“The Park Avenue Diet Show” on August 29, 2010 discussed “Big Business”, namely the industry and products surrounding and helping people struggling with obesity. Most people do not appreciate how difficult and uncomfortable life can be for someone with excess weight. The sheer effort of moving as well as self-care can be extremely frustrating and painful, both physically and emotionally.
It is difficult to understand why someone would remain in a state of relative incapacitation rather than reduce their body size and take advantage of products utilized by healthier individuals. Nevertheless, American industry in its wisdom has invented dozens of products and devices that make life easier for obese individuals and may unknowingly keep them in that condition.
You can find the websites alluded to on your own. There is no need to provide links to show you the actual items mentioned on the radio program. Just to remind you, here are the 13 products discussed:
1. A 96” tape measure, not the conventional 60” one used by tailors.
2. A smaller-sized steering wheel.
3. Large chairs that can accommodate individuals weighing several hundred pounds.
4. Tools that aid in reaching things, such as dropped objects or objects on shelves. Some websites offer leg-lifters that help people get into cars more easily.
5. A zipper device that allows a woman to reach easily down the back of her own dress to pull the zipper up. The promotional material states “You don’t need a man to pull up that hard to reach zipper on the back of your dress!” The latter seems like a very depressing state of affairs.
6. A long-handled under and between toe washer.
7. A toilet paper holder. Which is more grotesque, the item itself or the mentality of an individual that allows this need to exist?
8. Tricycles for “exercise”, since people struggling with morbid obesity cannot balance properly on a two-wheeler.
9. A portable bidet with a two-quart tank, advertised as great for travel.
10. A scale that goes up to 1,000 pounds.
11. A large-sized bib that covers the entire body and lap. Why should obese people be more likely to stain their clothing than others? Is it because of the anatomical or psychological complications of their excessive weight? I have no idea.
12. A jumbo coffin, the ultimate indignity.
13. Iodine scrubs, usually used for sterilization in operating rooms, necessary in obese people because of more prevalent bacterial infections.
The above products were discussed at length, as was a reminder of the grim medical statistics about obesity. Namely, obesity (BMI 30-35) reduces life expectancy by approximately three years; morbid obesity (BMI greater than 40) reduces life expectancy by ten years. Also according to the American College of Physicians, obesity increases the risk of forty different illnesses in nine different organ systems. Although you now have access to conveniences such as the thirteen products listed above, obesity ain’t no picnic.
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