I must say I was surprised, and gratified to read that Chatham-Kent’s acing medical officer of health has dared to raise the subject and the stigma of obesity.

Dr. Shanker Nesathurai broached the topic at a recent meeting of the local health board, noting that 65 per cent of people in C-K could be considered overweight or obese.

Despite those numbers, which I’m sure aren’t unique to our little neck of the woods, the many stereotypes and false assumptions of those who don’t reflect society’s ideals are stigmatized and made to feel less than.

In fact, Nesathurai told the board that “our discrimination against people with unhealthy weights is the last remaining acceptable form of bigotry.”

As somebody who’s tipped the scales at numbers higher than I’d like for decades, I would like to thank the doctor for his comments and consideration.

I’m neither lazy nor undisciplined, and in fact, for the past three years I’ve committed myself to something called “intermittent fasting,” which means I only eat between the hours of 12 noon and 8 p.m. each day. Initially helped me lose some weight, but eventually a few pounds did manage to reappear, but I continue with it as I feel better and do weigh........

© Sarnia Observer