Ted Nugent and Anthony Bourdain Discuss Obesity, "Fat Tax" and the Abandonment of Parenting

[Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE]

Outspoken rocker and conservative Ted Nugent is angry again -- this time it's about America's obesity problem.
"Obesity is a manifestation of a cultural deprivation," he tells globetrotting chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain, "in its most vulgar and displeasing-to-look-at form. And it's suicide as a lifestyle."

The Motor City Madman recently expressed his views on the topic in an episode of 'Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,' scheduled to air Monday night at 10 EST on the Travel Channel. In this segment, which focuses on the sights and cuisine of the American Southwest, Bourdain pays a visit to Nugent's ranch in Texas.

During their conversation Nugent describes obesity as an unhealthy choice. "That's a liability," he says. "You have chosen to be a liability to yourself, your family, your neighborhood, and this country."

The two opinionated men talk about obesity's impact on health and the safety of others. Bourdain says he likes the idea of a 'fat' tax and charging someone who uses up an additional airplane or subway seat. Nugent then adds, "It all comes back to the horror, the soullessness of a trend in America that is the abandonment of parenting. Somebody's got to go, 'You can't eat that. You're way too fat.'"

Do you agree or disagree?

[David]

Nugent is always provocative, and I love Bourdain's show. He's a riot.

As to both of their recommendations to "solve" the obesity epidemic, unfortunately it's far too complicated for slogans.

[Susana]

I was going crazy trying to find that Anthony's program for tomorrow night. Unfortunately, it aired on 8/4 already.

I found the full transcription online:

Ted Nugent and Anthony Bourdain

Just in case anyone missed it too.

[Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE]

Susana,
Sorry about that. I am glad you found the transcript. So, what do you think?

[Susana]

I finally got to see that episode on TV. It was gross! Seeing all moose heads on the wall is pathetic. I didn't like it.

[Susana]

I agree with David. It is far too complicated.

Some people are obese because don't eat right. On the other hand, some people are obese because of their genes. Why punish everyone?

I like some Bourdain's shows. He is lucky to be thin although everything he eats. But this doesn't mean he is healthy.

Of course parents have to guide their children about eating right. But probably they don't know or don't have the means to do it. With this weak economy, more people are eating fast food. It is cheap and convenient.

[Fake Food Free]

Thanks for letting us know about this. I should be on my TiVo.

As some one who has lost weight and needs to lose more, struggling with it since youth - yes, I feel we are responsible for our own decisions when it comes to eating and exercise.

Our enviroments don't make it easy and it is a complex problem, one that goes way beyond the physical. I do feel that lack of parenting is a part of the problem, but this is a much bigger issue.

[Fake Food Free]

I also wanted to comment on the role of genes in obesity. Our genes have not changed over thousands of years. What has changed is our environments - food availability, sedentary lifestyle, etc. I feel we all have a make up which determines how we respond to food intake. Some of us have to work harder to keep it off. I am one of those people. It is unfortunate, but I would rather have this problem than many of disabilities I see everyday. Research is proving that obesity is not genetic few people have metabolic disorders that cause extra weight.