I just read the most heart breaking post on Diet Blog - a woman basically describing herself as a social outcast because of her weight. She says skinny people hate her, don’t want to be around her and writes “I don’t choose to be fat & ugly but this has been a struggle with me my whole entire life. I don’t smell, I don’t choose to be this way either believe you me…”
And to be honest, my first reaction was “oh, stop feeling sorry for yourself! Why don’t you get off your ass and do something about it!” But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized she was right. Our society is so obsessed with skinny that we tend to ostracize those that are overweight. We’re so obsessed with skinny that we write books about it, obsess over uber skinny celebrities like the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie and Kate Moss (omg, she did not gain 10 lbs!). And the truth is, I don’t think I know a single person that has never made a fat joke, or commented on an overweight person after they left the room.
And while I wouldn’t use the word “hate,” there are probably a lot of “skinny” people who are resistant to hang out with someone who is overweight. Maybe its because they feel they would have different hobbies or maybe its out of fear. Or maybe its because we’re all so insecure and obsessed with perfection that we just don’t know how to be accepting or forgiving anymore.
And while I would never describe myself as “skinny,” I am fit; I work hard to be that way. I run regularly, I do yoga and I eat food that is good for me (most of the time). That being said, I have a lot of my own insecurities and imperfections and would never “hate” anyone for the way they look. I am “fit” but I still hate my thighs. I am “thin” but still have to watch what I eat. I am outgoing but still get nervous with public speaking. Everyone struggles with something.
I know this sounds corny but we should all be more aware of the way we treat others. If you know someone that struggles with their weight, instead of treating them like a leper, try being a friend. Offer to be their walking buddy, a gym partner or someone to eat lunch with. Offer a little encouragement. You might find that helping others reach their goals will help you reach some of your own.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Jamie practices what she preaches! My senior year of college I gained 50 lbs, I know, I know, 50! Jamie always stood by me: invited me to play soccer with her, ran with me, and was an awesome pal during that whole time. I lost every pound and kept it off, and to this day she’s still one of my best activitiy partners!
I have some over weight friends and it IS a strain on our relationships because they never want to walk any where or do anything active. That’s just one example. Though it is true that some people do have a medical issue. In most cases being plump is a sign of the loss of self control and I’m sorry but it IS disgusting.
I agree..in a way i hate fat people because of how they feel sorry for themselves..whilst mushin a burger in thier gobs. iv put on a little weight since being pregnant..i do feel a little sorry for myself..but i am doing something about it..get a hobby..even cooking is good cos u learn to make healthier and usually tastier versions of the things u can eat out. walk to the shops for ur supplies rather than driving to the local supermarket..and parking in th disabled spots because uv let urself get so fat u cant walk any distance..usin those wheelchairs and gettin someone skinny to push u cos ur a lardass. do somethin about it or commit suicide..for gods sake..be strong and do something for a change..dont complain about th things u cant do..do th things u can do and eventually ul be able to do th things u couldnt.a healthy appetite is a good thing..but bein lazy and feelin sorry for urself isnt..it will just get worse and ur all a drain on the nhs with ur self induced diabetes