Weight

[Laveau 67]

Hi Everyone,

I know I probably should stick to my journal for entires such as this but whatever. I came across the weight watchers thread and on a whim decided to post my thoughts on weight. First of all, background: I come from a family (mom's side...don't know anybody but dad on dad's side) of obese women. Mom has always been overweight (I've even seen pics of her as a young child and a teen) and all...yes ALL of her female relatives were/are on the fluffy side. I'm not even sure where I'm going with this as I write but if I offend anyone, my apologizes. My first thought is this: if Americans are so obsessed with weight then why is America so stereotyped as being a country of fat people? Example: when I was in Romania one of the women that works with my boyfriend made this comment after meeting me (and I am NOT kidding): "I thought American women are FAT?" I'm not sure if that was meant to be a question or not but I almost choked on my grapefruit juice.

I know there a lot of non-Americans on VJ so I'd like to hear your thoughts on America and this weight issue. Before going abroad I was weight conscience but I didn't attribute it as just an American thing. My 2nd week in Romania I realized that I didn't see many over weight people but what really opened my eyes was my layover in Germany on my way back to the states. Of course, at the gate where I waited there were a lot of Americans waiting. #1-I was tickled to be in the company of my fellow country people and hearing English with an American accent. But secondly, I took in the picture. Almost all of the Americans were larger in girth then everyone else. What the heck? Just a coincidence? There is so much I could write about this but I'm lazy and will wait to see if anybody has any thoughts on the matter. Anyone?

[Fuzzness 2]

weight is a non issue for me. the only time it becomes an issue is regarding health. I am a bit overweight but not so much that it affects my health. therefore, I don't care.

[*Robert* 2]

Well, they don't exactly come in small sizes in Hawaii! Everywhere you look... fat people! I'm scared to look on the beaches around here... afraid my eyes will be damaged.

When I go to Thailand, I swear you just don't see overweight people!!! Occasionally, yes... but most of them are at McDonalds!!! Go figure!!! America and it's junk food... it's starting to catch up with other countries as well!

There are still plenty of fit people in America too... but they just don't stand out as much! (literally!)

[KarenCee 3]

I'm fluffy. I wasn't always fluffy though. I have PCOS and it has contributed GREATLY to my weight. I have always ALWAYS been extremely self concious of it too. My ex took great pleasure in reminding me of it. All the women on my mom's side are fluffy too. I've had many comments on my figure. It is just in the last couple years that I have gotten to the point where I am not down on myself about it. My reason for this: the wonderful man I am engaged to...my future husband....the love of my life....my beloved Joel. He loves me for ME and he loves my figure just as it is. I am indeed one of the luckiest girls on this earth.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

American fast food is so bad. I try to avoid it at all cost.

[jordanianprincess 0]

So many non-Americans in America. They live in America, but they are not Americans per say. How do you distinguish?

Define what you mean by American.

[onwa 6]

Well, the bodies weren't small in South Africa either. Some of it genetics. Most of it fast food and large portions here in America!

[KarenCee 3]

Well, they don't exactly come in small sizes in Hawaii! Everywhere you look... fat people! I'm scared to look on the beaches around here... afraid my eyes will be damaged.

When I go to Thailand, I swear you just don't see overweight people!!! Occasionally, yes... but most of them are at McDonalds!!! Go figure!!! America and it's junk food... it's starting to catch up with other countries as well!

There are still plenty of fit people in America too... but they just don't stand out as much! (literally!)

Afraid your eyes will be damaged? From what?

[*Robert* 2]

Well, they don't exactly come in small sizes in Hawaii! Everywhere you look... fat people! I'm scared to look on the beaches around here... afraid my eyes will be damaged.

Afraid your eyes will be damaged? From what?

The terrible immages I would see!!! Scarring on my retinas!!!

Sorry, but some people just don't belong in speedos and bikinis!!!

[Anastasia 1]

I think many americans are over weighted because healthy food is much more expensive, and if you don't have much income you can't affrod eating healthy or having many fruits/veggies in your diet. Also fast food places are so convinient here, especially with drive throughs available and hamburgers are really cheap, so people buy them. A lot. And do you know how many calories are in these hamburgers? It's crazy...

[jordanianprincess 0]

Well, they don't exactly come in small sizes in Hawaii! Everywhere you look... fat people! I'm scared to look on the beaches around here... afraid my eyes will be damaged.

Afraid your eyes will be damaged? From what?

The terrible immages I would see!!! Scarring on my retinas!!!

Sorry, but some people just don't belong in speedos and bikinis!!!

LMAO, just becuase they make a bikini in size 16 doeesn't mean you should wear it. I'm not thin either, but I am very concious of my body image and wear what is appropriate. If that is what you meant then fine. If you meant overweight people don't belong on the beach then I have a handful of poo to fling at you.

[Chicken_Little 0]

I worried about weight in high school when I was a cheerleader. Then I went to University and didn't worry. The freedom I felt was lovely.

I'm back to worrying at the moment, however, but that's only because I already bought my wedding dress for the big Church wedding this summer (we couldn't afford a big one last year so we just did the civil thing) and as such, I can't gain OR lose as it fits perfectly. So I've been very careful to eat the same amount always so I don't change at all.

I will be SOOO glad to not have to worry again. I mean, I always try to eat fairly healthy, but it will be nice to have more freedom again.

[denali_1963 0]

[*Robert* 2]

Well, they don't exactly come in small sizes in Hawaii! Everywhere you look... fat people! I'm scared to look on the beaches around here... afraid my eyes will be damaged.

Afraid your eyes will be damaged? From what?

The terrible immages I would see!!! Scarring on my retinas!!!

Sorry, but some people just don't belong in speedos and bikinis!!!

LMAO, just becuase they make a bikini in size 16 doeesn't mean you should wear it. I'm not thin either, but I am very concious of my body image and wear what is appropriate. If that is what you meant then fine. If you meant overweight people don't belong on the beach then I have a handful of poo to fling at you.

Oh... and in winter time... some people are SOOOOOOO white... I worry they are sick or something!!!

[jordanianprincess 0]

Well, they don't exactly come in small sizes in Hawaii! Everywhere you look... fat people! I'm scared to look on the beaches around here... afraid my eyes will be damaged.

Afraid your eyes will be damaged? From what?

The terrible immages I would see!!! Scarring on my retinas!!!

Sorry, but some people just don't belong in speedos and bikinis!!!

LMAO, just becuase they make a bikini in size 16 doeesn't mean you should wear it. I'm not thin either, but I am very concious of my body image and wear what is appropriate. If that is what you meant then fine. If you meant overweight people don't belong on the beach then I have a handful of poo to fling at you.

Oh... and in winter time... some people are SOOOOOOO white... I worry they are sick or something!!!

Oh man, I am soooooo white. However I do everyone a courtesy by putting on self-tanner before hitting the beach. If you don't you actually glow.