However, I don’t think you can class obesity as a disability. In general (and I understand there are exceptions to this) a person becomes obese because of certain lifestyle choices they make e.g. they choose to not exercise or choose to eat unhealthy foods. A person with a mental disability does not make a choice. It is thrust upon them and so they should be in my opinion entitled to some legal protection.

People with a mental disability cannot do anything to make it go away. If they are being discriminated against they cannot turn off the mental disability and make their brain function normally. However, if obese people are being discriminated against the vast majority can (if they want to) lose the weight.

Like I said at the beginning of my comment I do not agree with discriminating against obese people and have no problem with them. I just do not feel it is a condition which requires or deserves legal protection.

Good article/blog. Thanks,

Sounds like you had a great vacation and it did you lots of good. You make some good points but I can particularly agree with you on numbers 1 and 5. Getting myself into bed at a reasonable time is always something I struggle with but when I do I feel so much better. Drinking water also helps me feel MUCH more alert.

I’d also suggest to always carry some portions of fruit with you. Not only does eating fruit make me feel good during the day but if your hunger cravings get the better of you at least you have something health on hand.

The waist tally sounds like a good idea. It’s probably a better representation too because the more you exercise, the more likely you are to gain a bit of weight through muscle mass which isn’t usually bad for your health.

One thing I often try is to browse the shelves for some fresh meats that are on offer. This could be lean minced beef, chicken breasts, turkey breast etc. Most of the times I go to the supermarket at least one fresh meat product is on offer.

Once you have found your meat decide on a sauce based dish you can cook with this meat. For example, lean minced beef can be made into spaghetti bolognese or shepherds pie or chicken can be made into a casserole or curry.

Then add to this sauce based dish with lots of mushrooms and onions. Mushrooms and onions are both cheap and versatile, plus they really thicken up your dish, making it go that little bit further.

Let’s take the spaghetti bolognese example:
- 800G lean mince beef which is on offer = £3.
- 500g of mushrooms = £1.50.
- 3 large onions = £2.
- 1kg spaghetti = £0.50.
- 2 bolognese powder mix = £1.
- 2 tins of chopped tomatoes = £2.
- TOTAL COST = £10 (approximately $20)

Whilst this does seem like a lot to pay for one meal bear in mind that this should make around 8 generous portions and is a relatively healthy option. At $2.50 a portion I think it represents excellent value, tastes good and is a lot healthier than McDonalds.

Dutsji, I know plenty of people who would eat stuff like this. One of my flatmates used to eat frozen donner kebababs.