While watching the Disney Christmas Parade (I admit it, I’m a sucker for Neil Patrick Harris), I saw a Special K commercial. It starts with images of a baby being weighed in the delivery room, a child being measured for height, and several adults on scales. And the dialog says, “All our lives, we are defined by a number. What will yours be?”
Kirstie Alley rocks it for big girls everywhere
Shame on Kelloggs and the advertising team behind this commercial. I am not defined by the number on the scale and neither should anyone else be.
According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, 8 million Americans suffer from anorexia. And here are some other sobering statistics:
- A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 – 40% ever fully recover
- The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 – 24 years old.
- 20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems
It’s Christmas. The message of today is that the spirit of the Christ child lives in everyone. I believe you are perfect just the way you are, including the potential for change. If you want to weigh less because you will feel better, breathe easier, walk faster, then do it. But you are not defined by the number on the scale. You are not too fat (or too thin) to be loveable. Not only that, Kelloggs uses genetically modified sugar beets to sweeten their cereals in America, basically ensuring that their food will pollute our bodies! Kelloggs is defined by a number, the amount of boxes that fly off the shelves. I will not be contributing to that any longer!
Merrry Christmas to You All, Big and Small. Today, may you receive the gift of self-love!
