Added on 09/12/09
Dawn French has proved to be somewhat controversial over the years. She is known for both her tongue in cheek humor and satire approach to obesity, given that she herself has been diagnosed with the condition. However, experts at Harley Street have begun to question whether the 5ft, 19 stone comedian is “sending the wrong signals”. Expert, Mary Strugar expressed her opinion that: “Dawn French is one our most loved comedians but she has also, perhaps unwittingly, become a role model for the obese.”
Many also believe that her messages that “big is beautiful” are giving people the wrong ideas and a gateway to exercise less and to become less concerned about their health. Strugar spoke out as the result of fresh findings that have emerged from a survey involving 400 doctors. It found that 45% of GPs felt that statements like “big is beautiful” were leading people to falsely believe that obesity is perfectly healthy.
Commenting on the current epidemic, she said “Obesity is a growing concern with many choosing to ignore the potential long-term misery of ill health associated with it. Dawn may fall into this group. I wish she could use her profile to raise awareness of how to go about the process of change as well as giving information about the health risks associated with obesity."
Rachel Cooke, a senior dietitian at University College London also commented on the issue, feeling that whilst we also have a culture problem whereby young girls feel pressured to remain as ‘thin’ as the latest front cover model, we should also be given far better education concerning the dangers of obesity and the potentially fatal risks that we face as a result of being obese. She also caused a stir in a number of camps last week, calling for fat jokes to be banned, given that they are equally as offensive as gay jokes.
Although Dawn French is fully aware of her condition, there is ample argument for the fact that her jokes could possibly be seen as a bad influence for the younger generation.
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