Two million Americans are overweight

Exactly. This forum isn't a platform for systematic brainwashing, lecturing everyone from a pedestal, DELIBERATELY MISLEADING people with inaccurate or arbitrary info, orPROMOTING specific products and their brands.

I'm certain the moderators are well aware of who is actually driving this tone in the discussions...

From what I gather about how this place works, if someone gets slapped with a ban, it’s totally shady to just spin up a new handle and keep acting like nothing happened—especially when they're still pushing the exact same garbage that got them kicked in the first place.

So, I'm honestly scratching my head here... I don't get how James Newman4 is even allowed to post on here given that whole ban situation...

Sarah Gomez52 said:Whether it's hummer or MacGregor, who cares... 🙂
Stop copy-pasting your old posts and go deal with your issues elsewhere... (there's a bathroom for that, not this forum).
And honestly, take a look in the mirror before you try to act like one of those 2 million Americans, because there's no point in bragging about being healthy when you don't even look the part!

You totally beat me to it!
So true!

nimbleskipper13 said:Exactly, this forum isn't some platform for lecturing people from on high, constant "expert" preaching, DELIBERATE DECEPTION via random or wrong info, or SHILLING specific products and their brands.

I'm pretty sure the mods know all too well who's actually driving this kind of toxic tone...

This whole thread is just one big example of how some people have massive egos, acting like they're some kind of gods who get to dictate advice to everyone else. Like, when I brought up the BMI thing—and I think my arguments and explanations were pretty clear—they just felt threatened and decided to pivot to insults and total lies instead of actually talking.
I already explained my connection to MacGregor to the admin via private message, and honestly, if that doesn't satisfy anyone, there's really nothing else I can do about it.

"DELIBERATE DECEPTION via random or wrong info"

nimbleskipper13, you might want to watch those accusations of yours because that’s starting to sound a lot like libel, and believe me, there are ways to deal with that.

MacGregor’s ban just expired. Now, both him and James Newman4 can’t get back in (well, I probably could, but I have better things to do with my time). Honestly, I have so much I could say right now, but since I’m a moderator, I really shouldn't...

This still doesn't count as an insult; it's just a difference of opinion. So, James Newman4, I'm not going to step in or intervene here.

Still though... I'd bet anything that there aren't nearly as many people struggling with obesity here in the States. Seriously... if they actually exist in those numbers, nimbleskipper13 can go ahead and prove me wrong with some "aesthetic" data... 😁

Casey Palmer5 said:Look, this still isn't even an insult or anything like that, it’s just a total clash of perspectives, I guess... so, uh, James Newman4, I really can't and won't get involved in this one.

Wait, what even is this?
So, what is this whole "deliberately misleading people with fake and random info" thing about? Seriously... ??????????

I’m just saying, you guys really ought to go out and double-check everything for yourselves if you want the actual facts, I guess. 😉

James Newman4 said:Sarah Gomez52 and nimbleskipper13 (along with a few others) are showing exactly how not to use this forum. They're mocking things that don't fit their "expertise." I’m asking the admins to step in and issue a warning so this discussion doesn't spiral out of control.. 😎

The admins won't do anything. They only step in when someone bothers them personally, and these folks are part of their inner circle.

I honestly don't get how some people constantly derail productive discussions on this forum, spreading lies in such an insulting way.

You'll see. They operate like a clique and can basically do whatever they want because they've charmed the moderators and the owner. 🙂 If you don't fall in line, they'll just brush you off.

- Insulting other users is not permitted...

- Moderators are responsible for protecting user rights and maintaining order according to these rules.

ADMINS, PLEASE RESPOND!!!

Forget about it. You're better off spending your time with people who actually respect your effort.

👋

It doesn't really matter, I guess, but I'm noticing that this whole "clash of opinions" thing is becoming such a weirdly specific category on this forum. It’s like these little cliques have already formed, and the second someone jumps in with a different take or a contrary view, a whole coalition just immediately rallies up against them... 😉

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see who actually ends up being right in the end... 😁

James Newman4 said:I honestly don't get how some people constantly derail constructive discussions on this forum, spreading blatant falsehoods in their own uniquely insulting ways.

If you don't have actual facts or a valid opinion on a topic, just keep your bitterness and stupidity to yourself.

And I can't wrap my head around how you can be such a hypocrite, pushing and advertising your products while trying to lecture us all and enforce your own little rules!

What you’re posting isn't a discussion at all—it's just mindless copying from the internet. Honestly, if people come to a forum, they already know how to use Google. You don't need to feed them poorly translated nonsense that lacks any real substance.
Go back to school, brush up on basic chemistry and biology, and then maybe you can brag about your credentials and your supposed ability to "cure" things with HL!!!🙄

Oh, please... it’s clearly just one massive conspiracy cooked up by anyone brave enough to actually study science or medicine... Honestly, we should all be embarrassed. Let's just burn our degrees and go join an MLM instead!

Is that how it is? We're just that terrible? I guess it would be a whole lot easier for you if we didn't exist at all, right? Because we're just so incredibly annoying with our "books" and PubMed and all that other nonsense...

Casey Palmer5 said:We’re such a nuisance, aren't we? It would be so much easier for everyone if we just disappeared. We’re just being annoying with all our books, Medline, and that kind of nonsense...

Exactly. Then everyone could just blindly believe whatever anecdotes they hear. 😁

James Newman4 said:I think "obese" might be the wrong term here; "individuals with excessive weight" would be more accurate... 😢

The mortality statistics don't lie—about half of all deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease (and that isn't something you catch like a cold). 😢

The primary culprit is Nicotine and smoking, which wreaks havoc on your arteries, not just your lungs. An average smoker with 20 to 30 years under their belt typically sees about 40-60% blockage. High blood pressure is also a direct consequence of smoking.
is a byproduct of smoking.

That's not to say weight isn't a major factor... even in the US, our biggest issues remain alcohol, smoking, and poor diet. You see skinny people dealing with high blood pressure and cholesterol too—just look at Atherom, those fatty deposits in the arteries. It’s usually a combination of a bad diet and smoking.

By the time we start worrying about obesity, it’s often too late in the US... morning comes far too quickly.

🙂 😉 😎

Casey Palmer5 said:Yeah, sure... it’s all just a massive conspiracy cooked up by people who actually had the guts to study science and health... God, we should be ashamed, right? Let's all just burn our degrees and go join some MLM scheme instead!

I mean, since we're apparently such terrible people, maybe life would just be easier if we didn't exist, huh? We're just being super annoying with our little textbooks, PubMed, and all that other nonsense you guys hate so much....

I feel like I missed something here, because is there actually anyone in this thread who's a licensed nutritionist???

If not, then maybe don't talk about nutrition like you actually studied it, and quit waving those imaginary degrees around like they mean something... 😉

Sarah Gomez52 said:What you're doing isn't even a constructive debate or a discussion, it's just straight-up copying stuff from the internet. And sorry, but if people come to a forum, they know how to search the web themselves; you don't need to feed them junk based on your shaky English and zero foundational knowledge.
Go back to school, learn the basics of chemistry and biology, and then maybe you can brag about your title and your supposed "healing" abilities using HL!!!🙄

The thing is, most people just don't have the time to dig through every corner of the web for everything, and honestly, some of the stuff I managed to get my hands on isn't even online... I think your own example proves that point, mostly because I doubt you're as stupid as you are rude, and I'm sure if you actually put in a little effort, you'd figure all this out for yourselves—maybe even better than I have.. 😎

People just stumble in here looking for a bit of advice or an opinion, and they aren't necessarily lurking for months on end just to keep track of everyone's personal drama and history, which, from what I can see, is basically the whole vibe of this place.

Whenever I find material that isn't available online, I try to relay it in its entirety (copying it) just to make sure the specific info gets across, and (unlike you guys) I actually try to explain it in my own words—sometimes more successfully than others, I guess.

Look, Sarah Gomez52, I'm trying over here to find one single specific, professional explanation from you, but I'm really struggling to find one.
So, what college did you actually graduate from again? .. 😁

James Newman4 said:I feel like I missed something. Are there any actual nutritionists in this group?

And did you graduate with a degree in nutrition? 😎

James Newman4 clearly thinks he can just wing it when it comes to nutrition, metabolism, and biochemistry by studying nutrition science at a place like PBF.

Hey, you might want to actually look into this a bit more deeply...

You’ve always got to burn off those calories you pack away. Basically, you need to stay active with some kind of sport so you don't have to worry about gaining weight. Certain types of workouts are perfect if you're just looking to keep your weight steady.

Managing Obesity

While nearly one-sixth of the global population struggles with hunger, another massive segment faces the health challenges of obesity. In this article, Dr. Donatella Verbanac explains how obesity often serves as the gateway to various metabolic diseases.

Genetics can play a major role in obesity.

Obesity protein
What actually causes excessive weight gain? It turns out, for some, it’s purely biological. Back in 1995, researchers at Rockefeller University in New York City conducted an extensive study proving that certain individuals have a defect in their cellular genetic structure. Here is the breakdown.

Most people experience a sense of fullness that signals when to stop eating. This feeling is triggered in the brain by a specific protein—often called "Ob protein," "obesity protein," or leptin. This protein is synthesized in fat cells and travels to the brain, where it binds to a specific receptor to signal satiety. However, due to a "genetic code" glitch, some individuals cannot instruct their bodies to produce this protein correctly. As a result, they simply don't feel full. In these cases, obesity is often passed down from parents to children.

The myth of miracle cures
While we wait for medical breakthroughs—like drugs designed to mimic this protein and effectively "switch off" hunger—our best bet is adjusting our habits. This means managing portion sizes and swapping certain foods for ones that help burn fat more efficiently and keep us feeling satisfied longer.

To be clear, there is no such thing as a "magic food" that melts fat away. You should never trust aggressive marketing claims promising "miracle products" that claim you can lose, say, 20 pounds in just two weeks while maintaining your usual diet.

That said, certain foods can certainly help kickstart your metabolism or provide a quicker sense of fullness. Incorporating these into your diet can be helpful if you're looking to shed a few pounds or simply want to "clean up" your system. Some foods help boost calorie burning, while others contain compounds that help you feel satiated faster.

How does fat breakdown work?
Some people naturally have faster metabolisms, burning through fuel much more quickly. For those with a slower metabolism, choosing foods that stimulate metabolic processes can be a game-changer. These foods don't just speed up biochemical cycles; they act directly on adipose tissue, helping the body utilize and eliminate fat more effectively.

The process begins in the small intestine. After food passes through the stomach and is treated by gastric acid, bile helps break down fat droplets into tiny particles. This emulsification allows the enzyme lipase, produced by the pancreas, to work more effectively. Lipase breaks down triglycerides into components the body can use; its efficiency depends heavily on how well the bile has broken those large fat globules into manageable droplets.

If the liver isn't functioning optimally—perhaps due to a genetic issue or acquired condition affecting the liver-bile system—bile synthesis or secretion may fail, leaving fats unable to be properly emulsified.
For efficient fat metabolism, maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy liver is essential. The liver is a powerhouse; it converts proteins and carbohydrates into fat, but it can also turn fat directly into energy. To keep your liver in peak condition, it's wise to include foods in your diet that offer hepatoprotective benefits, helping to protect and detoxify the organ.

If you integrate these foods into a balanced meal plan, they can definitely help speed up the elimination of stored fat. The main players are:
- carrots (fresh or juiced);
- chicory, dandelion, and radicchio (these contain flavonoids—bitter compounds that jumpstart your body's natural detoxification systems);
- asparagus (both wild and cultivated varieties help support kidney function and flush out excess fluid);
- strawberries—great for cleansing the liver and kidneys, plus they're good for skin regeneration (though they can occasionally trigger rashes in sensitive individuals);
- eggplant—helps stimulate bile production;
- plums—people used to think you had to eat them fresh to get any real benefit. However, recent studies have shown that dried plums are packed with high-value nutrients, and early research even suggests they might play a protective role against digestive tract cell issues;
- spices and herbs—think red pepper, mustard, and rosemary;
- tea and coffee—thanks to the caffeine and tannins, these help break down energy reserves and promote lipolysis (fat breakdown);
- grapefruit—much like apples, it contains pectin, which helps you feel full faster;

Because of its fiber content, grapefruit can actually help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride absorption in the small intestine. It’s also high in potassium, making it a natural diuretic. If you struggle with water retention or edema, it's a solid choice. Plus, it's excellent for liver health by helping clear out the bile ducts.

For middle-aged men, belly fat—specifically abdominal obesity rather than just general weight gain—stands as its own independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, according to recent study findings.

Dr. Hanna-Maaria Lakka and her team at the University of Kuopio, Finland, tracked 1,346 men between the ages of 42 and 60 over an average period of 10.6 years. This long-term study focused on identifying various risk factors for heart disease, and notably, none of the participants had pre-existing heart conditions when the research began.

During the follow-up period, 123 acute coronary events occurred. Subsequent analysis revealed that waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and BMI were all directly linked to the risk of these acute coronary incidents.

The researchers noted that standard metrics—like blood pressure, diabetes, fasting insulin levels, serum lipids, plasma fibrinogen, and uric acid—only partially explained why waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and BMI correlate so strongly with coronary heart disease.

Even after adjusting for all those other variables, a powerful connection remained between coronary heart disease and the waist-to-hip ratio.
In fact, the study showed that a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.91 nearly triples the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Based on these results, physicians are concluding that abdominal thickness is an independent risk factor for coronary disease, often proving more significant than overall obesity alone.

Interestingly, the negative impact of abdominal fat was even more pronounced in smokers and men with low physical activity levels. This suggests that lifestyle changes really need to tackle all these risk factors simultaneously to be effective.
Reference: EUR Heart j 2002;23:687-689,706-713.

Obesity linked to higher cancer mortality rates

April 25, 2003. Obesity can be defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat, occurring either through an increase in the number of fat cells or an increase in their size.

The first type, known as hypertrophic obesity, typically develops during early life stages. The second type, hyperplastic obesity, is more common in adulthood and usually stems from high caloric intake combined with physical inactivity.

The issue isn't just about the number on the scale; it’s about the various health complications that follow, such as diabetes and hypertension.
A new study provides perhaps the strongest evidence yet that obesity significantly raises the risk of dying from cancer.

Cancer mortality isn't limited to the well-known links between high BMI and cancers like breast or colorectal cancer.

This research identifies several cancers previously not strongly associated with obesity, including stomach and prostate cancer in men, as well as multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cancers of the cervix, ovaries, liver, and pancreas.

Most people aren't aware that obesity increases cancer risks, so this study might help raise much-needed awareness regarding these dangers.

In this massive study following 900,000 individuals over a 16-year period, researchers identified over 57,000 cancer cases. Notably, none of the participants had cancer when the study began 16 years ago.

Researchers found that obesity or increased body weight was linked to 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% in women.

For nearly all types of cancer studied, the risk of death rose alongside BMI. In the study, the heaviest men faced a 52% higher risk of dying from cancer, while the heaviest women saw a 62% increased risk compared to those with a normal weight.

Experts note that obesity has emerged as the second most frequent cause of cancer in Western civilization, trailing only smoking. It’s a compelling reason to reconsider our lifestyles and dietary habits.

That said, doctors aren't particularly optimistic about how easily or quickly the general public will change their eating and lifestyle behaviors.

Current statistics show that rather than being resolved, the obesity epidemic is actually intensifying globally. Alongside depression, obesity has become one of the most prevalent health issues worldwide.

By: Strahimir Sučić, MD
References: The New England Journal of Medicine, April 24, 2003.