The Truth Behind Obesity

The Odd One Out

The truth about obesity is that it is depressing. You feel as though every body, plus one, is pressuring you to get into shape. The weight of the world is on your shoulders and it just keeps getting heavier. From personal experience, I know how this feels. Although I wasn't obese, I struggled with my weight due to health issues. I enjoy telling my story to others, as it can help to inspire them and help them know things can, and will get better.

About two years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroid Disease. There are two types of Hasimotos, hypo and hyper. Hypo causes you to be run down and tired all the time and makes it hard to loose weight, while hyper causes you to be restless and antsy and makes it hard to put on weight. I personally have hypo. I gained a large amount of weight over a small period of time. As a teenager, this can be very depressing. You feel like the odd one out, and people start to look at you differently. Although I wasn't bullied or treated any differently, I can understand the feelings one can get from being the odd ball. Hashimotos never goes away, but I have managed to keep it under control with medication. I was able to work diligently by working out in the gym, swimming, and eating nutritious healthy food. Now, I enjoy taking regular trips to the gym. I feel proud after I finish a good workout, knowing that I am helping my body.

Obesity can affect anyone, when they are least expecting it. We need to help the youth of our country feel good about themselves. Let them know that they can change, and that things will get better. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation has great information on child obesity. In one of their articles it states, "Studies suggest that overweight children are more likely to be involved in bullying — both as victims and as perpetrators of teasing, name-calling and physical bullying — than normal weight children. .

" Obesity is not a easy topic. It can be hard to discuss the things we are facing, and that are troubling us. However, children are being bullied more in the school system and around town about being overweight. Obesity is a sensitive matter that needs to be taken care of.

Works Cited:

Lui, Calvin, and Nancy L. Brown. "Teen Obesity." Information on Obesity for Teens. N.p., July 2012. Web. 20 June 2013.