I've just been drawn to this thread as I've been woken up at 5am in the morning by one of my housemates moaning somewhat too loudly.
I think Gilded... has a point in that obesity is one of the largest problems we face in society today. There is a precisely defined medical cut off line for obesity and any person who is clinically overweight should learn the following- firstly how to develop a healthy mindset so that they may deal with scenarios which may bring their obesity and body image into question; secondly, how to actually combat their obesity (if you are clinically obese this is NOT a healthy body state and you may be shortening your lifespan considerably); thirdly the consequences you have on other people, most importantly your children if you have any. If an obese parent is lazy enough to instill the same attitude towards food in their children they are effectively destroying their own child's life.
In summary, if you are clinically obese, DON'T try and pretend it's fine and dandy by accusing people who raise the issue of insensitivity.
If you're not and you think you're fat, listen to the men in your life who say that you're not. They are right when they say you are beautiful.
Back on topic, while I was writing this comment (accompanied by the oh so disgusting sounds of my housemate in the next room), said housemate's parents came over to visit. They were let into the house and came straight up to her room. Suffice to say that the words "This is your mother. Your father, grandmother and I shall be waiting downstairs for you" have probably scarred her for life!
― j0n, Sunday, 27 April 2008 19:11 (sixteen years ago) link