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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?

(Photo by pinoforte)

There are so many mixed "reviews" or feelings about the use of Splenda that I am more than confused these days. When my dad was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, about 30 years ago, it was a tough switch to completely leave out the sugar among all his other favorite foods. Then he was introduced to the pink and blue packets, none of which he cares for because of the after taste. Then Splenda came along, taste more like sugar than anything else and allows for some sweetness in his life without compromising his body. I was happy for him. Anyway, I have used Splenda on and off. I have experimented making certain baked foods with it, added to lemonade and iced tea, in my coffee or hot tea, etc. All of which tasted fine to me, not like sugar, but acceptable to me. I have never had the runs, a migraine or felt dizzy after using Splenda. Again, I use very little, just as I would sugar. But then there are some articles that talk about this product like it's the next killer. I just want to know, what is your take on using this particular artificial sweetener (Succralose)?

Today’s Wall Street Journal features a story about Tatiana Stewart, who at 6'2" and wearing a size 4, want to be a fashion model. However, she was told she needed to lose 10-15lbs.

What do you think? Looking at her photo and knowing she wears a size 4, do you think she needs to lose weight?

What is the best possible method to lose the extra skin, the flabby flesh left over after I lose half of my body weight? There is no way I am going under the knife (surgery), it is also impossible for me to attempt to do a single sit-up because of a bad back problem. If pregnant women can shrink their bellies down after delivering a baby, what do I have to do to achieve the same result of getting rid of my belly? I am a male who like other men carry their weight around their belly or midsection. I currently power walk as my form of exercise and looking to add to my regimen. I am not looking for six-pack abs, but something to work with as I continue losing weight.

I'm curious as to everyone's opinion on the Nutrition Facts Labels. Do you find them user-friendly? What is the first thing that you check on the label? If you had to redesign it, what changes would you make?

DR wrote an excellent post, Health and Fitness in a Bottle: Big Pharma Discovers their Holy Grail, where he explains how drug companies are developing new medications that may be marketed as a substitute for exercising. Let's discuss...............

Hi guys, I came across the article below: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070926094725.htm It's said there are many factors that can influence the glycemic index of a food. For example, a piece of white bread may have a high glycemic index but, if a person eats a slice of turkey and cheese with that bread, the effect of the multiple foods may result in a different glycemic index than if that person had eaten the white bread alone. For Asian, their main meal is mostly from rice-based meal. And as you all know, rice has quite high glycemic index on par with white bread, which is around 70 to 100 or maybe more.. Since fiber rich food always has low value of Glycemic index, do you think by consuming fiber supplement pills prior to rice-based meal will brings down the glycemic response?

For some people it's stress. For some it's boredom. I eat when I'm tired - and unfortunately I've been tired a lot lately thanks to two young kids. My struggle is to NOT eat when I'm tired. Sometimes I'm successful, and sometimes I'm not. What makes you eat and what do you do to stop eating?

I thought it might be more fun to put the poll in the discussion forum. Let's give it a try: