[MissLadyBunny]

what a topic since I'm a plump person myself but i have this feeling that a large sum of society is against us larger people.I understand the heath risk of even just being 10 pounds over weight image those who are 100 plus.Those who suffer obesity might just face harsh criticism both in the mainstream media and every day society.Do you ever see a large person and think "My god, how did they let themselves go?" Do you ever feel the need to approach them differently because they are over weight?do you think it is fair for obese people to be discriminated against because of their larger size or should society except all those who are in different sizes.

[Mr. Chan]

what a topic since I'm a plump person myself but i have this feeling that a large sum of society is against us larger people.I understand the heath risk of even just being 10 pounds over weight image those who are 100 plus.Those who suffer obesity might just face harsh criticism both in the mainstream media and every day society.Do you ever see a large person and think "My god, how did they let themselves go?" Do you ever feel the need to approach them differently because they are over weight?do you think it is fair for obese people to be discriminated against because of their larger size or should society except all those who are in different sizes.

At first I used to look down on overweight people and think to myself, "geez, look at these lazy fcks". However, almost a year ago I made a friend (fellow car enthusiast) who is overweight. It sort of changed my perspective on the whole idea because the dude is cool as fck. Recently, I asked if he ever wanted to lose weight and how'd he become so big. It turns out that due to his work, he has never had time to work out. However, he's slowly starting to cut down on the junk food.

All in all, I feel that there's no reason to discriminate. It's their choice whether or not they want to be overweight or not.

[nadishnoon]

what a topic since I'm a plump person myself but i have this feeling that a large sum of society is against us larger people.I understand the heath risk of even just being 10 pounds over weight image those who are 100 plus.Those who suffer obesity might just face harsh criticism both in the mainstream media and every day society.Do you ever see a large person and think "My god, how did they let themselves go?" Do you ever feel the need to approach them differently because they are over weight?do you think it is fair for obese people to be discriminated against because of their larger size or should society except all those who are in different sizes.

I am an obese person, and yes, a lot of clichés exist and media don't help. But about people around me I don't feel being belittled. It depends of your personality, peoplearound me (at work, my family, my friends) think I'm easygoing and bubbly so i don't really find difficult to go to people. But I noticed one thing, most of people don't go to fat/plump/obese people easily, because we are different, maybe they are afraid, i don't know, I don't really think about it.
One solution, don't think too much about it, because, every person have their own discomfort.

ps : sorry for my not-so-good english lol

[Lie]

I have friends that are overweight, and a couple that are obese, and they're the same to me as any of my other friends. Care for them just the same.

At the same time, I've never been physically attracted to someone who was significantly overweight or obese, and I just don't see that I could be (unless their personality was so great that it sort of caused me to be attracted to them as a resultant, but as I said, it's never happened before so I don't foresee it really). I think most people are the same way (though many would deny it), and so while they generally don't hate or dislike fat people, they do have something against them from the perspective that they see dating someone who's significantly overweight (particularly those who are obese) as an unattractive prospect. There are definitely those who don't care as much about physical appearance, and even some who PREFER to date someone who is overweight or obese, but I don't think I'm stretching things by saying that they're in the minority. That is what most of my significantly overweight (i.e. "fat") friends have to deal with. If they're outgoing, though, I think it makes things a bit less difficult.

[boka]

do you think it is fair for obese people to be discriminated against because of their larger size or should society except all those who are in different sizes.

I'd have to disagree with the mindset that it's OK/good to be a larger person. Aside from health concerns, there are social/environmental responsibilities too. Details aside it's generally not so great to have whole countries full of people who consume in excess.

[Searesrayne]

Sometimes I do think to myself how did the person get so big... I mean I've seen so many ppl that they CONFINED to wheelchairs for gods sake it's a sad site... and they're also young too;....

Anyways I try no take judge ppl... >_>

Well I knew two chicks that were morbidly obese... and whenever I ate with them..... One of them would drink 6 LARGE cups (i think a cup was the liter size) at all on sitting, and then they were both out of shape so they couldn't walk very far.

While I know a other morbidly obese guy, an active guy can keep up with or outrun the normal fit person.

I don't need to approach them different, in fact I don't approach anyone LOLOL

"do you think it's fair for obese people to be discriminated against because of their larger size or should society except all those who are in different sizes"

I think it also goes for very skinny people to be discriminated against... two ends but they both have the same problem ppl asking them why are they so and so, some ppl CAN'T HELP it but that's pretty much only like 2% (the ones with genetic disorders)

But there's also the fact is that LOTs of ppl are pushing the obese line and it should be helped. (let's take the ration of middle age americans 2/3 being morbidly obese) Sure it's okay if your a little overweight, but more and more ppl are get way too big


"

[Yubumsuk]

Last year I was letting myself get a bit out of shape, feeling too busy to exercise, and putting on some pounds - not too much, up to about 180lbs (I'm 5'11"). One of my Korean students made a most unflattering drawing of me, slightly exaggerating my waistline. My first thought was, you little turd. But, it was at that point that I decided I really needed to get back to working out or jogging at least three times a week. And apart from a trip to Canada and injuring my leg slightly, I have. If I have her to thank for getting me started again, as far as I'm concerned living in a society where people think nothing of pointing out exactly what they think of how you're looking is just fine by me. (My friend got a box of chocolates from his student on Teachers' Day - attached was a note that said 'I wanted to get you chocolates but I hope you don't eat them because you're getting too fat).

[little mixed girl]

i was reading an article a while back that touched on some of the points you talked about.
that author's theory was that since a large (majority?) of americans are classified as obese/overweight, that people (big or not) start projecting their issues onto those people...or something like that.

if i see someone who's really big and looking down, i assume that they are probably depressed...and they probably have various reasons for not exercising, etc.

[brownman90561495]

that's why there's a show called The Biggest Loser. i believe that show is helping alot of obese people.

personally, i'm not against fat people, or any "inevitably grouped" people, but i just wish they could get away from the health risks they are burdening.

[ayahuasca]

I think it's an evolutionary response when we look at overweight people and unconsciously look down on them regardless of what your morals or scruples tell you. When one looks at someone who is overweight or seriously underweight the first instinct is not "this person is serioiusly unattractive". That comes way after the "this person would be unable to bear good offspring" recoil. that being said, I've got a few friends who are overweight, one girl is so large that I wonder how she got through the doorways at uni because they were all made quite narrow. It was particualrly noticeable since she's quite a bit taller than me and i'm 6 feet tall.

It's all good and well saying that we shouldn't discriminate against severely overweight and obese people, but deep down all of us instinctively do it.

[ginger]

(My friend got a box of chocolates from his student on Teachers' Day - attached was a note that said 'I wanted to get you chocolates but I hope you don't eat them because you're getting too fat).

!!!!! The honesty of K students is just...brutal. And hilarious.

Anyway, I know that being overweight is such a big deal in the US, since everyone views the US as the fattest country in the world (but I heard it's really Australia now?) I live in Korea now and a lot of my friends are quick to trash talk an overweight person if they see one (it's rare to see huuuge people here, unlike in the US. I'm from WV originally, which has incredible obesity rates). They use words like "disgusting" and "pathetic", and it always makes me kind of lash out at them. Humans all have flaws--some got unlucky and get judged by them physically, while others get to hide theirs beneath their skin.

I think a lot of people are "afraid" to approach larger people because they think it makes them look like a loser. If you had a room of people and different groups occupied that room, it sometimes ends up with overweight people in one group, skinny hot girls in another, etc. By choosing to talk or be friendly with overweight people, it could make a person think that they will be judged poorly, as well.

It also sucks because my side job is very heavily based on appearance. When you work with an events and party promotion group, it's all about making parties that have the most important sponsors and the hottest people. There are professional photographers around everywhere, taking pictures for all the magazines' "people about town" kind of columns. If you want to get noticed, you need a party extremely hot people. A lot of clubs where the parties are held will discriminate based on weight or appearance, using "dress code" as their excuse. I hate that I've had friends that I felt like I couldn't invite because I didn't want them to get hurt by getting rejected at the door. I think, "what's worse? For me to just not mention this party because I don't want her to be embarrassed? Or for me to invite her and have her humiliated if she can't get in?" It really blows.

-ginger

[Tuffcore]

Humans all have flaws--some got unlucky and get judged by them physically, while others get to hide theirs beneath their skin.

I agree there's nothing wrong with obese people but I disagree when people suggest obesity isn't a choice. Unlike race, physical birth defects, and the stuff that's the luck of the draw, being fat is merely a lifestyle of one's choosing. One doesn't get obese by accident or by birth defect. One has to work hard at attaining obesity and has to dedicate their life to staying obese.

There are also people born with poor metabolisms but manage to maintain normal body weights while others are born with great metabolisms but still discover obesity through choices they make. The opposite end of the spectrum is also observed. Some are born to fat genes but managed to acquire great physiques through body building while others are born to great genes but choose to maintain average bodies instead.

It's a choice. Instead of an apple, they snack on buttered cookies. Instead of salad without dressing, they lunch on double quarter pounders with cheese. Instead of sushi and sashimi, they dine at the all you can eat pasta night. Most importantly of all, instead of the gym, they choose the couch.

There's really not much different on the inside when it comes to fat people and regular people aside from the choices they make in life. The thing is, it takes just as much effort to be fat than it does to be skinny. For example, it's hard for me to choose the couch over the gym but for the obese, it's hard to choose the gym.

[Irysinon]

Unless I was to become an athlete or a movie star, I find no need in 'working out.' I'm speaking for myself of course. I'm also not one of those people that care about being healthy, as long as I feel okay (for a lack of a better term). I'm unattractive, so what? I have no goal in that department. I'm going to die young, so what? I want to, rather than to live till 90. If one is supposed to enjoy their life and it doesn't involve 'working out,' then cool. At least one can enjoy life by eating what they want to, without all that weight watching hassle. Again, that's me. If others ridicule me for being overweight? Cool. Why is it any of their business anyway? I make fun of my own weight even. No big deal.

[My Sweet September]

My fiance is obese...and I have been too.

My fiance has always been bigger, even has a young child, he was just big. Throughout middle and high school, he was big, but still athletic, he was on varsity football, the wrestling team, and the rugby team. In football and rugby, it was okay to be big, because he still was still agile, strong and fast despite his size. Since he was a offensive and defensive lineman, his weight actually helped him be better at his position because he physically overpowered most of the opposition. But wrestling did a number of things to his body, since he constantly had to lose or gain weight so he could make his weight class. He would lose 30 or 40 pounds a month, dieting on ice and lettuce and supplements, but by time rugby season came around, he would gain that weight back really quickly, and then some. After high school, he was done torturing his body. He stopped working out, he stopped dieting...he's always been a meat and potato man, and honestly, food is one of his greatest loves. He weighs over 300lbs now, but I love each and every pound. He's a great guy, he's happy, and that's what matters most. Some people have asked me, if his weight bothers me...I get a lot of comments like, "...but he's so BIG!" from people, especially my mother. And it makes me very sad that they consider his size an issue, when he's such a great guy. From time to time, I see that these comments get to him, he sometimes expresses a desire to lose some weight, to hit the gym...and I think he only has these passing desires, because people judge him for his size. Because he loathes working out. He doesn't mind be active if he ENJOYS the activity, but to just go and hit the gym, for the reason of being more socially acceptable or healthier, well he'd rather spend the time doing things he loves. And I'd rather him spend more time doing things that make him happy, than to sweat for the sake of reasons other than his own.

I am a bit the opposite. I was always a thin kid, but once I hit puberty, I got big. I wasn't fat, I wasn't anything close to being fat, but my hips grew and somehow I got the idea that because I could no longer fit into a size 0 I was fat. I also had some things happen to me, that made me really hate my body, I felt disgusting, I didn't want to be attractive I just wanted to disappear. I was was active in rugby, and marching band (which isn't a sport, but it still requires a moderate amount of exercise) so throughout high school I stayed a pretty average size for my height, but I was always going on crash diets, trying to make myself skeletal thin. The diets would fail, and over the years my weight just accumulated. After high school, the weight accumulated pretty quickly. I had such a low self confidence that I was embarrassed to be seen, I thought people would laugh if they saw such a fat ass running down the street, trying in vain to shed weight. So, I pretty much hid. I ate all the wrong foods. I pretended I didn't care, while I secretly starved myself for weeks, and then purged on all the bread and candy I could whenever I became upset enough...and used food to cope. But, then I met my fiance, I fell in love. And his love for me, and my body, helped me grow in self confidence. I decided to lose the weight for myself, because I wasn't happy being fat. I love clothes, but I hid my body in baggy shirts and gym shorts. I wanted to go to the store, and browse through the racks, and not have to worry about hiding my tummy or my fat arms and legs. So I lost the weight. I am still not pin thin, but I am happy, and that is what matters most.

I shared these stories because I too sometimes find myself judging another individual for their size, especially when I am angry. But then I stop and think, I think about myself, I think about my fiance and all the other people I love who may or may have been overweight, and I think how I couldn't love them any more even if they were thin. I think about why they may have become overweight, I wonder if it bothers them, if they are happy. I wonder if they are eating this burger because they john teshin love burgers, or because they have lost all self confidence in themselves and have given up.

yes, being overweight in not healthy, but neither is starving yourself to be thin. We love to preach to obese men and women about the effect their weight is having on their bodies, yet we ignore the average sized chick who cut her calories to drastically low levels to be thin. We wonder how obese people got so fat, yet we never stop and question the methods some people use to stay thin. I am not saying all thin people starve themselves, not by any means, but I don't forget the measures I took to become thin, I don't forget how people would praise me for losing 30 pounds in a month, and then ridicule me for putting the same amount of weight back on.

So no, I dont think it is fair to discriminate over size. I hope that in the future, society pressures people to find what makes them happy, to enjoy their life as much as possible, and to respect the lifestyle choice we make for ourselves, rather than try to squeeze the populace into an ideal mold...

[itrayya]

some people think that all fat people like to be fat.
some bigger people can't really help they way they are.
people act as if a bigger person never question him/herself about his/her weight.

i'm not obese but im bigger than what most people would like me to be.
and i get picked on by relatives but i dont care.
not 'i dont care' but more like, and?
if we were all skinny then that would be kinda boring.

as long as one is healthy and trying to stay healthy, that matters more.

[Phaze5ive]

FAT PEOPLE ARE JOLLY

The media should stop portraying fat as "big and beautiful". Fat is fat, and moreover, it's unhealthy. And no, it's not your genes, it's those burgers you keep shoving down your fat face.

[ginger]

It's a choice. Instead of an apple, they snack on buttered cookies. Instead of salad without dressing, they lunch on double quarter pounders with cheese. Instead of sushi and sashimi, they dine at the all you can eat pasta night. Most importantly of all, instead of the gym, they choose the couch.

I really don't agree with this. I don't eat an apple, I eat a rice krispy treat. I don't eat a salad, I have a huge steak and potatoes. Instead of sushi, I will have 4 plates of pasta and meatballs and then a piece of pie after. I don't go to the gym but I do walk to and from work every day (because I live in a big city).

Am I obese? No, I weigh 108 lbs and I'm a size 2.

The food choices I make affect me differently than they do for different people. Saying that "fat people just have no self-control" is not wholly true.

-ginger

[Mr. Chan]

I really don't agree with this. I don't eat an apple, I eat a rice krispy treat. I don't eat a salad, I have a huge steak and potatoes. Instead of sushi, I will have 4 plates of pasta and meatballs and then a piece of pie after. I don't go to the gym but I do walk to and from work every day (because I live in a big city).

Am I obese? No, I weigh 108 lbs and I'm a size 2.

The food choices I make affect me differently than they do for different people. Saying that "fat people just have no self-control" is not wholly true.

-ginger

Maybe you have incredibly high metabolism?

[nadishnoon]

And no, it's not your genes, it's those burgers you keep shoving down your fat face.

Are you doctor? I don't think so, because I had been at hospital to loose weight and I joined in a scientific research. They found for my case it was because of my genes, they found my metabolism very very slow. I don't eat too much (i don't eat 1kg of pasta etc..) but not very healthy. So i put on weight very easily. So yes, it can be your genes!!

edit : thank you to Meenuh, i correct my sentence lol

[Mr. Chan]

Are you doctor? I don't think so, because I had been at hospital to loose weight and I joined in a scientific research. They found for my case it was because of my genes, they found my metabolism very very slow. I don't eat too much (with 1kg of pasta etc..) but not very healthy. So i put on weight very easily. So yes, it can be your genes!!

Having slow metabolism sucks. I personally think I have it because it's easy for me to gain weight yet very hard for me to lose. However, in order for me to do something about this, I force myself to eat healthier and work out and go jogging twice a day, everyday.