Comments about a person's weight?

Question

I am interested to know - you would never say to someone 'you look really fat', but it's ok to say to someone 'look at how skinny you are' ...

Being over-weight is a thing not to be commented on, but be under-weight and you're public property - why is that?

Answer 1

I wonder the same thing about height. I'm 4'11" and was quite heavy in high school. Adults (kids will comment on anything) would never comment on my weight, but all kinds of people still tease me about my height. I have a lot less control over my height than I ever did over my weight. It doesn't really bother me, but I've always wondered why it was considered okay to comment on something I couldn't change but not something I could.

Answer 2

Commenting on anyones weight, whether they're over or under weight, is just rude. I rarely hear people commenting on overly thin people (unless they're anorexic) but constantly see and hear people making rude remarks to overweight people.

Unless you have some type of underlying medical condition that makes you too thin and unhealthy, be thankful that you're not obese! While it may be difficult to gain weight, at least you're healthy and don't have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and any other host of conditions that obesity brings on.

The next time someone comments about you being too thin, say something generic like, "I'm very fortunate to have a fast metabolism!" and count your blessings that you're not overweight with weight-related medical problems.

Answer 3

i wouldn't comment on a person's weight either way because i know from personal experience that it can hurt so much.

i think what you described happens because of all the stigma around being overweight. most people think fat is bad and skinny is good. i always try to imagine what it would be like if it was the other way round! im sure i would be very popular!!!

but in the end, i would rather be the way i am because it shows you who your true friends are.

sorry went off the track a bit there, but yeah, i think the media has played a fairly big part in making the fat-bad/skinny-good divide.

Answer 4

Some comments are just deemed as socially acceptable, even though a lot of people are offended or upset by them.

The only way I can understand it, is to tell myself that In Western society, it's supposedly considered good to be slim/thin, so it's considered acceptable to comment on that. Even though lots of thin women don't want to be that thin, or are happy being thin but could do without the comments.

I have had very thin periods in my life due to illness, and even complete strangers would feel free to pass comment on how "marvellous" or "lucky" it was, or what a fabulous figure I had (when I was obviously way underweight).

I'm also very tall, almost 6', and people seem to feel equally free to comment on that, which I hate. But they think they're paying me a compliment.

I try to not make personal remarks about anyone in that way, as I know how much it has sometimes bothered me.

Answer 5

I don't know... it's just wrong, to make any comments about another's weight, unless the comment is invited.

I have always been thin, to the point of looking anorexic (which I was/am not). I had many folks, ask me if I were anorexic. (at that time in life, I could sit down and devour an entire large pizza in one sitting, and then look for more). It's rude... I was teased and taunted, all through school..

Even these days, many years later, I am still thin. I was in the grocery store one day, not long ago. A rather large woman pushed me aside at the deli counter, and called me "skinny B****"... I looked at her, and said, "pardon me, I was here first... don't worry, they'll still have food enough left for you"....

Answer 6

Oh, no. There are people who snicker and say I am "big boned" or ask how much I weigh. There are rude people on either end of the spectrum.

What they don't realize is how hard I have tried to lose weight and that I am having some success.

My sister in law is a size 2 or 3 and people rag on her about being "anorexic" or "too thin" or that she might "blow away in a strong wind".
People should keep their comments to themselves if they don't have anything nice to say.

Answer 7

Yes, it is, and I have to confess, that I am a little "Fluffy" around the edges, and see that as a problem, so someone who is quite slim says they want to loose weight, I find it totally frustrating, and have been known to come out with comments like "Don't go out in the wind then!" and "I have seen more fat on a chip!?" .... honestly not really aware that this is offencive, and I apologise now, and will watch my tongue in future, promise !

Happy Christmas, have a mince pie or three !!!

Answer 8

I dont know in this day and age why people do say that, what happened to "you look nice" or if your a good friend "try it in a different colour or something because that doesnt suit you" instead of lose weight/gain weight, i think its wrong and I wouldn't comment on anyones size, but maybe what they are wearing in a tactfull way, not nice to let someone look daft wearing something when they asked for your honest opinion.

Answer 9

I know!! that real woman thing really annoys me too, like you have to be curvy to be a real woman!. I eat like a horse and will never be curvy (and I have had 3 kids). I cant help the way I am any more than someone who is large and I would never dream of saying something to them....put it this way they have a lot more choice when it comes to shopping for clothes than I do and why does the petite section always cost more??
People are always so surprised to see how much I eat...like they thought I must be anorexic or something. They cannot accept that some people are just naturally small.

Answer 10

I lost 100 lbs a long time ago, and people definitely said many rude things while trying to compliment me. A lot of people acted almost relieved... like, "Aren't you happier now?" So rude! So, when people's weight changes, I don't say anything. I comment on how I feel when I see them, like, "Oh, it's so good to see you!" and that's it.

But, you know, when I was bigger, people said rude stuff too. People said, "You know, you're a more broad shouldered girl!" or "I thought you wanted the lowfat muffin/latte/whatever" accompanied by a judgmental look.

People can be such jerks!!