Is it normal to wonder how extremely obese ppl can afford it?

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As my username implies, I'm a big guy. I have had the eye-opening experience of seeing obesity from both sides of the fence.

I used to be built. Really built! Big arms, ripped stomach, tight buns. Girls would conveniently stop by my dorm room when it was time for me to work out.

Then I became sick, and I can no longer do the 2 1/2 hour workout and climb 8 flights of stairs several times a day. Had I the choice, I would work out like I used to.

I actually eat less food than my very skinny wife (and very little junk food at all), and I am obese. Yes, obesity runs in my family.

What hurts is the difference in the way I am treated. Somehow, the popular conception is that fat people are also stupid, inferior, and deserving of a good mocking. Just desserts for me. I used to make fun of fatties too.

Strange you should ask the question. My friends and I were debating it one lunchtime last week. We were thinking particularly of those who are so immobile they can't even get to the toilet. We were wondering how often they must need to go, since all that food going in has to go somewhere. We were also wondering how someone lifts them up to get a bedpan under them. And then it crossed our minds about the cost of the food. We didn't know the answer so hopefully someone here does.

Finally, I feel very sorry for people who end up like this. It must be terrible to not be able to move and to almost be imprisoned by food. I'm sure there will be people who jump up and down and say, "Why don't they just stop eating?" but I'm sure they've considered this. So it must be that they're unable to because of whatever compulsion.

How can rich people be skinny?

Definitely normal to wonder, good question.

The morbidly 'super' obese people that are unable to perform their functions of daily living receive disability payments as well as medical treatment under Medicare/Medicade (in US). Their clothing maybe expensive but they likely only have half a dozen pieces. The food is likely their main expense. Housing can be provided through government housing where they only have to pay a portion of the normal price. They don't have usual expenses like most of us do for being in society like travel expenses or parties, etc. It is just a different way of life for them in comparison to active members of society.

People who are so large that they cannot get out of bed always have an enabler bringing them food. Perhaps these people help to financially support the addiction. Also, high calorie, high fat food can be pretty darn cheap.

corn syrup is cheap

Are you stupid? Mcdonalds type food is dirt cheap. Expensive food is good for you

You have a very good point. What type of sickness did you get that caused obesity?

I have a neuro-muscular disease that causes chronic pain. I also have numerous degenerative discs.

It has slowed me down quite a bit, but I can still work and play!

Dollar menu, silly!

Some of it runs through the family.. Haven't you noticed obese kids have obsess parents usually? Some have sicknesses where you gain weight, and can't stop.

I've often wondered that when I read stories in mags about what some of them eat in an average day. It's more than I could afford to spend in a week, maybe two, on food.

Ah well, at least next time I feel broke I'll cheer myself up by reminding myself it helps keep my weight down, I guess.

Food-stamps in the US top out at about $150 a month for an individual with no dependents. That's roughly $5 a day. Obviously they have to have some other income going towards food, and disability doesn't pay all that well either. Typically not even enough to pay rent and bills unless you have roommates or government-assisted housing (which takes a very long time and a lot of hassle to get).

We need to get a fatty in here to clear this up for us.

Never thought about it like that but bloody good point!!

no they eat similar amounts of food but keep it on instead of sh*tting it out

And u ever wonder how there can b poor obese ppl on welfare and food stamps? How can poor ppl b fat??

Bigguy, i get your story, but this question is not about how obesity can develop or how society think about obese ppl. Its just about wondering how morbidly obese people can maintain such a lifestyle...