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Health care reform: Have your say

Do you think selecting an overweight person as surgeon general sets a bad example for the nation?

Since President Obama announced his pick for the nation’s Top Doc, Internet message boards have been atwitter with the observation that Dr. Regina Benjamin is overweight. Does it matter?

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Results with 65 short comments
Total of 2,597 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

50.7%
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?
1,316 votes
47.4%
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.
1,232 votes
1.9%
I'm not sure.
49 votes
Display Comments:
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

There's a difference between obese & just above your ideal weight. Dr. Regina Benjamin is NOT obese, & very qualified to the the Top Doc.

{"commentId":8244567,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"totheleft"}
  • 8 votes
#1
 - Average Jane-1031001
 - 9:20 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

I really didn't even notice her weight until I saw this article. Goes to show you can have an M.D. and still find weight control tough!

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  • 5 votes
#2
 - Joy O
 - 9:28 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

If she's "large and in charge", so much the better. If she can defeat the skinny slick thieves of the insurance industry, more power to her

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  • 4 votes
#3
 - shawnthelawyer@verizon.net
 - 9:29 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

What has happened to America? People are such Gladys Kravitz's these days.

{"commentId":8244734,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"jj-landry"}
  • 3 votes
#4
 - JJL80922
 - 9:33 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

An intelligent and experienced physician - her BMI is NOT a criteria for this position. Back off, skinny critics!

{"commentId":8244946,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"brandae"}
  • 7 votes
#5
 - minnesotadem
 - 9:46 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

I do think it sets a bad example. I asked my 10 year old son this and his response was "is this a trick question" ... his opinion is yes!

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  • 7 votes
#6
 - Randy @ San Diego
 - 9:47 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

Ok if they get off my back for being 20 lbs over weight and do not begin to charge me more for my health insurance.

{"commentId":8245342,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"angela10-2"}
  • 4 votes
#7
 - Angela-310499
 - 10:11 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

I mean, really. Who is going to listen to nutrition and exercise recomendations from someone who is that heavy and take it seriously?

{"commentId":8245522,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"sweet-t-girl65"}
  • 8 votes
#8
 - tw-601157
 - 10:21 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

What a poor example of health awareness. Also, has she paid her taxes?

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  • 2 votes
#9
 - youmustbekidding
 - 10:27 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

Too many people equate thin with being fit. I know some sz 2 women that can't bike a mile while I can do 6 easily.

{"commentId":8246008,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"kgonz23"}
  • 8 votes
#10
 - Bailey Quarters
 - 10:46 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

Though being obese is not healthy, it is not evil or dishonest. It's a person's character that matters not their body.

{"commentId":8246131,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"kerry-conlee"}
  • 9 votes
#11
 - Christian Minister
 - 10:53 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

She can't set a good example, but I am more worried about the example that the obviously racist Obama is setting. Flame me if you want.

{"commentId":8246365,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"troyison"}
  • 6 votes
#12
 - Troy To You
 - 11:03 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

My 10 person staff doc office is 90% obese & I am trying to lose weigh. Huff and puff over here & and take my blood pressure. Next.

{"commentId":8246807,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"mynset"}
  • 4 votes
#13
 - Toad-313858
 - 11:23 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

I think if an overweight man were being nominated for the job, no one would even mention it. American society still judges women on looks.

{"commentId":8247138,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"MM1217786"}
  • 9 votes
#14
 - MM-1217786
 - 11:38 am EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

Haven't you heard of the "fit fat"?

{"commentId":8247613,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"makelly"}
  • 3 votes
#15
 - unsureinsuburbs
 - 12:01 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

I think her weight humanizes her - shows she struggles with the same diet and exercise issues that other Americans do.

{"commentId":8247940,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"fiendishdelites"}
  • 6 votes
#16
 - cvl
 - 12:16 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

Hello??? She's not obese, nor is she very fat! Her size is like most Americans and I think she looks great!

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  • 6 votes
#17
 - alice-280680
 - 12:33 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

She's not 600 lbs for goodness sakes! People yammering about this need to get a life!

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  • 5 votes
#18
 - Suz in KS
 - 12:34 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

Just as Obama should make a big deal about quitting smoking, the Surgeon General should 'walk-the-walk' on healthy issues.

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  • 4 votes
#19
 - Luminator
 - 1:14 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

Her attitude and accomplishments are more important than her weight.

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  • 7 votes
#20
 - ThinkFolks
 - 1:29 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
Yes. Obesity is a major problem in this country. How can somebody who is overweight tell the rest of us to eat healthy and exercise?

How can she advise the country on fitness when she obviously is not following any effective fitness standards, herself? Lead by example!

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  • 5 votes
#21
 - Cory-267080
 - 1:38 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

I think it's wonderful to have her. She's a brilliant person with a big heart.

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    #22
     - allenga102
     - 1:40 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
    No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

    You'd think a PhD with jowls hanging on him, the writer could have come up with a more appropriate term other than FAT.

    {"commentId":8249579,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"geojuju"}
    • 3 votes
    #23
     - Judy R
     - 1:48 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
    No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

    Give me a break. I would only be concerned if my Dr drank or got high - that could potentially affect ME.

    {"commentId":8249703,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"jujubug00"}
    • 3 votes
    #24
     - GoodbieGirl
     - 1:55 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009
    No. You don't have to be thin to be a great doctor or even the nation's Top Doc. Besides, she's not that big.

    Skinny, obnoxious people suck!

    {"commentId":8249938,"threadId":"627855","contentId":"3029235","authorDomain":"karlmike"}
    • 3 votes
    #25
     - tigermike
     - 2:09 pm EDT on Thu Jul 16, 2009