You're getting downvoted for your comment on ridicule and disdain. If you read the article, this is one of the reasons Paul gained so much weight - the ridicule and rejection. So I'm not so sure that's the answer. However, you are on point about society's tolerance and enablement. You rarely see this type of thing in non-welfare states.

Most are uncomfortable talking about this because we're humans and have compassion. On the surface, it seems like a mean spirited thing to suggest that tolerance and social programs have unintended consequences and are detrimental to the recipients. An example is how welfare has often become a surrogate for a two parent household.

I think most would agree that obesity and (generally) single parent households are damaging to both individuals and society as a whole. How do we find a balance that doesn't allow folks to fall through the cracks, but also doesn't encourage behavior that takes a toll on human beings or compromise the sustainability of social safety nets?