WP: The Measure of a Man

[dfitzo53]

The Measure of a Man

Lobbyist Michael Berman Comes to Terms With Size and Self in 'Living Large'

By Laura Sessions Stepp

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, March 13, 2006; Page C01

For more than six decades, Michael Berman has lived as a fat person. At 5 feet 9 inches, he has weighed as much as 332 pounds. He has been known to eat three racks of ribs at one sitting, or a 40-ounce steak, or a whole box of saltines. In 1986, after dropping a few pounds, he spent $2,100 on three custom-made, pinstriped suits in gray, blue and brown. By the time the suits were ready, 10 weeks later, they no longer fit. Eleven years after that he gave them away, having never been able to wear them.

A highly successful political campaigner and Washington lobbyist, Berman, 66, doesn't deny the dangers of fatness or the urgency of encouraging people to exercise and eat healthier. He acknowledges that with 60 percent of the U.S. population overweight or obese, and the rate of obesity increasing particularly dramatically in children, being fat has serious consequences for the health of individuals and the economy. He'd like to see government and private resources used for a public education campaign similar to that for smoking and seat-belt use.

But forget the notion that fat people can become slim, he says in a part memoir, part self-help book scheduled for release this week. They can -- and should -- manage their weight. They can -- and should -- find an exercise program they can stick with. But fat adults will always be fat. They are in the grips of a disease over which, in the end, they do not have complete control.

This is not likely to be a popular message among those who manage their daily lives with BlackBerrys, filter out porn on their kids' computers, block negative information coming from government sources. Is he trying to say that the fatties who sprawl over airplane seats could not shrink to a reasonable size if they just stopped wolfing down those Big Macs?

Yes, that's what he's saying. "The idea that you can slim down by willpower is a bunch of horse manure," he says. If "nonfat" Americans could be convinced of this, perhaps they'd start relating better to fat Americans. And if fat Americans understood why they're fat and accepted that they will always have to shop at Rochester Big and Tall or Lane Bryant, they could begin "Living Large," as Berman called his book.

The rest of the article

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

What do you guys think of this? Given the willpower and a sensible approach, it seems to me that adults who are overweight can slim down, although I wouldn't say that it's fast or easy. I understand that he believes people should exercise and eat right, and I understand that some people really and truly seem to be unable to lose weight, but his overall message seems horribly defeatist.

[Ancalagon the Black]

I think I understand his point, but if being fat were really the condition that he claims it is, then why are people getting fatter? Shouldn't we see more or less the same proportion of fat people in every generation?

[Brad89]

I think that people can definately slim down. It comes down to determination and wanting it. I can't speak for the adults, but, at my largest, I was 225(last year in Janurary). I'm not sure how tall I was, but it was less than 5'10". Now I'm 175 and have been pretty consistent. All I did was start exercising and later on watching what I ate. Doing that I got down to 195 by June, and wrestling helped me lose another 25 pounds. It's all about sticking with it. IMHO, this guy is definately wrong.

[Ancalagon the Black]

I think that people can definately slim down. It comes down to determination and wanting it. I can't speak for the adults, but, at my largest, I was 225. I'm not sure how tall I was, but it was less than 5'10". Now I'm 175ish. All I did was start exercising and later on watching what I ate. Doing that I got down to 195, and wrestling helped me lose another 25 pounds. It's all about sticking with it. IMHO, this guy is definately wrong.

I think you're right, but do keep in mind that you're 16. It's a lot easier for teenagers--a LOT easier--than for people in their 30s or 40s.

[Brad89]

True, but I've seen how my mom has dealt with the same thing. She's 36 and in the upper 200's. I think she could lose some weight too. Again, I'm not saying all obese adults do this, but she will buy these bags of 16 little powdered doughnuts, and within 2 days a bag is gone. Seriously, if she(and others) decided "Hey, I want to lose some weight" and substituted say...an orange or a special K bar(which, btw, are AMAZING) for the doughnuts, they could definately lose weight. I still say that it's all about desire and determination.

[ashburnskinsfan]

Sure, some people are more prone to put on weight than others. But he defeats his own argument by saying he can't resist a piece of chocolate cake, or a basket of bread while waiting for his meal to arrive. The guy just lacks willpower when it comes to saying no to food. It is not much more complicated than that.

[chomerics]

I think I understand his point, but if being fat were really the condition that he claims it is, then why are people getting fatter? Shouldn't we see more or less the same proportion of fat people in every generation?

Because we are a fast food nation. Eliminate partially hydrogonated oils and you will automatically decrease the obesity level of Americans. Force food manufactures to eliminate the horrible processed stuff in food, and weight will go down.

I would LOVE to see the stuf banned, but the food and drug lobby has much to much power, and it will never be illegal.

[chomerics]

Sure, some people are more prone to put on weight than others. But he defeats his own argument by saying he can't resist a piece of chocolate cake, or a basket of bread while waiting for his meal to arrive. The guy just lacks willpower when it comes to saying no to food. It is not much more complicated than that.

Actually it is a lot more complicated then that, you paint an incredibly naieve and simplistic form of the world. . . let me guess, you support Bush

There are people with almost no metabolism, who gain weight on 1000 calories a day, or people with thyroid problems who gain weight because of it. A hell of a lot more complicated then saying just don't eat the cake.

[dfitzo53]

I think I understand his point, but if being fat were really the condition that he claims it is, then why are people getting fatter? Shouldn't we see more or less the same proportion of fat people in every generation?

That was essentially my feeling as well.

Because we are a fast food nation. Eliminate partially hydrogonated oils and you will automatically decrease the obesity level of Americans. Force food manufactures to eliminate the horrible processed stuff in food, and weight will go down.

I would LOVE to see the stuf banned, but the food and drug lobby has much to much power, and it will never be illegal.

Perhaps, but I'd place at least as much blame on the fact that as a society we're eating more and exercising less than we ever have before.

[PokerPacker]

maybe he knows that will power will do it, but he doesn't think americans have any. lets show him how much will power we have!

[Renegade7]

People are getting fat because they're becoming irresponsible and lazy. If you don't take care of your body, common sense says your body won't take care of you.

[PokerPacker]

People are getting fat because they're becoming irresponsible and lazy. If you don't take care of your body, common sense says your body won't take care of you.

my body loves me unconditionally! (thank you super high metabolic rate!)

[ashburnskinsfan]

Actually it is a lot more complicated then that, you paint an incredibly naieve and simplistic form of the world. . . let me guess, you support Bush

There are people with almost no metabolism, who gain weight on 1000 calories a day, or people with thyroid problems who gain weight because of it. A hell of a lot more complicated then saying just don't eat the cake.

Don't assume that everyone suffers from your simplistic view of the world

The guy in the article may suffer from the type of metabolism you say, but he also admits to a pathetic level of self-discipline. He describes stupid levels of over indulgent eating.

If he actually stuck to a low calorie diet and got some exercise he would undoubtedly loose weight, as he experienced before.

I understand metabolism ... I estimate I consumed double or triple the calories I do today when I was in my early twenties, and didn't gain a pound back then. So guess what, to maintain my current weight I eat less, avoid crap, and exercise more. If I put on weight I watch my diet and increase the intensity and frequency of workouts - that's a fact of life at my age. He should try the same instead of buying twenty or so diet remedies and blaming genetics

P.S. I've never voted Republican in my life

[TD_washingtonredskins]

Actually it is a lot more complicated then that, you paint an incredibly naieve and simplistic form of the world. . . let me guess, you support Bush

There are people with almost no metabolism, who gain weight on 1000 calories a day, or people with thyroid problems who gain weight because of it. A hell of a lot more complicated then saying just don't eat the cake.

On a macro level you are somewhat correct...there are people who are unable to lose weight regardless of what they eat and how much they exercise. However, the author of the book does not have such a problem. He's lost lots of weight at least two different times in his life and is capable of doing so again. He mentions in just the quotes in the WP article of not having the desire sometimes to do it and allowing himself to cheat.

Now, I think in general we're all missing the point of his book. His book seems to be focusing on maybe not busting your ass as hard as you can to lose a few more pounds, but instead not allowing weight loss to define those who are obese. Find a happy medium and be comfortable and confident enough in yourself even if you are overweight.

Personally, if an obese person can be 100% happy being obese, I think it's a good message since there are people out there who cannot ever lose enough weight. However, I do think this man in particular could be thinner and it's obviously something that he's been working on or thinking about since he was very young so I'm not entirely sure he's buying into his own book, but rather using it as an excuse to continue being larger than he could be.

[dfitzo53]

Personally, if an obese person can be 100% happy being obese, I think it's a good message since there are people out there who cannot ever lose enough weight.

I think what you're looking for is a happy medium. You want to be comfortable about your body, but at the same time it's much healthier to achieve and maintain a reasonable weight.

[SkinsNumberOne]

my body loves me unconditionally! (thank you super high metabolic rate!)

Buddy, wait until your late 20s. Exercise becomes a must for most of us as we approach 30, even if when we were younger we had to barely lift a finger to burn calories.

*

As for the thread topic, it's truth mixed with fiction - hopefully unintentionally - as most people seem to be saying in this thread. Yes there are people who are more prone to gain weight than others. Yes there are diseases (is thyroid disease is becoming more common? I hear about it more and more) that affect people's ability to control their weight. That said, there are plenty of people who just don't control or watch what they eat, and certainly don't exercise in any way proportional to what they're eating.

Anyway, he's promoting his book.

[Air Force Cane]

*cough- bs- cough*

true, some may have pituitary disease or something physically wrong with them. However the VAST MAJORITY of fat people are simply fat people. They like to eat, and not exercise.

It is not brain surgery- you take in more calories than you burn off you will get fat. This is just to make the lazy feel better about themselves.

Think I don't want to eat an entire rack of ribs? or have a dessert more than once a week, or eat a hamburger more than twice a month? I can wear the same size clothes I did back in high school 17 years later because it is freaking hard work to go to the gym every day, run, lift weights, watch what you eat.

if it was easy everyone would be thin. I hate that now some people make everything a disease to take away their own personal responsibility. Will everyone be as thin as a stick? no, some may be naturally a little stouter. but that doesn't mean you get fat or obese..

[ashburnskinsfan]

*cough- bs- cough*

true, some may have pituitary disease or something physically wrong with them. However the VAST MAJORITY of fat people are simply fat people. They like to eat, and not exercise.

It is not brain surgery- you take in more calories than you burn off you will get fat. This is just to make the lazy feel better about themselves.

Think I don't want to eat an entire rack of ribs? or have a dessert more than once a week, or eat a hamburger more than twice a month? I can wear the same size clothes I did back in high school 17 years later because it is freaking hard work to go to the gym every day, run, lift weights, watch what you eat.

if it was easy everyone would be thin. I hate that now some people make everything a disease to take away their own personal responsibility. Will everyone be as thin as a stick? no, some may be naturally a little stouter. but that doesn't mean you get fat or obese..

Yup .... I've had a long day, I'm tired and would love to eat a big chocolate cake and drink some beers. But I'll go to the gym. My guess is that the guy in the article won't be there.

[Duncan]

Actually it is a lot more complicated then that, you paint an incredibly naieve and simplistic form of the world. . . let me guess, you support Bush

There are people with almost no metabolism, who gain weight on 1000 calories a day, or people with thyroid problems who gain weight because of it. A hell of a lot more complicated then saying just don't eat the cake.

Naieve and simplistic? The guy in the article admitted to ripping through three racks of ribs in one sitting!!

So you take the tiny percentage of people with actual medical reasons for their weight and apply it to the undisciplined majority. No personal responsibility at all. Blame it on “Big Food”. We need more government controls. Let me guess, you voted for the ultra-liberal Senator from Massachusetts:

You also forgot to claim Bush is bought and sold by the french fry oil industrial complex.