Here's another article along the same theme. Don't be put off by the title, it's just a rhetorical question.
BUT ISN'T IT UNHEALTHY TO BE FAT?
Just being fat does not signify poor health. In fact, research shows that the health risks once associated with weight may instead by attributable to yo-yo dieting. Because fatness is most often caused by heredity and dieting history, and because 95-98% of all diets fail over three years, it is becoming apparent that remaining at a high, but stable weight and concentrating on personal fitness rather than thinness may be the healthiest way to deal with the propensity to be fat.
We must also consider that in our society, it is very difficult for fat people to stay healthy and become fit. Due to prejudicial medical treatment and harassment by health care professionals, many fat people do not receive adequate preventative health care, and procrastinate seeking treatment when there is a medical problem. In addition, many fat people do not feel comfortable participating in activities that would lead to a greater level of fitness due to social stigma. Due to the harassment they face, fat people rarely feel comfortable using public pools or health clubs, or participating in recreational exercise.
People of all sizes can strive for fitness by making sensible food choices, following an exercise program, and getting regular check-ups.
The issue of fat and health is a complex one, with many factors to consider. It may be healthier to remain at a stable high weight than to yo-yo diet.
Given that permanent weight loss is elusive for most fat people, the issue of fat and health is irrelevant. The only true option available is to be as healthy as you can, regardless of your weight. (Often times the health issue serves as a smoke screen to justify denying fat people their civil rights. The assumption that fat people are unhealthy is often used to defend discrimination in employment, educational opportunities, housing, and adoption privileges. Health issues should never supersede one's civil rights.)
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[Edited by doreen T on 03-11-00 at 22:00]