Overweight Nutritionist? (a poll)

[food girl]

How would you feel if you were to see a dietitan/nutritionist for weight loss and he/she was overweight or obese?

What if the dietitian were very thin?

[LIsaP]

For me personally, that is one of my biggest pet peeves! Same goes for nurses and dr's who are overweight or smoke. I expect someone in that profession to practice what they preach...
I know one can be an excellent health care professional and be overweight, underweight or otherwise unhealthy, but to me, there is something just not right about that!

[cookgirl]

Obese...nada.
Overweight? That depends. I think people who are perfectly within the guidelines of a healthy lifestyle can still have a little extra pudge. If I knew that they were active and eating well and satisfied with their body image, whether it be slightly overwieght or not, I think I would feel comfortable.

[Missi]

I agree somewhat with LisaP that professionals should practice what they preach (Would you go to a hairdresser who had really bad hair?!?) But at the same time, it isn't all that easy to do. I am a family therapist who does some couples therapy. Do I have the healthiest, non- problematic relationship with my significant other? No, but I don't think that makes me less qualified to maybe help some other couples who need counseling. I guess it can go either way and depends on almost entirely the comfort label of the client who hires the services. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[andi]

I have to agree with the consensus. I think if you are trying to motivate others you need to try to emulate those goals as well. I'm a nurse and work with people trying to change unhealthy lifestyle choices. I decided I needed to work a little harder at exercising and being fit if I expected them to do the same. It seems contradictory to do otherwise.
I think the same can be said if the nutritionist is too thin

[lorilei]

Although I respect what most of you are saying, I feel it's overlooking something very important. And that is the fact that health has very little to do with size.

Unlike smoking, size is not a choice one can always make for oneself. Part of what size you are is genetic. Some of us will never be a size 6 or 8 or even 10 because our bodies are not built to be that way.

Studies have shown that yo-yo dieting (and even significant weight loss after a period of stability, especially in midlife) can be VERY damaging to one's health -- even moreso than carrying those extra pounds.

Let's keep in mind that health cannot always be judged by weight -- and it's truly unfair to use this as a criteria for judging a doctor's worth. What he/she learned in school has little to do with size. OF COURSE, he/she should be active and eat right -- but that doesn't mean he/she will be at an ideal weight. And who are we to judge that?

I certainly don't want anyone judging my talents according to my size -- and how effectively you're doctor treats you really has little to do with his/hers.

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 09-28-2000).]

[food girl]

I appreciate everyone's feedback. If possible, I agree with you all.

Weight loss counseling is a no-win situation for the counselor. If you are overweight your clients think "If she can't do it, neither can I", if you are not overweight, your clients think that you can't relate!