Oh My God! That Billboard is so funny, yet effective.

Posted by: Matt Greenwood | August 7, 2009 10:06 AM

Love it! Where can I get a bumper sticker? :)

Posted by: Lauren Warner | August 7, 2009 10:37 AM

Awesome billboard. I've been eating vegetarian since the start of the summer and have already lost 20lbs.

Posted by: Aaron | August 7, 2009 10:38 AM

I do not think this is very nice at all. I have been a vegetarian for over 20 years. This kind of billboard can only be hurtful and possibly give vegetarions a bad name. PETA is agaiinst animal cruelty what about human cruelty? My goodness.

Posted by: Janaki | August 7, 2009 10:40 AM

I think this billboard is mean-spirited.

Let's just do some math here, OK? If someone is 250 pounds and they slim down to 200 by going vegan, they're probably still technically over-weight and they'll still receive prejudice, verbal attacks, and fat-shaming from fat-phobic, mean-spirited people. That billboard is part of that problem.

Please focus on health, not on size.

Posted by: Elaine Vigneault | August 7, 2009 11:02 AM

hahaha so hilarious

Posted by: Hannah | August 7, 2009 11:26 AM

This is so true. I became a vegetarian about a year ago and lost 30 lbs! I feel great and I look great. Thanks peta!!

Posted by: Leslie | August 7, 2009 11:56 AM

You commenters are ridiculous. I know plenty of whale-like vegetarians. It doesnt matter what you eat, its how your metabolism works and the effort you put in to keep it fast.

Posted by: Holly | August 7, 2009 12:43 PM

Its funny and true I have lost 30 pounds in 3 months since becoming vegan. I feel and look better than I ever have. I ahve tons more energy I sleep better and overall my health is much better. I urge everyone to become vegan. do something good for yourself and for the animals.

Posted by: laura | August 7, 2009 01:10 PM

Metabolism, exercise, and calories in - calories out all play a role, but still, on average, vegetarians are slimmer.

"Vegetarians also tend to have lower body weight relative to their height than non-vegetarians. 2"

2. Mayo Clinic.com, “Vegetarian Diet: will it help me lose weight?”: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/AN01580

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | August 7, 2009 01:32 PM

Shame on you PETA!!

Posted by: Giana | August 7, 2009 02:08 PM

Becoming a vegetarian has helped me lose weight and I've never felt better, but I agree, the billboard is mean spirited. Let's target the real animal haters and not be prejudice against appearances.

Posted by: michelle | August 7, 2009 04:40 PM

I do not think this is the image PETA wants to portray. When I think of PETA I think of kindness not judgement and ridicule.

Posted by: Angela | August 7, 2009 04:56 PM

I’ve lost 40lbs by going vegan but still have a long way to go. To play off of the patriarchy’s standard of beauty is harmful—65% of US woman have an eating disorder. I support all that you do PETA, but I don’t think that you realize the dangers that come along with being fattyphobic.

Posted by: Madison | August 7, 2009 05:39 PM

The sign is funny, but it could easily be hurtful to larger folks and I'm sure that includes some vegetarians and PETA supporters. Let's stick to talking about animal cruelty.

Posted by: Eric | August 7, 2009 05:42 PM

I was dibetic and 350 lbs. I have been a veggi since the 60's fell great lost 210lbs. Have watched my food also I eat organic foods. I take no meds. It is all in what you put in to your body.Love all your 4 legged friends don't eat them you end up looking like a side of beef. Love your billboard

Posted by: J.C. | August 7, 2009 06:16 PM

Rock on PETA! You are so right, people who are Vegetarians are on AVERAGE much healthier than carnivores. Fat people need to eat less, exercise more, cause I'm tired of paying high insurance rates due to your health problems!

Posted by: Rob Anderson | August 7, 2009 06:20 PM

I agree with eric

Posted by: mjerry | August 7, 2009 07:31 PM

U know what, u people take this to seriously, honestly, PETA takes things to the edge in order to send a message, and u know wat if someone is overweight, and they see this, wat ever it is up to that person to shrug it off!

I have no sympathy 4 people who r overwieght, unless they have a glandelur ( i don't think i spelt that right) problem, otherwise they did it to themselves and when people do things to themselves they need to get over it

why don't u guys commenting badly consider that, oh and one more thing if u don't like something, GUESS WHAT!!! U DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AT IT!!

im 15 and i understand that

Posted by: Kookie | August 7, 2009 09:55 PM

yep, this is bad.

Posted by: Holly Q | August 8, 2009 07:52 AM

Okay, admittedly this is hilarious. But it's also in somewhat bad taste. Wouldn't it better to use the image of a SHAPELY BUT TONED woman in a bikini with some commentary that vegetarians are 20-30% leaner then carnivores. Just a thought :)

Posted by: Chris | August 8, 2009 02:26 PM

i find this campaign slightly offensive. while i do understand the point and think it could be a viable means of encouraging vegetarianism, there are plenty of us who have gone veg and remain overweight.

Posted by: Denise | August 8, 2009 06:00 PM

Even if they are a minority, the people who dislike this attention grabbing poster will have a stronger emotional response and remember it much longer than those who see the humour. On balance, it could be counter-productive.

Posted by: Darien Midwinter | August 8, 2009 06:48 PM

This may be true for some people but not for me. I have been vegetarian for 40 years. One and a half of those years I have been vegan. I have been overweight most of my life and I have actually gainned weight since becoming vegan. I'll live the rest of my life vegan though.

Posted by: Geo | August 8, 2009 07:49 PM

I have stated elsewhere on the PETA site that one of the ways to promote the vegetarian lifestyle is to mention that you will look better. I think this has more appeal to the average american than promoting animal rights. BTW we still win when someone goes vegetarian because I believe the the way that has the greatest impact on not hurting animals is for us not to eat them.

Posted by: thehawk411 | August 9, 2009 01:47 PM

I would also like to add that since becoming a vegetarian two years ago I have lost 70 LBS.

Posted by: thehawk411 | August 9, 2009 01:49 PM

Angela- where did you get that statistic? Does the 65% include women with obesity? That is an eating disorder as well.

And I think it is extremely intelligent to be "fattyphobic". All women should be afraid to be fat, not for superficial reasons, but because of the horrible health repercussions you face when you are overweight.

I think the sticker is funny and displays an important message.

Posted by: CeCe | August 9, 2009 02:14 PM

And Leslie, that is ridiculous. It absolutely DOES matter what you eat and when you eat it.

Posted by: CeCe | August 9, 2009 02:20 PM

It is a sad fact that our country is becoming obese. while I do find the billboard to send a thought provoking message, I cannot say that it's in harmony with the image that PETA represents.
Did it ever occur to the creative marketers of Peta that perhaps there are overweight people who are vegetarians?
We do not often know of the circumstances behind an individuals weight problems but our great country is always there to judge everyone in an instant.
PETA is about raising awareness and protecting animals. Let's remain focused on the actual cause and leave the weight issues for Jenny Craig.

Posted by: Jeffrey | August 9, 2009 03:56 PM

I am actually a vegan and I definately agree that being a vegetarian or a vegan promotes healthy weight loss and hopefully this kind of ad will bring light to the fact that dary products and meat products can be harmful to your body.

Posted by: Louise | August 10, 2009 03:30 AM

Why do we defend people who are obese? Sure, I agree metabolism plays a role, but a plethora of medical studies show that a slow metabolism may make us marginally larger than what is ideal , but not overtly obese. It's a lack of self control and poor eating habits that make us fat! Eat vegies and leave the meat off your plate and you will not only be healthier but much more mirror friendly!

Posted by: Shelly Norton | August 10, 2009 05:40 PM

I would be interested in knowing the statistics.....overweight vegetarians vs overweight meateaters. I would guess that the meateaters would take the cake, pun intended.

wake up people, there is a crisis in our country when it comes to obesity!! heaven forbid PETA might be so honestly bold and make the wild insinuation that overweight people could lose a fews lbs by cutting out fatty and disgusting meat!!

is it any secret that our nation is overweight??!! i hope that we don't actually *looks around* talk about it!! we wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. let's just keep tip-toeing around the subject and see if things change.

Posted by: Tamra | August 11, 2009 01:35 AM

wow, that's so original but very effective and hilarious. I love it.

Posted by: Mariah | August 11, 2009 12:03 PM

I became a vegetarian and gained 20 pounds over 3 years. I don't intend to switch back, but I would just like to point out that a vegetarian diet has pretty much as much or more calories than a normal diet

Posted by: fatvegan | August 11, 2009 06:40 PM

Wow. Even though vegetarian, I will not support PETA simply for campaigns like this.
Cruelty free means cruelty free.
This is way out of bounds.

However I will be sure to point out this offensive campaign to my friends and collegues so they won't support PETA either.

Way to go!

Posted by: ridiculous | August 13, 2009 04:35 PM

Frankly I'm sick of having to be sensitive about an issue that is in large part manageable. I have so many friends who are 40 pounds overweight who complain about it, and yet are always drinking heavy beer and either eating crappy food, or just eating a lot. They make eating into an event. Ride your bike and eat sensibly. You will lose weight.

Posted by: bruce | August 14, 2009 09:58 AM

I live in Jacksonville and haven't seen this yet. Does anyone know where it is?

Posted by: Mary | August 17, 2009 09:54 PM

It's BRILLIANT! Absolutely amazing.

Posted by: Gina | August 18, 2009 01:12 AM

I thought you were cruelty-free?

Posted by: Shania Long | August 18, 2009 08:45 AM

Reading some of these comments is really depressing... I agree that our country's "obesity epidemic" is a problem, but this ad is just way out of line. Sure, a HEALTHY vegetarian diet will generally promote a healthy weight-- emphasis on the "healthy". I'm almost 15 and I've been a vegetarian for a little over two years. I actually gained weight and didn't lose any until recently, when I really made an effort to ensure that I was really eating healthy. I suppose the weight gain could have been attributed to different factors (as I grew an inch or two), but the point is that a vegetarian diet isn't necessarily much healthier than a non-vegetarian one. You can easily be an overweight vegetarian.

Posted by: Lizzibeth | August 18, 2009 09:55 AM

Americans are not fat because they eat meat. They are fat because they eat nutritionally poor, high fat, low fiber food. Argentina has the highest consumption of beef in the world and one of the highest life-expectancies for a developing countries.

Americans were meat eaters 50 years ago but there was not the rate of obesity there is today. We no longer cook our food; we zap it in a microwave or get it from a fast food place.

We also consume on average half a cup of corn sweeteners and other sugars everyday. By eliminating sweeteners, most people would cut their caloric intake by more than 400 calories a day.

Posted by: Peter | August 18, 2009 10:32 AM

Amazing. I love it!(:
I know, it may seem mean to larger folk, but then at the same time we have to understand that obesity is rising. & this is a good way to get the message across. Good work PETA! :D

Posted by: Amor | August 18, 2009 11:49 AM

Woooow not cool PETA.

Posted by: christine b | August 18, 2009 12:21 PM

PETA always has the best ideas!

Posted by: Laura Guttridge | August 18, 2009 01:00 PM

Peter,

Americans still eat roughly twice the global average.

(Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler
By Mark Bittman)

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | August 18, 2009 01:17 PM

Mike Q,
It is every Americans right to eat as much as they want. Smoke and drink as much as they want. It is also your right not to do any of these things.
It is not your nor my job or obligation to tell anybody how to live their life. The minute the government, or any other public entity tells any American what they can and cannot eat, we as a country are in trouble.
Remember, we are the "Land of the Free."

Posted by: Kurt K | August 18, 2009 03:42 PM

There are a lot of unhealthy people who are becoming more unhealthy (read dying quicker) because people around them are too affraid of offending them to tell them the truth - that obesity is not good. Hearing the truth is not easy-but niether is seeing loved ones die much younger and under much worse circumstances than is necessary. I say let's all be blount in the name of living long healthy lives.

Posted by: miles | August 18, 2009 03:47 PM

C'MON NOW. This is almost ridiculous. Can't you come up with better ways to tell people that going vegetarian is healthier? Sometimes PETA, you really need to wise up and get a clue.

Posted by: BRANDIE | August 18, 2009 03:49 PM

Hilarious and true!

I have come to realise we are a country of fragile egos. Obesity related illnesses are the number one cause of death and higher insurance rates in this country. Unfortunately, you have to use shock advertising to get people to pay attention to the issue. Haven't you ever heard the phrase "You have to be cruel to be kind"? Wake up people and toughen up!

Posted by: Cynthia Alane Hesslewood | August 18, 2009 03:58 PM

It is a sad fact that our country is becoming obese. while I do find the billboard to send a thought provoking message, I cannot say that it's in harmony with the image that PETA represents.
Did it ever occur to the creative marketers of Peta that perhaps there are overweight people who are vegetarians?
We do not often know of the circumstances behind an individuals weight problems but our great country is always there to judge everyone in an instant.
PETA is about raising awareness and protecting animals. Let's remain focused on the actual cause and leave the weight issues for Jenny Craig.

Posted by: MAGGIE | August 18, 2009 05:16 PM

Lizzibeth, you said it all. Plus the serving sizes that are served are higher than the average amount recommended. Eat slower, smarter and smaller portions. I know alot of Healthy Vegans who, to Hollywood standards, is over weight. Goddess Bless us all :D

Posted by: Brandy | August 18, 2009 05:41 PM

@Kurt K

Riiight - that's why smoking is allowed in public spaces (no harm to other people!) and people can drink all they want before they hit the roads.

I agree that people are entitled to certain personal rights, but we must also recognize that we have responsibilities to our society and world. This includes staying healthy so health insurance rates stay affordable for everybody, and eating foods that don't come from cruelly mismanaged animals. Holding the attitude of, "we can do anything we want, we're Americans" is highly arrogant and dangerous.

Posted by: Susan | August 18, 2009 09:43 PM

Im have always been fat, I think the billboard is awesome.. I went vegan and lost 40 pounds BTW. I could still stand to loose weight but good for PETA, I love the sign!

Posted by: Bananas | August 18, 2009 10:27 PM

I agree, SAVE THE WHALES BUT THE OCEAN WHALES. PEOPLE CAN HELP THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER. The Whales cannot, a billboard to stop killing the whales would have been more positive, and would show activist they are not alone. Start by helping the SEA SHEPARDS.

Posted by: Eli Suarez | August 19, 2009 08:57 AM

The point is well made: one out of three people in the United States is obese and these number have consistently been going up. This is a national pandemic and unfortunately, it's still considered not politically correct to call people out on their obesity.

Obesity and health-realted problems are going to bankrupt our country. Period. We have to change this trend and get people to not only care about other beings but also about themselves.

Posted by: Kevin | August 19, 2009 09:24 AM

Enough with the "you need to be more sensitive". How about "we all need to reel in our level of consumption". Wake up America . . . we ARE fat, it's costing all of us and too many die because of it. The new add is great and just may help convey the message that too many, clearly, are not getting.

Posted by: Suzi | August 19, 2009 09:47 AM

The problem isn't eating fish or meat, its the way a lot of people do it.....can you say SUPERSIZEME.

Posted by: middleground | August 19, 2009 11:47 AM

Yesterday on Oprah there was a doctor counseling some extremely obese teenagers on healthy diet choices. Sadly there was no one there counseling them on the benefits of meatless, dairy free choices. The kids were being counseled to eat foods from animal sources to get their protein and cut way down on the carbs. I would like the kids to know there are numerous sources of protein that do not involve meat or dairy.

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | August 19, 2009 12:10 PM

Whatever ... PETA thank you SO much for putting this up in Jacksonville Fl ... I live in Jacksonville FL, and believe me this needs to be put up on every corner HAHA

Posted by: Star808 | August 19, 2009 12:33 PM

i loved this billboard! =)

Posted by: cassie | August 19, 2009 01:26 PM

PETA asks nicely and no one listens. PETA uses tame advertising and again, no one listens. PETA, with this provacative ad, has accomplished what they intended - starting a conversation about obesity.

Posted by: Mary S | August 19, 2009 02:08 PM

this is the most awful ad I have ever seen. Shame on you . You care more for animal than you do people.

Posted by: Darlene | August 19, 2009 02:42 PM

I pass this billboard almost everyday. I giggle a little every time i see it. Funny yet effective. good one peta

Posted by: stephen | August 19, 2009 03:04 PM

Ouch. Cruel message.

Posted by: Marcy Darby | August 19, 2009 03:12 PM

Fantastic job on Fox News! A very eloquent interview on PETA's part despite Fox's typical non-objective idiotic news reporting.

Posted by: Rachel Nickel | August 19, 2009 03:32 PM

I understand how some people might be offended by this however the one I found really offensive in JAX was on that read...Keep our beaches beautiful... it was an ad for a plastic surgeon. I must have a mean streak because I did chuckle, I've been a veggi for about 3 years now and have never felt better.

Posted by: KJ | August 19, 2009 04:03 PM

Kurt,

That's not what I meant by my comment.

What I meant was that America is one of the world's fattest nations, and also one of the world's biggest meat-consuming nations. Could there be a connection perhaps?

Obesity, smoking and over-consumption of alcohol do have real health care costs for a country. While a person has the freedom to slowly kill himself, others have to pay for his gluttony.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | August 19, 2009 05:32 PM

I also saw the Fox News story and interview today and I say fantastic job! The guy afterwards saying it's good to be overweight because it is healthier made me angry though, and I turned the channel.

Posted by: Jessica | August 19, 2009 07:07 PM

Love the billboard!!! It is about time the weight problem in this counrty was adressed in such a manner.

Posted by: Pamela | August 19, 2009 07:42 PM

Below is what I posted on a Fox news blog regarding your ad:

HMMMM...hit a few nerves, did they? It is a long-established fact that eating a vegetarian diet is more healthful and promotes weight loss. We have an epidemic of obesity in America and someone needs to get a bit HARSH in order to bring this to our attention. What PETA has done is tie in this epidemic to the plight of the whales, which has recently become a "new" threat (again). I think it's a very smart campaign, and being an overweight woman myself, as well as an animal lover, I GET IT!!!! Keep on with it, PETA - some of us are listening!!!

Posted by: Gigi | August 20, 2009 01:07 AM

I just skimmed through a lot of the comments. I find it VERY interesting (if somewhat disturbing) that nobody (except me) has mentioned the tie-in to the whale destruction!!!! COME ON PEOPLE. This is PETA! They are trying to promote awareness of the slaughter of whales, even in whale sanctuaries. Everyone is apparently hung up on the fact that the ad touches upon overweight people. Well...that's very TRUE, isn't it? BUT, it also tries to highlight the fact that whales are being slaughtered at an enormous rate and there are very few champions of these magnificent mammals left out there. FOCUS everybody!!!!!

Posted by: Gigi | August 20, 2009 01:15 AM

Susan,
I agree that people who eat nothing but crap and do no physical activities are a problem. But you are acting like meat is the direct cause. It is the person who is doing it to themselves. A lazy person will be a lazy person whether they are vegan or not. You can't blame the food, you have to lay some of the responsibility on the lifestyle of the person. I eat alot of meat, and I am still thin and healthy. I guess I am an oddity.
Being arogant is what made the US great. Our freedoms are what make the US great. It is not arogant to be proud of our freedoms. Go to Iran or North Korea and then tell me our arogance is dangerous.
Mike,
I guess your healthcare costs must be really high, because I don't mind paying mine. Do I like it, no. But am I glad I have it, yes. A healthy person will get discounts. The less you go to the doctor or hospital, the lower your rates stay.

Posted by: Kurt K | August 20, 2009 11:28 AM

If you think this offends you, you should see what the fast food industry is feeding you. No one wants to be fat, seriously! I also know that some people have a medical condition that contributes to obesity. But look people, when car seat manufactures have to make infant and toddler car seats to fit obese babies and children, then I say we have a problem. And who is going to step up to the plate and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!? I too have had my ups and downs with my weight; I am currently struggling to lose a few extra blubber. This billboard does not offend me. I only hope that it wakes up America to the cruel truth.., We are blubbery! I currently live in South Korea where you will only find obesity in the Americans who live here. Koreans love taking pictures with obese people, because they rarely see it here. WoW! That truth hurts! Maybe they should put that on a billboard; “Paparazzi Asians posing with Americans just because we are fat!” Hum! Yeah, that just might do it! I am not saying that I agree with going vegetarian although my family and myself does not eat red meat, so what I get from this billboard is – PETA is for animal cruelty, this is what they do, but the message here is not only about animal cruelty, not eating meat to save the animals.., It also a wakeup call for everyone to eat smarter, healthier. So, if this offends you, then you must be among the lazy and just don’t give a crap to be in the best of health not just for yourself but for your family and the friends that surround you every day! I have another billboard idea how about; (picture) “an overweight man in a casket, the pallbearers struggling to carry it. (sign reads) Suicide hurts everyone” advertised by Weight Watchers.

Posted by: Heather | August 20, 2009 07:06 PM

Ah ha ha ha! I couldn't help but laugh at that banner, nice one Peta!

Posted by: NB | August 20, 2009 08:35 PM

Angela- where did you get that statistic? Does the 65% include women with obesity? That is an eating disorder as well.

And I think it is extremely intelligent to be "fattyphobic". All women should be afraid to be fat, not for superficial reasons, but because of the horrible health repercussions you face when you are overweight.
___________________
Why is this only targeted at women? It's not any healthier for men to be overweight. No lets just take everything out on women because we (women) always have to be perfect. The sign doesn't bother me as much as your post does.

Posted by: Krisy | August 21, 2009 08:52 AM

Kurt, you are a giant pain and just looking for things to be contrary about at this point.

Posted by: Elphaba | August 21, 2009 11:04 AM

Elphaba,
So opposing views to your own are completely wrong? I should just mind my own business if somebody is trying to alter the way I live me life? Would you sit by so idle?
Of course I have a contrary opinion on most things here, but I have every right to voice that opinion.

Posted by: Kurt K | August 21, 2009 12:47 PM

Kurt, you are hiding behind your misplaced paranoia here. A billboard is NOT going to alter your way of life.
You do indeed have every right to voice your opinion here, even when you are nitpicking and looking for arguments that aren't there in what I suspect is a lame effort to make your pathetic little life more interesting. But if you're going to use that argument then you must admit that I too have the right to let you know how annoying you are, and you are very, very annoying. I always enjoyed Dr. Cochran's posts, even though his views were certainly the polar opposite of mine, because he had constructive things to say. You on the other hand seem only to have nothing better to do and I would even venture to guess your mentality is something like those rotten kids at the playground who were always trying to pick on people and who teachers always say just want attention.
Mike is a nice guy and I don't recall ever reading a cross word to anyone from him. It's ridiculous to say that his statement of a fact equals telling people how to live their lives, and funny that your response to it was much more along the lines of telling someone what to do than his original statement.

Posted by: Elphaba | August 21, 2009 05:11 PM

no more cruelty please

whatever you give, is given to yourself

this ad preys upon society's collective fear of being fat and incites people's hate filled projection of that fear onto fat people in the form of insults and assaults

ridicule and shame motivate some, but alienate and destroy so many others

cruelty free - the way to be

Posted by: 342# | August 21, 2009 05:20 PM

Thank you Peter...duh...Peta!!!

Posted by: Tami | August 22, 2009 02:37 AM

I've been vegetarian for 30 years and support Peta, but have often been disappointed with Peta publicity campaigns that should have been done with more kindness.

Posted by: wayne | August 23, 2009 05:27 PM

SAVE THE WHALES!!!

Posted by: Jada | August 24, 2009 05:25 PM

Fat people still seem to be an easy target, the same message could have been delivered with kindness. However it wouldn't have gotten the same media attention. I would just hope that we could also practice kindness to all beings.

Posted by: Melissa | August 24, 2009 05:27 PM

Tact?

Posted by: right | August 24, 2009 09:57 PM

I don't see why everybody is getting so upset about the billboard. I am ovweweight my self and looking at the billboard makes me want to loose weight. I fill if you are over weight the Billboard
would bother you.
Diane
Pensacola, Fl.

Posted by: Diane Lott | August 24, 2009 10:27 PM

Mike Q has it all wrong. It may be every American's right to eat whatever they like, but as someone who used to work in a Nursing home its a whole lot harder to pick a fat person up when they need a bath than it is a thin one. Not to mention so much of what is wrong with old people (besides cigarettes)is the overeating, and it's only getting worse. What happens in 30 years when all these fat people with their replaced knees from carrying all that weight need to be taken care of and there aren't enough thin people to help them. Then what?

Posted by: Kathleen Butler | August 25, 2009 09:31 AM

Mike Q has it all wrong. It may be every American's right to eat whatever they like, but as someone who used to work in a Nursing home its a whole lot harder to pick a fat person up when they need a bath than it is a thin one. Not to mention so much of what is wrong with old people (besides cigarettes)is the overeating, and it's only getting worse. What happens in 30 years when all these fat people with their replaced knees from carrying all that weight need to be taken care of and there aren't enough thin people to help them. Then what?

Posted by: Kathleen Butler | August 25, 2009 09:31 AM

PETA....I want a bumper sticker!

Posted by: Karen James | August 25, 2009 09:32 AM

Great point Kathleen. I only want to point out that it was the obnoxious Kurt K, not Mike Q, who was going on about Americans having the right to be gluttons.

Posted by: Elphaba | August 25, 2009 04:00 PM

Kathleen, I understand the point you are trying to make, but I am not wrong.
I am all for people to watch what they eat. It would be great if there was no such thing as obesity. The fact is, no matter what kind of foods you want to remove, people will still get heavy. Some people can't help it, others, if not most, can.
Like I said before, everybody, especially PETA members, are quick to blame hamburgers, steaks and other meat products. Why can't we lay most of the responsibility on the person. What about all the people who eat meat and are not over weight? Should we punish them just because there is a portion of the population that are lazy or don't exercise nearly enough?
The fact is, if you eat to much of anything and not enough of the essentials, you will either gain alot of weight, or you will loose alot of weight. Balance is the key.
Elphaba,
You are mean.

Posted by: Kurt K | August 25, 2009 06:29 PM

Ever taken into consideration that psychiatric meds can put weight on people, regardless if they eat meat, veggies or cardboard? It's really ironic that you take Prozac for depression, you gain a bunch of weight from the meds and then you get more depressed from all the weight you gained from the depression medication.....

Posted by: Starbuck | August 25, 2009 08:40 PM

Kurt,
So you say that "It is not your nor my job or obligation to tell anybody how to live their life." Then later, you respond that "you have to lay some of the responsibility" of unhealthiness "on the lifestyle of the person." If you say that unhealthiness is partly due to the lifestyle of the person, and a person should be responsible for their lifestyle choices (I hope we can agree this), how should we make them take responsibility for the harm caused by their unhealthiness? And if a vegetarian diet does indeed encourage well being, as many studies suggest, I don't see why we can't recommend this diet to those who need it. Yes, I am saying that it is time we start telling people what they should eat.

I never said that "meat is the direct cause" of obesity (please point out my quote if I'm wrong). I simply have trouble with your belief that we, as Americans, should do anything we want without worrying about the repercussions. You say that "Being arogant [sic] is what made the US great". It's one thing to be proud of our freedom and another to flaunt it by indulging in excesses that harm the rest of the world. Please go to Iraq and then tell me our arrogance is dangerous. I'm sure the Iraqis are also viewing our arrogance positively too.

Posted by: Susan | August 26, 2009 09:13 PM

Why not show a rael beached whale or something like that?! Why someone who is overweight?

Posted by: Jose | August 26, 2009 11:11 PM

Susan,
Thanks for the polite response.
I'm not suggesting that just because we are a free society that we should do whatever and not worry about the consequences. I am saying as a free society we have that choice. Yes, it is unhealthy to eat nothing but fast food and then go lay on the couch everyday. I won't dispute that. But, it is our right.
I don't mind when PETA suggests alternatives for low fat diets. Even I have been paying attention and now I incorporate more veggies and fruits into my diet. I'm not going to stop eating meat, but I think my diet is better now.
I have a problem when PETA links meat with every disease and health issue from eating a non vegan diet. There are millions of healthy people that eat meat. Some take it to excess, that is the problem. Nothing pisses me off more when I see a large person with large kids walk out of McDonlds or other fast food places. There comes a time when a person must realize they need a diet change. That is the persons responsibilty to make that decision. Not yours or mine. Does that make sense?
As far as the US arrogance goes, I was trying to suggest that our contry is great because we, as Americans, have always had that "can do" attitude, where nothing was impossible. We landed a man on the moon for Christ's sake. I think that arrogance is misinterpretted by other countries as a negative. However, given the chance to live in America, many of the people that proclaim to hate us would jump at the chance.

"My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" ~Thomas Jefferson

I think he said it best!

Posted by: Kurt K | August 27, 2009 11:10 AM

I hate to break this to you Kurt, but you ARE wrong. By your (correct) logic that Americans can do what we want, what became of PETA's right to say what it wants?

We all have the right to speak freely as we choose, with a few rightfully illegal exceptions. Why can't you just be honest and admit that your argument is flawed and you really just enjoy conflict for its own sake? Even if you kept nitpicking after the fact, I would have a lot more respect for you and quite possibly even stop being mean if you would only tell the truth about what motivates you to argue with just about everything PETA says, but I won't hold my breath till I turn blue.

Posted by: Elphaba | August 27, 2009 05:29 PM

Elphaba,
I am glad PETA has the right to say and do the kind of things they do. I never said PETA shouldn't be allowed. Again, it is my right to protest the protestor.
Trust me Elphaba, if I was on here just to get a rise out of you, among others, my posts would be much worse. I've noticed anit-PETA people on here saying things even make me cringe. Whether you belive me or not is up to you.
I can't remember the last time I was rude just for the sake of being rude. I don't call people names, unlike some of the pro-PETA people. I am often tempted to use those tactics, but I restrain myself. I've typed long posts before where all I did was belittle a person who called me names, but I realized it was counterproductive and decided to write something else.
I'm sure we would actually get along outside of the blogosphere.

Posted by: Kurt K | August 28, 2009 09:02 AM

Look at all the discussion! I think PETA made their point. To all offended, lick your wounds and stop being so damn selfish. Sizeism is an issue and one that I face daily in my work, but animal's being abused and eaten is bigger!!!!!!!! If the billboard makes one person stop and think before ordering a steak, it was successful in my eyes.

The way this is being taken apart and anaylised to death may actually be turning more people off to things like womens rights and sizeism!!!!

So let put our time were it might be even more useful and productive.

And if you dont care for PETA because of their sometimes over-the-top antics, thats fine. Donate and support one of the hundreds of other causes for animals, that BTW you rarely see in the main stream media, reaching far and wide and with a history deep in all aspects of animal affairs. ;-)

Posted by: Lisa | August 29, 2009 04:03 PM

I'm not so sure about that Kurt, unless you are more able to admit you are wrong in person, but I am glad to hear you are eating more fruits and veggies (which one hopes leads to less flesh), even if that means you will be around longer to aggravate me....

Posted by: Elphaba | September 1, 2009 04:08 PM

Elphaba,
Now we wouldn't want that now would we:)
I do eat less red meat and my girlfriend makes me eat alot of veggies and fruits. I think my favorite things to eat with any meal is Edamame. I can eat bags and bags of those. They are so good with kosher salt.
I will stand by the statement that you would like me in person! I'm really sweetheart once you get to know me!

Posted by: Kurt K | September 2, 2009 11:33 AM

The ad is misleading, but it is quite funny.

Posted by: Kevin | September 10, 2009 09:15 AM

This billboard is simply not true. I'm fat, but I don't find it offensive, just misleading. I've been a vegetarian for over 15 years and while I was very thin when I first became veg, my ass and belly have expanded immensely over the past 5 years. Why? Because I work in an office and I love beer. And I don't get any exercise. But my diet is as healthy as they come. So there you have it. Even if you eat vegetarian, you can still be fat. Diet alone will not make you thin, Peta.

Posted by: mary | September 14, 2009 02:29 PM

hey 15 yr old, you need to realize that not all people 'did it to themselves' or have a 'glandular problem'... some overweight people are that way due to mental stress from their troubled lives. have you ever stopped to think that some people eat to excess because they see the world's obsession with 'fit' people and despair of ever 'fitting in'?
i was sexually abused all my childhood and getting fat was my defense mechanism. i know it wasn't a smart thing to do, but i was a kid and didn't know any better.
now, i'm working on getting 'fitter', but a billboard like that would've thrown me into despair 10 years ago.
so PETA, don't do it. it's more likely to cause harm rather than good.

Posted by: Jessica | October 5, 2009 03:18 PM

Being vegetarian certainly is healthier, and we still get to "save the whales"

But ads like this are unnecessary. C'mon PETA, really?

I agree with Aaron: PETA is against animal cruelty what about human cruelty? My goodness.

Well said.

Posted by: Brittany | October 7, 2009 11:07 AM

I understand the need to grab attention and get people talking, but this ad is tactless and has NOTHING to do with saving endangered whales. Come on... PETA could have been much more creative than this.

Posted by: Kat | October 27, 2009 03:16 PM