Thanks for the note. We may have more agreement than you think -- I don't know.
I'd say that the health risks of being seriously underweight for an individual are as bad (or worse) than being seriously overweight. That's the point you're making - right? And I totally agree with that.
But when I look around I see a hundred people who seem to have a problem with being way overweight for every one who looks serioulsy underweight. Therefore, I conclude that both conditions are serious public health problems, but the problem of being way overweight is far more common -- and therefore I'd probably say obesity is much more serious from a public health standpoint. Am I wrong?
We probably do agree. There are far more people in this world that suffer from obesity than severe Anorexia, but more people suffer from eating disorders than it seems just by looking at people. In fact most bulimics maintain an average appropriate weight but what they do to their bodies by binging and purging causes damage that can't be seen by the naked eye. True that you see very few people walking around the street that are emancipated but what you don't see are the 1000's of people that are only 5-10lbs underweight that are engaging in the same distuctive behaviors that the person who is 5'6' and 95lbs. I agree though that both are very serious problems.
Speaking toward general society, I just wish people would stop making it sound as if you are a thin person then you are healthy and fit. You look the "perfect image" that this culture has created. If you are fat you have a health problem and need help. Both positions need help, it's just that society views thin as beautiful so how can beautiful be unhealthy. Just remember that anorexia and bulimia and even compulsive eating more often than not can not be seen in passing (especially in the beginning) and you see most people with clothes on, and a baggy sweatshirt can cover a lot. One thing that anorexics are masters at is hiding their body.