holidays for the obese.

I didn't watch it but have just read the DM article:

Holiday

They look a very sad group of people and I'm conflicted as to whether it's a good idea to be making someone over 20 stone feel more body-confident and accepting of their size.

Alice Young, 32, said that a stay at the Resort left her finally accepting her size and feeling more confident about her 36-stone frame.

Instead of planning her funeral, and leaving two young children without a mother, she should be seriously pursuing bariatric surgery - at that weight she'd surely be eligible.

I watched some of the programme and was quite touched by some of their comments. It did seem to leave the participants in a more positive frame of mind. Some went on to lose weight when they got home.

It was heartening to see that many of them were given the confidence And self-worth to lose weight, but did think the the project appeared to convey the message that being 20 stones plus was normal.
I think the perception of 'normal' varies according to the individual.
On applying for a nursing post I had to have an interview with the Occupational Health Nurse, she was at least 20 stones. The first thing she said to me was "You're a bit on the skinny side, do you have an eating disorder?" I was 5'3" and weighed 9 stones! Her perception of my very normal size was skewed, probably in a similar way that anorexics perceive themselves as being overweight.

That was very cheeky of her judypark - were you not tempted to respond in kind?

I always remark to whoever is with me when I visit outpatients on the size of some of the nursing staff and hope they don't lecture me on being overweight. Actually I don't think they dare, I am overweight, some of them are obese.

River, I replied " No I don't have an eating disorder" but was sorely tempted to say "But you obviously do".
I really wanted the post so kept my gob shut ?

I watched the programme in two minds, feeling sad for these people and their negative opinions of themselves and wondering why they were being encouraged to accept their obesity.

By the end and upon learning that some had gone on to lose weight, I began to wonder whether increasing their confidence was actually a more positive way of approaching their weight problems. In other words they began to believe in themselves and their abilities and could start to deal with their own problems. I wish them luck and hope that they live happier healthier lives as a result of their experience.