I am obese. When I was 8 years old I was put on "speed" to help me lose. I have been on every diet imaginable and many I made up myself. I have spent hours educating myself on eating, obesity, diet, etc. The fact of the matter is, diets don't work. There are many genetic and hormonal factors that we do not fully understand that govern our appetites and our tendency to gain weight. True, many people do not eat a healthy diet but they also do not eat enough calories on a consistent basis to weight as much as they do. The last time I tried to follow a balanced diet to lose weight I found I could not eat all the food involved. It was just too much.

My lifelong dieting has caused me to have a severe eating disorder which I have been treating for many years. I see food as my enemy. I cannot enjoy eating in public. I cannot enjoy most foods because I see them as "bad" for me. It is not right to have such an emotional reaction to a necessary bodily function.

I used to feel like I had to apologize for my appearance. Now I tell myself that people don't have to look at me if they do not like what they see. I also remind myself that I was made in the image and likeness of God. This is what God looked like when I was born.

I am a good person. I am sympathetic, itelligent, kind and helpful. I have integrity and my word is good. I try to uplift people and help them see their own worth. If I am fat, so what. I have enough really good characteristics that my body size is not an issue. It is not my problem, it is yours.

Venus, I have to say you have offended me with your attitude. Please do not respond to my message.