Rob Ford’s TODAY Interview with Matt Lauer Tuesday, Nov. 19 2013
Matt Lauer talks to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in his first sit down interview with the U.S. media since his drug scandal broke in the news.
Interview to Air Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19 on NBC’s TODAY
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who recently admitted to smoking crack cocaine, talked to Matt Lauer in his first in-depth sit-down interview since his ongoing drug scandal. The interview will air tomorrow, November 19 on NBC’s Today.
Rob Ford’s mother had this to say about her troubled son:
“He’s got a weight problem. He’s got a huge weight problem. And he knows that. And I think that’s the first problem he has to attack because this will change your whole demeanour. You have to change. You have to show the public that you’ve changed. Maybe you haven’t changed in your heart or inside, but you have to change. He said ‘I definitely want to change,’ and by changing you have to change your whole demeanour. And everything else will fall into place because you aren’t all the things that you’re being accused of. But you have to show the public that and you have to show yourself that. Show your strength. I know it’s difficult. He eats on the run. He’s frustrated. He’s attacked all the time. It’s terrible.”
Obesity and medical expert Dr. Adam Silberstein is the co-founder of The Source Health and Wellness Treatment Center in Los Angeles. The Source is a program developed expressly for food addicts. A father of four, Dr. Silberstein was morbidly obese and he lost over 130 pounds and has kept it off for over 15 years, to preserve his health and set a good example for his patients and his family.
Dr. Silberstein spoke to Monsters and Critics about Rob Ford and his mother’s remarks about him.
“Just focusing on a crack-cocaine issue while there is an obvious weight issue would be tantamount to a patient coming in with a heart attack and cancer and ignoring the cancer. While one may need more immediate attention it certainly does not negate the other. Mothers certainly are invested in the health of their children and Mrs. Ford, I imagine, feels that same concern for her son. To do her concern justice, I would recommend addressing all the issues of impact and then prioritize how and when to approach each issue.”
Food issues often go hand in hand with other addiction problems according to Dr. Silberstein. “In terms of the gravity of a substance issue it is certainly unreasonable to compare active crack use to food addiction. For starters, crack is illegal and is often associated with a high degree of impulsivity and poor judgement and can lead to acute crises and health risks. However, to minimize or ignore the presence of food addiction and morbid obesity is irresponsible. Food, like other substances or addictive behaviors such as gambling or sex, can significantly impact a persons ability to cope with life stressors and challenges. It is certainly not uncommon for individuals who battle drugs and alcohol to also have issues related to compulsive eating.”
For those who can’t get enough of the Canadian politician, Rob Ford’s new reality television show, “Ford Nation” debuts tonight in Canada.
