Rudeness over questions about obesity/fat . . .?

Question

I've seen a lot of insensitivity to people asking questions about being fat or obese. What's the deal? Don't you/they realize that this is the kind of treatment that contributes to body image insecurity?

What real justification is there for telling someone they should lose weight to "look better"? I'm not talk about health reasons. Just image.

And yes, go ahead and say, "You must be fat." You're damn right I am. And I choose to be this way. I know exactly what I have to do to lose weight, but I'm happy with who I am.

/rant

To way_2_short84: I've seen that comparison. I'm not buying it. Have you heard of second-hand fat? What company has to offer "fat breaks" to the obese?

To Pamela:
A) I AM lazy, and I'm proud of it. No one attacks the athlete for being active. I'm active when I want to be. I enjoy working out. I just choose to be lazy because the activities I enjoy most don't require physical activity (reading, writing, etc.).
B) I have self-discipline. If I didn't, I'd be fatter.
C) I have self-control. I am easily addicted to a number of things, and I make it a point to avoid them (like gambling).
D) They are negatives to you. They are also stereotypes.
E) I don't believe in the Bible.
F) I do care about my health. But even if I do or don't, why exactly is that your business? I don't tell you how to look. Respect that.
G) If you don't like fat people, that's your deal. Clearly, you're the one with the problem though. It'd be wiser if you got to know some fat people and learned to accept them.

To Wolfcastle: I absolutely agree with you. Fat or obese people CAN change if they want to. I could start right now if I wanted to change my lifestyle.

And it is true that the majority don't find obesity attractive. But is it on the shoulders of the obese to cater to the desires of the majority? Or should those who are insensitive toward obesity learn to be accepting of others (just like every other other out there)?

Answer 1

I have been accused of being insensitive towards obese people. Now, I'm probably going to take a lot of flack for saying this, but the fact is they can change if they want to. If they don't want to change, they should accept themselves for who they are, and also accept that physical attractiveness is an important part of attracting a mate, and the majority do not find obesity to be physically attractive.

Now, when I say people can change if they want to, I can almost hear the screams of glandular imbalances, big bones, and genetics. So what? We all face our hurdles in life. For me, getting out of bed every morning is a monumental accomplishment because I'm extraordinarily lazy. Holding down a job is an even greater one. Most of you would say this is no accomplishment, that most people hold down a job and it's no big deal. Well, you're not lazy like I am. If you were, you'd know what a struggle it was. See the comparison? I can't properly comprehend the struggle with obesity because it has never been a struggle for me, just like you think that my being lazy is just an excuse to assign moral value to something as pedestrian as working for a living.

The fact is, nobody absolutely has to be obese, unless they are physically disabled to the point that they cannot move.

Answer 2

Wow... obesity IS a hot topic recently. I am a freelance writer and I have written a lot of articles about obesity, it's causes and reasons, etc. The other day, a lady on a writing site posted an article that said: FAT PEOPLE ARE DESTROYING AMERICA and said basically that fat people were responsible for everything from education funding being cut to being a threat to national security.

I wrote an article as a response that looks at the truth behind obesity, the reason behind obesity, some information and stats about obesity and some commentary to what I considered her 'hate speech' about 'fat people'.

I've included the link to the article I wrote below. If you get a chance, I'd love for you to read it and leave me a comment about your thoughts about what I had to say and about obesity today.

Thanks!

Answer 3

My mother is overweight. She weighs 190 pounds and is 5 feet tall. I love her and I think she's beautiful. She has been overweight for I guess the last 25 years. She says she is happy that way. I don't believe it for one second. She has trouble finding clothes, she has body aches, she has diabetes. And I know my mother, she has low self esteem. I want her to lose weight for health reasons of course and because I know she would be 100 percent happier. But she is stubborn and also lazy and will never change her ways. I just never discuss it with her. She is her own person.

I know if she could snap her fingers and magically be skinnier. She would. I would say a large majority of oveweight people would. No one, and I really believe this, No one WANTS to be overweight. Saying that is just an easy way off the hook. I am not trying to be mean, I am not trying to ridicule. But everyone needs to be honest with themselves. That doesn't mean you can't have a positive attitude with whatever weight you are at, but just don't lie to yourself. Love yourself, but be true to your inner voice. And I am not sure what others say about this on Yahoo answers, but ridicule is not right.

Answer 4

A lot of people are extremely shallow; image is everything. Someone who has a "less-than-acceptable" body yet loves themselves is a huge threat.
I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard the "you've got such a pretty face....if only you'd lose some weight" line. Then don't look below my neck, okay?
For the record, I'm fat, but I'm not lazy, and I don't eat a lot. Years of dieting and bad diet have done massive damage to my metabolism.

Answer 5

Not individually, no. Usually the ones varieties of personalities are simply doing it, I simply occur to be the only within the line of fireside this time. Next time they'll do it to any one else. But I do develop weary of the negativity for negativity's sake by myself. A lot has to do with their intentions. If it's stated simply to harm simply on the grounds that they believe they are able to, I block them. I simply are not looking for the drama, LOL! If it's stated within the spirit of making an attempt to aid me & voiced with compassion, then I will believe on what they stated. I don't reply good to a bad procedure, certainly while I believe compassion is missing. I believe the identical manner approximately those who advertise their ideals by way of belittling what others think even if it's not my ideals individually. That is a truly mental signal of lack of confidence except simply being a bully, LOL! If phrases are each True & Kind, you'll difference minds! Usually, while my phrases are real & sort, the primary brain converted is my possess. Many Blessings!

Answer 6

Good for you! People can be very rude and hurtfull about weight issues, unless you look like a model or anorexic, you are the focus of their insecurities....I am very proud of you, not everyone is happy with themselves, its nice to know that some people are happy just the way they are. I was skinny, now I am overweight and you know what..... I am much happier today and would not want to go back to being skinny....my husband is often telling me to lose weight, he used to be married to an anorexic girl and feels I should be that way too, because thats what he is used to...well I told him unless it affects my health(I've never been healthier) I like how and who I am.....Happy Holidays!

Answer 7

Good for you, I feel the same, even though I am trying hard to lose weight and am slowly losing it. I am happy. If people are that insensitive that they judge you on how you look, then they are the ones with the problem. If I lose weight it will be for me, because I wasnt to feel good and not because someone else thinks I should.

Answer 8

It does not matter what other people say, that's their stuff. What matters is tha you are okay with you and your weight. As long as your weight is not causing you any health problem, do not give others power over you and allow what they say upset you. My mother , God rest her soul was a big bone woman with a heart of gold and when she hugged me I felt it. I would rather be with someone that has some weight on them than someone who has none. the more weight the more to love.

Answer 9

Because skinny people are *****.

lol Just kidding. I don't really know why.
I was overweight in school, and I got teased 24/7. So one day I walked up to the toughest guy around and broke his jaw with my fist.
And for some reason no one ever teased me again.

Answer 10

I dont know about insensitivity but obeisity is very unhealthy and can cut your life in half.
Its just like being a drug adict, smoker or alchololic, these are all unhealthy lifestyles that people choose.
Yes it is a choice and you make your own bed, but I can guarantee that loosing fat and becomming a healthier person will ultimately help you to be more happy and more fufilled.

my 2 cents