Are we afraid of the “F” word?

[Lisa Newton]

It’s not what you think.

It’s FAT.

People’s perception of what constitutes fat is changing. A recent survey that covered a 20 year time period found that Americans are less likely to find overweight people less attractive. The percentages have dramatically dropped from 55% to 24%.

Is it because more of us are overweight, hence our need for acceptance has become greater?

Have we become more tolerant?

Or have we as people, as adults, as a nation, given up on ourselves, accepting the reality that the majority of us are overweight and we are trying to come to terms with this fact?

Are you overweight? Are your pants getting too tight? Is that blouse starting to gape at the buttons? Are you beginning to sport a muffin top?

Why are we afraid to admit we’re fat? Is it because once we admit it, we’ll actually have to do something about it?

Let’s discuss……………

[Susan]

WOW. That research is really quite interesting and your theory is definitely food for thought (no pun intended). While I'm certainly not promoting that we should strive to be an over-weight society, it would be nice if we saw that trend of acceptance carry over into other areas (race and religion, for example)

The research you're referencing is somewhat contrary however to the Pew Research 2006 study that addressed how American view themselves in terms of weight. According to that study 9 in 10 (90%) Americans stated that most US citizens are overweight, but just 4 in 10 (40%) put themselves into that category. Makes me want to put scales back into every supermarket (I loved those big scales as a kid!!!).

Susan
www.catapultfitnessblog.com

[Batoul]

I most definately think this is a result of more of us being overweight and therefore there is a need for greater acceptance. If you yourself is overweight it is difficult not to accept another who is overweight. However, just because we are more likely to accept overweight people, does not mean that we are not acknowleding their existance. We have accepted the realily that the majority of us are overweight, and realize it is an issue. The problem is individuals and corporations aren't doing enough to make it no longer an issue. Many do admit to themselves that they are fat, but it seems as though that is not enough to make them do something about it.

[May]

A few years back I gained 100 lbs over my normal weight. People all around me were telling me I wasn't fat, I was voluptuous or whatever. But my body knew differently; I knew I was fat because I could feel the constant pain and stress on my body caused by the weight. Acknowledging that I was fat made me finally do something about it - I took a job where I had to bike 6 miles one way to work (I've never owned a car) instead of walking down the block to my previous job. It took a couple of months, but I lost all the weight gradually and naturally. I wouldn't have been so focused on my goal and refusing to give up if I didn't firmly KNOW that I was FAT. I hated it and I wanted to change, so I did.

I'm all for people using the word fat honestly. I think it's awful to encourage (by not discouraging) people who are overweight to think of their weight as something normal (unless it's some condition that cannot be controlled) when if they thought of it as something undesirable, they might be more motivated to change. Or at least that's how it had to work for me.

[Fitzalan]

I am going to weigh in (no pun intended either) on the other side of this discussion. I am formerly from the underweight group. And without a doubt, I have an overwhelming fear of getting fat. I am so scared and do not trust my judgement and my body.

For years, I thought if I listened to my body and ate when I was supposed to, that I would get fat. I thought if I missed a day of working out, that I would get fat. I restricted food and only ate one cookie all during the christmas holiday's, because I was scared I would get fat. It was a TERRIBLE way to live.

It is like living every day scared that one day you will get cancer. Guess what, I may get cancer, but I can do the things in my life to treat my body well to potentially avoid getting cancer. And then a light went off---I can do the same thing when it comes to getting fat. Just because I am eating more doesn't mean I'll get fat. Yes, I have gained some weigh, but that is probably for the best. I am learning to trust my self and give my body the fuel it needs to support my lifestyle. I am working to be fit and healthy...not thin. And trying to shake the fear that one day I will wake up and I will be fat.

I think the acceptance of people who are fat is both due to the increase of obsesity in our country but I also think in general our country is working to accept all sorts of sizes hoping that this will lead people to chose healthier lifestyles. Shows like the Big Losers aren't about accepting people being fat, it is about motivating them to lose the weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. I think people are beginning to recognize their potential.

SweetsandSweats.wordpress.com

[Miguel Pineiro (Wickert)]

yeah, that's interesting... we ( people) need to embrace others, it shouldn't matter what they may be dealing with. Side note: I heard on NPR, that OK was 8th for most obese adults and I think Mississippi is first on the list.

Anyhow, people handle things differently, it might help some to come to terms with reality. The point, if people are struggling with obesity, embrace them, (if their willing) and offer a helping hand.

[Chuck Bartok]

I will jump into the foray.

"We have nothing to Fear but "Fat" itself"

We seem to discussing "fat" all the time.

And I concur we as a "society" have changed our position on what is
considered "fat" through many cycles through History.

Personally I look at "fat" as being out of physical Condition.
I currently am about 15 pounds over the Suggested weight.
But I am in good physical condition and muscle Tone,
from Daily exercise and, of course, my diet.

Below are pictures of two young people I respect and am
associated with in various ventures.

In the before Picture they were not "obese", just a lttle "overweight"
and not in condition.

Scott and Angie realized they were Heading down a slippery path, and decalred themselves "out of Shape and Fat" and would not tolerate it anymore.
By not being afraid to admit their "shortcoming" they were able to change
their Lifestyle in many ways.

Scott and Angie have been able to Incorporate a Passion for Healthy Living and Continued Wellness into a Business that has allowed them to live an enviable Lifestyle, being at home with the Family.

To Learn More about them Visit their Respective Sites

The Fit Chic
The FitB
I personally have found the Tousignant' System VERY helpful in keeping me on Track,
Besides they are a fun young couple and accessible.




To Learn More about them Visit their Respective Sites

[Susanna]

Wow, this is a tough issue. It is one I have put a lot of thought into and yet still do not have conclusive concepts in my mind as to how it should be dealt with.

I am fat. I need to lose 40 lbs. I used to be even fatter. I have lost over 80 lbs and have managed to keep most of it off. I have fluctuated with the last 20 of those pounds. Understanding and acknowledging that I was fat was an essential element to taking the steps to lose the weight.

I was in law school and had the opportunity to meet very successful female lawyers and noticed that none of them were fat (like it or not, law is a very image conscious industry). I also noticed it was not necessarily true of the male counterparts. I could bemoan all day of the sexual discrimination aspects of weight and might make a small dent in how the industry should view female lawyers, or I could make a huge dent in my life and lose the weight.

I don’t believe any individual should be discriminated against based on their weight, and I do my best to be aware of my attitudes and any subtle signals I may or may not be sending out. However, how do we say in society, “It is not OK to be obese” and yet tell individuals “I do not judge you for being obese”? Particularly, when we have an entire industry devoted to making people fat that is heavily subsidized by the government.

Like any other discrimination issue, it is going to take recognition by the powers that be that there is a problem and dialogue between the interest groups to come to workable solutions. Websites like Iowa Avenue do help.

[TeasasTips]

Yes, I think that because many more Americans are 'fat', overweight, obese, etc., we need new words to make us feel more comfortable with the fact that we no longer fit a size 10 (for the ladies). It's a way for us to become more accepted. The word fat is now reserved for those who are 300 pounds plus...but for me, just the fact that I don't look the way I used to look is enough to make me feel fat. I saw an ad last night on television and there was a cute little boy on there who was 'chunky'--in the old days we kids would have called him 'fat.'

[Gabrielle Shafer]

Honestly, I think that our society as a whole is so inundated with information and technology that food becomes the giant escape from work, problems, life.....and I by no means think that this is some great reveleation, but I think that people are on the run and they don't have time to do what is right for themselves even though the payoff would be huge! It takes work to do what is right by your body and it is just easier to continue status quo with the junk and I think that people really don't want to change, they have become comfortable in their rut and it becomes more and more difficult over time to climb out of that rut. I truly enjoy cooking and eating healthy foods and the mental and physical payoff for me it to great to go back to junk food again.

[Mike Foster]

If two thirds of your populace is overweight, or fat, if you will, then it makes sense that the majority would not want to admit it, let alone do the necessary things it takes to correct it. I was fat, but I changed. The first step in changing is self realization, thus, it is okay to admit your are overweight, fat, if you will, if it is a stepping stone toward doing something about it. Start by taking personal accountability. Then watch this video:

http://www.livelife365.com/index.php?vid_id=136&fuse=Play&t...

peace,
mike
livelife365

[Mara]

This is a subject close to my heart. I think we all want acceptance and when you are overweight you seem to not get it. I know that since I have started on my journey I have seen what can happen when you are losing weight and how people see you versus when you are overweight and not willing to do something about it. I think it is how you feel about yourself and not what others think is the key (this is only my opinion). I am not afraid to admit I am fat I am just not willing to stay this way. Thanks for the post.

Mara
http://24stepstogo.blogspot.com/

[TB]

Without reading the post, the first "F" word that popped into my head was FAIL. I'm not afraid of being fat, but I am afraid of failing to be at a healthy weight.