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Are Weight Loss Drugs the Way of the Future?

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Once upon a time Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig were the top names in weight loss. But today, weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are taking over. They are putting many weight loss companies out of business.

What are the New Weight Loss Drugs?

Drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic use the active drug semaglutide which works by triggering the body’s glucagon-like peptide-1 hormones to tell your body to stop eating. It reduces your appetite, so you consume fewer calories.

Another drug called Mounjaro is similar to Wegovy and Ozempic but has an active ingredient called tirezapatide. Like the other drugs, Tirezepatide works on the GLP-1 receptors, but it also affects the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. The double impact makes it even more effective.

How the New Drugs are Affecting the Weight Loss Kings

The new drugs are so effective they are putting many weight loss companies out of business. Jenny Craig, which has been around since the 80s, announced it would be closing its doors last week. Weight Watchers stocks plunged by about 29% after the FDA approved Wegovy for obesity.

Weight Watchers is taking life-saving measures by incorporating weight loss drugs into its diet programs. The day they decided to embrace Wegovy, their stocks climbed up 70%.

“Unless they change to somehow incorporate medications, yes, I think in the next few years we will see a lot of change in the diet industry including many businesses closing,” said Dr. Shauna Levy, an obesity medicine specialist at Tulane University at New Orleans commenting on diet companies’ plights.

Are Weight Loss Drugs Safe?

Although weight loss drugs are an ‘easy way out’ for people dealing with obesity, they come with their share of drawbacks. Wegovy injections cost a little more than $1300 per package which breaks down to $270 a week or $16,190 a year.

It also remains unclear whether you must stay on these drugs for life. Research suggests that people may regain their weight after they stop using the drugs if the source of the weight gain is not addressed. They also say the drug causes muscle loss making weight gain more of an issue.

You may also risk getting attacked by people who are judgmental of those that lose weight without putting in the work. But that could be the least of your worries.

Wegovy and Ozempic should not be used with any other weight loss products, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or drugs that contain semaglutide. They may not be safe for people with a history of pancreas conditions.

The drugs can be prescribed to people with a BMI of 30 or higher who are considered obese. They may also be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. They can be prescribed to children 12 and over with a BMI in the 95th percentile or higher.

So what’s your take on it? Will you be trying weight loss drugs? Or are the old-fashioned diet companies more your speed?

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Five of the Weirdest Ways to Lose Weight

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Diet and exercise are typically the go-tos when it comes to losing weight naturally. But there are other ways to lose weight that are not so obvious. This article will discuss these methods so you can find out how to shed pounds without a lot of effort.

Laugh More

Did you know laughing burns calories? Laughing causes the muscles in the body to contract and expand which increases heart rate and oxygen consumption promoting calorie burn. Studies show laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn up to 40 calories.

Laughing also lowers cortisol levels in your body which contributes to weight gain.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a well-known stress-relieving technique. It can also burn calories.

Experts state that taking 4-5 deep slow breaths before eating will make the body more likely to burn calories than store them. It helps settle the nervous system keeping the body from going into fight or flight mode that causes it to store calories so it can use them when stressful situations arise. It calms the body keeping it in a calorie-burning mode.

Cold Showers

Cold showers may not be pleasant, but they are effective in aiding weight loss.

The body has two types of fat cells: white fat and brown fat. Brown fat is beneficial because it aids with calorie burn. Cold showers activate brown fat cells that generate heat and maintain the body’s core temperature.

Cold showers also promote thermogenesis, so your body burns more calories throughout the day.

Get More Sleep

Getting more sleep to lose weight may seem counterintuitive, but it’s an effective method.

Sleep improves hormone function. It regulates the stress hormone cortisol, so you don’t eat as much. It also allows your body to go into repair and recovery mode giving you the mental clarity to make wise eating decisions.

Too little sleep also doesn’t allow your body to respond properly to insulin. When your body has trouble processing insulin, it has difficulty processing fats from the bloodstream. It ends up storing them as fat.

Walk After Meals

We all know walking can be conducive to weight loss. But it’s especially helpful if you walk directly after a meal.

When you walk after a meal, you send energy from the food directly into your cells so it can be utilized right away. It doesn’t allow calories to build up and lead to weight gain.

Experts say you don’t have to walk a lot after a meal to experience weight loss effects. Even ten minutes of walking after a meal reduces glucose spikes so the body responds better to digestion and shifts into fat-burning mode.

Pace Around Your Home

Pacing around the house helps you get extra steps in. It keeps body heat high and prevents stiffening in the lower extremities. It also keeps muscle limber if you are planning a workout later in the day.

These hacks make losing weight easier than you might think. Which will you be incorporating into your everyday routines?

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Best Anti-Inflammatory Snacks for Weight Loss

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Dieters often look for healthy snacks to replace bad habits. There are several options to choose from.

This article will review snacks that are not only good for you. They also are tasty, and anti-inflammatory. Their anti-inflammatory characteristics mean they are less likely to cause obesity-related symptoms like digestive issues, high blood pressure, and joint stiffness.

They are also full of vitamins and minerals and low in calories.

So, what snacks should you be eating to increase weight loss and reduce inflammation? Here are a few that are worth checking out.

Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a big part of the Mediterranean Diet which is known for reducing inflammation. They also improve digestion, boost bone health, increase mental health, and lower cancer risk.

This recipe calls for roasting chickpeas until they make a crunchy snack. Coat them with cinnamon sugar to add to their tasty flavor.

Almond Stuffed Dates

Medjool dates are another popular Mediterranean Diet item. They are anti-inflammatory and a good source of potassium, folate, and niacin. This recipe also includes heart-healthy almonds that are rich in fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Because the dates are soft, they are easy to stuff with almonds. They make a terrific healthy appetizer.

Rosemary-Garlic Pecans

Pecans are an extremely nutritious nut because they are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Spice them with rosemary and garlic to make them even more delicious. They are the perfect item to add to a cheese board.

Avocado Hummus

Avocado hummus is made with chickpeas that are good for digestion, bone health, and mental health. The avocado adds healthy fat content that makes the recipe irresistible. It’s the perfect thing to serve alongside pita chips.

Sriracha Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

The ideal alternative to Buffalo wings, these cauliflower bites are fun and delicious. Cauliflower is high in nutrients, heart-healthy, and it has anti-inflammatory characteristics. Cover it in spicy sriracha to add a kick and serve it alongside your favorite yogurt-based dip.

Apple with Cinnamon Almond Butter

Few things are better for you than fresh apples. They are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They are known to reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Make your apple snack even more delicious by covering the slices in rich cinnamon almond butter. Almonds are a great source of healthy fats. Research suggests that cinnamon may support blood sugar control, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit salad is a healthy meal or side that works well at summer cookouts and other events. For ultimate anti-inflammatory properties, add plenty of strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, and blueberries. A dollop of yogurt will make the recipe more substantial.

Now that you know the best recipes for weight loss and lowering inflammation, which will you be trying out in your kitchen?

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Will Cold Plunging Really Help You Lose Weight?

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If you look at weight loss media, you will see influencers dipping themselves into cold water claiming it promotes all sorts of benefits, one of which is weight loss. But can this technique really help you shed the pounds? Read on to find out.

What is Cold Plunging?

Cold plunging involves immersing yourself in cold water. It is usually done in water between 50- and 59 degrees Fahrenheit for no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. However, some will dunk in water that’s a lot colder than that. Normally, everything is submerged except the head.

How Does Cold Plunging Work for Weight Loss?

Some experts believe that plunging in cold water increases metabolism. It causes the body to make up for the drop in temperature which burns calories. It activates brown fat which is responsible for decreasing white fat, or unhealthy fat, in the body.

Brown fat may also promote feelings of satiety, so you eat less.

Studies Concerning Cold Plunging and Weight Loss

Some studies have been conducted concerning cold plunging and weight loss. Research has revealed that regular cold exposure with baths as cool as 39 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with weight loss drugs and a healthy diet and exercise routine can help reduce obesity.

A study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health reveals that taking a cold dip can reduce unhealthy body fat. It can also increase “adiponectin’ levels, a hormone that prevents insulin resistance making it effective in reducing the risk and severity of diabetes.

The study also revealed other benefits of cold plunging including:

  • Increasing immunity
  • Improving circulation
  • Boosting mood
  • Increasing libido
  • Burning calories
  • Improving social skills
  • Reducing pain and inflammation
  • Increasing heart health
  • Lowering stress levels
  • Jump starting metabolism

Getting Started with Cold Plunging

If you feel like cold plunging may be beneficial to your needs, it’s advisable to start off gradually. Some people don’t enjoy it.

Start by taking cold showers. Decrease the water temperature of your daily showers and stay under the cold water for 15 seconds. Continue increasing your time under the water and decreasing the temperature of the water and see how you are feeling.

Dr. Chris Minson, an expert in exercise physiology, heart health, thermoregulation, and women’s health at the University of Oregon and a member of the American Physiological Society warns, “People are often in a better mood and seem to have more energy. Others may hate it and not be happy. But this is a good test to see if you may like cold exposures.

“If a person is generally healthy and somewhat active, it is safe to try this as it is to start an exercise program,” he asserts.

So what do you think of this type of weight-loss technique? Will you be taking the plunge?

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World Health Organization Warns Don’t Use Sugar Substitutes for Weight Loss

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Many people trying to lose weight will use non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) instead of sugar to reach their fitness goals. But the World Health Organization (WHO) is now reporting that substitution won’t be effective in helping people achieve long-term weight loss.

“Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help people control their weight long-term. We did see a mild reduction of body weight in the short term, but it’s not going to be sustained,” said Francesco Branca director of WHO’s nutrition and food safety department.

The information applies to everyone except those with preexisting diabetes as people with diabetes were not included in the studies. Therefore, an assessment couldn’t be made.

The study also indicated that NSS could produce unwanted side effects such as an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The research is not meant to make a statement on the safety of consumption. It only states that sugar substitutes will not produce the weight loss effects some people are hoping for.

Alternative sweeteners have been a popular choice since 2015 when the WHO recommended that children and adults reduce their sugar intake to less than 10% of their total energy intake. People became more interested in NSS after that announcement was made.

But experts, like nutrition researcher Ian Johnson, emeritus fellow at Quadram Institute Bioscience formerly the Institute of Food Research in Norwich England, warns, “This should not be interpreted as an indication that sugar intake has no relevance to weight control.”

He recommends that people cut back on sugar-sweetened drinks and use “raw or lightly processed fruit as a source of sweetness.”

Critics of WHO’s Research

The recent WHO announcement may make sense to some. But others are criticizing the new research.

Dr. Keith Ayoob, scientific advisor for the Calorie Control Council which represents the international food and beverage industry criticized WHO’s “insistence of focusing only on prevention of unhealthy weight gain and non-communicable diseases is” calling it “at the very least, misguided.”

President of the Calorie Control Council Robert Rankin said, “Low and no-calorie sweeteners are a critical tool that can help consumers manage body weight and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases”.

The Research

The research reviewed 283 studies including observational studies and randomized controlled trials. The randomized controlled trials, which are considered ‘the gold standard,’ found that NSS had a low impact on reducing body weight and calorie intake and had no change on intermediate markers of diabetes.

Observational studies showed that there was a low impact on body weight and fat tissue and no change in calorie intake, However, they did find NSS to produce a low risk of associated diabetes, heart disease, and death cancer.

WHO said the results were conditional due to the complicated patterns of the sweeteners used and the characteristics of the study participants.

The International Sweeteners Association responded by saying, “It is a disservice not to recognize the public health benefits of low/no calorie sweeteners and is disappointed that the WHO’s conclusions are largely based on low certainty evidence from observational studies which are at high risk of reverse casualty.”

Branca notes that more research is needed. “To show that overweight people can reduce their body weight requires a long-term study. And we’re not seeing that impact from the research we have.”

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Weight Loss Before Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Improves Health Outcomes

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Ablation is a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation or abnormal heart rhythm. Individuals that have the surgery planned and are dealing with weight problems may improve their outcomes by shedding some pounds.

A new study finds that people that lost more than 3% of their body weight before undergoing the procedure had better odds of their heart rhythms returning to normal as opposed to those who did not lose weight.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes the heart to beat faster and out of sequence. It can cause blood clots that lead to a stroke.

The condition is treated with a medication or procedure called catheter ablation which kills the cells that are causing the abnormality. Dr. Jeffrey Goldberger, a professor of medicine and director at the Center for Atrial Fibrillation at the University of Miami School of Medicine explains how weight loss could be a factor.

“Weight loss is a key factor in the management of atrial fibrillation for those that are overweight or obese,” he says.

“Obesity is known to be a pro-inflammatory condition. It turns out that there’s fat tissue that sits directly on the heart muscle and these fat cells can secrete all sorts of hormones that could induce inflammation. One of our hypotheses is that reduction in this fat tissue around the heart lowers inflammation and improves the outcomes,” he said.

The Study

Goldberger and his team enrolled 59 obese patients with atrial fibrillation who were scheduled for ablation therapy. 30 patients received the weight-loss drug Victoza before the study while 29 continued with their routine.

88% of the 30 weight loss patients who lost 3% of their body weight remained in a normal rhythm six months after the surgery. 81% were still in normal rhythm after a year.

This compares to just 61% of the 29 patients who did not lose weight and retained normal rhythm after six months.

Inflammation May Be to Blame

Dr. Laurence Epstein, system director of electrophysiology at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, NY, notes inflammation is likely to be at the core of the study results.

“Inflammation can lead to coronary artery disease, and we think that inflammation also plays a role in arterial fibrillation,” he said.

“When we get inside people’s hearts and record electrical activity in some people, we can see a fair amount of scarring when we don’t know why they would have any scarring, so there was some inflammation that occurred,” he went on to say.

Epstein went on to explain that, for ablation treatment to be successful in the long term, you need to target what’s causing it. Obesity often contributes to the condition so it’s vital to lose weight if you want to correct it. Not smoking, dealing with addiction, minimizing alcohol consumption, and treating sleep apnea also help.

“It’s both challenging for patients but also empowering… because they have in their hands the ability to affect what their long-term outcomes are going to be, and they can take control of that.”

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How to Lose Weight in Your Face

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The rise of video conferencing has made many of us paranoid about one thing- fat face. You may have weight gain issues in other parts of your body, or you may have a naturally chubby face, but whatever the reason may be, it’s causing you to get sensitive when you’re in those Zoom meetings. And you want to do something about it.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as targeted weight loss. And even if you can target certain parts of the body, it’s almost impossible to lose weight on the face alone. But there are things you can do to give your face a leaner appearance- without plastic surgery.

Read on for a few suggestions.

Cut Back on Sodium

Foods that are high in sodium boost water retention causing bloating and puffiness. If your high-salt diet is making your face look fat, consider cutting down on processed foods. Boost your potassium intake to balance your electrolytes.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Have you ever noticed that your face looks puffy the morning after you throw a few backs? That’s because alcohol dehydrates you. It causes you to retain water.

Reducing alcohol consumption will reduce puffiness. If you insist on drinking, drink plenty of water to make up for it. If you enjoy the taste, non-alcoholic beverages are always an option.

Check with Your Doctor

If you’ve tried altering your diet and your face still looks bloated, you may want to consult your doctor. Your swollen face could be caused by allergies, a sinus issue, or a bacterial skin condition called cellulitis. Fortunately, these issues are treatable.

Grow Out Your Facial Hair

If you can grow facial hair, you have an advantage. The right facial hairstyle will offer more definition to separate the jawline from the neck. It also makes the chin look more prominent.

Get the Right Haircut

Certain haircuts will make your face look thinner. It’s best to choose haircuts that are short on the sides and add height to the top of the head. These styles will elongate the face, so it doesn’t look as wide.

The Right Eyewear Will Help

Certain eyewear looks will thin out the face. The general rule is, opposites attract. So, a square face will look best with oval or round sunglasses, while a rounded face will need angular glasses. They will add definition and detract from the fullness of the face.

Unfortunately, there is no way to lose weight on your face without losing weight on your body. But these tips will help your face look thinner for Zoom meetings, pictures, and social occasions. Which option is best suited to your needs?  

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What to Do About Loose Skin After Weight Loss

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If there’s one downside of weight loss, it’s loose skin. When you gain weight, your skin expands. When you lose weight, your skin may lose its ability to retract. It will become loose and hang off your body.

There are many downsides to loose skin. It may cause physical discomfort making it difficult for you to engage in physical activity. It can result in irritations and conditions like ulcers and infections. It may also negatively affect your mood and body image.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize loose skin. This article will review your options.

Resistance Training

Resistance training can help you increase muscle mass. Increased muscle mass may decrease loose skin. However, there is little research to back this up.

Collagen

Collagen increases skin elasticity. It is known to improve the appearance of loose skin due to aging. However, studies have not been conducted to test its efficacy on people who are dealing with weight loss issues.

Eat the Right Diet

A healthy diet that targets loose skin will include nutrients that promote skin health such as:

  • Protein: Protein contains the amino acids lysine and proline which play a key role in collagen production.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. It also has antioxidant properties that protect the skin.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are said to increase skin elasticity and may reverse signs of aging.
  • Water: Staying hydrated can improve the skin’s appearance. Studies show that women who drink lots of water saw improvements in their skin’s hydration and function.

Firming Cream

A firming cream that contains collagen will increase the skin’s elasticity on a temporary basis. However, collagen and elastin molecules cannot be absorbed by the skin. For better results, take a collagen product that allows you to create the protein from the inside out.

Surgical Procedures

While you might see some improvement from natural remedies, surgical procedures will yield more pronounced skin-lifting results. Body contouring surgery is often used to remove loose skin. The surgeon makes an incision, removes the excess skin, and sutures the incision to minimize scarring.

Body contouring can be performed on various parts of the body. Options include tummy tucks, upper and lower body lifts, thigh lifts, and arm lifts.

Alternative Medical Procedures

There are a few alternative procedures that are less invasive than body contouring. They include:

Radiofrequency Treatment: Radiofrequency uses a combination of infrared light, radiofrequency, and massage to reduce loose skin. It works to decrease small areas of fat cells and promote a tightened appearance.

Ultrasound: A study showed that ultrasound treatment does not improve the appearance of loose skin. However, it may reduce pain and other symptoms associated with loose skin.

Losing weight is a major accomplishment. The loose skin may be a downside, but there are ways to deal with it. Which option do you feel is best suited to your needs?

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Can a High Protein Diet Help with Weight Loss?

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If you do some internet research, you will find some evidence that a high-protein diet can help you lose weight. Other articles will tell you it will make you gain weight.  So, what’s the answer?

This article will look at both sides of the coin so you can determine whether you need to increase your protein intake.

How Protein Can Benefit Weight Loss

Changes Weight Regulating Hormone Levels: Protein increases the levels of the appetite-reducing hormones peptide YY, GLP-1, and cholecystokinin, and reduces the hunger hormone ghrelin minimizing feelings of hunger.

Metabolizing Protein Burns Calories: Some of the calories you consume when you eat are burned while digesting and metabolizing food. Foods with protein produce a high calorie burn as compared to carbs and other items. Research suggests that 30% of protein calories are burned during digestion.

Boosts Metabolism: The calorie-burning effect of protein makes you burn more calories around the clock. A high-protein diet can make you burn 80 to 100 calories more than other diets.

Reduces Overnight Snacking: Research shows that a high protein diet reduces cravings by 60% and cuts overnight snacking in half. Results may be most acute when a protein-rich meal is consumed at breakfast time.

Helps You Lose Weight Without Calorie Restriction: Protein speeds up metabolism and boosts satiety so you lose weight without reducing calories. Therefore, it is a highly sustainable diet option.

Promotes Weight Loss without Muscle Loss: Many types of weight loss cause muscle loss that slows metabolic rate. A high-protein diet promotes weight loss without muscle loss and boosts metabolism for optimal fitness.

How Protein Can Be Detrimental to Weight Loss

Too Much Meat: Meat is a good source of protein, but it’s also high in calories. Balance your diet by eating lean sources of protein like white-fleshed fish, plain yogurt, beans, and tofu. If you do eat meat, choose white meat over red.

You’re Restricting Yourselves: Some people go overboard on a protein diet reducing all carbs. The lack of carbs can negatively affect mood. It can also cause carb cravings that lead to binges.

You Don’t Have the Energy to Work Out: Carbs are the best source of energy. If you cut too many carbs out of your diet, you won’t feel like working out. If you don’t work out, you won’t reach your weight loss goals.

You’re Eliminating Fiber: Like protein, fiber also makes you feel full. If you are adding too much protein to your diet, you may be eliminating high-fiber foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Not getting enough fiber can also be detrimental to digestive health and heart health.

So, what’s the verdict? Can protein help with weight loss? Yes. It reduces hunger, boosts metabolism, and aids in burning calories.

However, you must consume a healthy diet to ensure it works for you. Reduce high-calorie meats and include carbs and fiber to ensure you reach your goals. Will you be trying a high-protein diet as part of your weight-loss plan?

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New York City to Pass Bill Protecting Overweight People from Being Discriminated Against

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New York City has passed a new bill making it illegal to discriminate against people based on their height and weight. It protects them from discrimination when they are applying for housing, jobs, and public accommodations.

The proposed legislation, which has been supported by weight activists, will be signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams later this month. Some Republicans are warning that the new bill will allow people to “sue anyone and everything.”

The bill would add weight and height protections to the city’s human rights laws which ban discrimination based on ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, and a variety of other characteristics.

Silent Burden

Councilman Shaun Abreu is the main sponsor of the bill. He came up with the legislation after dealing with the hardships of being overweight firsthand.

He experienced discrimination after gaining 40 lbs. during the COVID lockdowns. He described his experience as a “silent burden”.

He discussed victims of this type of discrimination saying, “They’re being discriminated against with no recourse and society saying that’s perfectly fine.”

About the Bill

The bill was passed in the city council with a vote of 44-5. Once it goes into effect, it will make New York the sixth city with a weight discrimination law. Other cities with similar laws include Santa Cruz and San Francisco, CA, Washington, D.C., Madison, WI, and Urbana, Ill.

“Just like any other protected category, like race, gender, or age, this will be a new protected category and a claim that you can bring before the Commission on Human Rights,” Abreu stated.

Victoria Abraham, self-proclaimed Fat Fab Feminist, activist, and influencer supports the bill and testified at the city council to defend it. “In most places in the United States, you can get fired for being fat and having no protection at all, which is crazy because this is a very fat country,” she said.

The bill also has a provision defending employers who must take height and weight into account when making hiring decisions.

Opposition to the Bill

Republican New York City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli voted against the bill. He argued that it would allow people to “sue anyone and everything.”

He has been vocal about his opposition. He made a statement to the media suggesting that it was coddling overweight people and making them feel like victims for their own choices. “I’m overweight, but I’m not a victim. No one should feel bad for me except my struggling shirt buttons,” he said.

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