Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I think one case where someone might object to your comments is the assertion that obesity is strictly a behavioral problem, in the form of overeating. While that may be strictly true by virtue of the conservation of matter and energy, the word "behavioral" can be interpreted as meaning "chosen," as in, "People are obese because they want to be obese." It may be helpful to note that there are many causes for behavior, including conscious effort, habit, addiction, autonomous instinct, reflex, and perhaps even lipopolysaccharide endotoxin.


Absolutely, I didn't mean to imply that behavior is the same as choice. It didn't occur to me that could even be an issue. It's a neutral term.


To people fighting a personal fight in the middle of the battlefield, neutral terms can become not so neutral very quickly :-).




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: