Apparently, it’s not politically correct to refer to anybody’s girth. Today is certainly unlike the days of Fats Domino or Chubby Checker. It’s not funny to giggle over the gaffe in the church bulletin that read “Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.”

Why, now, there’s a National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, known as NAAFA, which holds an annual convention and even advocates for the “fat liberation” movement.

These so-called fat activists, according to Associated Press reports, are angry at the national obsession with dieting and are protesting the medical establishment’s campaign against obesity.

“We’re living in the middle of a witch hunt, and fat people are the witches,” said a member of NAAFA.

The organization has tried to combat what members see as rampant discrimination against fat people, such as a Southwest Airlines’ policy of requiring large passengers to purchase a second ticket if they can’t fit in a single seat.

Why all the ruckus? Well, these activists – who allegedly are unashamed of their size and are fed up with fat jokes – claim it’s the “anti-obesity group” that is causing the hysteria. “I hope we can be a viable force of sanity in the midst of hysteria,” said NAAFA spokeswoman Mary Ray Worley. “Some people act like obesity is the next worst thing after terrorism.”

That’s a bit of exaggeration – and fairly impolitic these days.

Actually, Maine takes obesity seriously. It doesn’t poke fun at someone but tries to cope with trends that are, quote, unhealthy, and quote, costly.

The NAAFA folks can say all they want about health campaigns, but surely they are not earnest in wanting to “advance fat acceptance.”

The reason Maine isn’t laughing at fat jokes or at an organization called the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is that Maine has the highest rate of overweight people and obesity in New England, with about two-thirds of all adults weighing more than they should and, worse, many grammar school children overweight or obese and 25 percent of high school students in that category.

The reason for the concern is that obesity – says a federal report – costs “more than $100 billion and 300 lives a year” because of health problems of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and other maladies.

According to reports, rates in Maine of overweight residents have increased by 75 percent in the last decade, following the national trend. The Maine Legislature is so concerned about the trend it is considering imposing what some call a “fat tax” on certain products perceived to be contributors to the state’s overweight population.

It is not difficult to empathize with those who are obese and who fight weight issues. At the same time, it is hard to take seriously “fat activists,” those in NAAFA who contend there is a “witch hunt” going on.

The answer is baloney. (Try turkey baloney, less fat).