I will never have the opportunity to be part of the Oprah phenomenon. Not because the Oprah Winfrey Show no longer exists, but because I have not lost 100-plus pounds.

Anymore in the health world, all discourse seems to revolve around American obesity rates, dos and don’ts of eating habits and diet books that line the shelves of bookstores and grocery aisles. Moderation is a term that has died with the birth of “Supersize” meals and “Big Gulp” drinks.

Granted, the removal of the audience held captive by this phenomenon means that the “Biggest Loser” would lose all of its contestants and Kirstie Alley would be out of a diet gig.

I have always been an active person through sports, outdoor activities, going to the gym and recently becoming a spinning instructor at Mercyhurst (this is a shameless plug for my classes, which you should check out). I am not seeking a gold star by any means.

However, does it not seem bizarre that we don’t give credit where credit is due namely to those who follow food guidelines and maintain a healthy lifestyle? What have we become if we scorn moderation?

Mostly because that isn’t what people want to see. Have you ever been impressed to look at a photograph taken years back only to realize you’ve stayed the same in looks and in weight? Of course not–it is all about the shock value, which is what our glutinous society eats up.

Cheers to all of you marathon runners, triathlon athletes, 5k-ers and you gym rats. Here are the accolades you will be deprived of in pop culture.

Now that Oprah has her OWN network, maybe my chance of being on her show will be better than slim to none.