A great book to stop worrying about weight

R

Rose65

Well-known Member
Location
United Kingdom
Reading the 'No1 Ladies Detective Agency' by Alexander Macall-Smith I have been much impressed. The wise, kind and practical ways many issues are dealt with in this beautiful book helps relax me.
The issue of being overweight is put into it's proper perspective - it is nobody's business but ours, each of us. Being 'Traditionally Built' is absolutely fine, as Mama Ramotswe reminds us. Character, intelligence, kindness and so many other qualities are far more important. So is the enjoyment of life.
 

This book sounds interesting Rose. Perception of our own bodies and weight is most
important, and not so much how others might perceive us imo. Being healthy minded
about those extra pounds some of us may have, and how we feel about ourselves is
positive I think. Like was said, so many other qualities are far more important, that
is a worthy thought.
 
Rose65 said:
The issue of being overweight is put into it's proper perspective - it is nobody's business but ours
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While I agree that meeting one's culture's beauty standard is not anyone's business but our own, I feel that being extremely overweight does impact others (such as health insurance costs).

There was a public opinion survey that found:

About six-in-ten Americans (63%) say obesity has consequences for society that go beyond personal impact. Only about half as many (31%) say obesity does not have a major societal impact beyond the individual level.​
 
I've also read that series and quite enjoyed it.

To be clear, the books aren't focused on Mma Ramotswe's weight or physical characteristics, though she does mention them periodically.

More importantly, she's a detective who sleuths out interesting cases in interesting ways, and while readers journey with her adventures we learn about - and develop affection for - Botswana and neighboring African countries.

The author, Sir Alexander McCall Smith, was born and raised in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and spent some of his young adulthood there before permanently moving to Scotland.

The books are relatively gentle, non-grisly, non-tawdry, detective cases and relatively quick reads.
 
HoneyNut said:
While I agree that meeting one's culture's beauty standard is not anyone's business but our own, I feel that being extremely overweight does impact others (such as health insurance costs).

There was a public opinion survey that found:

About six-in-ten Americans (63%) say obesity has consequences for society that go beyond personal impact. Only about half as many (31%) say obesity does not have a major societal impact beyond the individual level.​
Click to expand...
Public opinion is not always correct. Such popular opinion is passed from one person to another and may have been incorrect from the start or based on partial information that doesn't tell the whole story.

For example, we've been told that obese people cost the government money due to Medicare costs, and it may do that, but being obese (not just overweight) can cause people to die earlier, thereby saving society a small fortune in social security payments.

My neighbor across the street is 102. She was always slender, never drank or smoked. I'm happy for her and hope she makes it another 20 years, but I imagine she's been receiving social security for 40 years and I know she has had around the clock private nurses for the last eight years.
 
Rose65 said:
Reading the 'No1 Ladies Detective Agency' by Alexander Macall-Smith I have been much impressed. The wise, kind and practical ways many issues are dealt with in this beautiful book helps relax me.
The issue of being overweight is put into it's proper perspective - it is nobody's business but ours, each of us. Being 'Traditionally Built' is absolutely fine, as Mama Ramotswe reminds us. Character, intelligence, kindness and so many other qualities are far more important. So is the enjoyment of life.
Click to expand...
I agree with so much you said! It is nobody's business. I read another book by Carol A. Johnson called Self esteem comes in all Sizes. It's great, too! People who call bigger people nasty names are just plain rude, too. :LOL:
 
Do I have that book? I might, I'll look. If not, I can find one thrifted I'm sure. I remember reading a recommendation on it.

Well my weight is a lifelong issue since age 8. People can sure be mean about it. Including those related to you.
 
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