To be perfectly honest, I do judge people who are seriously obese. It's not that they're ugly - rather, it's that they appear to have absolutely no regard for their health. I have never had much luck with my body. I was born blue, and have had all sorts of niggling respiratory ailments my whole life. Nothing too serious, except for the couple of months when I was coughing blood and the doctors told me that I was a hypochondriac. But that's another rant altogether. These periods of sickness, coupled with my ridiculously short legs, have hindered my fitness pursuits my whole life. I run and ride like crazy, but will never be an Olympian or even a 'local hero'.

The thing is, despite my body constantly telling me that my efforts are futile, I have never given up and I have never been fat. My lungs threaten to collapse, my legs take twice the number of steps as other runners to travel the same distance (yes, that's hyperbole) but I still do it. Consequently, I stay thin and healthy - I have taken a total of three sick days from school, uni or work since I was in Year 5.

I'm aware that there are medical conditions much more serious than my own little inconveniences. Two friends have battle thyroid problems their whole lives and, as a result, are quite chubby. A few more suffer from other conditions which make fitness and good health distant dreams. I don't judge them, except to feel sorry for them because even if they wanted to be active, they couldn't.

No, I judge other people whose voluntarily sedentary lifestyles have rendered them obese. I am mellowing, though: I have come to realise that it is wrong to judge these people, simply because they don't value the things I do. If they're fat and happy, why should I judge them?

From http://whydopeoplegetill.blogspot.com/2007/03/roseto-effect.html

The Roseto effect

“This term refers to the Pennsylvanian town of Roseto, populated by Italian immigrants. …. when charted in the 1960s the inhabitants of the town scarcely suffered from any heart attacks before the age of 65, and after this age at only half the national average. And this despite usual levels of smoking, a not particularly healthy diet, and most men being employed as manual labourers.”

The town attracted attention because the mortality rates were much lower than in most other places. The people came from the same area in Italy. There was a lively community spirit, and the people were on the average about ten kilos overweight. The businesses and factories were locally owned. If work was scarce at Dom’s place one could see what’s doing at Vince’s. There was a lot of socializing accompanied by much consumption of pasta and wine. Roseto was populated by a bunch of fat and happy Italians.

The statistics indicate that a happy state of mind can override excess weight.

Dear Otokonoko,

What a positive and healthy attitude you've got!

I've got to confess that I too tend to be a bit
judgemental of obese people, (although it also
is for health reasons) - but I'm getting much
more tolerant as I grow older.

Your determination to stay healthy no matter what
life throws at you - is something I can identify with.
There have been many moments in my life - when
I almost threw in the towel. But whether it's the
determination to survive or what - somehow you find
the strength to keep going.

Dear David f,

You always come up with interesting takes on various
subjects. Thanks for the Italian story.
It confirms the importance of a happy state of mind.
You would make an excellent teacher.
I'd enrol in your class in a flash!