Why Do People Automatically Find Fat People Unattractive?

Answer 1

First, let me preface this answer by saying that I am in no way a thin person - I am overweight. So - this is as objective an answer as I think there is:

It is largely for aesthetic reasons. Let's do some comparisons -

You see two couches side by side. One has nice, smooth - but comfortable-looking cushions. The other couch has really lumpy looking cushions. Which one do you think would look better in your living room?
Would you prefer (thinking only of appearance) a big station wagon - or a sleek sports car? Which is truly more appealing to you in just a visual way, without taking function into consideration?
How about when you are choosing a steak for yourself at the meat counter? Do you pick the one with a lot of fat on it, and marbled through it - or do you pick a leaner cut of meat with maybe just a little bit of fat?

I think that there are a lot of other socially-influenced reasons, but I also think that this is what is at the root of even those reasons.

Answer 2

I guess they are sheep, they like the "ideal" instead. They only think of the appearance, not how a person feels to touch. A bigger girl/guy would be softer and FEEL better than bones, but I guess looks means too much these days.

You get filled with ideas on what is beautiful and what isn't every day by the media?

We just get negative associations with fat people from TV, you never see many fat people on TV even though there are so many of them. We never get to see them in a positive light, so we don't get any positive associations with them either.

Answer 3

You make your mind up about people within the first 20 secs of meeting them apparently and being fat isn't an instantly attractive sight. Well depending on how big you are. Some people suit a bit extra girth but most just look unhealthy. Its an automatic response probably going back to Darwins theory i reckon.

Answer 4

This question is more of an argument.

You could also ask why ugly people are unattractive-- or why people don't like their food burned-- or why certain smells are repugnant and others are pleasant. Need I go on?

How are people supposed to control the way they feel or react about things like that?

This is just an example of how our society begs for people to deny the truth about everything. We are all expected to accept anything that other people say, do, think or feel... no matter what our personal reaction is.

Fat is unattractive. People should try to be reasonably slender, if they want other people to find them attractive.

That doesn't mean we can't accept the person and like who they are.... even if we do find them unattractive.


I♥♫→mia☼☺†

Answer 5

Because America has a certain "image" of beauty. Take a look at the models, singers and actresses in the world. 99% are sticks. It kills me that people automatically assume that larger people are lazy and stupid. I myself have struggled with weight for as long as I can remember. I am now 10 lbs away from my goal weight. (proud to say I have lost 67 lbs) People are shallow and naive. Everyone should be accepted for who they are on the inside.

Answer 6

I think fat guys get fat enough to be unattractive quickly.
With girls a little fat seems to enhance their feminine features.
I don't feel that way about a little weight on a chick.

maybe there is something wrong with guys who like skinny girls since a little more weight makes them more feminine.

Answer 7

so many people do its a shame. My daughter used to be so very heavy and now with the help of the Optifast diet she has lost over 100lbs. She is a knock out but at 170 people who don't know of her struggle and success still look at her as fat. Fortunately she is still losing and determined to get down to her goal weight. It's so sad but some people are shallow and feel that only looks count. I loved my daughter at every weight but I wanted her to live and be healthy.

Answer 8

It's a societal stereotype. Look on TV. Fat people aren't even near being properly represented on TV.

Answer 9

That's a good question. I never really stopped to ever think about that. 'Fat' people have feelings and I wonder what it is like to go every day life if people make fun of them...

Thank you for opening up my eyes to things like that. I am certainly not a mean person, but I never thought of things like that.


(OK, this whole post sounds really lame, but whatever)

Answer 10

Do they? I don't think so. Given the choice between a skinny guy, all bones and angles, and someone with padding, the second guy would win every time.

Likewise, not all men find waifs attractive...