I can tell, a restaurant calling itself the “heart attack,” is clearly advertising exactly what it is. It’s not hiding anything about its lack of nutrition or its potential danger. Therefore, as a responsible adult who cares about my health, I choose not to eat there. I know not everyone is as responsible, but that’s where we move into delicate freedom issues, which can lead to the loss of one freedom after another, at least from my perspective. Guess I did share my ‘odd man out’ view after all (politically incorrect as I am). JMHO, and I respect yours as well.
And honestly, I agree with you. One would hope people could make their own good decisions. Unfortunately, they don’t, and we keep getting larger, and our health care costs keep getting higher. So I guess at this point, it’s worth asking, what else can be done?
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. All are appreciated!
I totally agree.
I think both parties are to blame, BUT you CAN control what you consume no matter what. If people are going to buy it there will always be someone who will sell it. I’m also a person who rarely bends to “peer pressure” so I guess that’s easier for me to say than someone who easily falls under pressure of others. I’ve also been lactose intolerant my entire life so I’ve always been careful about what I eat, when I eat it and how much I eat so it is a type of second nature, though something I still had to learn to do. My hubby was very over weight until recently and he often just couldn’t say no to his food, if he wanted it he would literally crave it until he had it so he’d go buy it, cook it, etc. He was also raised to clear his plate and he did always until now. He was raised that a snack was a cookie and I was raised a snack was an apple. It really can be a matter of “being a product of your environment”. Some people are not educated on what food can do to you, it really is amazing how oblivious some people are to what that 1/4 lb bacon cheese burger & plate full of fries can do to you or the fact that you simply don’t need that much food.
I think you’re right–holding back is easier for some than others, just like with any addiction. And I use the word ‘addiction’ because there are interesting studies that suggest the right amount of fat, sugar, and salt releases feel-good dopamine in the brain, triggering us to eat more. And of course, we probably don’t need a study to tell us that. Very few people overindulge on grapes or carrots, but yet they find it difficult to put the spoon down when eating ice cream. That’s why I think it’s important to tackle the problem from all angles.
Thanks so much for reading and for sharing your thoughts!
[...] post, I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please, was tagged under public health. Believe it or not, this tag does not bring all the bloggers to [...]
Hi Carrie.
Great post! All the better for all of the comments and thought that were generated.
We in North America are both fortunate and unfortunate in that so called progress has brought us so many labor saving choices. Along with that came convenience, distraction and ready access to choices that in the past were luxuries.
We have become lazy and expect technology and science to save us from our own poor choices. There is a pill or a surgery to fix that. The trade off for convenience is we have stopped using our bodies which were built to move. In addition we get all of our food from someone else often even already prepared.
50 years ago everyone had a garden or bought food that was grown in rich soil. Then we prepared our meals and ate them as families with no distraction other than conversation.
We have as a society lost the joy and satisfaction of our food and family or friends. We were a family of 6 kids on a farm – yes we had to work and yes I hated planting the garden, picking weeds, harvesting and processing. But having said that, we have a lot of fun memories of those shared experiences.
Making a meal was not quick and took work as did clean up. The supper table was your social network where you shared all the news. It was not unusual to have unexpected visitors who always pitched in with the prep and clean-up.
Now we are too busy! Now we get most food some what or totally prepared and communicate through devices. We have no idea about the growing conditions or soil health. We have lost so much.
Cigarette packages require graphic warnings in Canada – Maybe the same has to be instituted for all fast and restaurant foods that are like the heart attack burger. A video playing a massive heart attack and a coffin, prominently displayed in this restaurant and it’s advertizing. would be interesting. Menus with pictures of health complications eg exploding heart and coffins beside the bad choices. HMMMMM. Gruesome but so is the current reality.
Our kids were taught Reduce, Re-use and Recycle. Maybe we need a similar program for healthy food choices, starting very early.
Those are my ramblings.
Deb
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment, Deb. So well said and so true. People have forgotten the importance of home-cooked, family dinners, both for nutrition value and for family congregation. Studies have shown that adolescents who live in families who dine together most nights of the week have less social problems and substance abuse–just by eating at home with the family! Pretty amazing stuff. My kids love our family dinners. They’d never admit it of course, but I can tell by how animated they are.
I like that some schools are starting local garden projects. It’s a step in the right direction.
Thanks again!
Heart Attack is the restaurant’s name??
Yes, horrifying, isn’t it? They did well with their marketing, I suppose. Too bad they didn’t use any common sense. Or ethics…
Thanks for the comment!
Indeed a entertaining post.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to read it and comment.
It’s not just restaurants and bars out to make a profit.
We have former friends from college who host a No Bull b-b-q in Texas–if you can eat (and not throw up or pass out) 64 oz. of ribs (the bones don’t count in the weight) in 30 min., you get a case of Johnny Walker; if you can’t do it, you owe them a case. AND they also have a junior division for children and/or grandchildren between 13 and 16 with 48 oz. When other friends told us about this, we didn’t even ask what the prize (or penalty) was.
As my dad would have said, “Somebody has too much free time, and not enough brains to figure out what something good to do with it.”
A junior category? That horrifies and scares me more than anything. What a horrible message to send to kids. Makes me wonder how much more of this is going on. I think your dad was spot on in his assessment. Yikes.
Thanks, Marylin!
Isn’t the model missing a ring for that guy on Man v Food? I think he should get at least a mention as being such an inspiration to create and consume such ginormous amounts.
Hahaha! You are so right! He definitely deserves a tier of his own.
Thanks for reading and for the great comment.
congrats on the FP lady
Thanks!
At the end of the day, lets no one forget that we shouldn’t shoot the messenger. This burger we’ve all grown to love bashing really just happened to have the misfortune of finding infamy by way of being assembled. He’s not the one we want. Although maybe just a quarter of him for dinner tonight wouldn’t be a ‘quarter’ bad idea… ha,ha… (actually not deleriously funny at an EKG reading.
Its just one more sign of our mismanaged times. Too much freedom of choice, so we do too little with it. Why? Because we got a licence now. We’re legal. Let us not blame a meat patty for doing us in. Let us instead become conscious of this freedom of speech and of restaurant license and do something worthwhile and less fattening/life threatening with our time here on earth or for supper. Plus, lest we choose to, on purpose, forget: just as our license would be revoked if we step out of line in some way– maybe our spatula (the real murder weapon) should be as well.
Clever comment! And I agree–we shouldn’t ‘blame the meat patty’ nor the cow it came from. But I do blame the restaurant for creating a 10,000-calorie monstrosity…
Thank you!
Seriously I thought that was just scare mongering! Places like that should be momitered more closely
It’s funny–The health department shuts down restaurants that are a hazard to the public’s health because of uncleansliness. Maybe they need to do the same here…
Thanks for an entertaining and insightful post. I am still laughing at the fact that there’s a restaurant named after a heart attack…
Yeah, pretty scary, isn’t it?
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I agree that lots of things conspire, so to speak, to make us fat. In my city public transport is pretty crappy so people mostly use cars – the sight of obese employees of the Federal Department of Health wheezing up to the lift is common. Still, I could catch a bus to work, with a half hour walk, taking me an hour or so – that’s my choice. I don’t think we should make laws against fatty food. I do sort of think we should invest in more walkable, bikable cities – but then, in my city, it becomes uneconomic, because people PREFER to go by car. What do you do!
I agree–we need to do so much better with urban and suburban planning. Make it easier to walk places. Spread clusters of stores all over, so people can easily walk to shop for the things they need. Would definitely help at that level of the model.
Thanks for dropping by.
In Australia heart disease is the #1 killer of middle aged women. Yet our obesity levels continue to rise. It’s been described as an obesity epidemic. We are so fortunate in Australia, as in most developed countries, to have access to an amazing range of fresh, nutritious produce, yet still we pour into fast food restaurants in droves. And worse still, teaching our kids this is the way you eat. It is our choice what we eat and good choices are the only way we see change come about. Thanks for the blog, Carrie.
Grace
It started in the US and has been spreading to other countries, no doubt. We have managed to share our fast-food restaurants with the rest of the world, which benefits no one other than the owners of the restaurants. And as you point out, our children then learn that overeating is normal; or, at least, their perceptions of portion sizes get distorted. Very sad.
Thanks so much for reading and for commenting!
Reblogged this on The 19th Letter and commented:
Some good points here…
Thanks for the reblog. I appreciate it!
The bottom-line is we can all change if we really and truly want to, we are the only ones standing in our way. To me it’s eye-opening just how much obesity ages most people. These folks are under 30, and man you would never know it. I am guilty of bad health choices probably like most of you are. I just try to have small wins, you gotta give yourself something. I have come to realize we only have one life and it’s up to us to not cut it short with bad food choices…very nice post.
Thank you, and I agree–we only have one life. Why shorten it with bad habits? Certainly splurges are okay. Life’s too short not to have a great dessert or an unhealthy dish once in a while. But everything in moderation. If you look at people who live to be a hundred, they usually have two things in common: They’re thin and they say they walk every day. Something to think about if we want to make it that long.
Thanks so much for the comment!
I think I’m the only one commenting on here that actually wants to go and try the place out, but I’m a 22 year old male with a fast metabolism. I’m from Europe but I lived in the United States and I have to say that what I noticed is the servings are larger not just in restaurants (which I loved, being 16 at the time) but even in families. For me it’s normal to have a scale and weigh most ingredients before we cook them, and we never have leftovers. Actually, I grew up with the notion that leftovers were wasted food (from a tasting point of view too). My family in the US, despite OWNING a farm and having a much healthier diet than most Americans, would still cook as much as they could and then save it and put it in the refrigerator. Most of the time, they would end up forgetting about it, since their fridge was so big, things could literally get lost. I think it’s not a matter of education to eat and exercise, so much education on not wasting. Do you really need to cook that much food? Do you need such a big refrigerator? Do you need to have the supersize soda, when the refill is free anyway?
Such good points, and I love hearing input from those of you from other countries. We do have so much food waste in the US, and as you point out, not just in restaurants, but in our homes, too. I spent a year as an Au Pair girl in Paris after high school, and I’ve also stayed with other families for student experiences, and now that you mention it, I don’t really remember the concept of leftovers. But I do remember normal-sized portions and having a piece of fruit for dessert. And it’s funny, because even now when I go to Europe, people are surprised to learn I’m from the US and not Canada given I’m not overweight. It’s like they assume everyone from the US is overweight. What does that say about our country? Yikes.
Thanks so much for your insights. Appreciate it!
Just found this on the NYTimes:
http://tinyurl.com/a49sxbt
Fantastic article! Thanks so much for sending it my way. I’ll bookmark it for future reference. David Kessler, former FDA commissioner published a book called ‘An End to Overeating, Taking Control of America’s Insatiable Appetite,’ and in it he reviews the research that shows food manufacturers find the right combination of fat, sugar, and salt to keep us eating. Nice correlate to this article. Thanks again.
Tremendous amount of comments already. Little I could add to a very well written piece. Huge believer in personal responsibility and choice except of course when those choices impact the rest of society. Some people can’t control their addictions. Unfortunately, there will always be those who will want to make a buck off it.
“Unfortunately, there will always be those who will want to make a buck off it.”—So true. And I think that’s what this restaurant comes down to. Yes, they found a brilliant marketing plan, but that doesn’t make it right. I’d have trouble sleeping at night promoting a product that encouraged gluttony!
Thanks so much for the comment!
Reblogged this on Longhorn Web Design.
Thanks so much for the reblog!
Reblogged this on Healthy People Place and commented:
It’s not food if it’s fast …
Thanks for the reblog. I appreciate it!
“If you’re green, you grow. If you’re ripe, you rot.” This could not be more meaningful than it is now. Everyone should have a terrace garden. Or a farmers’ market nearby. Just saying. Keep the pink slime to thyself.
Ooh, I like that quote! And yes, it’s sad that some urban areas have to rely on CVS for their fruit. Food deserts, they’re called. No wonder it’s easier for families just to go to McDonalds.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Carrie.
I just ran into your post and had the pleasure to read such amazing words. I’ve been vegetarian for about 6 years and my nutrition has changed a lot. It’s crazy to see how sick our society is, from the individual (who unfortunately lets himself be impacted by everything else), to the governments that allow such poor mentality from businesses and corporations. It’s all about the money, and educating ourselves is the ONLY way out! We gotta do the reversed process: the knowledgeable individual does not engage in such a creepy practice.
Anyways, this could go on and on.
Bottom line: I love your post and your mindset.
We need people as aware as you in the world.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cheers,
Raquel
Thanks so much for the kind words and for taking the time to comment. I agree–education is key. And I think we’re getting there. Now we just need restaurants like these and food manufacturers to stop sabotaging our efforts.
I could see myself being a vegetarian, but with two teenage boys, I still prepare poultry and pork (I don’t eat red meat, and since I do all the cooking, neither do the men in my family.
). But maybe some day.
Thanks again!
You should run for office, Carrie; you have a sensible – and cute – head on your shoulders!
Well, thank you, but those politicians would reduce me to a puddle of incoherent babbling. I’ll stick to the written word.
Fair enough.
I agree with you to a degree. Social influences definitely make it hard sometimes to make the proper food choice. However, if a person maintains a healthy diet most of the time. A stop to this disgusting heart attack grill isn’t going to kill them like many of its patrons. By the way, that is so ridiculous.
There are other things that shape people’s eating habits which again are mostly social. Actors like how their family’s ate when they grew up and the sort of activities they engage in for fun, or even the messed up dietary guidelines set by the b.s food pyramid we grew up with. Then there are non Social aspects such as food that is engineered to make you crave it. The cocktail of sodium filled, super sugared, caffeine laden and non thirst quenching sodas which leave you wanting another.
With that said, it is a persons responsibility to take some responsibility for themselves. Exercise and eating properly is something that should take more of a priority in people’s life. With no exercise and a poor diet you are simply setting yourself up for an early death or a endless amount of health issues.
Sorry I ramble. I enjoyed your post very much.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. And I agree with you. I liked that you said: “Then there are non Social aspects such as food that is engineered to make you crave it”, because I think this is something people often don’t realize. I’ve mentioned to other commenters the book by David Kessler (former FDA commissioner) called “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite.” In it, he reviews the research that shows how the right combination of fat, sugar, and salt can release feel-good dopamine and encourage us to keep eating. That’s why we don’t want to stop with the chips or the ice cream, but we can easily stop eating the carrots and the grapes. So yes, it ultimately comes down to the individual, but so many other factors weigh in as well.
Thanks again!
10,000 calories a meal? even the most healthy person at least will have a stroke or a shock down.
I know, can you imagine? I get ill just thinking about it. Then again, I suspect most people can’t finish it. Or at least I hope they can’t!
Thanks so much for commenting!
probably in Puerto Rico (I’m from Puerto Rico) that meal is shared within four kids (to save money)
I could easily see a burger like that feeding four people, no doubt. The waste that must go along with restaurants like this is sickening.
The restaurant you’ve been talking about on your post was featured on “Man VS Food” tv show on TLC Channel. The gimmicks of the restaurant overall is so silly for me!
Burgers are unhealthy…let us leave a healthy life! Eat fish and veggies
I didn’t realize this restaurant had been on Man Vs. Food. I used to watch that show, but when I started the second season of it, I stopped. I was horrified by how bad the host look after a year of eating like that, though I shouldn’t have been surprised. Really kind of gross when you think about it. I don’t eat red meat (and I don’t miss it), and I’m with you on the healthy life.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Fantastic Post Carrie. Friends of mine recently came back from Las Vegas and told me about this restaurant. They had to wear hospital gowns and since my friend didnt finish his burger he was spanked on the beeeehind by a kinky nurse in a little outfit. As a marketing gimmic – its unique, but as a concept, its a tragedy! Here’s a piece i wrote recently on the same topic – as KFC opened their 100th store in the UAE! best, http://lovinlifeproperly.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/kfcs-100th-store-recipe-for-disaster/
I hadn’t heard about the hospital gowns. Jeez. Well, as I’ve said before, they certainly get an’A’ for marketing. But they get an ‘F’ for doing the right thing!
I’m responding to comments by phone now, but I’ll check out that link when I get back to my computer. Thanks!
Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
Thanks for the reblog!
I live in Europe and I just recently started watching this terrible American show about the grossly overweight people. It boggles my mind that anyone can actually get that fat on this planet. It’s like gravity doesn’t apply to them. I don’t get it. And when an attempt is made to help them by changing their eating habits, they get so defensive and angry. Just look at what Jamie Oliver went through with his food revolution in America. People just don’t want to change.
I’m not sure it’s not wanting to change so much as feeling powerless to change. I think most people don’t want to be overweight. But I think where the resistance comes in is that nobody wants to be told they can’t eat this or that. There’s so much resistance to the idea of Big Brother getting involved.
I’m always surprised by how much more sensible the portions are in Europe. I wish we would do that here. We’re going to eat ourselves to death if we don’t.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I’ve always wondered about that restaurant. To me, it almost seems like a counter-reaction to “health-freaks” or even the increased awareness many people now have for health and healthy choices. I really don’t think I would eat there though. I don’t like eating things with so much grease on them. While I’m all for giving people choices, I’m not sure about giving someone the choice to have something that is really so bad for them. Quite obviously, most people would be hesitant to serve up poison that would kill someone instantly. Something like this may kill you, but it probably won’t do so instantly. I think a good question to ask is where to draw the line. Is it such a good idea to ban such things outright? Or, should we still offer it as another choice in the decisions people have to make? Or, maybe someone can make a registry restaurants have to look up before serving these things? If someone is at risk, they are place on the registry by a physician, and it would be illegal to let them have something like this. I’m not sure it would work perfectly or even well, but it’s an idea.
Interesting idea for sure. It’s certainly thinking outside of the box. I think your point about the restaurant being a ‘counter-reaction’ to the health-conscious is true. In fact, on their website, they mock eating healthy and happily promote the high-calorie food they serve. I know it’s all marketing, and they’ve come up with a novel idea, but that doesn’t make it right.
Thanks so much for the comment!
It’s almost unbelievable that there is a restaurant with that name and that people actually eat at it! I too, have a background in health/nutrition, and love that you write about. Great post. I’m off to serve Kale for dinner.
It’s even scarier that their servers and cooks are dressed as nurses and doctors, and that they boast about how unhealthy their food is on their website. I’m sure it’s enough to drive a dietitian batty.
Good luck with the kale. I’m not sure I could get my kids to go for that one. Then again, I’ve never tried. Maybe you’ll have to put a good kale recipe on your blog for those of us who haven’t served it.
Thanks!
I’ve actually have people turn their nose up at me when I watch what my kids eat — usually the people with overweight children who will not admit they are overweight. Heck, when I mentioned my son’s weight to me pediatrician, she looked at me like I was nuts… but my husband started having a weight problem when he was my son’s age, and he’s battled it all his life. I’d rather teach my kids about healthy options and exercise now than have them in a battle in their forties.
Society though, pushes parents in the wrong direction. There is so much BAD going on that I seem like the bad one for teaching and enforsing the right things. ERGHHH!
Oh, I know that feeling. People thinking I’m odd because I try to make sure that my kids always have a fruit and vegetable with each meal along with lean protein (well, I let them skip the veggie at breakfast
). But my hope is that by the time they’re off on their own, they’ll have developed good eating habits. My teenager is starting to rebel a little in this regard–wanting things like a frozen Lean Cuisine for breakfast or pizza bites rather than cereal or something more traditional. I tell him as long as he has milk or calcium-enriched OJ along with a fruit, he can have something else of his choice. You gotta pick and choose your battles. But the hope is that when he reaches adulthood, he’ll know that a healthy diet is the way to go.
I’m surprised by your pediatrician’s reaction. Most of us would treasure having more parents like you!
Thanks for stopping by.
She said he’s fine– he may be in the right “percentile” but I see too much extra padding and he feels “squishy” when I hug him. I just want to stop it. BEFORE it becomes an unmanageable problem
Absolutely.
Education is the root of the problem (and the solution). Media that reach the masses, such as the Dr. Oz show, are a good start but education about nutrition needs to start in schools and at a young age. Pre-school age is when food habits are formed and this is also when cheap, easy and often sugary snacks are introduced. Parents need to set rules and good examples. Pediatricians need to direct parents. “No epidemic can be resolved by focusing on the individual. It’s when we look at society we turn it around.” – Larry Cohen
Great quote, and I agree with everything you said. There is starting to be a trend of better nutrition education in school, but sadly, the kids go home and tell the parents about it, only to not have the parents follow through. But hopefully this will change with future generations.
Thanks so much for the excellent comment.
Great Post! Obesity has chronic and long term effects. So It’s really important to watch our diet every now and then. I totally agree on you that it’s just a matter of proper behavior to achieve maximum health. Thanks for the reminder. I have a great time reading your blog about health living.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it and comment!
Once again we tread the stormy channel between free will and paternalism. For me, I feel torn between the idea that it would be so much easier for me to make better health choices if the poorer ones weren’t so easily available and knowing that as a ‘foodie’ I want to be able to find the rich and decadent foods that I love on those days were I reward my good choices with one night of food debauchery. Unfortunately, we can’t have, and shouldn’t have, our cake and eat it too.
I’m with you there. No one wants Big Brother telling us what to do, but clearly, we haven’t done so well with our own choices. I like going to restaurants that serve those tiny desserts. It shows that we can enjoy small portions, too, but if the big ones are paraded before our eyes, those are the ones we want. In this society, it’s not easy to make the best choices, that’s for sure.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I absolutely agree, those two or three bite deserts are wonderful. I get that little bit of sweet decadence I’m craving without feeling like a glutton after a big meal. As much as I might pine for a huge desert portion I always find that I am most sated by the first few bites. Funny how it’s so difficult to remind yourself of that when you’re faced with a giant slice of bread pudding or chocolate lava cake, huh?
So true. And isn’t it nice to leave a restaurant not feeling stuffed to the gills? I’m quite proud of myself on those occasions.
I don’t think we can blame society for obesity and poor health. What we can blame them for is promoting unhealthy behaviors to folks who perhaps are not educated enough or motivated enough to educate themselves on how they should eat. Or, cannot afford healthy food, joining a gym and so on, and buy heart-attack specials at fast food restaurants because they are more affordable. Great though-provoking post.
“What we can blame them for is promoting unhealthy behaviors to folks who perhaps are not educated enough or motivated enough to educate themselves on how they should eat.”—Excellent point! Helps to clarify it even further. Hopefully, the ongoing efforts to educate people about these unhealthy lifestyles will eventually pay off. And there is some evidence that is starting to happen. In fact, just this morning I read an article in the paper that said a study showed people were eating less fast food now then they did a couple years ago. So I guess there’s hope.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Great Title lol! I couldn’t agree more! That food is poison and should be banned!!!…sometime..
Thank you! Yeah, it is poison in a way. Poison for one’s heart and the arteries that feed it.
Thanks for the comment!
I think people should be informed about their choices, but I don’t want anyone dictating what I put in my mouth. I think it’s cool to have healthy initiatives and options, and to inform people of the risks of eating at places like this, but at the end of the day it’s my choice to eat right or not. At the same time, I don’t think society should pay for my bad choices, so if I was on government insurance and taxpayers were footing the bill, I’d say the government has a right to intrude into my dietary choices.
For sure, no one likes a nanny state, but as you point out, people’s bad choices ultimately affect others–in this case, it’s in the form of higher health care costs for everyone. I think the most effective solution is to try to reduce as many barriers as we can in order to help people make the best choices they can.
Thanks, Kourtney!
Just dropping in to say hi and comment on your post. I feel ambivalent about places like the one you speak of in your post, The Heart Attack Grill. There’s a similar restaurant in Texas but it serves huge steaks. I don’t recall the name of it, but I saw it on Sunday Morning not too long ago. I don’t get it, but people have fun, apparently, devouring masses of delicious, greasy, food and perhaps they get a thrill from the risk? I don’t know. My ambivalence is over my judgmental feelings.
I think these types of restaurants are a fun novelty, and people enjoy trying them out once or twice. Most people know that they shouldn’t keep eating there. But what’s scary is the number of ‘regulars’ this restaurant has. And to promote free dining for those weighing over 350 pounds just seems crass and unethical to me. It’s easier for me from a personal standpoint to say, “Eh, they can do whatever they want.” But from a medical and public health standpoint, the whole thing horrifies me.
Thanks so much for commenting!
Hey Carrie,
I saw this article, too and was stunned that some idiot would eat this more than once in his life. I understand how obesity affects our country financially but I don’t think it’s society’s job to keep people from being pigs. I’ve had tough things to muddle through in my life and I took care of them and didn’t depend on society to fix me or to enable my progress, if that makes sense.
That being said, Congratulations on your FP! It is very well-deserved.
Thank you! And I agree–it always gets down to the individual and his/her behavior. But since that isn’t working too well for us–our country continues to get bigger–we need to uncover other solutions; solutions that motivate individuals to change their behavior or solutions that force us to change our behaviors, preferably the former.
Do you have two blogs? I just checked out your blog listed here, but I don’t recognize it. I thought you had a different one? Guess I’m just confused. That’s not surprising…
Thanks, Maggie!
No, I changed the look of it. But it’s still the same one I’ve always had. Just more boring.
The obesity issue is one of those things I’ve been ignoring while watching Wings on Netflix.
Well, I’ve been watching Prison Break from iTunes downloads like some sort of weird, addicted groupie, so I know the feeling.
I had a multilevel spinal fusion 15 years ago when I was 20 yrs old. My surgeon said he is shocked by how well I am doing and how relatively pain free I am. I asked him how many people – post spinal surgery – go to the gym two times a week (like I do) and keep their weight down. He said I am one of very, very few. He said the majority of his patients are unmotivated and want a pill to make it all better (which then leads to addiction issues).
Sad, isn’t it? And you prove what I always preach–exercise has huge benefits, not just in helping maintain a healthy weight, but in other areas too (mobility, mood, energy, etc.). I love hearing about people who’ve overcome tough circumstances. Kudos to you for continuing to treat your body well. After all, we only have one.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Reblogged this on I Make things Two/Too and commented:
Ah eating way too much you are America – America and it’s love affair with high fat, high caloric food… I’ll have that with a side of Paula Deen .. ..
Thanks for the reblog! And I loved your bit about Paula Deen.
I am married to a man with diabetes – does he CHECK his blood sugar – NO – why? B’c he KNOWS when it’s high … and he’s pretty much slammed to the floor when it’s low. He doesn’t make healthy decisions in eating and uses TONS of insulin – two diff types. He LOVES eating … ah well – I’m not his Mommy as he won’t let me be. LOL!
The Russian bit was really cute.
I have Hep C and pretty much have to watch EVERYTHING I put in my mouth b’c I’m food sensitive – which means it’s easier to give you a list of those things I CAN eat than those I can’t … I am also a picky eater and so that narrows down the list considerably.
I’m happy to follow your blog.
God bless!
It must be frustrating to live with someone who doesn’t make the best health decisions, especially when you do! But as you say, we can’t make them do things. Hopefully, he’ll eventually model your good behavior and make some changes of his own.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it!
Wow, you’d never survive in the UK! I’m afraid your quote not only didn’t horrify me, but it made me laugh. But then I’m a Brit and our sense of humour is a little… different! This doesn’t bother me – my opinion is if people want to kill themselves with unhealthy lifestyles, that’s their choice. And I’m not particularly in favour of government/state saying what an individual can or can’t do.
We’ve an expression in our household that we use about people who indulge in this sort of behaviour, risking their own health or life: “Darwin.”
All that’s true, of course, but unfortunately, having a country of overweight individuals doesn’t only affect those who are overweight. It affects everyone, mostly through increased health care costs and insurance premiums, but also in other ways like increased workplace absenteeism, missed school days, etc.
Thanks, Val!
This one should be read by all those unhealthy eaters. I’m shocked to see the unethical earning tactics adopted by the notorious ‘Heart Attack Restaurant’ but what surprises me the most is how uncommitted are individuals to themselves. An awesome share! Deserves great applause.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to read it and comment. And I agree, I think the restaurant is lacking in ethics with this one. I recently read the info on their website. They essentially make a mockery of eating healthy and encourage filling up with junk. Yes, it’s a marketing tactic on their end, but that doesn’t make it right.
When I was younger I had a more cavalier attitude about health matters, so maybe I would have eaten once or twice at a place like this, way back when…I dunno. Now, as I am about to say goodbye to my fifties, I am a lot more cautions about what I eat and drink, cognizant of the fact that – at best – I have only about 25 more rides around the sun to enjoy (if I am friggin’ lucky).
I am very put off by extremes. This includes binge drinking, those guys on tv that eat those huge portions on reality shows, hot dog eating contests, and of course restaurants like this Heart Attack joint.
Good post. Congrats on the Freshly Pressed.
Thank you! And I hear you–my days of eating late-night pizzas are long over. Oh the things I could do in my youth.
And I’m with you on the binge stuff. I used to watch Man Vs. Food on TV, but after a while, I got so disgusted by the gluttony, not to mention I felt badly for the host who was putting on weight almost before my eyes, that I stopped watching it.
Thanks for the comment!
I have a vacation home in Vegas and walk by the Heart Attack Grill often. Before the first heart attack was reported, about a year ago, I would say the restaurant (using the term loosely) would have a handful of patrons, with most folks just gawking through windows (like me) or taking pictures in front of the giant weigh scale out front. What was shocking to me was that AFTER the news reported on the guy having a heart attack, there were line-ups to get into the place. What does that say about our society?…
Thanks for writing a well-researched piece. My blog is focused primarily on the exercise portion of weight-loss/better health, but clearly making smarter food choices is a giant part of that equation.
Really enjoyed the post!
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
I worried a little about even putting up the post, because I hated to give the restaurant even more publicity–all publicity is good publicity, or so they say. But then I figured, it’s not like I’d have thousands of eyes on this post. Of course, then it got Freshly Pressed… But given it’s in the unsexy tag of ‘public health’ I don’t think I have anything to worry about.
I believe in living a healthy life style.. I also believe that we should make our own healthy choices…There is a tall bridge…but it doesnt mean we have to jump off it…I think people should be more accountable…Just saying… Smiles
I love your blog…
Thank you! And I agree, when all is said and done, we as individuals are accountable for our actions. That’s why the individual is at the very core of the model.
Thanks for the comment!
Great post! – It’s a tricky topic for sure, but there must be a link with our eating habits and the state of our mental health. To always give in to peer pressure, to always let ourselves “off the hook”, to always say “this one burger won’t kill me…” every day – might suggest that many of us aren’t so good about issues of will-power and self-restraint. We know junk food is so bad for us, but we see it as a “treat”. What about when junk food is perceived to cost less than healthier alternatives? Is it easier to justify eating processed cheese and polony (and in the UK – horseburgers!)? – Much of it is cheaper – and why is that? Is demand the reason for supply, or is the supply the reason for easy access?? Ultimately we all make our own choices, and we all have our own reasons for those choices.
Out of interest, how much does a triple-heart-attack burger cost!?
I just checked the website (http://www.heartattackgrill.com/index.html), and the price for the quadruple burger is $12.94. Just think, hardening of the arteries all for the low, low price of barely $13…
We do tend to justify our choices, and you’re right, it does involve will-power to a degree. But I think it’s more than that. There’s some interesting research to suggest the right combination of sugar, fat, and salt releases feel-good dopamine in our brains, urging us to eat more. (For an eye-opening read discussing this research, consider David Kessler’s book “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite.”
Thanks so much for the comment!
Thanks for the reference – It’ll be an interesting read for sure!
It’s a little dry in some parts, but it makes for a good reference.
scary!!! but yummy…! damn!
That’s how I feel about the Cheesecake Factory…
Everything in moderation, right? A 10,000-calorie burger probably doesn’t qualify as moderation.
Thanks for commenting!
If is truly this post so I shall release burgers
And I shall release thanks upon you for visiting.
Agree to some extent and wanted to say Hi
Hi right back at you! Thanks for stopping by.
Reblogged this on More is More and commented:
What have we come to as American Diners?! Looks like Super Size Me wasn’t adequate to sate our appetites after all.
I guess not. It appears there’s always something bigger and unhealthier that we can get our hands on. Scary.
Thanks so much for the reblog. I appreciate it!
Reblogged this on susanne287.
Thanks for the reblog!
You are welcome! : )
Good post, I like how you wrote it!
Thank you!
a single bypass burger has much cholesterol wow.
I bet it does! I’d like to know how much, but I’d probably pass out in fright when I heard the number.
Thanks!
I bet it does! I’d like to know how much, but I’d probably pass out in fright when I heard the number.
Thanks!
A hot topic relevant to most people in one way or another. I agree that it’s complicated, but something tells me that there is something wrong with society overall in some parts of the world. There’s a reason more than 50 percent of Americans are overweight and almost no one is in Asia. Sure, genetics play a role, but lifestyle is also huge. I also recognize that depression and economics and all of that affect things, too, but somewhere in there we all have a choice. No one HAS to be 300+ pounds. Great post.
What’s scary is how our Western diets have started seeping into other parts of the world. Obesity actually is increasing in Asia. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, over 38% of people in China are now overweight (http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/06/whats-making-china-fat/2340/). And similar trends are developing in other countries. Not great of Americans to spread the bulk, but it appears that we have, with other Western countries following suit quickly.
Thanks so much for commenting and raising an excellent point. I’m glad you liked the post.
I commented before I could get to read a lot of your comments, but I thought I would also comment I have a doctor who never mentions my weight at all even though I have had to start taking water pills because my blood pressure is borderline.
Things have gotten worse for me in the past year because I quit smoking & snacked some extra pounds on, then sprained my knee & it just won’t heal because I am carrying way too much weight as well. so now it’s almost impossible for me to get any exercise due to my knee – I can barely walk around the room. The extra weight has affected my breathing problems & making it difficult for me to exercise as well.
This is such a good point that you and one other commenter have raised–the fact that some doctors still don’t discuss weight with their patients. This surprises and bothers me, because overweight/obesity is a chronic disease that needs to be addressed and managed just like any other chronic disease. There are some who say it’s not a disease, but as you’ve seen, complications result from the extra weight, which can negatively impact a person’s life, so yes, they are living with a chronic condition. Ignoring it in the medical setting is not productive.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and your personal experiences. I, and I’m sure others reading the comments, appreciate it.
There are also psychological reasons for obesity. People who have been raped or sexually abused often start putting on weight to put a layer between themselves & their abusers. I have been raped twice & I am overweight.
Absolutely. People like to assume someone can just ‘put down the fork,’ but there may be so much pain behind overeating, that it’s just not that simple. So sorry for the trauma you’ve had to endure. No one can know what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes, so instead of finger-pointing and ridicule, we should work towards useful solutions.
I just shared this with my teacher for my health communication class. We’ve looked at public health and this is such an entertaining yet informative way to help people understand that obesity is a multi-level issue. Thank you so much for your thoughts!!
Thank you for reading and sharing it. I appreciate that!
We had a fast food company here in Australia recently come under fire for promoting a very high calorie burger. It was particularly marketed to men. I read the ‘Heart Attack Grill’ story the other day after the man’s death and think the existence and promotion of such a concept is very sad. As an earlier poster said, there are laws about the consumption of alcohol. Food should be the same.
It’s sad to think it would have to come to that, isn’t it? One would think a restaurateur would know that a 10,000-calorie burger is ethically wrong, not to mention encouraging being overweight by allowing people over 350 pounds to eat for free. Then again, one would think an individual would know that eating a 10,000-calorie burger is not a wise choice. No one wants to have Big Brother messing around in our lives–myself included–but unfortunately, at some point, intervention becomes necessary.
Thanks so much for commenting!
It’s all hype just to get people to the restaurants at the expense of others. Kind of sad. Good post.
Thank you, and thanks for commenting. It is hype, and I have to give the restaurant an “A” for marketing. Too bad it’s at the expense of people’s health…
I loved this! I have no clue how it is legal to serve something THAT bad for a person’s body. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t there a law about over-serving a person alcohol? I think that this should be right up there with that. There has to be SOME kind of limit as to what a place can serve. At least let the person order 15 burgers separately if they are that desperate, then you can’t totally fault the restaurant, but when they knowingly put out a 10,000 calorie burger, there is a problem.
I thought that same thing about alcohol. Seems applicable here. And yes, maybe one person having chest pains while eating at the restaurant is a coincidence, but when several people have symptoms while eating there? That’s just plain scary.
I’m glad you liked the post. Thanks so much for commenting!
It’s interesting that this article is right beside on from a British blogger who points out that the public in the UK bears some blame (through a mindless pursuit of CHEAP food) for the recent frozen horsemeat lasagne scandal. Apparently the theme of FP today is “There’s more dimensions to public health problems than you imagine,” which is a darn good theme to offer. I’m in absolute agreement with you AND that UK blogger, in than the full (metaphorical) weight of the blame doesn’t lie one any one component of the individual/social mechanism, and I think you’ve laid out the complexity brilliantly.
In response to Dotty and others in comments who ponder the lack of laws about 10000 calorie burgers while serving someone a neat pint of rum isn’t on, I’ll suggest that the reason there isn’t more outcry about it is that the fattie’s sudden collapse can be viewed as harming none but the eater (we’ll overlook effects on family and friends), while raving inebriates are known for driving their cars over innocent bystanders; we individuals who press our lawmakers about this sort of thing collectively are more afraid of being killed by the latter than we are sympathetic to the former. Alas.
I didn’t read that other public health FP post. Thanks for alerting me to it. I’ll have to check it out. And I think you’re spot on on why we don’t feel the same effect when someone has a heart attack vs. an injury secondary to inebriation. But the person who suffers complications from their weight does affect others–namely through increased health care costs but other ways too (work and school related absences). People just don’t always recognize that connection.
Thanks for reading and for the comment. I appreciate it!
You might not want to read about this little story in Japan… http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/04/19/we-order-whopper-with-1050-bacon-strips-struggle-to-level-comically-huge-burger/
Holy cow–or should I say holy pig? That is beyond disgusting. It made me ill just looking at it. Thanks for linking to that. Clocking it at 14,300 calories, it puts the quadruple-bypass burger to shame. Who would’ve thunk it?!
Thanks for commenting and giving me a good OMG moment!
Luckily it isn’t a real menu item but merely a goofy challenge for them. Funny but as much as I love bacon, that is way beyond overkill
I had to tweet that article you sent my way. I checked your blog to see if you were on Twitter so I could credit you for alerting me to it, but I didn’t see a Twitter widget in your sidebar. But thanks again. It was pretty gross.
Ah, thanks. I just added the Twitter widget now
Thanks! Got it and sent out another tweet of that horrible bacon burger with a mention to you.
Well done!! Extreme Portion Distortion coupled with some weird sense of value, competition and accomplishment. Seriously, weird world in 2013! Thanks for writing about it.
Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it. And I agree, we have very distorted portion perceptions. It’s amazing to think how much bigger portions are today than when I was young, so much so that even the plate sizes have increased.
You don’t get fat because you overeat, you overeat because you are fat.
No doubt a vicious cycle can develop. Thanks for reading!
Congrats on the Freshly Pressed, Carrie. Well deserved. I don’t even know how you’re supposed to eat that burger, let alone digest it.
You and me both, Bill. That’s one heavy load on the old GI tract, that’s for sure…
Thank you!
[...] I’ll Take Four Burgers And A Heart Attack, Please. [...]
Congrats on the FP! Loved this one, and it’s so good to see you up there again!
Thanks, Rachelle. Nice of you to say.
Bah! Sorry, just realized it wasn’t you that had liked my giant St. Patrick’s Day cake! Carry on!
That’s okay. At first I was a little confused, and then I saw your second comment. But I did buzz by your site, and that cake looks yummy, so I do indeed like your post.
I enjoy treats and yummy foods too (and I love my mixer), but I believe in moderation, and I would definitely draw the line at a 10,000 calorie burger…
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Now I feel a little self Conscious that you liked my blog about my Kitchen Aid mixer and the three cakes in one Green Velvet Cheesecake! Thanks for dropping by!
Oh my! I am dealing with a weight issue right now and it has not been easy. If you have a chance check out my last post A Decision That Weighs Heavily. I WILL get my weight back down but it is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Wish me luck.
I do wish you luck, and I commend you on trying to make positive changes, something that’s not always easy in this world. I’ll try to swing by when I get a chance.
Thanks so much for commenting!
I have always been overweight. But I would never eat Four Burgers! Sad that anyone would in my book!
Yes, sad that someone would eat it and sad that someone would serve it.
Thanks for commenting!
Yes so so true! http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
Just to think that this sole gargantuan sized burger could be dinner for a small family of four , o.k. three. This is one ambitious burger. Hollywood should write a script for it and its combatant calling it “Gluttony On My Plate”. But whoever is attacking that thing is going to need back up –or lose.
Ooh, I like the idea of a movie script. In fact, it could be a horror movie…
And you’re right–you could feed a family of 3 or 4 with that thing, so imagine how much of it ends up going to waste. Sad.
Thanks so much!
Congratulations on Freshly Pressed Part Deux! I thought this post was a great candidate when I read it!
Thank you! When I saw the email from WP, I was thrilled. And then I was worried, because the subject is kind of a hot topic. But as always, I’m amazed by the respectful comments from the WP community.
I think when the posts are presented respectfully, the comments are more likely to do the same. If you had ranted about how horrible various players were, then you might see more negatives comments. I wouldn’t be surprised if you get a few, but I think they’ll be far outweighed by polite and thoughtful ones. Now get those fingers warmed up for some serious keyboard-pounding replies!
Haha. The fingers are ready. But an entry posted under the tag ‘public health’ doesn’t seem to bring as many views as an entry posted under ‘writing’ or something more sexy.
Something told me to take a look at freshly pressed, and there you were! Congratulations! This post made me think and shudder for a while afterwards.
Thanks, Sheila! But I’m sorry I made you shudder. Wish I could do the same to the Heart Attack Grill.
Shudder in a good way really because it made me think – and that’s hard to do! The freshly pressing makes me happy too.
I’m overweight, and it’s my fault. I don’t disagree that our systems and programs are set up poorly from a public health perspective, but I still make choices every day that contribute to my weight.
I must admit, though, when my doctor diagnosed me with high blood pressure and put me on medication, I was surprised she never said anything about lifestyle.
I asked, “But if I exercised and lost weight, wouldn’t that work?”
“Oh yes,” she said. “That would be good.” ????? Really?? A doctor who doesn’t even bother to tell her patient with hypertension to start walking and lose weight?
Oh well – I’ve joined a gym and on my way in a healthier direction.
Thanks for the food for thought (pun intended) – I’d like to blame somebody else, but I can’t.
Congrats on the FP!
Thank you! And thanks for raising an excellent point. It amazes me how many doctors still don’t bring up the subject of weight with their patients. It’s gotten better, but there are still far too many who avoid the subject for fear of offending (or maybe to avoid a longer office visit…) To me, overweight/obesity needs to be managed like any other chronic disease, and that includes talking about it and setting up a treatment plan that both parties agree on.
I admire you for accepting responsibility for your choices. Now, if we can get the food industry to accept responsibility from their end, we might be able to make some progress.
Thanks for visiting and commenting and raising an excellent point.
[...] restaurant that lets you eat for free if you’re over 350 pounds can be found at this link http://carrierubin.com/2013/02/18/ill-take-four-burgers-and-a-heart-attack-please/#comment-16094 It also discusses how society plays a vital role in obesity [...]
Great post Carrie!
It’s hard to believe a restaurant’s brand is based on a disease. What a crazy mixed up world.
Congratulations on making the front page again!
Red
“It’s hard to believe a restaurant’s brand is based on a disease. What a crazy mixed up world.”—I think your comment says it all. Perfect.
And thank you. Nice of you to stop by and comment!
Like Arsenio Hall would say, “Things that make ya go ‘Hmmmm …’” I do believe that ultimately it comes down to the individual’s choice, but I also see your point about societal or “peer” pressure. People want to be accepted and not left out, so unhealthy societal pressures do add into the individual’s ultimate choice formula. Some are stronger at resisting outside pressure than others. Good post.
Thank you! I guess I figure, while we’re waiting for people to start making better choices, we may as well start trying to solve the problem. And part of that solution is encouraging a healthier environment so there won’t be that constant temptation. We all like to experience a fun restaurant from time to time, but is a 10,000 calorie burger really necessary? Things that make you go, “Hmmmm” is right!
Thanks so much. I appreciate the comment.
No problem; enjoyed the thought provoking post.
Businesses like “Heart Attack Grill” exist because morons put their money into it. All the customers have to do is stop buying this crap, and they’ll go out of business.
That’s true, and certainly posts like mine don’t hurt them any. I’m sure the extra attention is welcomed by them, even if it is negative. But it’s a scary trend, and I wanted to highlight the environmental influences that contribute to the ever growing obesity problem.
Thanks for reading and commenting. Much appreciated!
I also believe we are subjected to bad information too. The food pyramid we used to use had fruits and veggies as lower needs than grains and meat. Most of use still think of that as our food needs. Now the USDA uses a plate instead:
http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/pyramid.html
Still though, you have parents who think of that original food pyramid as healthy, and that is where eating habits start, at home. I am currently struggling to get over the eating habits my parents raised me on. So, I totally agree with the individual not being completely at fault. The problem is, how do you change an entire generation’s way of eating so they don’t hurt the next generation?
Excellent point, and in fact, at the rate we’re going, today’s children will become the first American generation to not live longer than their parents. A scary thought, for sure.
Thanks for including the link to the new nutrition plate. I think it was a smart transition by the USDA. But you’re right; it’s hard to get that old pyramid out of our minds.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting. I appreciate it!
Quadruple Bypass Burger—Jesus just the thought of it is making me feel sick…god bless people who actually take up such a challenge!!
Yes, let’s hope they survive the ordeal. Literally…
Thanks for the comment!
So true! Great post, thanks for sharing and congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
Thank you! And thanks for taking the time to read it and comment. I appreciate it.
Hey, Freshly Pressed! Congratulations!
I’m a healthy weight, but I always eat far more than I should when I’m out with friends. So I ditched all my friends.
Kidding.
But your model is spot-on – ultimately the individual is the only one who can effect change, but it requires a huge amount of effort and healthy self-esteem, and even with the support of family and friends (lacking in most cases), it’s damn hard. Our thin-obsessed society does everything it can to destroy self-esteem for even people of “normal” weight, so it’s no wonder heavier people have difficulties.
That said, I once ate a portobello mushroom burger that consisted of two portobello mushroom caps stuck together with a vat of melted cheese, two beef patties, more cheese, and some kind of greasy sauce. I shared it with a friend, and we still couldn’t finish it. Yikes. But it had to be done…
Haha. Sounds like a real heart-friendly treat.
But as I’ve always said, everything in moderation. Unfortunately, some people can’t afford to do even that, or they don’t want to because they worry it will sabotage their efforts. They have a right to try to improve their behaviors without having every barrier in the book thrown in their faces. I feel for them. As you point out, it can be really difficult for people in a society that puts so many obstacles in their way.
Thanks, Diane!
It takes a sick individual to make a joke and a business out of something as serious as heart disease and heart attacks.
I have to agree with you there. I think I’d have trouble sleeping at night knowing I was marketing such an unhealthy product. Yes, it’s a free country, and no, they’re not forcing anyone to eat it, but at some point, common sense has to weigh in. And it’s not just about the calories; think of the wasted food that must be left over from all those who can’t finish their burgers, whether they be double, triple, or quadruple-bypass burgers.
Thanks so much for commenting!
Carrie,
Isn’t it interesting that you come back to your first love… no, not heart attacks to go, but health topics, and you are rewarded with yet another Freshly Pressed nod? Le Clown is very happy for you. Well deserved.
Le Clown
Thank you! I have been slipping in a few more health posts as I go along. I figured maybe I can sneak them in periodically without scaring too many people away… But I’ll still write about poo jokes. Because they’re funny.
Have a good day, Le Clown, and thanks for stopping by to brighten mine. Just for you, an emoticon:
I really like your blog and would love you to feature on mine, http://www.5thingstodotoday.com. All you have to do is write five suggestions along with a link back to your site. Please check out the blog and see the sort of things people have written about. It wont cost you anything and your post will be on a google ranked 3 site.
Thank you! I’ll look into it when I get a chance.
Wonderful post. A person can not ask an unknown, it is up to those in the powers that be to both educate and protect the public at large. …and what goes is information at a finger’s tip when the fingers that need be clicking don’t care to click?
Gov’t, Restaurants, Media Channels, Doctors all need to help the individual make a sound choice… but who cares to reduce the chance of heart attacks when there is money to be made.
I find it gross and pathetic that American Public isn’t outraged by what their very country feeds them.
I think you raise an excellent point: why aren’t we more outraged about things like this? It’s as if they are saying “Americans are foolish gluttons. Let’s see how far they’ll go in letting us profit from their misfortune.” I know there are those who might think I’m making a mountain out of an ant hill, but I guess I wonder, where does it end? This is pure gluttony, no doubt about it.
Thanks so much for reading and for sharing your thoughts!
Reblogged this on zbigniewsieraj.
Thanks for the reblog! Much appreciated!
Oh Carrie, just saw that this post was Freshly Pressed, congratulations! With no gritted teeth
Thanks, Vanessa! And no need to grit your teeth. I suspect you’ve already been Freshly Pressed, and if not, you no doubt will be!
I find your post interesting on many levels.
First, there always seems to be the types that laugh about their poor health and swap out the fact that they are on a death spiral for some kind of act of bravado.
“I am eating man’s food! This is not tofu!”
They are pretty cool until they are whining in a hospital bed after a heart attack.
Even worse, they are paying someone to screw up their health.
A solid use of your paycheck.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
You’ve touched on a great point–the healthcare costs of such poor eating. Overweight/obesity makes up a large percentage of our annual healthcare costs. Not good when you consider it’s technically a preventable disease.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed, Carrie!! Way to go! Well deserved.
Thank you! It’s nice that WordPress gives a warning email now. Last time I didn’t know what hit me.
I imagine you’ll be busy for a bit! It’s such a great, informative post. I’ll bet you’ll have a lot of discussion.
Thank you.
I’m on a diet because I’m getting married in 4.5 months. I’m craving for a cheeseburger! Looking to the picture of the quadruple bypass thing, made me nausiated.
Great post!
Thank you! Yeah, you best avoid burgers like that if you’ve got upcoming nuptials. Best of luck to you, and thanks so much for commenting!
What I want to know is, how does one even go about eating the Quadruple Bypass Burger?
This post was really enlightening. I thought the 1,000 calorie burgers at fast food places were bad, but over 9,000 calories? That’s madness! O_0
I know, right? How can you physically eat such a thing? I guess you break it down into smaller, grease-filled morsels…
Thanks for commenting! I appreciate it.
Many years ago my parents went to a steakhouse. My dad ordered what he thought was a fairly reasonable slab of beef – the waiter gave him a horrified look and said “A lady’s steak, sir?”
Always thought it a bit too pat simply to point at larger individuals and chant “it’s YOUR fault”
Perversely whenever I see one of these ridiculous meals part of me really wants a burger, or a pizza or whatever. Saw Supersize me and wanted a bigmac for days afterwards. I don’t even like bigmacs.
This despite me being very much my father’s son; a mealtime wuss chowing down on his lady’s steak.
Apologies in advance, but the sight of that quadruple bypass burger sort of made me fancy one. Something a little smaller, perhaps. Same thing happened with Supersize Me, clearly I’m the product of something clandestine involving labs and visual stimuli.
A long time ago my parents went to a steakhouse in, I think, Wisconsin. My dad ordered what he thought was a pretty reasonable slab of beef – the waiter gave him a horrified look and said “A lady’s steak, sir?”
OBVIOUSLY I aimed at ‘profound’ but might have missed.
Nice piece.
Thank you! And thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it. And I do think you managed profound, because you touched on the social level of the model–the waiter emasculinating your dad over a steak…
Thanks for making me smile.
Sorry for writing the same thing twice – felt moved to comment but my computer went all 2001: A Space Odyssey on me.
My dad’s a stubborn donkey of a man, he accepted the snub and left without tipping…
I hate when my comments disappear and then show up again after I write a new one! But I’ll leave the duplicate, because they are both entertaining.
As you often do, you have given me some food for thought (don’t worry, it is under 10,000 calories).
Well, that’s good to hear! On all counts…
Sorry, but I firmly believe it is still the individual’s fault and problem. Without fail, every mistake I make ultimately comes down to choices I make. I worked out last night, then stupidly “rewarded” myself with pizza. Is that the pizzeria’s fault? People who eat at (insert your choice of fast food joint) are CHOOSING to eat there. At the grocery store, we CHOOSE what to purchase – whether veggies and fruits, or frozen “meals”. I have made CHOICES that keep me fit and healthy, just as much of my family has made choices that have made them overweight and unhealthy. Dairy Queen did not make my cousin fat – my cousin did.
On the flip side, I agree wholeheartedly about how our cities and towns are poorly set up. I am currently living in a city that almost forces you to walk. Minimal sidewalks, and no mixed-use areas, homes are grouped together far from restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
OK, sorry, rant over now!
I won’t argue with you–it does come down to individual choices, but the problem is, even though we know that, the US is still getting more overweight. Until people start making better choices, we need to make changes in other areas, changes that help them make better choices by reducing the barriers that surround them. To not do so just keeps us running around in circles.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it, and I enjoy hearing from all sides of the debate!
I hope you don’t mind more thoughts – I enjoy civilized disagreements. Making “changes that help them make better choices” is saying that adults should not be allowed to make their own decisions. That somehow we (whoever “we” is) are superior and better able to decide for them. If someone wants to wreck their own life with bad food, that’s their decision. I would argue that most adults in the US *know* what healthier food choices are. But some have made the decision to ignore common knowledge. And I believe that’s their right.
If you make poor life decisions that (for example) keep you from being financially successful yet you are not hurting anyone else, is it appropriate for a person, group, or government to mandate that you stop making those poor life decisions and become more financially prudent? Would it be OK to dictate that someone not work at a low paying job they might enjoy just because someone deems that they could be better off doing something else? No, because it’s their choice. And it should be.
I definitely see your point, but obesity does impact others–namely in the form of substantial healthcare costs. A huge portion of annual healthcare spending is related to obesity and its complications. This leads to higher health insurance costs for everyone. So those poor life choices do impact others.
that kind of gluttony, am sure would have left glutton ashamed!! a disgraceful attempt at luring people with a fancy palate…not fair!
thanks for enlightening and maintaining a polite view on the not so appropriately sized people…
congratulations!
You’re welcome. And thank you for reading! It can be a hot topic, and I didn’t really want to make it that way. I just wanted people to realize that there’s much more to the problem of overweight/obesity than simply blaming the individual.
Perhaps things are different in the US but over here in England I do not think anyone can use the excuse junk food is cheaper than vegetables. You can get a bag of frozen veg for around 30p – surely that is no more than a pack of burgers or pizza?! I was horrified to read about that restaurant – it makes me ill thinking about the huge choice of food we have compared to those starving so to me that sort of place epitimises what is wrong with a lot of peoples attitute to food.
Not all people are obese due to poor eating, my aunt is on medication that makes her overweight whatever amount of healthy eating and exercise she does. Unfortunately is is very easy to tar people with the same brush
I agree–there are lots of factors that go into obesity, and that’s why management requires coming at the problem from many different angles. And I, too, am horrified by the amount of food that must get wasted at places like this. Certainly not everyone can finish four burgers, and so the rest just goes in the trash. So wasteful.
Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it!
Thank you for this. This strikes a cord to me and makes me really sad because these restaurants, in many ways, are to blame for some of the health nightmares that eventually become reality.
They are, and they certainly were for this poor guy who died. Was it the restaurant’s fault alone? Of course not, but the guy was a regular there, and eating high-calorie, fatty foods repeatedly is not going to help those heart arteries. Change needs to come from all sides, or we’ll just keep getting bigger.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I appreciate it!
Reblogged this on djblogs and commented:
The argument is interesting. I disagree, but I can see how society can influence individuals to develop poor health habits.
Thanks for voicing your opinion and for the reblog. I appreciate both!
I wonder how much grease the cooks absorb just by making that disgusting food. Great thoughts, great post. We should support each other. Dining out doesn’t have to always be at a restaurant. What happened to cooking a meal for a group of friends and having them over? Then anything can be on the menu, except a heart attack burger.
Ha! I never thought of that. Grease seeping in through the cooks pores. Yuck.
You raise a good point about eating out not requiring a restaurant. Everyone could bring a healthy dish to a get-together. You still get the fellowship and feast without narrowing your arteries in the process.
Thanks for the kind words and for commenting!
That giant burger looks scary and all the details about the heart attack grill are shocking. I’ve never heard of anything like that before. About ideal weight, the cost also plays a huge role. I can get yummy, food quickly for just 5 bucks but I would need to shell out 25 bucks or more for a proper nutritious meal. Anyway, you raised an important point here, and it has been heard!
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
Thank you! And I agree–it’s much easier to find $.99 burgers than $.99 fresh berries. That’s why it’s unfair to blame the individual alone. When you’re busy parents trying to feed your kids, it can be time-consuming and difficult to prepare the nutritious stuff. That’s not an excuse–we still need to try–but society needs to make it easier to do so.
Thanks for the comment!
Absolutely. There are a lot of people out there who make the commitment and do it but a lot of others need help!
I just saw this place on Diners Drive ins and Dives I think it was. I wonder if that can be classed as suicide, you know it’s not doing you much good!
If people eat there on a regular basis, and their arteries continue to fill with fatty plaques as a result, then I suspect it is indeed an invitation to death, as horrible as that sounds. It’s one thing to eat there once, but they have regulars who keep coming back for more. Kind of scary.
Thanks for the comment!
Wow, that’s a ridiculously huge burger! Part of my problem was that we were eating out a lot. When I was young, eating out use to be sort of a special occasion. My wife and I fell into the habit of eating out quite a bit when we were dating and maintained that with our first kid. Only once #2 and 3 arrived have we cut back, but even then, it’s mostly due to finances.
Most of us dont’ have the self control to immediately split our plate in half to take one half home for a later meal, so we eat everything on the plate or until we’re in a food induced coma. Such over indulgence is probably fine, if you eat out once every two weeks, but when you do it ever few days, it’s a lot of calories.
I played college soccer and was meant to be thin genetically, if that makes sense. Were it not for that fact, I’d be morbidly obese instead of just BMI obese! Well, BMI and the Wii say I’m obese anyway…
I hate to admit this, but I saw a burger on television recently (I think the restaurant is called Vortex in Atlanta) where the buns were actually grilled cheese sandwiches and I am itching to try one! My brain says don’t, but the rest of me says yes!
Grilled cheese sandwiches as buns, huh? I’m sure there are minimal calories in that…
You’re right–eating out is such an easy way to gain weight. And like you, I find it very hard to divide up my serving and package half to take home. Not only do I feel like a dork doing that, but I’m too tempted by the food. So we try to limit eating out to once a week. I’m actually grateful for those restaurants that serve reasonable portions–the kind that make you think, is that all? until you realize that this is a normal serving.
I think it’s okay to splurge every now and then–in fact, The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants. But it’s all about moderation, and for those who are unable to moderate, restaurants like the Heart Attack Grill are pretty cruel.
Thanks so much for commenting!
The heart attack grill is absolutely horrifying! I am currently getting a Masters in Public Health and it is very amazing to see you raising awareness on topics like this. Thank you!
So glad you liked it! Thank you for reading. I wish you luck with your MPH degree. I loved working on that degree–such an eye-opener in so many ways. Even if I was one of the older students…
Nice, thoughtful post! The Heart Attack Grill really horrifies me. I guess that was kind of their advertising point and the guy enjoys being controversial, but I still think it’s disgusting.
I have to give them an “A” for marketing, that’s for sure, but at what cost? I don’t think I could sleep at night knowing I was promoting such an unhealthy product. I’m with you–it’s pretty disgusting.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
I agree with the model of influence. It works for movie violence, driving habits, just about anything can be molded to it. It reminds me of Atlas holding up the world. The individual supporting all the institutions; round and round it all goes. And personally, I think the nesting dolls are the cutest ones I’ve ever seen.
Oh, my husband would be thrilled to hear that about his nesting dolls. My kids and I have given him untold grief about them!
And you’re right. This model of influence applies to so many different things, not just disease processes.
Thanks!
Gluttony. Pure, old fashioned gluttony, say I.
But then I come from a staunchly Catholic background. In seriousness,I think the whole issue has something to do with making food our compensation for a life less lived, or a life lived in fear. We eat because such immediate reward can make us feel better in the short term.
That reward phenomenon is indeed a real thing. In fact, our brains reward us with pleasurable dopamine every time we take a bite of such naughty culinary delights. That’s one of the reason overeating is such a complex issue to deal with.
And I agree–this restaurant is pure gluttony. Not pretty.
Thanks, Kate!
I can buy into your model because you didn’t make excuses or shred responsibility from individuals, but you also did the same for one’s environment and society.
Well, if we want to solve the problem, we need to attack it from all angles, which, of course, applies to many things in life.
Thanks, Frank!
This is such a well done post Carrie. I struggle with this issue and have for nearly 20 years now. Not because I have a particularly bad diet but because I have limited mobility, it matters. In a world though where I have spent most of my time eating in restaurants, most of my days away from home the combination is terrifying. When you add social condemnation, it is a terrible and defeating prescription for failure.
Yes, the barriers to maintaining one’s ideal weight are numerous in our society. Only when these are lifted will positive changes stick. And yet people continue to see it as simply an individual’s problem.
Thanks, Valentine.
UUUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!! Totally horrible. Clearly I’m a bit lost for words.
So, no quadruple bypass burgers in your future then?
Only if I ate it in the span of a month.
Haha. Hope it stays fresh.
Some ambulance companies now have stretchers with hydraulic lifts to accommodate those full-figured patients. I also heard of a furniture manufacturer that designed a lounge chair that lifts large-size folks; in other words, people who are either too fat or too lazy to lift themselves. The chair essentially launches these fat a**es into a standing position. No word yet on a stabilization system to help these bums remain standing. I’ve never seen so many fat people in my entire life, including fat children. And, these kids are future firefighters and police officers? It’s actually a national disgrace, but as Michelle Obama once stated, it’s a security threat.
Well, it’s true the numbers are alarming, but I think if as a society we point fingers and become critical, then we don’t really make progress in solving the problem. Many different influences go into creating chronic diseases (e.g., genetics, social influences, environmental contributors, etc.), and as such, it takes different approaches to combat it.
I can see someone coming up with the idea and thinking what great and funny marketing ploy. But when they realized there were “regulars” coming in for it…
Should the people eating it be Baker acted for being a danger to themselves and society? Good grief.
Yes, I’ll give them an ‘A’ for marketing but an ‘F’ for public health enhancement, that’s for sure.
Thanks, Katie.
I think I’ve seen this place featured on a cable show before – scrubs, gloves, and naughty nurses included in the “ambiance.” Not really my idea of fun. And what kind of mind links hospitals and food for a restaurant theme?
Haha–I just responded to the previous commenter very similarly. Great minds think alike, I guess.
Thanks, Anita!
That burger is truly horrifying. As a businesswoman, I applaud them for exploiting a niche, but there has to be some conscience or concern for the public good.
Agreed. Pushing ‘heart attack’ food while the waitresses wear nursing uniforms and the cooks wear doctors’ outfits just seems wrong!
Thanks!
Sounds like a classy place.
yeah, i feel like gov’t should legislate us against our own collective stupidity. like, for ex, with the smoking bans. i wasn’t that up in arms about the nyc big gulp coke ban because if you were that desperate to drink a gallon of soda – you could by 2 or 3 smaller sizes and consume them all. but, at least that way you SEE what you’re drinking as opposed to our dummy brains that go – well it’s in one cup, i have to drink it all…or, well i need to clean my plate. yes, but not when your plate is the size of a serving tray in other countries. great piece. xoxo, sm
Yeah, I’m okay with some regulation too. I know that’s a hot topic, but as you mention, that’s what really helped with tobacco. And as a result, over time, society’s perception of smoking changed. We need that to happen with gluttonous foods, I think. We’ll see how others feel. Apparently WP is going to FP this post in the next day or two. I’m a little nervous for the response…
Thanks, SM!
that is FECKIN’ awesome. and deserved. i think it’s a great post. the response will be better than you think. and every time you respond to a comment, add a link to your book. lol. ;0
Oh, always thinking you are.
lol.
You’re a brave lady to open this can of worms, Carrie. It is a
conversation that we, as a society, need to have. Obesity. It affects us
all and it is costing us big time. Collectively and individually. Our
health. Our resources. Our energy. Our confidence. Our ability to
physically do as much as we might be capable of if we maintained a weight
portionable to our frames. An individually correct weight that supports
the structural and functional integrity of our unique bodies.
My mother was obese most of her adult life. My brother became obese in his late forties. My son is knocking on obesity’s door. In our family, it is a
genetic thing, a self-confidence thing, a lifestyle thing, a
marketing thing, a monetary thing, a time-management thing, a
cultural/social thing, a very-very-very touchy thing. (And let’s forget that it is a greed thing fueled by the snack food, fast-food, dieting industries)
Is is not ONE thing. Or a easy fix thing. Or a lazy thing. Or a thing that someone else can fix for you or TELL you how to fix.
It reduced the quality of life of my mother’s elder years. It was contributory and symptomatic of my brother’s cancer death. And most heart-breaking of all, it has undermined the confidence and narrowed options for my son.
I don’t claim to know the answers. What I do know is what hasn’t worked
within our family. Diet pills, fad diets, berating, bulimia, fasting,
censure, de-valuing, blaming, nagging, shopping for them, cooking for them, gentle arguments about the cost/benefit health ratio of obesity…. It is clearly out of my league.
I guess what I’m trying to say is. Excess weight, in and of itself, isn’t a good thing or a bad thing, imho. It just IS. But on a very personal level for me, when my love ones are hurt from this thing we call Obesity, then I want to kick the shit out of it! I want to talk about and find somethings that do WORK. -Nikki
I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s why I always say it’s not as simple as calories in vs. calories out. To think it is is being too naive. And I do think we need to talk about it constructively. This is being done in the medical and public health world now, but outside of the health care world, there can be so much stigma associated with discussing weight topics in a sensible manner–”do I dare bring it up? Will I insult someone?” etc, but in my mind, overweight/obesity is a complex chronic disorder that deserves thoughtful solutions coming from a number of different directions. To tell someone to eat less and exercise more just doesn’t cut it. And those with a genetic propensity–as your family has–have even greater odds stacked against them.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment, Nikki. I appreciate you taking the time to leave it, and from what other commenters have said, they are indeed taking the time to read these comments.
Oh I agree. When I have tried to eat healthy people act like it is a personal attack on their food choices. “It’s only one piece of cake.” I have been thinner and heavier but being thinner was harder with the way our culture is. Great post!
Thank you. And you raise an excellent point–others can really sabotage a person’s attempts to be good. “What? You won’t eat any of this? But I spent all day making it?”…
Yes or one of the worse ones I got was, “When you don’t eat it, you make me feel like a pig. You are triggering my eating disorder.” I should write about that tomorrow.
Wow. Talk about passing the buck. I definitely think you should write about that!
Well, at least there are no more Twinkies out there for now.
The really scary thing is the fact that our resources are limited and behavior like this will only limit them further. Where are they getting all these animals from? I can’t believe so much meat is still available while our farms are all going out of business or turned into suburbs. By grabbing everything we possibly can and using up all these resources, we’re really not leaving much of a world for the next generation (or possibly for ourselves in the next decade or two).
What a great point and one I hadn’t thought of. And how wasteful this all is. You know the majority of people aren’t finishing these burgers (and how could they, really?). Think of all the food that gets thrown. Other countries must look at things like this and just shudder.
As I sit here eating my take-out pizza and reading your post, I have to agree wholeheartedly.
Preparing fresh, healthy foods costs more and takes more time, which is a downer for families who are struggling to make ends meet and/or running in 17 different directions. There aren’t nearly enough fitness centers that cater to the whole family, which would be a Godsend to moms with little ones.
And it’s not just families who suffer. Anyone who is out straight falls into this trap of poor eating habits.
If society could come up with solutions that would make it easier for people to eat healthier, I think more and more people would be on board. Right now, life is just too hectic to prepare three healthy meals every single day.
You’ll get a kick out of this: My husband goes to Planet Fitness, and they offer free pizza and free bagels every Monday. Now if that’s not defeating the purpose of going to the gym, I don’t know what does.
Ha! That’s like hospitals having McDonalds in them!
But I agree–it’s can be challenging for families to consistently eat healthy. I try to assure my kids eat a decent breakfast and a healthy supper, and then they come home and tell me they had hotdogs for lunch. Lovely. And the only veggie available at the school was a salad, which my boys won’t eat. It really does take a village–and I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true.
Thanks, Kate!
I’m glad you have taken the time to write about this and educate people that there are factors other than the individual contributing to obesity. I feel that is such an important thing to understand!
I’m glad you liked it. Thank you for reading. A lot of factors go into the making of a chronic disease, so a lot of factors need to go into the treatment of it as well.
I don’t understand people who would openly embrace the idea of serving food that is so unhealthy, OR the people who gleefully go to those restaurants. WTF? I know a lot of people aren’t very well educated and aren’t necessarily knowledgeable about medical issues, but for crying out loud, this stuff is all over the media. There is no excuse for this sort of thing. To me it’s the equivalent of parking your car on the railroad tracks and playing chicken with an oncoming train. Meh.
It kind of is like playing chicken, and I think the guys who set up the game have to take responsibility just like those who play it. I mean, I’m all for a special night out at a fun restaurant, but this seems completely off the wall.
Thanks, Madame W! I just learned this post is getting FP’d in the next day or two. I’m a little anxious about the comments I’ll get…
Congrats!!!! If anyone gives you a hard time in the comments, let me know and I’ll bitch slap them.
Haha! Will do!
I saw that article. Maybe the problem is that eating has become entertainment rather than survival necessity?
Hard to control stupidity…survival of the fittest did work so well with that?
Eating has definitely become entertainment, beyond just enjoying good times with friends. And all that tasty sugar, fat, and salt is telling our brains we want more and more of it. Can be tough to say no to so much temptation.
wow did you get a convo running here. I am just going to say “hello” –
Audra
Hello! I appreciate you stopping by.
Have you seen the swim suit edition of sports illustrated? Feel like ranting about skin and advertising? Or are you only into cheeseburgers?
Oh, don’t even get me started on that (but no, I haven’t seen it yet). Used to bother me personally when I was younger. Now I’m on the side of, what can I do to make sure my sons don’t exploit women or see them as merely a sum of their body parts? Not an easy task to accomplish.
No it’s not.
I’m at work and just saw the edition. My word!!
It’s safe to say the magazine won’t make its presence in my home…
I know we all go on about not wanting to live in a nanny state, but if a restaurant opens serving poison would we allow people to eat there? I see this as no different. The corporation has taken over food and the way the west eats. We no longer see food in the same way and it’s impossible to go back. Obesity and conditions associated with it are not always self inflicted. A natural diet is becoming harder to hunt and gather and so much more expensive than “corporation food.” I need to add as well that for those of us who aren’t American, we really do goggle our eyes at your serving sizes. It’s ridiculous. There are enough calories on one plate that your average adult needs in one day or more. Don’t even get me started on the waste.
Oh, I hear you, Kate. It’s truly scary what’s served in our restaurants. I can easily get two to three meals out of one dish. And I know many people don’t agree with me on the subject of regulation, but I don’t mind a little. If it weren’t for some of the laws, I don’t think we would have made the strides we made with tobacco. That and the slow changing of the public’s perception of smoking. That’s what we need with obesity, I think.
I completely agree with you. When food is being used as a drug, when it’s making people rich and others very ill, we need to look on it as the same way. Great point.
Yes, I heard about that restaurant a while ago, and it made me say “”What the…?!”. When I lived in Vegas there were lots of stories of people who walked into buffets, having to leave in a wheelchair because they literally ate so much they couldn’t move. It’s awful. I try hard not to be judgmental about the people themselves because it’s clearly more than just being greedy. People have big issues with food, whether it’s over or under-eating, with big links to emotional issues, it’s very hard. But I find over-indulgence in food just for the sake of it to be a bit sickening, like Man V Food, sometimes I watch it and then wish I hadn’t!
I think when we have a better idea of the addictive qualities of food (and we’re certainly getting there), it will be easier to understand this over- indulgence. Society does us no favors by making it so easy to go overboard. That’s why I think restaurants and other food organizations bear some of the blame. And yes, watching Man Vs. Food can be a cringe-worthy experience for sure!
Here comes my two-pennyworth – hard hats, please! The main problem with obesity? If you don’t ‘suffer’ from it you don’t understand it. The legions of the slim are perpetually handing out moral dictats attacking the self-image of those whose self-image is already low enough, but the legions of the slim have one facility the worst of the obese do not. They are able to stop eating, alter diet or – and I love this one – ‘exercise more’.
I would probably be regarded as obese. This despite incessant dieting and, at least until recent years, a fairly high standard of fitness. I am not weak-minded: I have given up smoking, alcoholism, and one or two other things probably better left unmentioned, but I am a sugar addict. I cannot give up sugar.
This is not simply a case of turning my back on that tempting Danish, or eating more salad. If I don’t eat sugar I get stomach upsets and a number of physical problems. I actually get the shakes to the extent that I cannot work without a ‘fix’.
No, I ‘m not diabetic, and my cholesterol levels are quite reasonable. But neither am I understood.
Of course I think the restaurant menu you quote is a horror story. I’m making this point not to be pedantic or obstinate, but to plead for a more enlightened approach to this problem, and possibly also a more liberal perception of what is desirable or undesirable in the social model. Sometimes I feel that, though we’ve traveled a few hundred years, we haven’t necessarily traveled forward. Sometimes I am concerned that Salem is not as far away as it should be.
Sorry, Carrie!
No need to apologize–I agree with you on much. I mentioned to other commenters that the food industry knows just the right combination of fat, sugar, and salt to keep us eating more. Studies have shown these foods can have addictive effects on our brain. As I said, it’s much more complex then ‘eat less, exercise more.’
Thank you!
I have struggled with weight for awhile, the negative comments never did a thing to motivate me. The positive support from my physician, family, and friends is what keeps me motivated. Anyone can point fingers, but it takes a true friend to look past your faults and root for your success.
That is so true. I think in order to succeed with weight loss, having a strong support system is key. If that second layer of the model is weak or is sabataging, then it’s very tough to see results.
I felt queasy when I first heard about The Heart Attack Grill the other day … and I feel just as queasy reading about it now. We, as human beings who enjoy food, do not need that kind of help. Not at all. Yikes!
Yes, I think it’s safe to say that’s one restaurant I won’t be frequenting…
Thanks!
I’d not only be embarrassed to be seen on the premises, I don’t think my olfactory system would handle it. Nor the visual …
Agreed.
I agree 110%. Then we have these restaurants, chain restaurants usually, that serve, I swear what could be three meals on one dish! Phew! Thanks for highlighting this issue…
Yes, we do like our big portions here in the old US of A. It’s gotten to the point where if we go to a restaurant that serves normal portions, we think it’s not enough. Our perceptions are getting skewed as our bellies get larger…
Okay, first of all, if someone called me a ‘woos,’ I’d say, “What? What did you call me?”
“A woos. I said you were a woos.”
“What the fu–? Wait! Are you trying to say “Wuss?”
“I….”
“No. You’re not allowed to talk any more.”
Or, maybe it’s a regional thing.
Having said that, I agree that obesity is increasingly a problem. And moreover, I agree that society (and here I mean institutions, businesses, entertainment, etc) makes being obese pretty easy. But as you point out, Joe is at the core of that model.
Ultimately, an individual’s weight is his own fault (and I think it’s clear that I’m talking about obese people, not starving kids). We live in an affluent society and an age which facilitates unhealthy eating. But we still have options. We can read ingredient labels, and if we don’t know how to do that, we can educate ourselves. We can choose to exercise rather than sitting in front of our televisions and computers.
Some people are more susceptible to obesity than others. I am one of those people. I’m not a slender guy by any means, but even keeping the shape I do have requires exercise and watching what I eat. I kid you not when I say with very little effort and less than a year’s time I could be 300 pounds. Whose fault would that be? For that matter, whose fault is it that I’m overweight now?
And my response makes it sound like I didn’t hear a thing you said. I found this quite informative, particularly the model.
Thanks!
Certainly we can all do those things–read ingredients, choose to exercise. The problem is, people don’t, and as a result we’re getting bigger. So the idea is to make changes at other levels that will help the individual make better choices. It would be wonderful if everyone would treat their bodies kindly, but the fact is they don’t. And to wait for them to do so is futile. It’s time to make improvements now.
And thanks for pointing out my spelling mistake of wuss. I will go correct it. Oops.
Someone write the bill and I’ll vote for it.
Ha! There we go! Perfect.
Ack. That picture alone looks revolting to me, I can’t even imagine ordering that thing or holding it between my hands! Actually… how does one even manage to hold it? Seems like it’d be awkward to eat it!
But I do agree that it’s not the fault of the individual alone. If everyone had a mother like mine who used to hide fatty foods and force me on a diet if she saw me gaining a few pounds, nobody would be obese! Or at least not so morbidly obese. I think.
I don’t know how one eats that beast. I suppose he/she has to divide it into pieces. I agree–it looks disgusting. I don’t eat red meat, so it does not appeal to me in the slightest.
I wish more parents would role model good eating for their kids. Children only know what they were exposed to growing up. But again, I think it will take a village to change things.
Thanks for your thoughts!
America has to be the only country that has so many food contests! Hot dog and pie eating contest, burger eating contest, and of course in Texas, 10-lb steak eating contest. Alright, maybe not 10 lbs but you get my point. I really believe this country will eat itself to death. I’m not sure Darwin was thinking about this when we talked about survival of the fittest…
We will no longer be the fittest if we keep over-eating. Sadly, US kids may be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. Sad.
The best place to get motivated to eat healthy? The State Fair. Just look around and you will eat nothing but tofu and lettuce from then on.
Oh, yeah, lots of healthy eating at the state fair. If it can’t be served on a stick, then you probably won’t find it there…
On a stick and deep fried.
Ha! I just went to the state fair (and blogged about it). I watched my diet for a month in advance so I could eat said food on a stick.
Life’s too short not to enjoy those kind of pleasures once in a while. It’s all about moderation.
So true, that’s why I find it difficult to put rules on establishments. Once in a great while, I want it to be available for me to enjoy, and at my leisure, not when a government regulation okays it for me. Most of the time I don’t even like fatty, greasy or even fried foods, but on rare occasion I find myself craving it. That waffle ice cream sandwich was heaven.
WARNING CONTAINS MOVIE SPOILER: It is the individual’s choice, but societal culture does not make it easy to stick to a righteous food path. I recently saw the movie Guilt Trip starring Barbara Streisand. The premises is that she as a mother single handedly raised her only son who is now an adult. She is your typical intefering mother (out of love, of course) who wants nothing more than to be held in high esteeem by her son. Thus begins the road trip from New York to San Diego. At one point, they stop at a retaurant in Texas (I think) which has a food challenge involving eating a horrendous amount in an hour. If you do, you get the meal free and are immortalized on a plaque which has pride of place on the restaurant wall. Well, you can guess what happened. Mother finishes challenge successfully, gains a lot of positive attention from the retaurant patrons, gets asked out on a date by a handsome man and is glorified for being cool. Not only that, her son now sees her in a new light. With story lines like that, it’s no wonder that people easily dismiss the consequences of over eating.
Haha! Considering my last post, I love that you put a movie spoiler alert in your comment.
I haven’t seen that movie yet, but you make a good point. And so much of this goes on in the US–food eating contests all over the place. I suspect the same thing happens in Australia, though maybe not to the extent here. It’s like we glorify gluttony. There was a show on here called Man Vs. Food, where the host would take various restaurant food challenges around the country. We watched it one season, and I remember being horrified as he stuffed his mouth with food. And yet I DID watch it, which makes me a guilty accomplice, I suppose. But I only lasted one season. I couldn’t take it anymore.
The obeisity rate here is getting worse, although we don’t have the portion sizes you find in the US. I haven’t heard of any Aussie eating contests (our blokes are more likely to challenge each other to wrestle a crocodile or something like that), but that’s probably because I haven’t looked. We also don’t have the fast food retaurant penetration like the US, although I did read a travel article on the weekend singing the vitrues of “In and Out” and thinking I have to try that at least once when I visit the US. Says she, who is currently on a weight loss diet
Here’s hoping your country can keep the fast-food plague out. It will be the end of humankind, I think…
In the end, regardless of how unlikely the diner thought a heart attack may be, it has to be on them. the restaurant does not at all try and pretend the food is good for you.
And, while the restaurant may have pushed them over the edge for a heart attack, it isn’t their fault.
As someone who drank waaay too much in his youth,it really wasn’t anyone’s fault but my own (despite my protestations) every night where I had one more.
I agree–it’s not the restaurant’s fault alone that a person dining there has a heart attack. It still gets back to the individual. But I do feel that the restaurant carries some of the blame in that they profit from pushing insanely ridiculous foods. There have been studies that show after a heavily fat-laden meal, arteries can be seen to narrow on ultrasound, and it takes some time for them to widen again. And each meal risks more plaque build-up until a heart attack inevitably happens. One would hope most people would take this to mean they shouldn’t attempt to eat a quadruple burger. Sadly they don’t. That’s why I think intervention needs to come from all sides.
But I appreciate the differing opinion. Too many people were agreeing with me, and I’m always eager for a healthy debate.
I’m not sure how to respond here without sounding a bit on the other side of the fence. There definitely is an argument for what restaurants there are around where you live, and not getting good information about what is right to eat contributing to obesity. On the other hand, if you don’t look at yourself and wonder why you are getting larger, or wonder if this will be affecting your body inside, or you do but choose to ignore it, then ultimately its your own fault.
I used to eat a lot round where I live now, when I used to visit. Primarily because I was on holiday, and partially as it was there. But when I moved here I knew I could not do it. I had to get to a regular relatively healthy diet, get my gym membership and therefore exercise, because otherwise – not good. That’s beside the point that putting good things into your body has benificial benefits to mind and body. With few exceptions (people with certain medical conditions) you ultimately have to be smart enough to make good decisions, which of course the program you refer to would be pointing people in the right direction, possibly forcing them to confront it.
Aside from that, having less obesity puts less stress on the healthcare system and would ultimately result in better premiums or discounts on medical insurance.
Most people agree with you, Elliot. That’s why I was surprised not to get more comments calling me out and telling me that it really buckles down to individual choice. And it certainly does–of that there’s no doubt. But I think saying people need to make smart choices and enabling them to do so are two different things. Plus, the argument of individual responsibility can go round and round, but in the meantime, we just keep getting bigger. So the point of the nesting model is that we need to take action that enables change now. That doesn’t let people off the hook; it just means we have to attack the problem from all angles.
Thanks, Elliot. I appreciate your viewpoint, and you put it much nicer than most people would.
Believe me, I wish everyone would make the right choices. And so do our soaring healthcare costs…
Gag! I read that story and my first thought was, that’s disgusting, who would eat that? My second thought was, seriously? the owner of the Heart Attack Grill told the customer who died [...if you keep eating like this, it’s going to kill ya,” Basso said.]
Really? There’s a lot of mourning going on around there? The place where the walking dead show up to get a daily dose of artery clogging guck with a side of fries?
It’s scary, isn’t it? And I know I don’t help the situation by drawing attention to the restaurant–I’m sure any press, good OR bad if great for them–but it’s just too obnoxious to avoid. I wonder how many deaths it will take before the health department says, “Hey, can you cut that burger down to a double?” Of course, then that gets into Big Brother telling people what to do, and that bothers people as well. I don’t know what the best solution is, but I would like to think a proprietor of a restaurant would use more common sense than this.
Makes you wonder about the big fast food chains getting pressure to offer healthy, (happier) meal options. Interesting topic!
Thanks. I wish the fast-food chains would make their healthier options more palatable. The apples that McDonalds offers are a nice idea, but the slices are so green and bitter that most kids won’t eat them. I can’t even stomach that waxy skin–I just eat the fleshy part. I suppose competing with the salty, greasy fries is tough, but they gotta find something better than those tart, bitter apples.
I don’t know if you are a fan of the show Parks and Recreation, but the first thing that popped into my head when I read this was the fictional candy company “Sweetums” in the show that basically runs the town and tries to keep everyone fat and unhealthy. I am always left uncomfortable with the Sweetums episodes, mostly because I know that there is a grain of truth to them: that a lot of people’s jobs are dependent on keeping society unhealthy and sick.
I don’t watch that show (though I always want to because I’ve heard such good things about it). I’ll have to see if I can find a ‘Sweetums’ episode on iTunes to check it out. It does seem that there’s truth to it. The Heart Attack Grill is a perfect example.
Thanks, Emily.
I’m going to go out on a limb here, Carrie. Am I wrong to get a surge of anger when I see overweight women walking through the mall with their overweight children who are eating burgers and chips? I feel like it’s a form of child abuse and I often feel like saying something (but I don’t because they’re so much bigger then me!
) When my kids were young I pumped them full of fresh fruit and veg and now they still stuff themselves with fresh fruit and veg. Exercise was a part of our lives, but I never forced it on them, and they all still exercise on a regular basis (in fact, my oldest son is a fireman and fitness trainer). I really feel for kids who are born into homes where the staple diet is fast food because it sets them up for a life of ill health and stupid diets 
grrrrrr
I hear you, Dianne. When I was seeing patients in the clinic, it was always difficult to try to make changes in the child’s weight when the parents themselves were overweight but weren’t onboard with the recommended changes. Weight loss requires an entire family lifestyle shift, but I don’t think as a society we make this easy for families to do. And restaurants that flaunt deadly amounts of fat and calories don’t make the situation easier. I wish everyone could change their own behaviors–then it wouldn’t be a problem. But they don’t, and that’s where change at these other levels becomes so important. But I certainly share your frustration.
Thank you!
I’m so glad! I often think it’s just me and I’m being nasty and judgmental thinking these things
Oh, lots of people think it. The trick is taking these thoughts and turning them into productive solutions. Before we all get diabetes…
And people willingly go to a place called ‘Heart Attack Grill’?! I just don’t understand why. It’s ridiculous.
I agree with everything you said. It isn’t always the individual at fault. It’s so many things. And it’s Heart Attack Grills that let they’re customers over 350lbs die for free.
*their. not they’re
We all do it. In fact, when I first put up this post today, I had ‘Who’s Fault is It” for a heading instead of “Whose Fault is It.” Whoops.
The in-your-face attitude this restaurant seems to take is kind of appalling. I learned from Gina, an earlier commenter, that the restaurant dresses their waitresses as nurses and their cooks as doctors. I mean, I’m all for clever marketing, but when your customers start having heart attacks, you might want to scale back a bit…
Thanks!
First of all Carrie, I want to commend you for writing posts that bring in so many readers and so many great comments— nice job! Second, I want to double commend you for answering every one of those comments. You rock! Thirdly, kick ass topic, that is over the top disturbing. I have a friend here, who bought an older home in our neighborhood. When they moved in, NONE of their plates fit in the cabinets. Turns out that what was as standard plate size in the the decades right up until the late 70s, was 9″. Now it is 12+”. We pile more on at home as well, not just in restaurants. What we think are normal portions are huge portions, when it comes to moderation and health. It is no wonder shows like Man vs Food, etc are such a hit. Scary! Thanks for combing 2 of your careers (parenting being another one!) for such a well written post.
Thanks so much for the kind words! And I enjoy answering the comments. I just know that my Mondays (the day I post) will be spent entirely in front of my laptop.
And you’re right; it’s amazing how portion sizes have changed. It’s funny to look at the old coke bottles. They seem so small now. And as you point out, our solution to these bigger portions is to create bigger dishware to hold them. Disturbing is right.
Thank you as always for sharing your insights.
GREAT post, Carrie! I think it’s easy to dismiss the obesity issue as a personal problem but as you and previous commenters have pointed out; how do you make healthy choices when you don’t have the infrastructure to teach you how to eat, and give you healthy choices to make? Our society values productivity behind a desk more than personal health, we subsidize cheap and unhealthy foods with archaic policies, and marketers are allowed to appeal to all of our baser instincts. With everything working against you, it’s just way too easy to give in.
I completely agree. You summed it up perfectly in that comment. So many factors went into creating the problem of obesity, and so many factors are required in solving it.
Nice discussion, Carrie. I just read every single comment! I’ve never heard of this particular restaurant, but sounds plain awful. I’m not sure what it is about places like this that attract so many people. There’s an Olive Garden near my home and it’s simply ALWAYS PACKED. Yet, there always seems to be seating in the independently run Italian restaurants. What is it about the Olive Garden? It’s not even real food! And don’t get me started on the “endless” supply of oily salad and fattening bread sticks. That place really, really annoys me. I just don’t get it.
Okay–on another note, I really appreciate that you say obesity isn’t always the sole fault of individual. That’s like saying teachers alone are responsible for illiteracy. In fact, I think people in general are awfully cruel to the overweight or obese…we don’t accept racism, sexism, or homophobia anymore, but no one seems to balk about making offensive comments to the obese. People are people. Does the system need to change? Yes. Do people need to make smarter choices about food, etc.? Yes. But no one knows what another individual has been through. Food addiction is a disease, a sickness, that’s as real as cancer, depression and other ailments. I read a lot about people who are sexually, physically, emotionally abused that turn to food as a form of self-medicating. It’s the same as alcohol abuse, or drug abuse.
I know there is a need to be healthier in this country AND other countries. But when it comes down to a vanity thing, it angers me.
I think it’s hard to maintain weight for all the reasons you mentioned. How many times do you see a Weight Watcher’s next door to a Dunkin Donuts? On the cover of any given magazine it’ll advertise an article that promotes self-esteem, love yourself for who you are, etc., and another article that tells you how you can lose ten pounds in two weeks.
Advertisements too. A Burger King commercial will directly follow a Nutrisystem commercial. It gets to the point where, ‘what am I supposed to listen to?’
There definitely needs to be a change in place…so many of these restaurants needs to go…but I also think when approaching this issue, a little more compassion should be put in place. I’m tired of hearing how “disgusting” obese are and other choice words.
Wow. I wrote a lot! Sorry!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Katie. I couldn’t agree more. Making fun of overweight people does seem to be one of the last ‘acceptable’ discriminations, doesn’t it? Jokes on the subject are everywhere, and I’m sure I’ve been guilty of it myself. But it’s so unfair to put the entire blame of obesity on the individual. So much else comes to play, just as you mentioned in your analogy to teachers.
And I agree, what’s so special about the Olive Garden? It’s always packed, and when we do go there, the only thing I get is their pizza because I don’t really like any of their pasta. Weird.
Thank you! And I’m so impressed you read all the comments. But there’s some good stuff in there. I worried I’d be hit by a bunch of comments telling me that I’m taking it too easy on the individual, so it’s nice to see so many people see it as a society-wide problem.
Okay, I’m a little more than disgusted by this restaurant. How is that legal? I mean, it sounds like a perfect murder, if you ask me. Are they proud of the fact that people are dying at their establishment? I’m so confused. And sad.
Otherwise, I totally agree with everything you said. We all have a responsibility to make our nation a healthier one.
I know, right? It just seems ridiculous to think they can get away with it. As if to add fuel to the fire, apparently their waitresses are dressed as nurses and their cooks as doctors (that’s what I learned from an earlier commenter, Gina, who saw the restaurant in Vegas but didn’t eat there). I suppose their defense is, “we didn’t make them eat there, and there’s no proof the food caused the heart attack.” Mind boggling, I tell you.
I worked in a weight loss center for quite a few years. We didn’t have any of the carb/protein battle at that time; it was simply eating healthier three times a day with a couple of snacks. Some people were able to follow the program; most weren’t. Sabotage via other family members was huge, and the number one reason for failure (in my opinion). Many times, depression accompanied an overweight person who wanted to lose weight. Losing half a pound a week, or even a pound or two, compounded the depression. People forgot how many years it took to put the weight on, yet they wanted quick results and were frustrated when they realized how long it would take to get them off.
Rich and I have put on weight since I started writing – and we needed to lose some weight before that. Fast food is a terrible crutch. We sent out for too many pizzas, Chinese food, and running down the street for a couple of sandwiches from the dollar menu.
Knowing how to eat healthy, and knowing how to lose weight doesn’t make it any easier. It’s a big commitment, and usually involves a big change in your life. I’m pretty stubborn and can set my mind to it and do it, but I truly understand how other people feel helpless to gain control of their lives.
“Knowing how to eat healthy, and knowing how to lose weight doesn’t make it any easier. It’s a big commitment, and usually involves a big change in your life.”—You hit the nail on the head there, Maddie. That’s why I don’t like when the individual gets blamed alone. There are so many strikes against them–from unhealthy restaurants at every corner to poor city design and no sidewalks to family members who don’t support them. And like you, I think that social support is key. If it’s not there, it’s very difficult to succeed.
And yes, writing does change one’s activity level. Never before have I sat so much, which of course, is why I get on my treadmill and write, even if people do think I’m crazy for doing so!
Well, it was you who convinced me to drag my elliptical over here into my office. I can’t write while on it, but I can hop on for 50-100 turns every time I step away from my desk.
Good for you! They say if you can move around for 5-10 minutes every hour, it does so much to balance out all that sitting.
I know you get huge amounts of comments and I couldn’t read through them all but this was such an important post. Places like The Cheesecake Factory are the worst offenders, with their HUGE portions. I recently went to Smokey Bones and they had a burger eating contest. Who could eat the most of their Garbage Burgers or whatever it was called. Everywhere you go, more, bigger, supersize me. Disgusting. I’d rather go somewhere where the portions are moderate and the food healthier.
You are right about the Cheesecake Factory–gluttony at its finest. That being said, we love going there, but the menu has lots of smart choices, so I can find something reasonable and still split a dessert with my husband. But honestly, some of their dishes with 2,000-3000 calories each should not even be allowed. Unfortunately, not every one thinks to order from the Skinny Licious menu, and that’s why intervention at all levels is important.
Needless to say, when we eat at the Cheesecake Factory, that is pretty much our main meal of the day…
What a breath of rebooted fresh air! Of course it is individual behavior for a lot of what is happening with society. And when you couple that with what “others think” of what is good and needed in this world, even though a majority of it is wrong– it makes for a difficult struggle. I don’t understand how this “themed” restaurant is allowed to operate, but then again, I am not the food cops.
Yeah, it’s a bit mind boggling to think someone could create a menu like that without the least sense of “Should I really be doing this?” Guess it comes down to having something novel and making money and getting bloggers like me to post about them–good OR bad…
Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate it!
Its never considered about whether or not what they are doing is right or moral. Its all about how can I make a really quick profit and plenty of it? Totally sad.
So true.
Another great article. Love the nesting dolls. This restaurant…or at least one of them…is in Vegas. We took a picture in front of it when we were there. The nurses with stethoscopes serving the food and the doctors cooking were a cute twist. Eating there though…we opted out.
I think I do agree with you. I blame capitalism. Oh boy…now there’s a can of worms. I think capitalism is a good thing, but in the end, it creates a society whose goal is to make money at all cost. It drives the media. It fosters the advertisements for Taco Bell at 9 pm. It’s a good thing I live in the country, and a small town. We don’t even have a Taco Bell. I’d weigh 500 lbs if I lived in the city. What exactly is it that fast food joints sprinkle on their food to make it taste so good? Seriously. I need some of that magic powder so my food is as addictive.
Yes. I could just shut my pie hole, but it would be easier if I didn’t have taste buds or a desirous brain!
And believe me, those food manufacturers and restaurant heads know just the right combination of salt, fat, and sugar to keep us coming back for more.
Where is that restaurant in Vegas? Is it on the strip? I’ll have to keep it mind for when and if I ever go to Vegas again. Not to eat there, but to get a photo and to glare at the establishment…
Thanks, Gina! I’m starting your book today. Is it on Goodreads yet so I can add it there? I’ll have to check later.
Yes. It’s on Goodreads. Thanks for reading. It’s in the old part of Vegas. This restaurant was also featured on some kind of food show on the food network a couple of years ago. You’re right. Try these things once, but they can’t become habits!
Oh, good. I’ll add your book later. Thanks!
I was a little nervous when I saw the ping. Then I followed the link and saw it was you. Relief!!
Okay. I read it now. BEST explanation of the socioecological model ever. I’m going to share this with all my public health buddies. Nice job!
Thanks, Kylie! I tried not to be too academic about it. It’s too bad the world of public health is a mystery to most people, because in reality, we are all public health. We all can contribute to its improvement or its demise.
I didn’t know whether I should put your name behind the blog title, because I know you like to keep it separate, but it was such a great article, I wanted to link to it. Hope that was okay.
My superhero identity was bound to get revealed at some point. LOL.
Of course, it’s totally fine, not to mention very flattering. Thank you. I am busy with kids right now, but skimmed the comments and the conversation you’ve sparked is a great one
Kids. They suck the life right out of us… (Oh, you know I’m kidding. Maybe…
)
Eesh!! Eesh!!! Eeeeeesshhhh
My husband and i have this discussion all the time and struggle with trying to eat the way we want in a society that doesn’t want us to. Let me clarify first of all that my Husband is mostly Vegan (an ideological choice mostly) and i also tend that way as well for both ideological and health reasons ( i don’t like that i felt uncomfortable after most meals that i ate and being mostly vegan has helped that considerably). My family puts a lot of pressure on me to not eat this way which does make it hard to live the lifestyle i want (which goes back to your example above)
Like you said, this is a complicated issue, because not only does the government regulate in favor of unhealthy foods, but marketing too has been against us for decades now with so many food industries fighting for our dollar and claiming that their product will give us a well balanced meal ( i.e. bacon for one which i think most of us agree is unhealthy but love anyway) . Stack on top of that most bad foods acting like crack for our brains, it’s no wonder that so many Americans have trouble getting their bodies to a healthier weight.
Without going into too much of a tirade here; My point is that we have generations of people who don’t know much about what their body actually needs and end up getting themselves to a place that will take so much hard work to get back. Its not too late to start getting the word out about what certain foods actually do for your body by looking at other cultures, food labels (the less ingredients the better), making smarter choices in the grocery store, and returning our society back to one that doesn’t need to eat fast but would rather sit around the dinner table with families or friends and have a meal.
i have hope because you CAN see the change in the supermarket in favor of local and organic foods. There is a movement toward better/safer eating happening that i hope will continue and maybe help reverse some of the major damage that has been done to American Culture.
Thanks!
“Stack on top of that most bad foods acting like crack for our brains,”—And there is research that backs this up. David Kessler’s book, “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite” talks about some of the research that supports this. Very eye-opening.
And I agree, it can be difficult to get others to accept healthier dietary choices such as the vegan lifestyle–family members can often be ‘enablers’ to bad eating as Ashley so nicely pointed out in her earlier comment. And at the other end, they can discourage people like you by not having the foods you eat if they invite you over or being offended if you bring your own selections.
Thankfully, as you point out, there are some positive strides being made, and it’s nice to see grocery stores making a shift to healthier fare, or at least having more options. But then restaurants like the Heart Attack Grill just make a mockery of any attempts at a healthier lifestyle.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Did you start a new blog?
yeah, i’m doing a webcomic, just to see how it goes, called Needs Rounded Corners. i’m having fun with it so far! my other one will still be for my random art and what have you
Ambitious!
Wow, there are so many great comments here already, I’m not sure I can add anything new! There are no simple solutions, but everyone has to do something. When the current young generation is expected to have a lower life expectancy and worse health through life than their parents, we have a serious societal problem.
I know some people don’t like the idea of the government interfering, and sometimes I wonder if the President and Congress should try the carrot instead of the stick. How about significant tax breaks for healthy people who partake in a wellness program? If we’re going to have subsidy programs, how about subsidizing producers and providers of healthy food alternatives so that everyone can easily afford them? And make them available in lower-income areas where junk and heavily processed foods dominate the available shelf space?
Very thought-provoking post, and I think you’ll be getting some great discussions in the comments!
Thanks, JM! And I agree–the carrot can be a much less controversial incentive and often more effective. I’m not sure if it was you I told about the success the Cleveland Clinic has had in improving the health of their employees or someone else. But essentially, by creating a wonderful wellness program with workout incentives and such, including having yoga classes in the hospital for the nursing staff and others as well as eliminating sugary beverages from their vending machines (which, granted, is more stick than carrot), their staff has collectively lost an impressive number of pounds. And from what it sounds like, the employees love it and take pride in the process which only fuels more healthy behavior choices.
You did mention it to me when I talked about the wellness program with the new company. I’m looking forward to lower health-care premiums as a result! But that’s secondary to how much better I feel when I’m exercising and eating properly. It’s not just the body that feels better—it’s the brain and mental outlook on life, too.
I wish our brains weren’t wired to enjoy sweets and fats so much. It wasn’t so bad when we were all hunter-gatherers and foods were fresh and unprocessed.—and we had to walk everywhere. But now, our culture is playing havoc with our biology, and too many people are unaware of that or don’t care.
That’s exactly right–I think people are unaware that there is actually a biologic incentive for eating the unhealthy stuff. Tasty fat and sugar increase dopamine in our brain and make us feel good. Just ask anyone who’s given up sugar cold turkey (something I really admire but don’t think I could do). They say the first few days are absolutely miserable. That’s their brains telling them they need some more of that yummy stuff. But once they get past that initial ‘withdrawal’ they seem to do pretty well. I know I should give it a go myself, but I use the excuse that life’s too short not to enjoy a treat once in a while.
That hamburger joint is scary. Thanks for sharing the model. It is very complex. It does make me think twice about things.
You’re welcome. Thanks for taking the time to read it!
I see your point, but at the same time, have not been overly impressed with big government. They don’t seem to solve any issues when they get involved banning things and taking away freedoms. It just gives them more power and us less (rendering us…useless). They make a more powerful influence when they stop worrying about new laws to make and worry about boosting infrastructure like public parks, libraries, bike lanes on roads (that connect–Boise hasn’t done good at doing that so far), and better education. When a community has more of those things, the people tend to be more active and ‘smart’ about their own health and don’t go visit Heart Attack Grills (and free market takes care of the rest, meaning Triple Bypass Owner will go out of business).
I do believe building better infrastructure is a major key to fighting obesity. We need far better urban planning. It’s crazy how many communities don’t have sidewalks. When my family walks to our downtown, which is about a mile from our house, we have to walk on weeded grass and dirt mounds to get to our destination because there are no sidewalks. It’s amazing I haven’t twisted my ankle yet, considering how klutzy I am.
I don’t have a problem with some laws in these areas (example, removing trans fat and such). I think that had there not been laws, we wouldn’t have made the dents in smoking that we did. But I agree that it shouldn’t be the main solution.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Char. I like hearing all sides of the issue. Unless someone swears at me and calls me stupid. Then I wouldn’t like that…
Yes, we have many streets around us that don’t have sidewalks…and it’s sad, because my kids could walk to piano lessons and other places, but I’m terrified to have them walk along the roads with hardly any space between them and cars, so I drive and it feels like a waste. But I kind of like my kids (even when they’re grumpy…and don’t want them to get hit by someone driving and texting)
Very understandable.
When I was a kid, the largest soft drink at McDonald’s was the same as what they now sell as a regular drink. They didn’t super size anything.
When I was a kid, there wasn’t fast food and pizza places at every corner. It actually wasn’t that convenient to go out and eat. Now, less than a mile from our home, there is: Taco Bell, McDonalds, A &W/KFC, Subway, Togo’s, McDonald’s, Pizza — Little Caesar’s, Round Table, Lamppost, Mountain Mike’s, Papa Murphy’s, two chinese restaurants, Mexican — El Meson and Super Taco, two donut shops, Starbucks, Carl’s Jr. There is also a Circle K and two grocery stores. I’m willing to bet 95% of the people who live in my community — Elk Grove, CA, live within one mile of similar choices.
If you think about it, it becomes pretty disgusting.
We had an exchange student from Australia stay with us for a couple of weeks. When he first arrived he was amazed and thrilled by how many restaurants and stores we had so accessible. By the time he left, he couldn’t stand it.
A perfect example of the environment being a barrier to weight loss. Yes, we hope people can make good decisions, but let’s face it; it’s the end of the work day; mom and dad are tired; the kids are starving; it’s just easier to go to one of the zillion restaurants down the street. True, the individual made the choice to eat there, but we sure make it difficult for them to refuse.
I’ve been amazed by the number of times people in Europe (when I’ve gone there) are surprised to learn I’m American. “But you’re not fat!” they’ve told me. How scary that that’s how we’re perceived as a nation. That and our guns. Yikes.
Thanks, Mark!
I admit I might test the the restaurant, but only because I love hamburgers. I would NEVER try the “big one”. And I can’t get over how people load up their plates at a buffet when it’s so easy to go back for seconds. I prefer to take a little bit of several things and sometimes go back for more of what I really liked. I guess it’s old age setting in. I definitely don’t find the situation “amusing”. Good post, Carrie. (I would have downloaded your paper if it didn’t cost so much.)
I can’t believe how much medical journals charge for research paper downloads. I was so naive–before I got one published, I had no idea people had to pay so much for them unless they subscribed to the journal or had free access to various journals through their work or institution. Believe me, none of that goes to me, which is as it should be.
And yes, buffets offer quite the sight, don’t they? Calories can add up amazingly fast at those places. If we go to one, we make that our main meal of the day. I’m too old to load up my plate anymore.
Thanks!
Agree. Completely. I also think we need to start talking about it. There’s this stigma about talking about weight, even among family and friends. Everyone just wants to shove the issue under the rug. My mom read my post about losing weight, and then cautioned me, “Just don’t be hard on yourself. You look great!” Which is nice, but the bottom line is my weight is not a healthy weight, and telling me to just not worry about it because I look okay isn’t a viable option.
It’s a weird combination of the people who want to blame everything on the obese person’s supposed lack of control and the people who are so afraid to be honest about the state of things that they’ll just continually allow themselves (and others) to be in denial about it. And then, of course, there’s the third group who do things like eat 9,000 calorie burgers and think poor health and gluttony is their right. There just seems to be very little middle ground between the enablers and the blamers. We’ve unintentionally created a world where health is really difficult once you get off track, and it does a huge disservice to people who need help.
“There just seems to be very little middle ground between the enablers and the blamers”—such a good point, Ashley! (Wish I’d thought of it…
)
It’s so easy to blame the individual, but any deeper exploration of the problem shows that this isn’t the solution. There are so many barriers to weight loss or weight maintenance. The individual is fighting against a system that is hugely stacked against them. And the enablers don’t help either. What amazes me is the percentage of doctors who don’t address weight issues with their patients. Luckily, these numbers have improved, but far too many still look the other way. That helps no one.
I’m a big believer that the only way to tackle the problem of obesity is to stop blaming the individual and start attacking it from all influencing levels. And we are starting to do that, but then restaurants like The Heart Attack Grill just set us back. It would be great if everyone turned down large portions. But they don’t (our brains don’t make it easy to do so), so common sense says to make those portions smaller in the first place.
Thanks, Ashley!
I just spent the weekend in Pittsburgh. We ate, we drank. The good news is that though my risk of having heart attack is now higher, I might end up with cirrhosis of the liver before my ticker can give out.
But seriously folks….
I spend a fair amount of time in other people’s homes. I firmly believe that if those blue boxes of instant mac and cheese disappeared over night, many people in this country might well starve to death.
On the public health/legislative end of things – there will always be reistance to any intrusion of Big Brother into our lives. We can’t even agree on ways to limit access to automatic weapons. It’s worth noting that bullets kill far fewer Americans every year than the health issues related to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
New York City’s mayor banned gigantic portions of soda (The Big Gulp Law), and people carry on about it as if he’d taken away the very air they breathe.
I once ate a Quadruple Bypass burger at a restaurant I occasionally frequent. One of my dining companions commented on what a foolish choice I’d made. While the burger was packed to excess, so was pretty much every other thing on the menu. At least my burger was accurately named.
As far as the expensive berries you mentioned in the comments, it’s all related. Berries ARE expensive, but perhaps our money would be slightly more plentiful if things weren’t so goofy in the worlds of healthcare and insurance. Insurance costs are related to the profits of big insurance companies, but they’re also related to the costs of providing care, quality or otherwise, to people who don’t care for themselves.
Still, the concept of how money is spent comes down to individual choice. I know lots of people who would let their electric bill lapse before they’d go without cigarettes. Despite the insane cost of gasoline, people don’t walk anywhere.
I’m rambling, and this comment is depressing me in its lack of focus or point.
No, I think your comment has lots of focus and point, the point being that there are so many things that factor into a healthy society. It’s impossible to blame one factor as the cause for obesity. It’s easy to say people just need to eat less and exercise more, and every thing will be fine. But that’s obviously not working out too well for us. We need to find other influences of obesity to target. And as you allude to, it behooves us all to do so, because you’re right–we all pay the substantial healthcare costs created by individuals’ poor choices.
I enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks so much for sharing your insights. It’s nice to see your more serious side, too.
Just don’t get used to it – now if you’ll excuse me I’m working on Chapter 2 of Holiday Greetings From the Zombie Apocalypse. That Earl is just a cut-up!
Have fun!
How about that show, “Man vs Food?” That guy has to be heading for some health issues. Have you been to Melt? I love that place, but I always eat only half of my sandwich. They have one that is a piece of cheese lasagna between 2 pieces of garlic bread with more cheese added (The Godfather) and one that has pierogi and sauerkraut and cheese and onions. (The Parmageddon) You can substitute a salad for fries, but you have to have the willpower to do it.
I have been to that restaurant! We first saw it on Man Vs. Food too, a show that never failed to shock, entertain, and disgust me all at once.
But you’re right, half a sandwich there will do you. I bring the other half home. And luckily, none of us really likes their fries or their coleslaw so we don’t overdo it too much. I personally like the Monte Cristo, but it’s very naughty. Everything in moderation, right?
Thanks so much for stopping in to comment, Stephanie. I appreciate it!!
I wondered, too, if you’ve been to the Melt. We thought about riding up on the motorcycle this summer, but it’s a long way to ride for greasy food that we don’t need!
It’s always packed, too, so if you do go, try to get there right at 11 am when they open. It’s nice to try it once, but I could take it or leave it. My sons of course love it, but teenagers aren’t always known for making the finest food choices…
Here is the special for this week…
Feb 18-24: The Glazed and Very Confused Bacon Donut Burger Melt – 8oz Ground Steak Burger, Crisp Hickory Bacon, Glazed Donut, Herb Cream Cheese, Sweet Berry Jalapeno Jam, Slathered in Donut Batter, Deep Fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar to achieve sweet perfection.
Okay, now that’s just wrong. I feel my arteries narrowing just reading it…
I used to work in public relations for hospitals. Maybe it’s changed (but I doubt it), but the cardiac unit nurses took regular smoke breaks and went out for fast food runs. I was dumbfounded. Maybe it took their minds off of what they were witnessing throughout the day??
I agree… it’s a multi-level problem. But I feel so, so much worse for the children struggling with obesity. They don’t have a grasp on consequences the way adults might, and they are about 95 percent bound by the food choices of their parents or guardians. I try not to be judgmental, but the things I’ve seen as a fellow parent are disturbing. (And then there are the parents who make super-good food choices 100 percent of the time for their families, and I find it difficult to relate to that, too. ; )
I agree completely–it’s hard to see what some children are served for meals. I was always astounded by some of the lunches I saw brought in from home when I helped supervise my kids’ school lunch hour when the teachers had their monthly lunch meeting. But like you say, the other extreme can be difficult, too. Never allowing a child any treat will ultimately backfire. Those will be the kids devouring all the sugar in sight when they’ve gained some independence. It always comes down to moderation. Lord knows I love my treats, but I know better than to eat them endlessly (but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to…)
Luckily, smoking is less common among healthcare professionals now. And I’m also happy to see hospitals getting rid of the fast-food joints on their premises. McDonalds in a hospital is nothing but a big old oxymoron!
Wow, Carrie, even my 16 y/o picked up fast how insane that is and ‘How is that allowed?”
“This is America,” his mother replied. “As long as WE WANT TO it’s okay.” (Meanwhile, as a nation we are shooting ourselves in the foot–or worse–on so many levels and continue to let it happen b/c…never mind. NOT going there.
A friend and her husband accompanied their then 8th-grader to Germany. What I remember most about her recounting was they often felt hungry due to the realistic portions served at restaurants. Hmmm.
As per the insanity of portions here, I don’t eat out all that much, but some of the worst I’ve seen include hamburgers the size of a dinner plate, huge portions where an abundance of cheesecake varieties exist as well a place on the Jersey shore that challenges patrons to finish a 5-scoop-3-4-toppings (mandatory) sundae in order to get their photo taken and win a the yellow bucket they served it in.
No different than bombarding alcoholics with beer commercials and letting them find their way to being sober. Agreed, the final decision comes down to the individual but not everyone has the mettle it takes, for a slew of reasons (and none of which should be judged by me).
Just sayin’
Thanks, Carrie!
“the yellow bucket they served it in”—if a sundae is served in a bucket, then that’s a pretty good sign it’s too big a portion. Yikes.
I liked how you compared it to alcoholics. We always say people can choose whether to eat that much food or not–’well, they didn’t have to get that sundae, you know’–but as you point out, temptation after temptation can be very trying on an individual, just like those beer ads are to the alcoholic. I know there are those who don’t agree with my view, but there is some interesting research to show our brains can be ‘addicted’ to the right combination of fat, sugar, and salt. It may not be addiction like alcohol or drugs, but it involves dopamine release and pleasure centers and what not. So I think blaming it all on the individual is taking the easy way out.
Thanks for listening to me rant, Joanna!
You’re preaching to the choir about the ‘certain amount(s) one can be addicted to…’ I need that ‘certain amount’ of coffee daily.
I try to limit the carbs and can happily report I can no longer eat a single, average size pancake w/o getting a major headache as I no longer do white flour the way I did once upon a time. (Yesterday, though, I was SO in the mood for diner pancakes but didn’t bother. Three bites and I’m already feeling lousy–a good thing, in the long run.)
We have one yellow ice cream bucket downstairs. Kids have no desire to try for another one. Another good thing. (Off to your next reply
)
Rant away! I is here!
White flour. That’s one I need to be mindful of. I do enjoy a nice baked good or two.
Heart Attack Grill! Oh.My.Goodness. They will wheelchair you out to your car? That’s pretty sad…it does reek of “come be gluttonous” and I bet most people wouldn’t be able to eat all of one these burgers, so I agree that it is so wasteful!
Good point! I didn’t even mention about the wastefulness of it. Think of how much leftover meat there is from these burgers. Imagine all the people who could eat from these meals. And yes, I know I sound like an old person saying that stuff, but it is hard to wrap one’s mind around sometimes. That quadruple burger could probably easily feed 6 people. Throw in some salads and you’ve got a family meal!
Well, I’m the old lady here – I couldn’t agree more!
and Congratulations! Yay!
Thank you!
Hi! hahahahahahahahahahaha
I’ll take a ‘hi.’ I already know you’re one of the fittest of the land. No quadruple burgers in your future, I bet!
You’re right! I think living is fun!
You have a full-time job dealing with replies to your blog! I get to soak in the bath!
I’m grateful to have learned to observe how food makes my body feel, instead of instant gratification like taste alone. I think you deserve a break now!
Well, I know my screen time will be longer on Mondays when I post, but I love the interaction.
And yes, one really needs an ‘eat to live,’ not ‘live to eat’ mentality. That can be very difficult to achieve.
Hi, Carrie!
A number of years ago, in a sort-of former life, I fulfilled my mother’s lifelong dream by going to nursing school. I knew by the end of the first quarter that I am not cut out to be a nurse. However, I had been elected class president — although I did not run for any office! — and, considering that I was old enough to be the mother of most of my fellow nursing students, I simply couldn’t bring myself to set the terrible example of dropping out. So I slogged through to the bitter end. I made top grades…. I gave the big graduation day speech…. I walked across the stage and got my diploma…. I even went and applied for my license, just in case… and then, I went home and wrote a novel.
But I digress. One of the highlights of my nursing school days was the time I got to observe a quadruple bypass on a 70-something old man. When I say I “observed,” I mean that I was standing on a little footstool at the head of the table, a couple of inches away from the anesthetized fellow’s head, staring straight down into his chest. I got to see the whole thing from start to finish, beginning with the cutting open of the sternum, prying the ribs back, and then I watched in utter fascination at the lungs breathing in and out and the heart beating, while they worked to hook him up to a heart and lung machine. Once that was done, they stopped his heart by dousing it with an ice cold watery solution, and then the actual quadruple bypasses began. Wow, that was so cool to see!
Now here’s the point I want to make, though: this old guy’s heart was yellow. Seriously! It was yellow because it was covered with yellow FAT. I’m talking about the yellow color you see inside a butchered chicken, before you fry or broil or bake it. The patient wasn’t obese, either, from what I could see. But his heart had gone to fat!
Think about that, the next time you bite into one of those humongous hamburgers.
Such an excellent point! And I know of what you speak–I’ve also been inside the OR for bypass surgery. I think some of the best deterrents are those talk shows that bring out 50 pounds of real fat. Definitely turns people off.
I spent a few days shadowing in a pediatric weight loss center while I was working on my MPH research project, and they too showed kids what 20 pounds of fat look like (though it was a plastic model). Never failed to get the kids’ attention.
How cool that you went to nursing school, but even more cool that you stuck it out even after deciding it wasn’t for you. And education is never, ever a waste as far as I’m concerned.
Thanks, Lady Q!
We need to regulate…or better…close down the agroalimentary industries with their hydrogneised fats, salts, sugar, cornsyrpu and goodness only knows what else.
I just looked atthe contents of a pack of oatmeal for porage….it contains bloody sugar!
I feel most strongly that this industry is killing us.
The food industries know just the right amount of fat, sugar, and salt to trigger our brains into eating more. There’s a great book on this subject called “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite” by David Kessler. Such a good read and some really eye-opening research about why obesity is not just the individual’s fault.
Yep. That sugar is everywhere. Even in our supposedly nutritious whole grain breads. We really have to look hard at those ingredients, and who has time to always be so careful? I know I don’t.
Thanks, Helen!
I agree 100% and you’ve summed it up pretty neatly. This is probably a symptom of an even broader general “indivisualisation” of society that’s happening lately.
“That money belongs to the individual, he should not be taxed” (OK, how is this individual going to have roads to drive on to get to his money-earning work and where will he get the police force to enjoy sleeping peacefully at night)
“That dude made the wrong choices, he was asking for it” (sure, but since when does that absolve us from trying to help others, even when they’re making poor choices?). We’re not turning back to jungle law and survival of the fittest in an “ever man for himself” race now, are we?
Also, I’ll be super anal and OCD, because I can and because of my Ukrainian roots – I’m still puzzled they’re called “babushka” dolls, because the correct name is “matryoshka”. “Babushka” literally means “grandmother” or “old woman” and nobody in Russia would call them “babushka” dolls. Wonder where it comes from?
Btw – awesome “ugly” matryoshka set…there’s even a cossack with the trippy moustache in there. Nice!
Haha! I figured if someone would catch that, it would be you, Daniel. I knew it would be better to use the word ‘matryoshka’ but I figured too many people wouldn’t know what that meant, so I went with babushka, even though that means grandmother. So at least know that I thought about it. (My grandmother was from the Ukraine–she would not have liked the liberty I took with that term…)
And I agree completely with what you send about the individual vs. the collective good, another tenet of public health (autonomy vs. utilitarianism). Sometimes as individuals we have to give up certain rights in order to improve society as a whole. You’re speaking my language now, Duke!
Thank you, as always for stopping by.
I would go as far as to say there’s rarely “individual” good if the “collective” good isn’t present.
We don’t exist in isolation and all the people shout that the government must leave their money (their cigarettes, their health care choices, etc.) alone don’t acknowledge the fact that you can only earn that money in a world that supports your existence and the financial markets that generate this money – none of which is sustainable unless there’s an overall governing body setting a framework for it.
Guess what I’m trying to say is – if society wins, you win. Look how great communism has wor…..oh, wait, nevermind! But you catch my drift.
Aha, I see – so instead of fixing the “babushka” problem you change your behaviour to fit with the society’s incorrect way of thinking. Talk about individual vs. society
Hehehee no sweat!
Yes, I guess I was a little self-serving with the babushka thing…
We had that very discussion of the need for governing bodies at our dinner table last night, and how people don’t realize the chaos that would erupt if we had far less regulation and rules. My sons really enjoyed it as you can imagine. They just wanted to get back to penis and poo talk.
Well done post, Carrie. Obesity is a multilevel problem and a difficult one. Culture does play a significant role. I grew up in Georgia where obesity is epidemic but now live in Colorado – the state with the lowest average BMI in the U.S. I think people here adopt a healthier lifestyle and it shows just walking around town. When my 12-year-old nephew visited several years ago from Georgia, we took him to a local park to watch the fireworks for the Fourth of July. I noticed him looking around at the people in the park – kids throwing Frisbees, playing tag, etc. and his first comment was: “Where are all the fat people?” (his words not mine). It was glaringly obvious to him that something was different here.
Out of the mouths of babes, huh? Wow.
And you prove the social ecological model point so perfectly–by adopting a healthier culture which includes not only personal behavior but environmental changes that enhance good health, Colorado has shown that society can contribute to healthier individuals. Other states are already looking at what Colorado is doing. Let’s hope they follow suit.
Thanks, Cathy!
I lived in Europe for 5 years and while I was gone, I swear portion sizes doubled. On a visit back I wanted some cold caffeine for a long drive and couldn’t find a Coke that was less than 20 oz. “I’ll just stay here and drink it in the bathroom,” I thought. There are so many things we should/can do. Like avoiding this restaurant.
Portion sizes are indeed ridiculous. I used to work at a cinema in high school (yes, I was the candy girl in a red, polyester pantsuit–nice), and it amazes me to see the difference in sizes of popcorn and soda between then and now. And speaking of Europe, when we were in Nice a few years ago, we stopped for some ice cream. It came in a nice, small, sensible container and was served with a tiny spoon. It was probably 1/4 the size of a ‘serving’ of ice cream in the US, but we were satisfied with the amount we had, because that’s all there was, and we didn’t expect anything different. It hit the spot. One doesn’t need two pounds of ice cream to do that.
Thanks, Elyse!
I agree and would add that metabolism HAS to play a role for the better or worse in any individual. My guess is that over the next decade or less there will be meaningful tools to help us track our metabolism, and better understand what, why, and when we should eat in a much more meaningful light than we see today. As for that restaurant? That’s just wrong.
Metabolism certainly plays a role, especially in those of us who are getting older. We discover we don’t need as many calories as we used to, which just plain sucks. And I think you’re right–in the future, hopefully research will uncover which foods are best suited to our metabolisms. Of course, that again puts the onus on the individual to change their behavior. Unfortunately, this proves difficult for so many people to do.
Thanks, Stacie. Always a pleasure to see you here.
This scares me – a 10,000 calorie burger that’s FREE to people based on their weight? Just the existence of the burger is enough to give me nightmares. I think that obesity occurs for a number of reasons – it can be genetic, illness or medication related, or simply down to bad habits but the kicker is the fact that it’s cheaper to eat unhealthily (speaking for the UK here). A frozen meal can cost as little as 99p for two people, whereas vegetables start at that price and just get more expensive. Why am I getting shafted for wanting to eat decent food?
That is such a good point. So much more expensive to buy fresh berries that an oversized, discount bag of cookies or potato chips. There are ways to pay less for healthier foods, but it requires work and planning on the part of the consumer. That’s not an excuse not to try, but why make things more difficult for people than it already is?
Thanks so much for commenting and raising that issue of food-price inconsistency.
What really made me SICK about that article was when the guy who was so proud of his restaurant said that ‘cynics’ were laughing when the unofficial spokesperson had died, and the people that work there were ‘crying their eyes out’… Um… why are WE now the cynics when you made fun of everything to begin with in your restaurant regarding gluttony and dying?
That place is the ultimate in American/Western gluttony and food waste.
Ok – here’s the quote:
“Cynical people might think this is funny,” Basso said at the time of River’s death. “But people who knew him are crying their eyes out. There is a lot of mourning going on around here. You couldn’t have found a better person.”
Of course people would laugh – you set up your entire restaurant to poke fun at death via gluttony….
And I’m betting this latest death won’t change a thing. Just more publicity for the restaurant, which now I myself am also contributing to. But I couldn’t let this one slide. It frustrated me too much.
Nope – not one whit. I am also completely insane and ranty about buffet restaurants for many of the same reasons above… I think b/c I’ve struggled with my weight my ENTIRE life – that to offer up that kind of mindless eating for people (like me) that struggle with food issues is just too ugly. And also -many countries don’t have enough food as it is – and here we are offering it up by the truck load for people to put on their plates and either binge or waste.
Oh, yeah, the buffets. Sometimes we go to a Mongolian Barbecue restaurant near us. I like it because you can mix and match so many vegetables and then have them stir fry it up for you. But they also have a buffet, and I’m astounded by the amounts people consume. I know I take heat for it, but I feel the restaurants have responsibility for obesity too. People trying to lose weight struggle enough. Why make it more difficult for them? And to say they don’t have to eat there then just isn’t fair. They have a right to dine out and not be served a meal hiding 1500 calories.
AGREED! One time I saw a person at an upscale resort ‘buffet’ with a dinner plate literally heaped up with desserts – I’m talking a MOUND of desserts…and he just put his fork thru it and made a pie shape for himself and ate it… it was insane – so a forkful had about 4 different desserts. There was no beginning of one and ending of another. It was really grotesque.
That’s a fine description for gluttony if I’ve ever heard one. Just reading it makes me want to go for a walk…
I’ll come too!
I know, right? I thought the same thing when he was talking about how sad they all were. Any restaurant that boasts pushing people out in wheelchairs and offering free food to the morbidly obese needs to be held accountable for the outcomes. In my opinion, anyway.
Thanks for reading, Rutabaga! And thank you also for the FB page like. I appreciate it.
Hee hee – I DO like it!
And that article made me all RANTY inside…and I was glad for an opportunity to EXPAND upon that rant…and you wrote about the situation in such a spot-on manner…
That place is deplorable.
Sometimes it’s fun to experience a restaurant that’s ‘out there,’ just to say you did, but this one would send me running far in the opposite direction. Then again, I don’t eat red meat, so it’s not really that difficult of a sacrifice…
I love adventurous eating – don’t get me wrong – but out of control eating makes me very ranty. I’m not a red meat eater either (but I do love chicken and seafood) – so this would be an easy one to miss… but a lot my family has died due to heat attacks, so I don’t find the ‘theme’ amusing
Understandable for sure.