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Too Fat to Graduate

Abstract:
Who would've thought that the "misses" and "plus" signs that separates us in clothing stores would find its way on to Lincoln's campus?

Under Lincoln University rule, students who have a clinical body mass index over 30 are required to take a physical education class....

Las Vegas Movers | Long distance moving Las Vegas

posted 11/18/09 @ 4:48 PM EST

Quote:

"'m never going to be comfortable with this class, but I think I would more understanding if this was a requirement for everyone. While I don't think it was the university's intention to make us feel excluded, that is precisely what they have done.

So for now, I'm going to bite the bullet and take the class. Not because Lincoln is requiring me to, (I actually passed the test) but rather, because I would like to be healthier."

That is a good idea to take the class.
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jim

posted 11/20/09 @ 9:57 AM EST

I feel empathy with Tiana Y. Lawson. I do feel that there is a problem with obseity in general in this country. The City of New York has enacted a requiremnet requiring restaurant chains to list the caloric content lf its food in an effirt ti educate the eating population. They can ignore the listing if they want.

If the intent is to educate then I feel that there is no problem. The only problem is the criteria to pass. Not not all people are able to lower their MI or take a PE class in sports.

Maybe the university should have the students take the course as strictly informational.

My daughter goes to a college where there is a swimming requirement. During freshman orientation a wimming test is given. If the student fails then it is required to take a swimming course. My daughter has a problem with swimming so she didn't pass the tet. The course was pass fail. She passed because she showed improvement.

Good luck...
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ford

posted 11/23/09 @ 11:53 AM EST

You are FAT! Lose the weight and get on with your life.
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BryanCF

posted 11/25/09 @ 11:25 AM EST

Originally posted by

ford

 You are FAT! Lose the weight and get on with your life.


FORD you are an ignorant idiot, so who is worse??? You by far..Idiot
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Gordon Daily

posted 11/30/09 @ 5:12 PM EST

I am responding to the idiot that posted the message, "You are FAT! Lose the weight and get on with your life."

As someone who has had a lifelong struggle with weight problems, I have run into this sort of jerk all too often. Such a person never gives a thought to limiting what he eats. When he is hungry, he eats, and takes no interest in whether the food is "healthy" in nature.

Many obese people have the simple problem of being hungry. The smaller portions prescribed by a diet that will allow us to lose weight leaves us hungry. Hunger by nature is an intense sensation that is designed to make sure we eat to sustain our bodies. You who simply say "just lose the weight" should try dieting just to see how long you can put up with the same hunger pangs we obese people fight.

In any case, the point is that a university is a place to be educated. It is a place to learn a particular subject matter. How does one's obesity impact this learning? Why should any student, be it someone who is barely passing or an honor student, be denied a degree because of his physique? If the person meets the educational requirements he should be awarded the degree. Period.
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Chris. B

posted 12/02/09 @ 2:33 PM EST

Gordon Daily said:
Hunger by nature is an intense sensation that is designed to make sure we eat to sustain our bodies. You who simply say "just lose the weight" should try dieting just to see how long you can put up with the same hunger pangs we obese people fight.

Sorry Gordon, but therein lies your problem. You want to "diet" instead of changing your lifestyle, just like Tiana is probably doing. There is no way in Hell you can convince me she's actually exercising daily, or even three times a week.

I'll put money on it that you aren't either. Oftentimes those people who eat whatever they want, whenever they want, and give no thought to it, can do so because they're burning through the energy they consume.

When I was in the Navy, my communications officer was a recent graduate from college, and he was on the swim team there. This is a man who would regularly eat five or six times a day, and I'm not talking small portions either. He would mow down a half dozen tacos from Taco Bell at noon and be starving for another three burritos just three hours later. During his peak training times during college, he would burn around 6,000 calories per day.

I'll put that into perspective for you: My submarine spent 35 days in the Arctic a few years back. We established an ice camp for scientific research for 28 days. Those of us doing work constantly out in the elements were burning 6,000 calories per day to stay warm, while encased in multiple layers of specially designed cold weather gear.

Sticking to the Taco Bell example, since that's what I've been using: 6,000 calories is the equivalent of choking down about 20 Meximelts. That's a lotta Taco Bell.

How many calories do you burn per day? How many does Tiana? The average human being requires about 1,800 calories per day just to stay alive. That's just carrying out 24 hours worth of bodily processes. That's a lot of energy. It doesn't take much more effort to actually reduce your weight. Run half an hour a day. Spend another half hour doing calisthenics. You do that every day for a year and I promise you, you'll be in shape, even with your current eating habits, and you won't have to starve yourself.

Its never about starving yourself. Its about getting up out of that chair and doing something.
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Serge

posted 12/04/09 @ 11:45 AM EST

Originally posted by

ford

 You are FAT! Lose the weight and get on with your life.


The school lists it's requirements for graduation before you choose to attend the school, if you don't want to go to the school then don't.

More schools should have programs like this. Part of going to college is getting ready for real life. And the school is taking extra measures to make sure the students not only have the education, but healthy living habits. How is this bad?
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BGUK

posted 11/23/09 @ 2:44 PM EST

If the University were being logical they'd also test enrolling students' stress levels, physical fitness levels, blood pressure, alcohol and cigarette intake: anything that endangers health as much or more so than obesity.

As the University doesn't (I presume) test for these things it is not being logical, therefore being unfair and discriminatory against a group of people.

As Lincoln is, historically, a University where students of often discriminated-against groups have attended, this would seem to be a step in the wrong direction. Health does not come into it.
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Dell Bryant

posted 11/23/09 @ 3:34 PM EST

This is outrageous and nothing more than discrimination which most legal minds know is a slippery slope. A good law suit is in order here with a steep payout or settlement. As a former morbidly obese person who was forced to participate in such requirements at another school; it did nothing to help my weight and other problems which lead to my extreme weight. Shame on this school!!! This is making life a little more difficult for those already climbing an uphill battle.
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Linda Moore

posted 11/30/09 @ 1:21 PM EST

I am wondering that since the faculty approved this requirement if they also approved such requirements for faculty tenure? After all, don't they get benefits being on staff? Isn't there a risk if the faculty are "obese" and being funded with health benefits? Shouldn't they be required as well? It's only fair.
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Joe

posted 11/30/09 @ 2:21 PM EST

The only problem I see here is that Tiana's logic is completely flawed. This class, like all colleges classes, are required on an AS NEEDED basis. If a student has excellent writing skills, he/she doesn't NEED a basic grammar class. If an active student has made good lifestyle choices and is perfectly healthy, he/she doesn't NEED a class about physical fitness. Why would a school summarily make every single student take any particular class? It doesn't make sense. A BMI of 30 due to fat is OBESE. We as a society must recognize that being obese is a BIG problem and is not acceptable. If a school feels compelled to address a problem, they are reasonably going to target the problem, not blanket the entire student body with their solution just to make obese people feel better about being obese.
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will

posted 12/02/09 @ 12:43 PM EST

Originally posted by

Joe

 The only problem I see here is that Tiana's logic is completely flawed. This class, like all colleges classes, are required on an AS NEEDED basis. If a student has excellent writing skills, he/she doesn't NEED a basic grammar class.


No no no, you and the college's logic is flawed. An "as needed" classes are required because of it's relevance to an area of study. ie. Grammar is basic communication skill for everyone and for English majors. Math is basic knowledge for Science/Math/Accounting...etc.

Fitness is not related to anything that's being taught at an college, unless you are becoming a phy. ed teacher.

Are the ppl that's being forced to take this class studying to be a phy ed teach?

[QUOTE]If an active student has made good lifestyle choices and is perfectly healthy, he/she doesn't NEED a class about physical fitness. [/QUOTE]

Funny how you said it's a lifestyle choice. Smoking is both a life style choice and we all KNOW it's bad for people. How come the school is making a mandatory "Quit Smoking 101" for all the smokers? by the same logic, since the school CARED so much about the health of students, it should force all smoking students to take that "As Needed" class?

Hey, how about that roommate of yours who you know has a drinking problem? We know that drinking is bad for your liver although it's a lifestyle choice. How come they are not required to take "AA Meeting 101" before they can graduate?

Oh, and that friend of yours that's addicted to online computer games and sleeps only 2 hours a day fighting monsters online? We know that's an un-healthy lifestyle choice. How come the school is not forcing him to take "MMO and Addiction 101" before he can graduate?

And that friend of your friend who... Where do you draw the line?

[QUOTE]A BMI of 30 due to fat is OBESE. We as a society must recognize that being obese is a BIG problem and is not acceptable.[/QUOTE]

Hitler recognized that not being Caucasian would make people inferior in intelligence and fitness and it's not acceptable to let them propagate their genes. So he went ahead and convinced everyone one as a society to practice eugenics and then kill off the rest...

[QUOTE]If a school feels compelled to address a problem, they are reasonably going to target the problem. not blanket the entire student body with their solution just to make obese people feel better about being obese.[/QUOTE]

it's reasonable to target certain people based on their opinion? really?

The school also feel that your inferior understanding of civil liberty and equality is a problem for you after you graduate. The board has required that you take "Equality and Civil Liberty as basis of a free country 101" before you graduate. Please report to room 1331 after this class.
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carolyn

posted 11/30/09 @ 2:50 PM EST

Great...now a university is going to play God. Remember the students pay you. You are there to serve them, not dictate or judge.
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joe smith

posted 11/30/09 @ 3:55 PM EST

Originally posted by

carolyn

 Great...now a university is going to play God. Remember the students pay you. You are there to serve them, not dictate or judge.


We go to this University to be educated. And those that are unhealthy, need to be educated on how to eat, exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.

If I couldn't add when I entered college, I would expect to be told to take a remedial math course. Not everyone would need to take it, just those that need assistance.

Same with this requirement. Those that are healthy dont need it. Those that will be a drain on the health care of this country do.
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MM

posted 12/01/09 @ 11:55 AM EST

Originally posted by

carolyn

 Great...now a university is going to play God. Remember the students pay you. You are there to serve them, not dictate or judge.


Joe - could you be a bit more ignorant?
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winston

posted 11/30/09 @ 4:07 PM EST

All in all the point is that obesity is an issue and you are overweight to some degree. Take the free help and get it under control now before you have to get gastric bypass surgery in 5 years. An obese life is limiting and employers tend to higher people less is they look like a risk, don't be the weakest link. Rather tae bo it up and look good.
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cdkat13

posted 11/30/09 @ 4:14 PM EST

I don't think the school's point is for everyone to be a size two. I think that is an impossible goal for most people.

I do believe that health is a part of your education. When I get a glimpse of the medication overweight people are on it is enough to motivate me to not want to be that way.

My wish for you is to arm yourself with information and make an *informed* choice regarding your weight and lifestyle. As my mother once told me "If you know better, you should do better."
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John Donkey

posted 11/30/09 @ 4:15 PM EST

A "slightly high BMI"? 26 to 29 is considered overweight or a "slightly high" BMI. 30+ (the requirements for the class) is obese and unless you're heavily into athletics or bodybuilding (in which case the program's waist measurements will weed you out so you do not need to take it). One of the main reasons why obesity is so big here is that Americans see fatness as a "moral failing" which in turn makes them so sensitive about it, and in turn leads to opposition to fix the situation.
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Professor at another college

posted 11/30/09 @ 5:17 PM EST

Obesity is an issue. Is it the largest issue facing college students? No.

I completely agree with the person who suggested that all students be screened for drug usage, binge drinking & alcoholism, destructive relationships, stress, etc.

This is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

A professor at another college
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Sarah JM

posted 11/30/09 @ 5:18 PM EST

There have been countless studies done that show obesity is an indicator of future health problems. However, there have been additional studies done showing that education level is an indicator of obesity risk. While the basis of this class requirement is somewhat understood, should we really partake in furthering the educational divide, and therefore increasing the plague of the less educated, also known as obesity?
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Chris

posted 11/30/09 @ 5:37 PM EST

It's time for our smartest Americans to quit being entitled whiners. This nation was built on hard work. Students are not being penalized for not fitting into a "size 2," but for being grossly out of shape. Those with lower BMI's (though the cut-off is somewhat arbitrary) obviously already know how to stay healthy--why should they be required to take an unnecessary class? I applaud the university, but recommend that the class include suicide drills (sprints) along with weight training and long runs. Noone ever got skinny by reading a book!
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Dave

posted 11/30/09 @ 5:48 PM EST

It appears that this was an identified graduation requirement when they entered the school. If they did not wish to fulfill that requirement to graduate, the student(s) should not attend and should have found another college to go to that did not have this as a graduation requirement. I had to take a religious studies class to graduate from college and was an athiest at the time, though I felt the education I received otherwise was top notch so I was willing to tough it out for the benefits of the education I received.
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Scott Foster

posted 11/30/09 @ 5:49 PM EST

Does anyone know what method they are using to test the BMI?
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carl

posted 11/30/09 @ 6:45 PM EST

as stated above, you knew this was a requirement when you enrolled. why are you going to start something and halfway through complain about the rules?

also, even if the university should help other things like addiction or stress, isn't it better to help with 1 thing that it can than to help with nothing at all.

the goal of college is to equip you to make a living and contribution to society. by saying you don't want the university to help its obese students you are saying you'd rather die younger, have more health problems while you do live, cost the rest of us more money for you health care, and make less money in whatever field you pursue. is that worth fighting for? i just don't understand your logic.
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DT

posted 11/30/09 @ 7:05 PM EST

All the people that are screaming "lawsuit", weight is not a protected class, because it can be changed, unlike race and gender (traditionally). Also, a college education is not a guaranteed "right". She got what she paid for, an education that requires a physical education class for those with a certain BMI. She and all her fellow Lincoln students had a choice when they enrolled.

The class is not a punishment for not being tiny. No weight loss is required. As the writer herself says, she was able to test out. I really don't see the problem here. If this was happening in high school where attendance at school is compulsory, I could understand.

If the class was optional to begin with, would she have enrolled? Maybe, but it seems that if she hadn't been required to get her BMI measured, she would not have been pushed in the right direction.
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Tania

posted 11/30/09 @ 7:14 PM EST

I'm a student at UCCS and in spite of the fact that Colorado is the skinniest state in the nation (the one with the lowest incidence of obesity) I am appaled at the number of young women I see on this campus who have hips that are obviously larger than 40 inches. I don't remember seeing so many huge women when I was in college 25 years ago.

I have a family history of obesity. Knowing this I started participating in track and field and swimming in high school. In college I added cross-country to that list. Since that time because of illness and circumstance, never mind genetics, I have gained about 80 pounds.

I agree with Ms. Lawson for one reason: just because one's BMI is below 30 doesn't guarantee a clean bill of health. I know plenty of people who are skinny and unhealthy out of ignorance. I think she is right. EVERYONE should be required to take that class. Those who are obese by the standards of BMI should be required to do more than take the class. I'm not for forced fun, but if it improves the health of our nation's youth? I'm all for it.

Typically Americans get heavier as we get older. When I look around this campus I shudder for these young obese women and wonder seriously if they will make it to my age (I'm 48). I applaud Lincoln University's policy and wish the same were true here. I am not happy at the prospect of having to foot the bill for the health of these obese women.
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M

posted 11/30/09 @ 7:25 PM EST

No info about how to pass the class. Can you fail? How? Maybe the class is intended to provide some guidance for overweight people, but doesn't affect their gpa, or major? Is it a "basket weaving" class- easy to pass, used as filler? Show up and get the points? Does it replace other "real" courses? I really don't see any bad aspects- this needs to go nationwide....Yes?
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Matt

posted 11/30/09 @ 8:01 PM EST

Does it not seem reasonable for all students at the University to take this course? It seems to me if the goal of the school is healthy students, all students would have to take this course.
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Chelsey

posted 11/30/09 @ 9:19 PM EST

In my opinion the writer is exaggerating the expectations of the school. They aren't requiring anyone to be a size two, nor are they only requiring a certain percentage of their student body to be "healthy." Obesity is a major concern when it comes to health problems. Without going into a detailed medical examination of each and every student, BMI is an adequate way of assessing health, especially coupled with waist taping. Unfortunately for the overweight at this school, they are seen as more of a health risk simply by being overweight. The students who are within a healthy weight range are assumed to be healthier in terms of weight related problems, which is acceptable. My college required PE courses of all of their students. If you have a problem with the physical education requirement, attend a different school. No one is forcing you to continue your education here if you aren't willing to adhere to a healthy weight requirement. And obviously the writer has been at this school for several years already and was aware of the BMI requirements. If you didn't want to take the class your senior year, then you should have worked on your own to get your weight down so you could have tested out of the program. Why are people so resentful of being told they have to get healthier? It is your choice whether you want to take the class. You don't have to go to school there.
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Mel

posted 11/30/09 @ 11:44 PM EST

Whats next? Blonde hair and Blue eyes? Hitler would be proud of Lincoln University.
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Jordan

posted 12/01/09 @ 12:40 AM EST

Is someone with a higher BMI necessarily less healthy than a person who say smokes, is a binge drinker or eats artery clogging food but just so happens to have a faster metabolism for the time being? No. The authors logic is completely correct. I have no problem with the school requiring the class, but the problem is how they chose which students to require it for. I actually applaud the school for trying to instill some education in this sense, but have it required for all, not just some. Also, the BMI scale is completely flawed. Someone could easily be labeled obese but yet be right where they should be because of muscle mass or the way their body is built. Any nutritionist will tell you this. The author is correct, class requirements should not be based upon BMI.
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David

posted 12/01/09 @ 1:30 AM EST

Complaining about one physical fitness class, hmph...be thankful you're not attending a military academy. BCT is no picnic. Early mornings runs, PT tests up the wazoo, and a whole slew of other fun physical activities. HOOAH! As I've heard and been told: "Suck it up and drive on!"
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dee

posted 12/01/09 @ 3:56 AM EST

i find the idea of a mandatory p.e. class to disgusting and discrimanitory. yes, excessinve wt contributes to heart disease, arthritis and diabetes, but so does genetics and some viral illnesses. my dad's family- no one is is above a "healthy" bmi- but 90% have had their heart attack by age 30. sooo how about screening for life limiting factors like drinking, smoking,drugs, driving, hiv, family history? these risk factors are not so "in your face" as obesity- but they cause just as much damage. hair color, skin color, accents of speach are also "in your face" and it is illeagl to discriminate against people based on those traits. best to live at let live.
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mark c

posted 12/01/09 @ 3:53 PM EST

Originally posted by Go back to school and learn how to proof read your article before claiming to be an honour student. Your complaints are noted and dismissed. Grow up, get healthy, and lose some weight. It's a win win.


Moron, "proofread" is one word, and the correct U.S. spelling is "honor." So proofread yourself. Your comments are noted and dismissed.

I'd cut you some slack on the latter error for possibly being British if it weren't for the fact that Brits aren't usually such gigantic pricks.
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Nathan Bradley

posted 12/01/09 @ 8:54 AM EST

BMI is misleading. Take the BMI of most running backs and it will say they are obese. It doesn't account for body type or muscular builds.
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Chris

posted 12/01/09 @ 9:30 AM EST

While I am not in the 'offended' obese category...I am curious if anyone realized that all the 5'2" 100 pound women are UNDERWEIGHT...that's quite unhealthy also.

Health is IMPORTANT in SO MANY WAYS - BUT - I hope Lincoln U will demand these skinny-girls (and guys) with a BMI of less than 18.5 to eat (or workout).

Let's play fair, fat people lose weight, skinny people eat.
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felicity

posted 12/01/09 @ 10:14 AM EST

If I attended a university that forced me to take any class other than what I am paying for, I would raise a little hell. Yes, the author may have been aware of the the offensive requirement upon enrollment, but perhaps her reason for choosing Lincoln was based on attending a school that was best for achieving her desired degree. It is not up to advisors or faculty or even other "healthier" students to dictate how other people should live their lives. I am of the smaller body size and i get offended when people tell me to eat a hamburger. Skinny people shouldn't tell obese people to lose weight, obese people should leave skinny people alone. Acceptance, people, acceptance.
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lewis

posted 12/01/09 @ 11:07 AM EST

I agree with BGUK. They should require all students with health concerns such as smoking, drinking, drug addictions, cutters, Anorexia etc... to take appropriate classes. After all, most of these behaviors have a negative impact on a person's health and future. It makes no sense to single out a specific group.
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Alice

posted 12/01/09 @ 11:22 AM EST

Do they require the same class for persons who are clinically underweight? If not, as I suspect is the case, it is discriminatory. Underweight people actually have more health risks than overweight in the college age group.
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MM

posted 12/01/09 @ 11:51 AM EST

I think this is beyond lame. Seriously. Why a university would require this is way beyond me.

Seems to me that 'weight' is such a big concern because people feel it is an acceptable variable to judge. Fat people must be fat because they don't take care of themselves. Fat people are gross and need to lose weight. Fat people need to stop eating. For some reason, the US population - generally horrified by death - sees being obese as an indicator of 'unhealthy' behavior. Well, it is far from the worst behavior out there.

As someone who teaches undergraduates, I feel they should also include mental health exams and require the following:

Depression - "Psychology of Happiness" course
"Unhealthy"/low self-esteem - Forced participation
in public venues and awkward situations
Anger issues - anger management courses
Binge drinking - AA
Drug use - DA
Unhealthy sexual behavior - "Respecting oneself" course

This way, half the future idiots I have to teach are also educated on healthy behaviors as well.

Seriously - being overweight is far from the worst thing going on in the world. I can think of much, much, much worse ways to go.

Granted, obesity is a problem in the US. Steps should be taken to correct this behavior as best as possible. But any university that considers itself a 'higher learning' establishment should not be treating its students like high schoolers. It is not the administration's job to dictate this kind of stuff to students UNLESS they are going to require it of all their students. These kids are adults. They are going to make their own decisions in life. Some of them are skinny now and by 30 will be considered obese!

And you want to talk about lasting negative impressions? Who in their right mind (fat or not) would want to attend an institution that labels people this way??? I cannot believe they actually are getting away with it.

And "Skinny" - your personal belief NEVER has to be displayed to the public at large. Imagine being agnostic and having to wear a sign indicating that fact everyday at a Catholic school. The point is that it is really easy to pick on someone who is overweight because it is obvious. It is a little harder to pick on someone like you because your poor analogies can be hidden away in your brain and not readily seen by the general population of the world. We can only call you an 'idiot' if we actually have the opportunity to talk to you.

In my opinion it is stupidity like this that makes our education system in the US weak and unproductive. Universities should not be parents, nor should they feel free to dangle a degree (which has been gained via proper academic routes) with some changing and flimsy conceptual understanding of weight. It makes the entire establishment (and supporters of it) appear 'ignorant'.

The author will have to take the class, and she will probably be better for it. But, that does not make it right.
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survivor3306

posted 12/01/09 @ 3:43 PM EST

If enough pressure from the disgusted public and student body causes this policy to be rescinded, maybe Dr. DeBoy will resign in protest. Now that is a scenario I would describe as a win-win!
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survivor3306

posted 12/01/09 @ 3:45 PM EST

If enough pressure from the disgusted public and student body causes this policy to be rescinded, maybe Dr. DeBoy will resign in protest. Now that is a scenario I would describe as win-win!
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Mark

posted 12/01/09 @ 4:27 PM EST

I have a question for those of you who support "healty lifestyle choices". Who decides what these choices are? How long before your lifestyle choices end up being considered "unhealthy"? If the class was mandatory for all students without the mandatory exercise component then ok. But it is my choice to live how I want to live as long as it doesn't affect anothers basic rights. This is wrong in every way, regardless of the good intentions.
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R Swanson

posted 12/01/09 @ 7:48 PM EST

If you needed help in english and had to take a writing class before graduation, would it be different than a PE class? Anyone who has a BMI of 30, needs to really be educated on fitness and health. This is serious. I was within a point on the BMI of being overweight in Jan. 09. I have excerized all year and I've never felt better and I have a lower BMI. Be open to the experience and be healthy. Size 2 is not the expectation, but BMI under 30 is a true GOAL.
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Cassandra

posted 12/01/09 @ 11:22 PM EST

Originally posted by

R Swanson

 If you needed help in english and had to take a writing class before graduation, would it be different than a PE class? Anyone who has a BMI of 30, needs to really be educated on fitness and health.


Yes, it is different. Needing assistance to get an academic subject up to passing level is part of what college is about. Students are there to learn academic disciplines and earn marks according to an utterly objective standard that applies evenly to everyone across the board. Judging students to be fit or unfit based on whether they're fat or not, a judgment that is actually subjective because BMI is dependent on unstandardized things such as build and muscle mass, is a totally different thing. This class isn't based on fitness or health, just on weight. That is both discriminatory and inaccurate. Why not select those for the class based on a treadmill endurance test, cholesterol levels or eating habits? While those criteria would be more appropriate, they still wouldn't present a picture of one's overall need for such a class.

Btw, obesity is a protected class in some jurisdictions. In those places, it is illegal to single out the obese as a group for unequal treatment solely because of their obesity. A program like this is going to end up challenged legally, and it will probably end up with case law creating obesity as a protected class nationally rather than only in certain cities or states.

I would think a storied university like Lincoln would understand the dangers and prejudices in singling out one group of people for unequal treatment. The administration should be ashamed that they are not treating all students equally. Either make everyone take the class, or make it optional for those who wish to take it. Oh, and stop being hypocritical with the school cafeteria offerings while you're at it. Telling students they're fat, unhealthy and need to make lifestyle changes while not offering healthier food choices at mealtimes is asinine.
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youni

posted 12/02/09 @ 5:01 AM EST

Why stop with BMI?

In the spirit of Tiana's view and Lincoln's desire to invest in the future health of its students, obesity is a major risk factor for several comorbid disorders that pose an immediate threat to a student's health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea seems an especially insidious threat. Affected students are asleep and completely unaware of how severely they may be experiencing asphyxiation. The impact of untreated apnea on performance in school, athletics, and relationships with others is intuitive. High BMI is a risk factor, but African-American youth are 2-3 times more likely to develop conditions like sleep apnea compared to Caucasians and independent of BMI.

Whiie Lincoln's interest in the life-long health of its graduates is admirable and easily appreciated, the graduation policy based on "BMI" might benefit from more discussion including immediate health threats?
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Jorgen

posted 12/02/09 @ 7:42 PM EST

Tiana,

While it is ridiculous for a University to treat its student this way you really have to think about yourself and your future.

Hopefully, you will one day have your own happy family and children. By having a very high BMI you are exposing yourself to numerous health dangers that can even lead to your premature death.

If not for yourself, do it for your future family so that you can enjoy an as long and healthy life as possible with your SO and your kids because there is nothing more important in life than your family.
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biblio_tawn

posted 12/03/09 @ 12:48 AM EST

No one is saying you're too fat to graduate nor that you have to be a size two. They're saying you're unhealthy and need to be educated about a healthier lifestyle so you don't face disease and suffering down the road. The irony is you are the one being superficial. You cant see past your own insecurities. This isnt about what size clothes you wear. This is about the quality of your life. Perhaps you are still too young to grasp that concept.

I have also had to take classes that other's didnt have to take. Other students tested out of those classes by showing they already know the stuff. This is not a new concept.

Stop complaining and be appreciative that someone actually cares about your future. You have a rough road ahead of you if you don't take advantage of these learning tools. No one is judging you. Believe it or not there's a bigger picture out there then whether or not you are a size two. These people realize you are facing disease, pain, and a lot of suffering if you arent educated on how to manage your health. The only person that is being superficial here is you.
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Veronica

posted 12/03/09 @ 1:38 AM EST

I like the fat people rule, just not sure if this late in the game for that particular student who was ALREADY enrolled. That's not so cool at all. I do however find the approach interesting and definitely offensive enough to get fat people into gear. Yes, I agree with that awful sounding perspective, but to me, the fat people I know are lazy and therefore non-contributors to society, represent unhealthy habits adding more disease to the mix since supply and demand is a huge market for that audience, which gets kids to follow footsteps, and boom chain reaction here we come. The other thing that kills me is that they support the worst food to be made (Drive'-thrus) which are the same places that represent the worst factory farms for the animals they eat, and fat people are horrible contributors to the healthcare industry causing all of us damage. So all in all, even though there is a section of fat people that have all sorts of conditions, they dont need to look like MONSTERS like the way they do in the good'ol south. Anyway, dont get me started, its not totally the point. At the end of the day, he has a point since his plan to go there didnt know about that requirement until after the fact. He should have been grandfathered in and they should have planned to start these unconventional rules at the same time a new generation of students would be given the chance to see the school's pre-reqs. But I do think that rule steers America in the right direction even if it hurts fat people's feelings. Those same feelings will be feeling mighty good when all that yellow <-- (fat is yellow if you were to open up your body) and start feeling amazing inside and out, plus live longer and do more with their kids. Ok. you hate me now. Its a topic i dislike that I like to talk about if I ever can.

Mexicans and black peeps cant change their color but fat people can tone it down. I sound horrific I know. i know. I can't say it any kinder - its a harsh subject to those with feelings who cant get it together and actually face the facts...larger people, bigger people, overweight peeps, folks with a slow metabolism, whatever one calls them, at the end of the day, fat peeps arent discriminated against, more so disrespected because they dont respect themselves. For example, if you want me to take someone seriously, they cant look like a bum, look fat, appear drunk, or represent anything that depicts carelessness. Fat people are associated with being unfocused or having a low sense of responsibility, which keeps them from being hired. Fat people are also a risky hire for companies as they want to know how healthy one takes care of themself in order to measure life expectancy. This also falls in the category of employers focusing on how much more $ a fat person is going to cost them because they are considered a health risk and will cost companies more to have them on board. Let's not forget the health reform bill that Obama is focusing on, for example, medicare and medicaid will be measuring the aim to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and reducing weight on any risky patients all because of the demand to see results for where the money is being spent.

Classic example of not truly being disrespectful but its just obvious is - I go to the gym - I seek a trainer and I would NEVER EVER in my life train from a fat person. NO WAY. Why? The same way a smart person would never hire a dentist to do brain surgery. One has to play the part. Fat people visually demonstrate that they dont care about their health. which leads them to not TOTALLY being ambitious. Unhealthy people (fat or thin) are irresponsible for having kids since they are bound for risky illnesses that can lead them to their death: not cool for the kids nor the partner. If they dont care about their health, they dont care about their looks, which means, their hygiene because its more difficult to upkeep the grime inbetween the fat rolls, which is hands-down gross and unbecoming. Careless eaters also means they choose not to live life to the fullest because they cant physically keep up which means they cant be too fun unless its all about lazy gestures (generally eating, drinking, drugs, tv) <--all bad habits, which all essentially means that a decent neutral person in society really cant find anything in common with fat folks at the end of the day. Shopping exhausts them, exercise is out of the question, world traveling would be a drag, sports would be a joke, working towards success makes it that much harder, and supporting toxic resources polluting our environment from their fake food eating trends i just wrong. So yes, fat people feel like victims along with everyone else, but, I would say that probably 50% if not 75% of the fat people in the US could lose weight if they wanted to. Let me go one step further, think holocaust - they all got thin - this means we can all get thin - sorry for the HORRIFIC example but this ends that point at its best.

The other part of feeling like a victim/discriminated is frankly in regards to being unqualified for several jobs such as life guards, EMT's, Health Conscious Efforts, sports training, everything that has to do with living longer...that's not ironic.

Lets not forget that there is a whole slew of folks that are too fat to work to the point that they get funded benefits because of their disability of being fat, and that is simply in my eyes unacceptable. I would be thrilled to show people how to lose fat but it disgusts me to see the poor excuses. Its super easy to lose if one quits the garbage eating - I can prove it. I have a few connections to folks that got fat for unfortunate conditions that they couldnt resolve right away, etc, but to be the size of a monster is beyond abnormal. Any folks who are not from this country specifically know what I am talking about because they dont see anyone that size in their country. Its an American thing and its obvious. Fat people who are fat because of un-medical reasons are simply lazy and need to show some respect for themselves before they gain any respect from someone else. fat people are generally not leaders because fatness sends a signal indicating that the cannot keep their things in order or prioritize, hence they cannot get the respect needed to lead. Here is the point, as you can see I can go on and on - there is NOTHING good about fat and if someone is fat YES THERE IS HOPE. I dont get why anyone would say fat is a good thing or worth defending. Its proven in every way that it brings nothing good to the table. Sorry to sound like a TOTAL nasty person and believe it or not the best book ever for any fat person to begin with is called SKINNY BITCH...its not a cali valley book - its all about nutrition and our country's method of feeding us, leaving us to have to think for ourselves with what goes in our mouth.

- Veronica
veronica@post.harvard.edu
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Susan

posted 12/03/09 @ 3:56 PM EST

Just a response to the first sentence: that is not the case here; when the requirement was passed several years ago it was for incoming students, not for any students already enrolled, so I believe that this may be the first year that it actually applies to seniors and impacts their ability to graduate. Theoretically, then, all students should have known that they would be held to the requirement, if it applied to them.

Originally posted by

Veronica

 I like the fat people rule, just not sure if this late in the game for that particular student who was ALREADY enrolled. That's not so cool at all. I do however find the approach interesting and definitely offensive enough to get fat people into gear. Yes, I agree with that awful sounding perspective, but to me, the fat people I know are lazy and therefore non-contributors to society, represent unhealthy habits adding more disease to the mix since supply and demand is a huge market for that audience, which gets kids to follow footsteps, and boom chain reaction here we come. The other thing that kills me is that they support the worst food to be made (Drive'-thrus) which are the same places that represent the worst factory farms for the animals they eat, and fat people are horrible contributors to the healthcare industry causing all of us damage. So all in all, even though there is a section of fat people that have all sorts of conditions, they dont need to look like MONSTERS like the way they do in the good'ol south. Anyway, dont get me started, its not totally the point. At the end of the day, he has a point since his plan to go there didnt know about that requirement until after the fact. He should have been grandfathered in and they should have planned to start these unconventional rules at the same time a new generation of students would be given the chance to see the school's pre-reqs. But I do think that rule steers America in the right direction even if it hurts fat people's feelings. Those same feelings will be feeling mighty good when all that yellow <-- (fat is yellow if you were to open up your body) and start feeling amazing inside and out, plus live longer and do more with their kids. Ok. you hate me now. Its a topic i dislike that I like to talk about if I ever can.

Mexicans and black peeps cant change their color but fat people can tone it down. I sound horrific I know. i know. I can't say it any kinder - its a harsh subject to those with feelings who cant get it together and actually face the facts...larger people, bigger people, overweight peeps, folks with a slow metabolism, whatever one calls them, at the end of the day, fat peeps arent discriminated against, more so disrespected because they dont respect themselves. For example, if you want me to take someone seriously, they cant look like a bum, look fat, appear drunk, or represent anything that depicts carelessness. Fat people are associated with being unfocused or having a low sense of responsibility, which keeps them from being hired. Fat people are also a risky hire for companies as they want to know how healthy one takes care of themself in order to measure life expectancy. This also falls in the category of employers focusing on how much more $ a fat person is going to cost them because they are considered a health risk and will cost companies more to have them on board. Let's not forget the health reform bill that Obama is focusing on, for example, medicare and medicaid will be measuring the aim to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and reducing weight on any risky patients all because of the demand to see results for where the money is being spent.

Classic example of not truly being disrespectful but its just obvious is - I go to the gym - I seek a trainer and I would NEVER EVER in my life train from a fat person. NO WAY. Why? The same way a smart person would never hire a dentist to do brain surgery. One has to play the part. Fat people visually demonstrate that they dont care about their health. which leads them to not TOTALLY being ambitious. Unhealthy people (fat or thin) are irresponsible for having kids since they are bound for risky illnesses that can lead them to their death: not cool for the kids nor the partner. If they dont care about their health, they dont care about their looks, which means, their hygiene because its more difficult to upkeep the grime inbetween the fat rolls, which is hands-down gross and unbecoming. Careless eaters also means they choose not to live life to the fullest because they cant physically keep up which means they cant be too fun unless its all about lazy gestures (generally eating, drinking, drugs, tv) <--all bad habits, which all essentially means that a decent neutral person in society really cant find anything in common with fat folks at the end of the day. Shopping exhausts them, exercise is out of the question, world traveling would be a drag, sports would be a joke, working towards success makes it that much harder, and supporting toxic resources polluting our environment from their fake food eating trends i just wrong. So yes, fat people feel like victims along with everyone else, but, I would say that probably 50% if not 75% of the fat people in the US could lose weight if they wanted to. Let me go one step further, think holocaust - they all got thin - this means we can all get thin - sorry for the HORRIFIC example but this ends that point at its best.

The other part of feeling like a victim/discriminated is frankly in regards to being unqualified for several jobs such as life guards, EMT's, Health Conscious Efforts, sports training, everything that has to do with living longer...that's not ironic.

Lets not forget that there is a whole slew of folks that are too fat to work to the point that they get funded benefits because of their disability of being fat, and that is simply in my eyes unacceptable. I would be thrilled to show people how to lose fat but it disgusts me to see the poor excuses. Its super easy to lose if one quits the garbage eating - I can prove it. I have a few connections to folks that got fat for unfortunate conditions that they couldnt resolve right away, etc, but to be the size of a monster is beyond abnormal. Any folks who are not from this country specifically know what I am talking about because they dont see anyone that size in their country. Its an American thing and its obvious. Fat people who are fat because of un-medical reasons are simply lazy and need to show some respect for themselves before they gain any respect from someone else. fat people are generally not leaders because fatness sends a signal indicating that the cannot keep their things in order or prioritize, hence they cannot get the respect needed to lead. Here is the point, as you can see I can go on and on - there is NOTHING good about fat and if someone is fat YES THERE IS HOPE. I dont get why anyone would say fat is a good thing or worth defending. Its proven in every way that it brings nothing good to the table. Sorry to sound like a TOTAL nasty person and believe it or not the best book ever for any fat person to begin with is called SKINNY BITCH...its not a cali valley book - its all about nutrition and our country's method of feeding us, leaving us to have to think for ourselves with what goes in our mouth.

- Veronica
veronica@post.harvard.edu
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