No one wants to think she's obese, but why couch it as "Rubenesque"? Diana Mason asks, "To what lengths should I go to lose weight?" She should do whatever it takes to reach a more normal body size. Maybe she should eat less and exercise more. Is it easy? No. Is it possible? Yes. I have battled my weight all my life. I do not blame anyone else.

As a longtime nurse, I also know that obese patients are difficult to care for, ambulate, turn, and keep free of complications. The "padding" that Dr. Mason says "may protect against fractures" in the elderly may also cause one to struggle with balance and fall.

Melissa Warthen, MSN, RN

Noblesville, IN