National Action Against Obesity: Jordin Sparks Too Fat

i was so happy to see Jordin Sparks make it in the beginning of this contest because finally, someone who was not "traditionally" beautiful, but still very gorgous was competeing (with a good chance of winning at that!) Jordin looked perfectly healthy, I've noticed however as the competition went on, she has gotten a little thinner. Sadly, she is at risk of turning into another vain, thin, celebrity. As for the woman who "sees" health problems because of Jordin's weight, she is obviously not informed. I am overweight and that is my only health problem. EVERYTHING else is fine! Not everyone with a weight problem has health issues piled on top of it!

We can't be sure of what we see. There are always people who don't care what others might think. As far as they are concerned, their health is not other people's concern. Of course, not everyone thinks like that.

Why do we all worry and obsess about this so much??? The other night I was out for dinner with two friends - one was another middle aged woman, the other a young fellow who came to my country as a refugee from the war in Sudan - one of the "lost boys". As usual, the two of us women started to moan about our endless battle with our weights, and our young friend said - "Why do people here worry about this so much? Where I come from this is never a topic of discussion, people never think about it. The only time one might think about weight is if they would like to get bigger."

I have been thinking a lot about his comments over the past few days, but especially when something comes up like this criticism of someone like Jordin Sparks, who hardly seems overweight to me. We need to stop pretending that this is a health issue. This is a cultural issue. Too many people have way too much leisure time if they are spending their time worrying about the weight of people on reality tv. We should remember that in other cultures, including those where people are actually concerned about getting enough food to survive, it is not an issue at all.

Jordin is not thin. She is ALSO not obese. She is just a little chunky, like alot of teenagers are. Whether she will carry this into adulthood or not is yet to be seen.

Jordin is a teensy bit heavier than I am, and by the BMI records, I am considered overweight at my whopping size 12--and I agree. I could stand to lose a few pounds, and it would most likely have a positive effect on my health and physical performance, as well as my self image.

I believe we have warped perceptions in this country--I think we are failing to recognize what is "normal" and healthy. Size 16 may be normal, but it's not healthy. Size 0 is also not healthy. We have to start finding a good balance.

I think "stomach churning" is the perfect way to describe how it felt to watch this clip.

(1) Jordin's 17, for goodness sake. She's a tall girl already and she's probably still growing, so chances are excellent that her weight is going to fluctuate a bit over the next couple of years -- but if she weighed even 20 lbs less than she does now, she'd look way too skinny because she has a large frame.

(2) MeMe, I know you're not trying to be hurtful here, but calling a young girl "the picture of unhealth" on national television is definitely going to cause some lasting damage to her self-concept. If she's not unhealthy now (which you seem to suspect that she is), she will be before too long! And whether Jordin is obese (which I think is clearly not th case) is something for her and her doctor to evaluate, not for you to assume after watching television clips of the kid. I know you have a medical degree and all -- oh, wait, you don't. Never mind.

Kristen

My opinion- Yes, while Jordan is not a Hollywood size 0 and is carrying a few extra pounds on her frame, she has taken steps towards a public status. The title of "Celebrity" requires reponsiblity in all areas of your life. You become a role model and people of all ages are constantly tracking your every move, your mannerisms, style, and last but not least, your figure. That holds true for both men and woman!

Also, having excess weight or eating improperly can pre-dispose an individual to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other health problems. Statistics have proven that true. Now that does not mean that a person that is a size 4 will not develop those same diseases. Taking measures to eat healthfully and incorporate some level of activity into your daily routine will ensure overall health.

I think what MeMe was saying is that Jordan, as an American Idol, should represent a healthier role model to younger children who are looking up to her. I agree that she did put on a few pounds during the show. I call them "protective pounds". No one wakes up in the morning, looks in the mirror, and says, 'I want to gain a hundred and fifty pounds and I want to start right now." There are many factors that cause weight gain such as stress, emotional eating, mindless eating, improper education, environmental, and genetic issues. Those are the issues that need to be focused upon.

With the stress of the show over, Jordan can now spread her wings and find her own path to happier and healthier indiviual. Both inside and out. I agree that her "handlers" will be grooming her, however, I only pray that she remains strong and does it in a way that is both healthy and something she will maintain. To start out at 17, being a yo yo dieter, will undoubltably lead to many problems later in life.

What a butthole!!! She is only 17yrs old!! She is still in high school. I thinks she's concentrating more on her studies and now her singing than being skinny!! You can still be a little overweight and still be healthy!! She wasn't in the public eye until now! She wasn't trying to impress anybody!! She is a tall girl so she doesn't need to be 120lbs!!!

This makes me enraged to no end! Yeah, Jordin is heavier than the little Lindsay Lohans and Paris Hilton's running around, but this just further pushes the skinny misconception that they want everyone to believe and adhere to. Finally someone who's absolutely beautiful and not a stick, is famous for HAVING TALENT and now she's attack by a superficial blonde because she weighs more than her. I understand that we don't want to be a picture of obesity, but leave her alone! She's only 17 and I'm sure is already dealing with image issues BECAUSE she's 17, she doesn't need someone to go on the news and call her fat. All this is going to do is make Jordin hate herself and take extreme measures to fix it. I thought we were trying to stay away from the unhealthy size 0 models, but people like that just completely distroy any self esteem that a normal or SLIGHTLY overweight girl has.

Isn't that Meme chick a little akward herself? Look in the mirror Miss Meme. I don't really think plastic should be a regimin in the way of beauty. It's brains not Barbie.

Rude.

And with the skinny people... I'm not against skinnies, I used to be one... I believe the teen years are the most difficult for anyone anyway. The shape you get when you are in your mid twenties and beyond when you begin to relax seems to be when people really look great.

It's mind over matter anyway.

Thanks, Marti

This women is just a rebel-rouser, like 95 percent of the talking heads on cable TV--taking her seriously is giving her way too much credit. At best she's trying to bring publicity to her organization.

Personally, I think she's factually mistaken--having celebrities of all sizes, and making size a non-issue, is the healthiest approach. I grew up during the height of the "heroin chic" look (I'm now 26) and it did NOT do me any favors!

Jordan is a thick girl. She is beautiful and insanely talented, and I thoroughly enjoyed her performances and think she deserves to win. It's not about the numbers, folks, doesn't matter what her weight, height or dress size is, because it's all relative. Healthy or unhealthy, fit or unfit, she is a big girl.

Jordin is not to fat! She is a beautiful girl, and just because she modeled for a plus size store could mean she's just an 10 on a bad day. I am apaulled that people would say this stuff about such a great person. She rocks idol! Go Jordin!!!!

WHAT IN THE WORLD!!?? Everyone on this thing is critisizing Americas judgement because of Jordin Sparks WEIGHT. What happened to her VOICE? This is American IDOL. NOT Americas Next Top MODEL. Everyone critisizing Jordin, do you realize that YOU yourself are sending a bad message to American teens? You are basically saying that you cant do sh*t if you're not a size 0! WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE IS THIS?? No wonder the rate of anorexia, bulumia and drugs is going up! This girl is beautiful and she can SING! DO AMERICA A FAVOR AND GO AND LOOK IN THE MIRROR BEFORE CRITICIZING OTHERS! Its times like these where im glad i live in East Africa.

Quito said:
I have to say, I really like that mission statement [...]

Props to you, Quito, for having the class to listen to the message rather than trash the messenger.

Dr.J said:
Props to you, Quito, for having the class to listen to the message rather than trash the messenger.[...]

While I agree that criticizing MeMe's appearance is unrelated to this subject, some of us disagree with her going on tv and calling someone that she didn't give a physical to or even know how much she weighs "the picture of unhealthy" and saying she sees "heart disease, diabetes" etc. The ominous tone of that last statement, even if said by someone's doctor who actually had a clue what they were talking about, would be very poor bedside manners. When it is coming from someone looking for self-promotion on tv, it is in even worse taste.

Jan said:

When it is coming from someone looking for self-promotion on tv, it is in even worse taste.

That woman is crazy! I see a beautiful 17 year old girl! Jordin is near 6 ft tall, when she had on heels she towered over everyone. She could probably tone up some, but the girl is not fat at all. She doesn't need to lose any weight, maybe tone up. Thats if she wants to. FAT? ARe you kidding? Rosie is fat! Oprah and Star Jones WERE fat! Ruben Studdard is fat, but losing weight. Fat and Obese? BS! Obese, people have trouble getting around. You see their fat before you see them!

I rather like what this woman has to say about the whole thing:

http://istherenosininit.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/the-sick-thing-about-weight/

"

Ack, I cut myself off.

MeMe Roth seems to be a certified lunatic.

Confiscating sprinkles? Check! Link

Boycotting magazines that promote acceptance of one's body? Check!

http://gawker.com/news/redbook/redbook-makes-you-fat-158912.php

Strange, slightly creepy association with Eddie Van Halen? Check!

http://www.wbir.com/cs/blogs/the_pop_culturephile/archive/2006/03/08/1689.aspx

That last link just makes me sad. Forget wanting to be smart, funny, caring, compassionate, talented, or witty! This woman thought it was a compliment that a rock singer said she looked like "something out of Playboy". Some THING. And that "made her swoon?" Ew. Excuse me, I need a shower.

Different Nic said:
I rather like what this woman has to say about the whole thing:[...]

God, it just gets better and better...

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/headline/3361

"Boycotting motivational programs, demonizing Girl Scouts, and banning birthday cupcakes are just part of a day's work for "executive publicist/advocate for brain, body, libido" MeMe Roth. Roth is the founder of National Action Against Obesity (NAAO). Yesterday the Philadelphia Spring Valley YMCA had to call the cops on the publicist-turned-food-cop when she tried to vandalize a table of toppings for ice cream sundaes."

Different Nic said:
she tried to vandalize a table of toppings for ice cream sundaes.[...]

Sorry I posted so many times...I thought the comment got eaten. My computer kept saying "server not found" and being a bit weird.

My mistake.

Quito said:
[...]Yes, you're right. But, revolutionaries rarely worry about having good taste.

When her revolution is a less mysogynous one, I might support her. The day she starts a "Tuxedo Challenge" and says that men that gain even one pound from what they weighed on their wedding day are committing "fraud and deceit", like she does with her Wedding Gown Challenge (never mind if the person was underweight at their wedding day - my friend who had a BMI of 16.3 on her wedding day and is now up to a "whopping" 17.4 and can't fit in her wedding gown has committed "fraud and deceit" by "letting herself go" according to MeMe - never mind that whole silly "in sickness and in health" thing), maybe more women will listen to her message.

The Playboy comment thing certainly explains a lot of that mysogyny, if in her world view, "something out of Playboy" is a freaking compliment and being a groupie is something you are *proud* of. I'd rather raise a fat daughter who knew she was more than a sex object. You can always lose weight, but you can't suddenly develop self-esteem.

And "it is WRONG to be fat"? "Mentally unhinged" doesn't even begin to describe it.

Jan said:

...

I've been trying to make two points:

- Her mission statement deserves debate.

- She views herself as a revolutionary, and so is trying to say outrageous things to advance her agenda.

I don't like her, and from what you've said, she has a strong streak of mysogyny in her. That's terrible. On the other hand, I'm not surprised - almost all revolutionaries are awful people, and are often inconsistent. MeMe isn't comparable in terms of her vision, but read some of the discussion about Martin Luther's personality.

All the comments about her, and about how unfair she has been to Jordin, and how society pushes way too hard on physical beauty on women, and how distorted our sense of beauty has become with respect to health, and how vulnerable teenage girls are and how one true way to value a society is to see how well they treat their most vulnerable members: yes. I agree wholeheartedly and echo the sentiments with full throat. (I do think that anyone pushing into entertainment better grow a thick skin very quickly. From what I've read about her, I'm a fan of Oprah Winfrey, but she must be able to withstand trucks driving into her, given the way she is treated by the tabloids).

So, I'll start on the mission statement: what do you think of the statement against "Secondhand obesity"? She's saying that we have to intervene in the way families work to break a cycle of obesity. How would one do this? Every approach I can think of will either be ineffective or way too authoratarian. This is WAY more inflammatory, in my mind, than her wedding gown challenge.

I'm sorry if I'm sounding strident; I'm not trying to attack you; as I've said before, you're one of the posters whose postings I seek out. (This has been a great blog; I've learned a lot in the short time I've been here - I won't list names because I'll miss people, but I've appreciated all the regular posters). And, I truly hate most of TV. I've never watched American Idol and am not wrapped up in the drama of Jordin fighting her way to the top (I guess? I really don't know).

I'm just trying to say those two bulleted points above. ^_^

Quito said:
I've been trying to make two points:[...]

I haven't watched this season of AI either, and I don't know much about Jordin other than the "she is a religious fanatic"/"she is a plant" controversy that swiped the internet recently - and of course, this controversy right here. I've never even heard her sing, so I can't say whether she is talented. Contrary to you, I'm an unabashed tv addict, just not interested in this particular show, hehe.

I agree with you that the mission statement deserves debate, but when it is coming out of a clearly disturbed person like she is, people tend to dismiss the message. For example, she links to the Two Angry Moms site - they have a similar message, but I actually paid attention to theirs. Why? Cause it wasn't dripping with self-hatred and shallowness like MeMe's is.

I also on the "Secondhand obesity" thing as well. Unless she is planning to take away parental rights from fat parents, I can't see how exactly she is planning to do that. But maybe she just plans to go into their houses and confiscate the food, like she did with the sprinkles at the YMCA. This is something that also hurts getting her message across: not having a clear plan as to how to do things, and just going around attacking sprinkles instead.

I love Jordin! She is not fat at all. I think that this was inappropriate behavior! And the day before the finale too! This is so rude. Jordin is perfect just the way she is!! She is the most beautiful 17 year old there is. And she should not change for anything or anyone!!!

If anyone's interested, there's an article about Jordin in this week's People where she talks about how she came to accept her body.

Incidentally, straight from the horse's mouth, Jordin wears a size 12 (down from 14 when she started Idol, due to the busy production schedule) at six feet tall. As far as I'm concerned, that's pretty much the definition of normal and healthy. MeMe Roth is full of it.

Oh, incidentally, Jordin enjoys food, but envies Laila Ali's muscles and her workout routine includes hiking, spin classes, and weight training. Unhealthy lifestyle my ass.

I am appauled by Meme Roth's comments regarding Jordin Sparks! Jordin is a beautiful and confident young lady - she's also a talented singer and shouldnt be judged on her looks. She is a great role model for girls and women who are average to larger size. Not everyone can be a size 2 or 4, which from what I hear is fat now!

Get your facts straight - just because someone is larger doesnt mean they will have diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. Im sure there are plenty of thin people with these issues!

Also, why dont you make yourself useful and focus on more important issues!

I am really disappointed by the commentary of Ms. Roth and those on this blog agreeing with what she said, at face value. Those who commented on the fact that health is not something you can ascertain by looking at someone hit the nail on the head. Remember all those people with AIDS that we thought were stupid because they said the person who infected them "didn't look sick"? It's the same. Just because someone "looks" heavy/overweight/chunky does not, in fact, mean they are.

Ms. Roth said it's a reflection on our culture and society that children are becoming obese, but I actually believe it's the other way around. When I turn on my television set, visit a movie theater, or open any newspaper or magazine, I am inundated with images of rail-thin actresses, singers, and models that are supposed to be my role models. But how many of these women do we also read about chain-smoking and drinking large amounts of caffeine and/or alcohol to keep them going because they don't eat enough food to fuel their bodies? By Ms. Roth's standards, because they are thin they "look" healthy. But are they? If smoking and drinking are the new standards for health, I'm happy to be unhealthy.

I see hours of NutriSystem commercials where women are professing the virtues of now being a size 4 or less. Since when did size 4 become the new universal standard for health and beauty? Didn't God make us in all shapes and sizes? Women who are 5'2" are not going to weigh the same and necessarily wear the same size as women who are 5'10". Yet I know lots of women and young girls who obsess on a number because it's been shoved down their throats so often. I tought a class of nine years olds once and was asking some questions to learn more about them. When I asked what they were afraid of, most of the kids said dying or someone they love dying. But one of the girls said she was afraid of being fat. I know this girl's family and trust me when I tell you that fat is no where in her future, yet that was her biggest fear. How sad.

While I agree that there is definitely a problem with obesity in this country, I believe there is a bigger problem with body identity and perception, which fuels both extremes--too thin and too fat. It is really unfair to heap the country's baggage on a 17-year old girl who is going to have enough pressure put on her as it is. Her dad was a professional football player, so who knows genetically what she's going to look like in the future. 17 is not yet a woman, so she still has room to grow, both up and out. It is not anyone's place to judge her on her physical beauty or health. We already judged her on what she signed up for--her singing talent. I think that is quite enough.

Meme Roth clearly has some type of psychological disorder. She is an outright bigot. How can you issue an opinion on a person’s medical condition by looking at them. Resist the Cult of the emaciated!

The Angry Belly, TheAngryBelly.com

Funny, when I look at Jordin, I see a very healthy, happy young woman. But then, I'm not a judgemental shrew who obviously needs psychiatric help ;-)

I just finished my dissertation on school meal programs, health policy, and healthy eating practices. I talk about obesity in my project, but it's not my focus. In fact, I even argue that by putting the emphasis on obesity, we might actually make the problem worse. There are a whole crop of perfectly thin kids who are just as unhealthy as the overweight ones. And there are plenty of overweight kids who are doing just fine.

I'm overweight, myself. Have been for most of my life. I just got back from the doctor - my cholesterol is fine, my heart's doing good, and I don't have diabetes. That's not always the case, I realize. At the same time, we do need to do a better job making healthy eating desirable for all children (and adults, too).

MeMe Roth's rhetoric is pretty dangerous, because she's not putting the emphasis on healthy eating for everybody - she's using the fat kids to sensationalize her cause. I really wish that she would realize that this issue is not about her - it's about the message in her mission statement. I agree with many of the things in her mission - she just needs the action to back it up.

1. It is a universally accepted fact that television puts on 10lbs.
2. She is a woman. Women have hormones. Women are supposed to be voluptuous. That is why they are called women and not men.
3. Apparently, Fox had to dig pretty deep to find someone to criticize Jordan (That woman is a fright). But it is all about ratings and you must admit, Fox has us talking and we think Jordan is a talented, gorgeous young woman. We now support Jordan and care about Jordan. Go Fox.
4. The music industry is denying us some of the best musical talent because they don't "look" right and instead giving us musicians who "look" right, but their sound must be digitally corrected. At least with Jordan they will start with someone who is talented and sounds "right" before they make her look" right.
5. Best of luck to a lovely, talented, young lady.

First off, let me say that if a person is overweight enough, he or she should try to lose weight. Now if you're comfortable with your body as a heavy-set person, great! Be comfortable with your appearance, no matter what your size is. BUT if you really need it, you should try to lose weight anyway because while it may or may not be about body issues and self-image (well, it shouldn't be, anyway), it is DEFINITELY about health and living on this planet with your loved ones as long as you can possibly can. And being at a healthy weight, not too light, not too heavy, helps achieve that. Only your doctor should set what you should be at, not society or celebrity or anyone else. So from that standpoint and that standpoint ONLY, I can appreciate where MeMe is coming from.

HOWEVER: MeMe picked the wrong target. Jordin is not obese. There's a marked difference between "obese" and "could lose a couple of pounds" and even "naturally curvy", if you want to add that. Rosie O'Donnell, getting closer. Ruben the year he won AI? THAT'S obese. Carnie Wilson right before the surgery? There's another. Jordin? No.

Which leads to this point: The American Idol is voted on by the people. If THEY don't care if someone is fat or not, why should anyone else? They already voted Ruben a winner, so clearly they have a history of not caring about the weight issue.

I don't know American's really can not tell what fat is anymore... Jordin Sparks might not be obese but that doesn't mean she is OVERWEIGHT and that's what the lady was trying to say... she is clearly FAT but Americans are all so fat themselves they really can't tell what FAT is anymore

Let's see, where to start: skim milk is not a fake food. The person who said that is a moron. I don't know how tall Sparks is, but size twelve is not "normal". It may be common, but it is not normal. She IS over weight. Whether she cares, is another matter. Fat women want to believe they're normal. YOU'RE NOT. Fat men want to think they're attractive. YOU'RE NOT. There is a standard test for body mass and it is accurate. Quite simply, the majority of adult americans are overweight, some morbidly overweight, and just don't care enough to do anything about it. Stop saying "curves" when you have "rolls".

The Truth said:
Let's see, where to start: skim milk is not a fake food.

Well, at least you said one true thing. However, calling yourself "The Truth" and then spewing bullshit is very hazardous to people in the vicinity of irony meters. They're known to explode, see.

I don't know how tall Sparks is, but size twelve is not "normal". It may be common, but it is not normal.

Let me explain to you something about women's clothing sizes, because you obviously don't understand how they work. They're based on measurements, see. Let's say you've got a really short person (5'0") who measures 36-28-38. Those measurements are clearly fat on her. Now let's imagine she's made of Silly Putty and stretch her to Jordin's height, 6'0". What happens? She gets slimmer. A lot slimmer. Because, as it turns out, that extra foot of height matters. A lot. Who'da thunk it?

She IS over weight.

You have no idea how much she weighs. You are only reacting to her clothing size, which is clearly a stupid thing to do.

There is a standard test for body mass and it is accurate.

Sure, it's accurate. It will accurately tell you your weight in kg over your height in meters squared. But some people like to take that number and generalize it, and completely ignore other, more useful and meaningful numbers, like body fat percentage, cholesterol level, blood sugar level, etc. Numbers that are largely between the person in question and their doctor. See, doctors are in the business of judging how healthy people are. Isn't it funny how that works out?

Quite simply, the majority of adult americans are overweight, some morbidly overweight, and just don't care enough to do anything about it.

If you actually believe that the primary reason people are overweight is because they don't care, then you are, shall we say, reality-challenged.

That was spectacular!

Chicken Girl said:
Well, at least you said one true thing. However, calling yourself "The Truth" and then spewing bullshit is very hazardous to people in the vicinity of irony meters. They're known to explode, see.[...]

Chicken Girl said:
Let's say you've got a really short person (5'0") who measures 36-28-38. Those measurements are clearly fat on her.[...]

I'm 5'1 1/2" and my measurements are nearly what you described (38-26.5 or 27, depending on weight fluctuation-37) and I'm in the health weight range and my body fat is 20%. I guess someone could call me "thick" or "stocky", but I don't think anyone would call me "fat". Just sayin' it, it doesn't necessarily mean fat even for the short people...

Jan said:
I'm 5'1 1/2" and my measurements are nearly what you described (38-26.5 or 27, depending on weight fluctuation-37) and I'm in the health weight range and my body fat is 20%. I guess someone could call me "thick" or "stocky", but I don't think anyone would call me "fat". Just sayin' it, it doesn't necessarily mean fat even for the short people.[...]

Oh, no argument here. I was just trying to approximate the measurements for a size 12, and I'm 5' and still fat at that size.