"I know that I needed help to lose weight and I wrote to Dr. Phil, Oprah, Dr. Oz, and nobody would hear me or respond, so I decided to get in contact with Guiness Book of World Records. And I thought I am already this size, so I might as well take advantage of it to get my story out there.... so I could get some weight loss help."
I need to take a deep breath here because there are so many things going through my head:
1. This isn't the first person who has felt the need to gain more weight to get help. I've heard many stories of people trying to GAIN weight so they qualify for a weight loss surgery. This is so effing backwards. In my opinion, health insurance companies should not pay for weight loss surgery unless it is the only chance of saving someone's life (i.e., they are in dire straits and will die if the surgery is not done immediately). If a person is able to exercise and go on a diet, they should. I'm not talking about the gimmicky diets or the "I walk to my couch" exercise routine, but serious concerted effort. Sadly, most health insurances don't cover dietitians or gym memberships/trainers. People don't turn to Overeaters Anonymous, or ther similar support groups, such as Weight Watchers, out of fear or shame. If someone were to break their back in an accident, insurance would pay for the rehab to help them learn to walk again. Most obese people need to re-learn how to cook, eat, exercise and live. Why isn't this considered rehab?
2. It's a sad state of affairs that people are using morbid obesity to (a) win money or (b) get fame/attention. What's more unforuntate is that the public is so willing to eat up these stories. I'm even guilty of it myself after having watched Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition, The Biggest Loser, Heavy, Losing It, etc. We like the stories of dramatic change even when it's not a healthy way to go about that change.
3. Dr. Phil, Oprah, and Dr. Oz were right to turn her away (if that is what she did) as she doesn't seem to be sincere in the least. If she had the epiphany, she would realize that no one other than herself is (1) in her way of succeeding or (2) the key to her success. If she truly wanted to lose the weight at any point in her life, she would have found a way. But right now, the addiction to food is way more important to her than her health.... Which brings me to...
4. What this woman needs most is a PSYCHOLOGIST to figure out why she wants the attention, why she's a compulsive eater, and how that is all related. Whether she recognizes it or not, it is related. I hope Dr. Drew is able to refer her to an addiction counselor/psychologist who can work with her on a long-term basis.
5. In my opinion and my experience, I belive that you don't get to choose your addiction (alcohol, drugs, food, Angry Birds), it chooses you. But at some point you get Stockholm Syndrome and sympathize with your addiction/captor more than you are fighting it. The addiction is most dangerous when you stop fighting it. Resigning to your addiction and saying "this is just the way I am and always will be" is not the same as surrendering to it and saying "it is stronger than I am." If you surrender, you are willing and able to get help. If you are resigned, you don't think any help (diet, exercise, therapy, etc.) will ever work.
6. When in doubt, send in Richard Simmons. I think he may be the original Honey Badger. Richard Simmons don't care how big you are. Richard Simmons don't care how long you've been fat. Richard Simmons knows you can shake your tush and break the cycle of bad eating.
