I am so happy to welcome you to the latest issue of Without Measure. We have a jam-packed issue full of great articles you can use. Our society seems to be preoccupied with the issue of obesity...calling it a disease. Obesity is not a disease and the International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) does not believe that obesity is a disease for several reasons. First and most importantly, in most instances, obesity does not prevent fitness nor activity and ISAA has offers an effective alternative to weight loss diets, drugs and surgery in its Respect Fitness Health initiative. Simply put, the Respect Fitness Health initiative encourages self-esteem, fitness and healthy eating habits. Weight loss diets, drugs and surgery all have well-documented side-effects, most of which include weight regain and decreased health. You will find many articles to articulate how to become a large mentally and physically fit person. Starting with "The Language of Fat" by Actionist/Author Jessica Weiner.
If you are thinking of starting to workout and really don't know what to do or how to pace yourself, Kelly Bliss has some great tips in her article "Interval Walking." In this article, Bliss explains that you have the best teacher of all, "your body". ISAA promotes healthy living and healthy lifestyles and even though this articles main topic is walking, the tips presented can be used in any form of exercise from walking to water aerobics to sex (yes, sex is a form of exercise, just ask Kelly). Now that I have you attention, go read the article.
Russell's Corner shares a heart-warming story of a friend who was considering weight-loss surgery (WLS). ISAA is unquestionably against WLS because of many reasons, among which is that we have no conclusive evidence that WLS surgery has positive long-term results. Not to mention the many side-effects that WLS brings with it (i.e. - digestive complications that last a life-time, loose stools, mineral and nutrient deprivation, just to mention a few). You might ask why I call the story heart-warming. Because I am happy to know that Russell's friend ultimately chose another route to become healthier: healthy food choices and exercise. Want to more about why ISAA is against WLS, go to the ISAA website and read this and this concerning WLS.
If you have ever had a problem retaining health insurance, you will love Catherine Schuller's "They want me to say WHAT???? The Ultimate Improv: The On-camera Interview Process." Schuller lives in New York City and, in preparing for an interview with a Channel 7 reporter on obesity and insurance companies, lives a true New York drama! But being a true trooper, Schuller provides an excellent interview and provides the reporter with more than enough information to prove that you can be fit at any size and rebuff the insurance companies claims.
Please don't pass up the chance to read the letter sent in to BBTEENZ by Zanele Nondzimba of South Aftrica. She pleads with teens, no matter what size you are, to "love the body you have." We appreciate the hearing from all of our readers from all over the world. Let us hear from you and what is happening in your country. We are an international organization that is fighting size discrimination all over the world.
We also have picture and an update on DAKOTA, the young boy who was removed from his mother's home by Child Protection in Indiana for being overweight. Dakota has been returned home, healthy and happy with his mother. If you missed ISAA's Free Dakota campaign, follow the links in the article update. We are proud to have had a part in Dakota being returned to his home.
I just know that you will find this issue of Without Measure enlightening, and enjoyable. I believe we have articles are thought-provoking and informative, such as the "War on Fat" and a review of the documentary Supersize Me, there is something in this issue to peak everyone's interest.
If you have been wondering why you haven't seen a new WOM for so long, stop wondering, because we are back! And there is plenty of news and articles to keep you busy for awhile. We publish WOM when we have information you can use. Remember for quick updates on what is happening with ISAA always check our website at http://size-acceptance.org
Until next time,
Grace Moredock
