Our view: Watch out for fat police
Posted: Sunday, March 24, 2013 8:00 pm
SantaFeNewMexican.com
The notion that New York City would limit the size of sodas upset people across the nation, with complaints over too much “nanny state” and cries of joy when a judge threw out Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s edict to un-supersize sodas. But to all concerned about health and privacy, other edicts — by private employers — make a smaller-sized soda look unimportant in comparison.
With costs of health care and insurance premiums rising, employers are finding more ways to keep tabs on employees’ health — and such intrusive methods should worry people a lot more than soda limits. CVS Caremark, the pharmacy chain, is going to require any of its 200,000 employees who use the company’s health insurance to report their weight, height, glucose levels, blood pressure, fasting lipid levels and body fat. They have until May 1 to provide the information, according to a report in the Boston Herald. Otherwise, employees will pay $50 more a month for insurance — a big hit for many. Such prying is less and less uncommon, although many companies go with rewards to employees with healthy habits rather than penalties.
The reality that private companies recognize Americans need to become more healthy might be the nudge that governments need to start adopting better policies to promote the health and welfare of citizens. Bloomberg’s soda limits might seem over the top, but the reality is that drinking excess amounts of soda is harmful. And while drinking a soda is an individual choice, the consequences of that harm — whether to the obesity rate among children or the growing diabetes epidemic — affect society at large. (And boy, do we mean large.)
Americans can decide to enact policies that make it easier to eat better and exercise more, resetting the default mode to healthy. Just as with cigarettes or seat belts, our local, state and national governments can focus on policies to change long-entrenched habits. Or we can decide to let private companies snoop on their employees.
It’s past time for governments to get serious about promoting health. This can be done both by national agriculture policies that reward producers of food that tastes good and is good for you and by such simple things as better sidewalks and trails to make exercise convenient. We are fortunate in Santa Fe to have a vibrant local food community, with fresh, locally grown vegetables available at the farmers market, in restaurants and through cooperatives. We have miles of trails linking different areas of the city and county; it’s easy to bike or walk to work (although we would like to see Santa Fe Public Schools emphasize more walk-to-school activities). As a community, and a nation, we have to focus on health. Toward that end, we’d prefer smaller soda cups over our bosses doing a fat check.
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Sunday, March 24, 2013 8:00 pm.
Article source: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/editorials/article_d38a0456-b333-5cb9-ad3b-8040ded54c51.html
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Boston Herald, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City, Santa Fe
Fat Man’s Fast Eats
I’m running out of reasons to go to Albuquerque now that Talin Market (505 Cerrillos Road, 780-5073) has opened its second location here in the City Different.
Located on the corner of Cerrillos Road and West Manhattan Avenue, Talin is part of the new Luna Santa Fe development and shares part of its space with the recently relocated Ohori’s Coffee.
The market opened its first Albuquerque locale in 1980, when the now “International District” was more commonly referred to as the “war zone.” Talin Market has played a major role in the rebranding effort, and its 30,000-square-foot space at Louisiana Boulevard and Central Avenue is a testament to the multicultural character of the area.
Owner Victor Limary says he never really considered opening a second store, but the opportunity to launch a neighborhood market in downtown Santa Fe appealed to him. Talin in Albuquerque is a shopping destination, while its Santa Fe counterpart is designed to serve shoppers who might buy fewer things but shop at the store more often.
It’s easy to brush off the market as an “Asian grocery store,” but Asian fare is only part of what it has to offer; shoppers also find a wide selection of foods from India, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
True to the misconception, I counted at least five different types of choy, plus a variety of Asian broccolis, eggplants, herbs and chiles. Talin also carries an array of frozen dumplings and filled buns, perfect for that dim sum brunch you’ve been dying to throw together.
No more shopping at Trader Joe’s for kimchi and curries. Talin’s got you covered.
Santa Fe’s smaller, 5,000-square-foot space in town (a super-cool renovation of an old De Soto dealership) means you won’t find everything that is carried in the ABQ sister store; but despite having limited space, the owners are trying to offer a little bit of everything.
Limary told me that he wants the new store to be “Talin Market,” not “like Talin Market.” And in that spirit, Talin is offering next-day delivery on special-request items from the mothership.
Perhaps the best news about Talin Santa Fe is its traditional Japanese noodle bar. I’ll give you a minute to let that sink in. Yes, finally Santa Feans have a place to enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared and reasonably priced bowl of noodles without having to take out a second mortgage on their house or deal with an asshole chef.
I stopped in for opening weekend and was very happy with what I found. The menu is simple and straightforward: $4.95 lets you choose from one of three noodle types. A broth selection follows. I went with the light soy shoyu broth and rice noodles (tasty). The thick and rich pork-based tonkatsu broth ordered by the person sitting next to me looked really good, too. You also have the option of starting with a package of instant ramen, and building up from there, but why would you?
Save that action for a dinner-for-one at home, between paychecks.
Next, you choose your additional items like BBQ pork, tempura fish cake, bok choy, mushrooms and chile.
The add-on ingredients each range in price from 50 cents to $1. However, you might want to preserve the delicately balanced flavors of the dish itself, as the broth and noodles are the stars here.
Usually, I just order water when I’m eating out, but Victor convinced me to try a non-alcoholic green tea mojito. I was happy I did. The green tea/lime/mint/sparkling water concoction was crisp, tangy and only slightly sweet. And the fizziness did wonders to cool the burn of the spices I put in my soup. Seriously, the chiles are no joke.
Feeling a rumble yet? Head over to the new Talin Market. They have what you need, whether you’re an adventurous home cook or someone who just wants a more authentic version of some of your favorite ethnic snack foods. It has a great selection of fresh seafood and meats, much of which you can’t find anywhere else in town. The market has hired a new staff of around 25 employees from the Santa Fe area, too. Let’s all help make Talin a lasting part of Santa Fe’s food scene and the larger northern New Mexico community.
At A Glance
Serving: full-service, world-food grocery and traditional Japanese noodle bar
Menu: endless ramen combinations selected by you
Order up: 10-15 minutes depending on crowd
Recommendation: no one to blame but yourself
Article source: http://www.sfreporter.com/article-7278-fat-man%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99s-fast-eats.html
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Luna Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Santa Feans, Talin Market
Fat Man’s Fast Eats
I’m running out of reasons to go to Albuquerque now that Talin Market (505 Cerrillos Road, 780-5073) has opened its second location here in the City Different.
Located on the corner of Cerrillos Road and West Manhattan Avenue, Talin is part of the new Luna Santa Fe development and shares part of its space with the recently relocated Ohori’s Coffee.
The market opened its first Albuquerque locale in 1980, when the now “International District” was more commonly referred to as the “war zone.” Talin Market has played a major role in the rebranding effort, and its 30,000-square-foot space at Louisiana Boulevard and Central Avenue is a testament to the multicultural character of the area.
Owner Victor Limary says he never really considered opening a second store, but the opportunity to launch a neighborhood market in downtown Santa Fe appealed to him. Talin in Albuquerque is a shopping destination, while its Santa Fe counterpart is designed to serve shoppers who might buy fewer things but shop at the store more often.
It’s easy to brush off the market as an “Asian grocery store,” but Asian fare is only part of what it has to offer; shoppers also find a wide selection of foods from India, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
True to the misconception, I counted at least five different types of choy, plus a variety of Asian broccolis, eggplants, herbs and chiles. Talin also carries an array of frozen dumplings and filled buns, perfect for that dim sum brunch you’ve been dying to throw together.
No more shopping at Trader Joe’s for kimchi and curries. Talin’s got you covered.
Santa Fe’s smaller, 5,000-square-foot space in town (a super-cool renovation of an old De Soto dealership) means you won’t find everything that is carried in the ABQ sister store; but despite having limited space, the owners are trying to offer a little bit of everything.
Limary told me that he wants the new store to be “Talin Market,” not “like Talin Market.” And in that spirit, Talin is offering next-day delivery on special-request items from the mothership.
Perhaps the best news about Talin Santa Fe is its traditional Japanese noodle bar. I’ll give you a minute to let that sink in. Yes, finally Santa Feans have a place to enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared and reasonably priced bowl of noodles without having to take out a second mortgage on their house or deal with an asshole chef.
I stopped in for opening weekend and was very happy with what I found. The menu is simple and straightforward: $4.95 lets you choose from one of three noodle types. A broth selection follows. I went with the light soy shoyu broth and rice noodles (tasty). The thick and rich pork-based tonkatsu broth ordered by the person sitting next to me looked really good, too. You also have the option of starting with a package of instant ramen, and building up from there, but why would you?
Save that action for a dinner-for-one at home, between paychecks.
Next, you choose your additional items like BBQ pork, tempura fish cake, bok choy, mushrooms and chile.
The add-on ingredients each range in price from 50 cents to $1. However, you might want to preserve the delicately balanced flavors of the dish itself, as the broth and noodles are the stars here.
Usually, I just order water when I’m eating out, but Victor convinced me to try a non-alcoholic green tea mojito. I was happy I did. The green tea/lime/mint/sparkling water concoction was crisp, tangy and only slightly sweet. And the fizziness did wonders to cool the burn of the spices I put in my soup. Seriously, the chiles are no joke.
Feeling a rumble yet? Head over to the new Talin Market. They have what you need, whether you’re an adventurous home cook or someone who just wants a more authentic version of some of your favorite ethnic snack foods. It has a great selection of fresh seafood and meats, much of which you can’t find anywhere else in town. The market has hired a new staff of around 25 employees from the Santa Fe area, too. Let’s all help make Talin a lasting part of Santa Fe’s food scene and the larger northern New Mexico community.
At A Glance
Serving: full-service, world-food grocery and traditional Japanese noodle bar
Menu: endless ramen combinations selected by you
Order up: 10-15 minutes depending on crowd
Recommendation: no one to blame but yourself
Article source: http://www.sfreporter.com/article-7278-fat-man%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99s-fast-eats.html
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Luna Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Santa Feans, Talin Market
Fat Tire Society clears paths for mountain biking summit — and beyond
At 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at a La Tierra trailhead, Margaret Alexander and Stephen Washburn were hacking away at the ground using firefighter rakes and pickaxes.
They were building a new 50-foot-long connection between the multiuse trail and a single track used by mountain bikers. Previously, the single track led directly into the parking lot at the trailhead near Unity Church on N.M. 599.
Alexander represents the Trails Alliance of Santa Fe and Washburn the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society, but both came out to do prep work in advance of this week’s International Mountain Biking World Summit, which will start Wednesday and run through Saturday.
It’s this type of dedication that helped Santa Fe earn the right to host the summit, according to Mark Eller, International Mountain Biking Association spokesman.
Eller said the existence of the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society, named for the wider tires on mountain bikes, really sealed the deal for Santa Fe. “It was probably one of the biggest factors that played into our decision,” he said. “It’s a great local group.”
Of course, there’s more to it than that. Upgrades by the city to the La Tierra Trail System also influenced the decision. The city’s 2011 master plan dedicated about $3 million to prevent trespassing, clean up litter, connect trails and provide signs for the area.
Another plus for Santa Fe was the Dale Ball Trail System, well known among the biking community for steep inclines and challenging terrain. It helps that convention attendees can ride their bikes to either trail system from the Santa Fe Convention Center, the main location for the International Mountain Biking Association seminars.
The city also offered the group lodging discounts and free use of the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Add in supplies and services donated by local bike-part wholesaler Bicycle Technologies Inc., and Santa Fe was able to beat out Lake Tahoe, Nev., and Jackson Hole, Wyo. Previous convention sites include Park City, Utah, and Augusta, Ga.
The Santa Fe Fat Tire Society dates to 2010, when International Mountain Biking Association representatives visited the city to build some trails. Bob Ward, REI manager and the society’s founding father, said that the group gave a presentation about the benefits of a mountain bike advocacy group. “And I thought we really need something like this in town,” he said.
The reps’ visit came during a time of conflict between bikers and hikers on area trails. The New Mexican reported in 2010 that a biker attacked a hiker along the Winsor Trail. Ward worried that such incidents might cause the city to ban bikers from these trails, so he sent out emails to everyone he knew in town with the hope that at least a few people might up show up at the group’s inaugural meeting. He got more than 50 would-be members.
Ward said the group provided a needed social function in that it set up group rides, connected the biking community and helped new riders find trails and friends. “I wish I had something like this when I moved here,” he said.
Ward said the group also contributed to trail upkeep. It sought grants from the Santa Fe Conservation Trust and REI and worked on any trail that needed work, such as the La Tierra Trail System.
All the labor was done for free, but Ward said there was an ulterior motive. “We didn’t want to lose our trails,” he said.
The volunteer group is in overdrive now, according to Tim Fowler, the society’s president. The 100-plus members are doing everything from trail maintenance to planning rides for the upcoming summit’s guests. “We really want to show off what we have,” he said.
Fowler cited Dale Ball and his trail system as his “inspiration,” and said he would like to give back to the city in a similar way. He said the group’s work has focused recently on the Winsor and the Borrego trails, and he estimated that his group has contributed more than 1,000 hours in all preparing for the summit.
Another goal of the group is to educate cyclists, Fowler said. That includes teaching trail etiquette, such as yielding to hikers and riding without destroying trails.
But that only goes so far. “If a jerk wants to go out there and be a jerk, there’s nothing we can about that,” he said. “Frankly, though, most people are incredibly polite.”
The group also has a summer youth program to interest kids in mountain biking.
The Fat Tire Society is considered a chapter of International Mountain Biking Association, which means it can draw on the resources of the international organization. “We’re just doing what we can to encourage participation in the sport,” Fowler said.
Back at the La Tierra trailhead, Alexander and Washburn decided their new trail should run between three pine saplings — Alexander doesn’t like to relocate them — and adjacent to a little ravine so runoff water doesn’t destroy the path. The goal, Alexander said, was to build the trail into the land so it will last longer and look more natural.
Still, there’s an inherent destruction that goes into trail creation. The rake pulled out small tufts of grass with a small rip-pop sound, and Washburn broke off several tree branches which resulted in sharp snaps.
But, “You do try to make as little disturbance as possible,” Alexander said. “And minimize the maintenance.”
Alexander is not a member of the Fat Tire Society — she prefers hiking — but she’s worked on the La Tierra Trails since 2009. The Trails Alliance of Santa Fe was founded in 2009 as the result of a two-year discussion among trail-advocacy groups. The alliance got a little bit of funding for tools from the Santa Fe Conservation Trust, its parent group.
To date, the alliance has provided more than 2,800 hours of volunteer labor. Its most recent project includes the La Piedra Trail connecting the Dale Ball Trail North to the Little Tesuque Creek Trail. The group holds a monthly meeting to decide which trails require upkeep. It also takes suggestions from community members.
Its goal is the seamless integration between trail and land. To that end, Alexander and Washburn covered the old path off the La Tierra parking lot with dead piñon branches. She said it will soon disappear without any further effort on her part.
Long after the summit is over, volunteers of the Fat Tire Society and Trail Alliance will continue their labors, Fowler said.
“We do it because we love mountain biking,” he said. “We want to make Santa Fe a place that’s even better for those of us who enjoy outdoor recreation.”
Contact Chris Quintana at 986-3093 or cquintana@sfnewmexican.com.
Article source: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/100812Fatiresociety
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Contact Chris Quintana, Fat Tire Society, La Tierra, Santa Fe
Fat Tire Society clears paths for mountain biking summit — and beyond
At 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at a La Tierra trailhead, Margaret Alexander and Stephen Washburn were hacking away at the ground using firefighter rakes and pickaxes.
They were building a new 50-foot-long connection between the multiuse trail and a single track used by mountain bikers. Previously, the single track led directly into the parking lot at the trailhead near Unity Church on N.M. 599.
Alexander represents the Trails Alliance of Santa Fe and Washburn the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society, but both came out to do prep work in advance of this week’s International Mountain Biking World Summit, which will start Wednesday and run through Saturday.
It’s this type of dedication that helped Santa Fe earn the right to host the summit, according to Mark Eller, International Mountain Biking Association spokesman.
Eller said the existence of the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society, named for the wider tires on mountain bikes, really sealed the deal for Santa Fe. “It was probably one of the biggest factors that played into our decision,” he said. “It’s a great local group.”
Of course, there’s more to it than that. Upgrades by the city to the La Tierra Trail System also influenced the decision. The city’s 2011 master plan dedicated about $3 million to prevent trespassing, clean up litter, connect trails and provide signs for the area.
Another plus for Santa Fe was the Dale Ball Trail System, well known among the biking community for steep inclines and challenging terrain. It helps that convention attendees can ride their bikes to either trail system from the Santa Fe Convention Center, the main location for the International Mountain Biking Association seminars.
The city also offered the group lodging discounts and free use of the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Add in supplies and services donated by local bike-part wholesaler Bicycle Technologies Inc., and Santa Fe was able to beat out Lake Tahoe, Nev., and Jackson Hole, Wyo. Previous convention sites include Park City, Utah, and Augusta, Ga.
The Santa Fe Fat Tire Society dates to 2010, when International Mountain Biking Association representatives visited the city to build some trails. Bob Ward, REI manager and the society’s founding father, said that the group gave a presentation about the benefits of a mountain bike advocacy group. “And I thought we really need something like this in town,” he said.
The reps’ visit came during a time of conflict between bikers and hikers on area trails. The New Mexican reported in 2010 that a biker attacked a hiker along the Winsor Trail. Ward worried that such incidents might cause the city to ban bikers from these trails, so he sent out emails to everyone he knew in town with the hope that at least a few people might up show up at the group’s inaugural meeting. He got more than 50 would-be members.
Ward said the group provided a needed social function in that it set up group rides, connected the biking community and helped new riders find trails and friends. “I wish I had something like this when I moved here,” he said.
Ward said the group also contributed to trail upkeep. It sought grants from the Santa Fe Conservation Trust and REI and worked on any trail that needed work, such as the La Tierra Trail System.
All the labor was done for free, but Ward said there was an ulterior motive. “We didn’t want to lose our trails,” he said.
The volunteer group is in overdrive now, according to Tim Fowler, the society’s president. The 100-plus members are doing everything from trail maintenance to planning rides for the upcoming summit’s guests. “We really want to show off what we have,” he said.
Fowler cited Dale Ball and his trail system as his “inspiration,” and said he would like to give back to the city in a similar way. He said the group’s work has focused recently on the Winsor and the Borrego trails, and he estimated that his group has contributed more than 1,000 hours in all preparing for the summit.
Another goal of the group is to educate cyclists, Fowler said. That includes teaching trail etiquette, such as yielding to hikers and riding without destroying trails.
But that only goes so far. “If a jerk wants to go out there and be a jerk, there’s nothing we can about that,” he said. “Frankly, though, most people are incredibly polite.”
The group also has a summer youth program to interest kids in mountain biking.
The Fat Tire Society is considered a chapter of International Mountain Biking Association, which means it can draw on the resources of the international organization. “We’re just doing what we can to encourage participation in the sport,” Fowler said.
Back at the La Tierra trailhead, Alexander and Washburn decided their new trail should run between three pine saplings — Alexander doesn’t like to relocate them — and adjacent to a little ravine so runoff water doesn’t destroy the path. The goal, Alexander said, was to build the trail into the land so it will last longer and look more natural.
Still, there’s an inherent destruction that goes into trail creation. The rake pulled out small tufts of grass with a small rip-pop sound, and Washburn broke off several tree branches which resulted in sharp snaps.
But, “You do try to make as little disturbance as possible,” Alexander said. “And minimize the maintenance.”
Alexander is not a member of the Fat Tire Society — she prefers hiking — but she’s worked on the La Tierra Trails since 2009. The Trails Alliance of Santa Fe was founded in 2009 as the result of a two-year discussion among trail-advocacy groups. The alliance got a little bit of funding for tools from the Santa Fe Conservation Trust, its parent group.
To date, the alliance has provided more than 2,800 hours of volunteer labor. Its most recent project includes the La Piedra Trail connecting the Dale Ball Trail North to the Little Tesuque Creek Trail. The group holds a monthly meeting to decide which trails require upkeep. It also takes suggestions from community members.
Its goal is the seamless integration between trail and land. To that end, Alexander and Washburn covered the old path off the La Tierra parking lot with dead piñon branches. She said it will soon disappear without any further effort on her part.
Long after the summit is over, volunteers of the Fat Tire Society and Trail Alliance will continue their labors, Fowler said.
“We do it because we love mountain biking,” he said. “We want to make Santa Fe a place that’s even better for those of us who enjoy outdoor recreation.”
Contact Chris Quintana at 986-3093 or cquintana@sfnewmexican.com.
Article source: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/100812Fatiresociety
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Contact Chris Quintana, Fat Tire Society, La Tierra, Santa Fe
Fat cats fighting for title
NEW YORK, June 3 (UPI) — In less than a month after famous fat cat Meow died in Santa Fe, two New York cats have stepped in to a fatter-cat fight.
Meow, a 39-pound cat who made appearances on “Today” and “Anderson Cooper” died in early May after suffering respiratory distress and then pulmonary failure, the New York Post reported at that time.
On Saturday, a Manhattan shelter cat named SpongeBob was featured in the NY Post for weighing a hefty 30 pounds.
But then, on Sunday, SpongeBob’s fat-cat reign was quickly topped by a 10-year-old long-haired tabby named Garfield, who weighs a staggering 40 pounds.
Garfield was brought to the North Shore Animal League on Long Island Thursday after his owner died.
“My first reaction was astonishment,” said North Shore veterinarian Gerard Laheney. “This is the fattest cat I have ever seen.”
Laheney said Garfield passed his checkup, but needs to lose about 20 pounds.
Article source: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2012/06/03/Fat-cats-fighting-for-title/UPI-49001338757664/
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Gerard Laheney, New York Post, North Shore, Santa Fe
World's favourite fat cat, Meow, dies of obesity
- Video
- Image
Possibly the world’s fattest cat, 17kg tabby called Meow lost his battle with the bulge.
Santa Fe Animal Shelter veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Steketee holds Meow, a two-year-old tabby at the shelter in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The tabby died over the weekend, likely due to complications from his morbid obesity. Picture: Supplied
Source: AP
A CAT that got international attention for tipping the scales at almost 18 kilograms has died.
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter Humane Society said that the orange and white tabby named Meow died over the weekend, likely from complications from his morbid obesity.
Meow, who was two-years-old, was taken to the shelter last month after his 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him.
The shelter put Meow on a diet and posted all his weigh-ins on a Facebook page that got national attention.
Meow had lost some weight and was doing well when he began having breathing problems last Wednesday.
Despite constant attention, and medical testing and treatment, Meow died on Saturday.
Shelter Director Mary Martin says the entire staff is devastated, adding: ‘We were in a race against time to get the weight off Meow before he developed complications from his obesity, and we lost.
But we hope his fight will encourage other people to help their pets maintain the best health possible. Obesity is not something to be ignored.’
When he was alive, Meow was not the fattest cat out there.
That record belongs to Himmy, a tabby from Australia that weighed almost 21kg.
The shelter said Guinness World Records has since stopped accepting applications for the record over concerns it would encourage people to overfeed their animals.
Shelter veterinarian Jennifer Steketee said the idea is for Meow was to gradually lose weight by eating a special diet.
Steketee said the dangers of feline obesity are not much different than they are for humans – extra pressure on the heart and joints.
She told the Today show after his death: ‘When we first heard Meow wheezing, we attributed it to possible allergies or the fact that he was moving around more in his foster home.’
The cat’ symptoms worsened and he died she said.
‘His extreme obesity may have set off a string of events that ultimately ended his life.’
Article source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/world/meow-the-17-kilogram-fat-cat-dies-of-obesity/story-e6frea8l-1226349624788?from=public_rss
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Guinness World Records, Jennifer Steketee, New Mexico, Santa Fe
40 pound fat cat on diet by the Santa Fe Animal Shelter; Feline must drop 10 …
Meow can’t help but waddle. He’s one super-sized cat.
The 2-year-old orange and white tabby tips the scale at nearly 40 pounds, and the Santa Fe Animal Shelter is on a mission to get the feline back into shape.
Meow’s 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him, so the pet was turned over to a shelter in southeastern New Mexico that called the Santa Fe shelter for help.
“The thing with this cat is when you look at it, certainly it’s obese. You see that. But it’s a sweet looking cat. His face is very sweet. It’s just incredibly fat,” shelter spokesman Ben Swan said Friday.
Meow has been placed with a foster family. He’ll be on a special diet so he can start shedding some pounds. The goal is for him to lose at least 10 pounds so he can be put up for adoption.
The shelter plans to post updates on Meow’s weight loss on its Facebook page.
It’s not clear how the feline was able to gain so much weight in just two years. Adult cats typically weigh between seven and 12 pounds.
“If you go online, you’ll see a lot of fat cats and these are people who have fed them just one thing, like meat or something that’s not nutritionally balanced,” Swan said. “Then the cat refuses to eat anything else and then they just get fatter and fatter and fatter.”
Meow has one thing going for him. He’s not the fattest cat out there.
That record belongs to Himmy, a tabby from Australia that weighed almost 47 pounds. The shelter said Guinness World Records has since stopped accepting applications for the record over concerns it would encourage people to overfeed their animals.
In Meow’s case, the shelter is awaiting blood test results to make sure he doesn’t have any additional health problems.
Shelter veterinarian Jennifer Steketee said the idea is for Meow to gradually lose weight by eating a special diet. He has already lost a couple of pounds since being turned in.
Steketee said the dangers of feline obesity are not much different than they are for humans — extra pressure on the heart and joints.
Swan said all the extra weight makes it tough for Meow to play. He had little interest in the super-sized toy mouse the shelter gave him when he first arrived and he couldn’t squeeze much more than his head into the carpeted ring attached to the shelter’s scratching post.
“He’s very sweet. He’s doing everything a normal cat would do except he loses his breath and tires easily,” Swan said. “We’re seeing what we can to do help him.”
Article source: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/40-pounds-fat-cat-put-diet-santa-fe-animal-shelter-lose-10-pounds-adopted-article-1.1067867
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Guinness World Records, Jennifer Steketee, New Mexico, Santa Fe
New Mexico fat cat weighs in at nearly 40 pounds
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Meow can’t help but waddle. He’s one super-sized cat.
The 2-year-old orange and white tabby tips the scale at nearly 40 pounds, and the Santa Fe Animal Shelter is on a mission to get the feline back into shape.
Meow’s 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him, so the pet was turned over to a shelter in southeastern New Mexico that called the Santa Fe shelter for help.
“The thing with this cat is when you look at it, certainly it’s obese. You see that. But it’s a sweet looking cat. His face is very sweet. It’s just incredibly fat,” shelter spokesman Ben Swan said Friday.
Meow has been placed with a foster family. He’ll be on a special diet so he can start shedding some pounds. The goal is for him to lose at least 10 pounds so he can be put up for adoption.
The shelter plans to post updates on Meow’s weight loss on its Facebook page.
It’s not clear how the feline was able to gain so much weight in just two years. Adult cats typically weigh between seven and 12 pounds.
“If you go online, you’ll see a lot of fat cats and these are people who have fed them just one thing, like meat or something that’s not nutritionally balanced,” Swan said. “Then the cat refuses to eat anything else and then they just get fatter and fatter and fatter.”
Meow has one thing going for him. He’s not the fattest cat out there.
That record belongs to Himmy, a tabby from Australia that weighed almost 47 pounds. The shelter said Guinness World Records has since stopped accepting applications for the record over concerns it would encourage people to overfeed their animals.
In Meow’s case, the shelter is awaiting blood test results to make sure he doesn’t have any additional health problems.
Shelter veterinarian Jennifer Steketee said the idea is for Meow to gradually lose weight by eating a special diet. He has already lost a couple of pounds since being turned in.
Steketee said the dangers of feline obesity are not much different than they are for humans – extra pressure on the heart and joints.
Swan said all the extra weight makes it tough for Meow to play. He had little interest in the super-sized toy mouse the shelter gave him when he first arrived and he couldn’t squeeze much more than his head into the carpeted ring attached to the shelter’s scratching post.
“He’s very sweet. He’s doing everything a normal cat would do except he loses his breath and tires easily,” Swan said. “We’re seeing what we can to do help him.”
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Article source: http://www.waow.com/story/17738150/new-mexico-fat-cat-weighs-in-at-nearly-40-pounds
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: Guinness World Records, Jennifer Steketee, New Mexico, Santa Fe
40-pound fat cat sent to foster family and put on a diet
(Ben Swan/AP) – Meow, a 2-year-old tabby tops the scale at over 39 pounds at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Categories: Fat Loss Diary Tags: New Mexico, Santa Fe