Why does America want us to be so thin? Options

[glorwen]

I mean, seriously. I, myself am not thin and I never will be. I have a large family, and I have a really bad metabolism.
Besides, back in medevil (sp?) times, women who were heavier-set were viewed as healthier, and ble to bear better sons... not that I want that last part... XD

So, this raises the question; why do Americans feel the need to look down upon us larger girls, and think that we aren't pretty, aren't as smart, can't do as many things, etc.?

[oXMuhNirvanaXo]

They are just pissed off.. and unhappy with them selfs so they have to take it out on other people.

[lalalaLANUH]

Personally, I don't view larger girls in any of those terms and I don't see how America looks down upon larger girls. I feel like the hip-hop culture that surrounds young people today looks down upon skinny girls with no boobs or butt. But then again maybe we each feel America has some personal vendetta against our individual insecurities.

[xo_lovalicious_x...]

well america wants people to not be overweight because there's too much going on. and yes, if you have a large family, you're likly to be big too thats not your fault. i guess,, i don't konw, somehow skinny people are always thinking they're better or something, i would suggest excersizing? but don't get offended, i mean its not your fault after all.

[vn_cuti3]

well america wants people to not be overweight because there's too much going on. and yes, if you have a large family, you're likly to be big too thats not your fault. i guess,, i don't konw, somehow skinny people are always thinking they're better or something, i would suggest excersizing? but don't get offended, i mean its not your fault after all.

i agree and also i think america just got caught up with the music world and those advertising stuff with those skinny girls in them.

[Dreamers]

I'm looked down upon cause of my size, i don't get why some people don't like overweight people.

[femmefatale4160]

That's a good question. It's stupid to think that the anorexic look is attractive.

I'm not fat, but I'm definitely not super thin. I'm curvy, and I'm damn proud of it. A lot of my friends are overweight, but they have BEAUTIFUL faces and they are some of the greatest girls you'll ever meet.

[*mzkandi*]

It's not so much Americans as it is the media and making you think that way makes them money. Lets be prefectly honest, they dont give a damn about you, it's all about what they can get out of you. Think about it, don't you want to be beautiful, thin, and live forever? Don't you wanna look like you just walked off the pages of Vogue or be even more glamorous than your favorite actress? OK, maybe you don't think that way but it's benefial to the media that you do. Do you know how much it spent buying diet pills in just one year? Billions. Not mention things like comestics, you can even throw in comestic surgery for that matter. Yes, beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors but the media can't make money if EVERYONE can be beautiful.

[femmefatale4160]

^The lady makes a good point.

[Chad_man]

well...fat girls look...ugly(no offence). Also being fat/not fit isn't good for you.

[femmefatale4160]

We're not just talking about being fat, we're talking about the difference between healthy and abnormally thin.

[sakaitone]

well...fat girls look...ugly(no offence). Also being fat/not fit isn't good for you.

Being fat and not fit are somewhat different. You can be fat and unfit but you can also be unfit and not fat. We view skinny as being healthier thought it may not always be true. Some girls can be stick thin and still be at risk of a heart attack.

Not all fat girls are ugly, though American media seems to center on SKINNY=PRETTY. This can create low self esteem. Low self esteem can stem from various things, some being not "pretty enough". Some girls with low self esteem can use food for emotional comfort. They start delevoping a eating disorder called Compulsive overeating. (is characterized by uncontrollable eating dispite lack of hunger)

"That is, as a compulsive overeater, you use food to cope with stress, upset, emotional distress, and other problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem)."

Maybe America is applying pressure to get us thin but sometimes it causes us to have low self-esteem that might cause compulsive overeating. An obvious sign of compulsive eating is weight gain. Obesity is a big problem in America now, maybe all this pressure to be thin is making some of us gain weight.

[femmefatale4160]

^ I love you and everything you just said.

[lalalaLANUH]

The media/America/whatever zeros in on our insecurities and tries to make a profit out of it.
That's why you just shouldn't give.

[PrincessAda]

I think they want to be thin because being large or over weight means your not healthy and they probably think being unhealthy is ugly.

[sakaitone]

^ I love you and everything you just said.

Ummmm, Thank you! I love you too, I think.....( that is if you're talking to me but if you're not forget it.)

I think they want to be thin because being large or over weight means your not healthy and they probably think being unhealthy is ugly.

Ugh, I just said, "Being fat and not fit are somewhat different. You can be fat and unfit but you can also be unfit and not fat. We view skinny as being healthier thought it may not always be true. Some girls can be stick thin and still be at risk of a heart attack."

[SarahxJoy]

Besides, back in medevil (sp?) times, women who were heavier-set were viewed as healthier, and ble to bear better sons... not that I want that last part... XD

They were also viewed as rich because if you were heavyset, it shows that you have enough money for bountiful amounts of food. Or so said my teacher during freshman year.

And I concur with sakaitone.

[timeflies51]

My Bio teacher told us a story (he likes to tell stories...) about when he went to Hawaii. He had a tour guide who was the tiniest, skinniest little thing ever. She told him that when she was growing up, her parents would literally stuff her face with food to fatten her up. They thought that the heavier, the prettier.

America has just decided that skinny is pretty. Because of that, girls in Hollywood have tried to be "all-American girls" and set a bad example, saying that if you're not skinny, you're not pretty.

Always remember: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[misoshiru]

I think this now applies to both males and females, at least for good physique.

So, Moved>>Debate

[clarity]

IMO, if they wanted us to be thin they wouldn't alow mcdonalds and all that crap.

We're not just talking about being fat, we're talking about the difference between healthy and abnormally thin.

way to bring me down, hun.
i'm a bit overweight, so i'm ugly.
but my friends are jealous that i'm pretty?
how does that work, my friend?

[LiLaZnGirL122]

its not jus america? welll duhh they want ppl to lose weight so they wont die! all they want is you to be not to heavy and not too thin. i mean i kno it isnt your fault but they care about your weight and so thats why cus you can get a bunch of diesies so yeahh i dont think i jus made any sence

[*kryogenix*]

Because 60% of America's adults are overweight or obese. It's not just a beauty issue. America needs to slim down. It doesn't mean go anorexic or be bulimic, but it does mean people need to watch what they eat, exercise more and stop making excuses.

[AngelinaTaylor]

^ You make a good point. I watched this Oprah show, and she was talking about some diet book which works for everyone, as long as you have the will to do it. I got convinced that it's not impossible to be healthy-looking. I mean, my brother lost about 20 pounds in a few weeks JUST by exercising and watching what he eats. And trust me, he is the worst when it comes to craving food.

However, there's nothing wrong with not being super-skinny, like all those abnormal models you see on ads everywhere. I think there's pressure coming from the media, big time. Everyone wants to look like a Calvin Klein model, and everyone wants to have the perfect-looking face (most of which isn't even real beauty). I think it's stupid, and I think people should make the best of what they've been born with.

[glorwen]

wow... my self esteem has been lifted a couple points. ^__^

Personally, I agree with sakaitone <-- her... opinions (?) really make the most sense. ^__^

[*ECD & C0*]

i dn it annyoys me as well

[douchebag]

Because fat people ruin other people's lives.

[*Kathleen*]

WHY IS THIS THREAD IN DEBATE? aregg;f

Hollywood, Fashion, and Super Models.

Stand up ye thick ones. I love you. I love you all.

*Stands up*

[glorwen]

Because fat people ruin other people's lives.

excuse me? rude much?

Hollywood, Fashion, and Super Models.

Stand up ye thick ones. I love you. I love you all.

*stands up*

^__^

[*Kathleen*]

excuse me? rude much?
*stands up*

^__^

Excuse ME. Ignoramus, much?

[goodcharlotte]

I think it is because our fashion industry is ruled by Gay men. Not all of them are gay but the majority are. Let us not turn this into a gay debate. Anyways. Gay men like other men and men tend to be flat. Therefore starving women become flat because of what they are doing to their bodies.

Random comment... This reminds me of zoolander when he is making the dress and he pokes her and he goes DONT COME BACK UNTIL YOU LOOSE 5 POUNDS!!!

[*Teenage Mutant Ninja Meg*]

i find it really ironic because america is the fattest nation in the world.
a lot of people do think skinny is beautiful, but a lot of people don't as well.
i'm not skinny and i don't really care, i'd like to be thinner though.

[ichigofan]

I think its because nowadays other countries have those model looking chicks that look like they havent eaten anything since they were born and America feels like it cant compete with them. They begin to judge overweight/thick/obese people but instead of being rude about they use the excuse "its good for your health" thers countless of news programs that have segments on "Battling with the Bulge" and im tired of it, just because im not 95lbs doesnt mean im not healthy, most skinny chicks are unhealthy but just because they arent fat people assume their healthy. F off! =D

[x_ohhsootragical...]

I mean, seriously. I, myself am not thin and I never will be. I have a large family, and I have a really bad metabolism.
Besides, back in medevil (sp?) times, women who were heavier-set were viewed as healthier, and ble to bear better sons... not that I want that last part... XD

So, this raises the question; why do Americans feel the need to look down upon us larger girls, and think that we aren't pretty, aren't as smart, can't do as many things, etc.?

yeah in ancient greece the women were large & the men loved that. there are statues & painting that were made to show the beauty of the larger women .
^ i really hope that made sense lol

[xXYouMeBedNowXx]

I think it is because our fashion industry is ruled by Gay men. Not all of them are gay but the majority are. Let us not turn this into a gay debate. Anyways. Gay men like other men and men tend to be flat. Therefore starving women become flat because of what they are doing to their bodies.

That's quite a new perspective on it.
Wow.
I...it makes so much sense now.
Gay people rule America.

[demolished]

idk.
i dont like extreme obese girls, not fat girl. okay??

there's a difference between obese and fat.

i perfer girls with good amount of meat. (normal or a bit fat)

[aubbob]

i really don't judge people on what they look like.
lots of other people do.. i dont understand it.
i love all people. every shape and size.
were all different. i think people should worry more
about the persons personality then the way they look.

[ChaosPunx]

Yeah it the media that potrays girls as super thin. IN Arizona thier are alot of girls who are not thin (maybe because where mexicans who knows?) Anyways if you wanna lose weight only eat less than 600 calories a day i did that and in one week i lost five pounds. (By the way i didnt starve myself i mostly eat a veggie diet. Meat stays in your body for 3 days) Yeah so try that, altogeather i lost 40 pounds.

[*mipadi*]

Anyways if you wanna lose weight only eat less than 600 calories a day i did that and in one week i lost five pounds.

WTF? Less than 600 calories a day? That's not very healthy, and in the long run, it won't help a person lose weight, because one's body will react to the caloric restriction by storing extra fat and burning muscle, and will bump one's metabolism way down.

[*I Shot JFK*]

^ well, in the loooooong run you'll die and decay, so i suppose you WILL lose weight...

[xbloostarx]

It's all about majority and minority. A majority of America is too fat and so the minority of celebrities that are super stick thin, are a image for what the majority should become. It's sort of like in Asia. The majority of them are thin, whilst the "lucky ones" are a weigh more. It's like the poverty factor kicks in and all the "lucky ones" are rich.

Think about...I think you'll get it after a while. -__________-;;

Stay within your BMI. Too thin is bad, too obese is bad too.

[magicfann]

america is full of emo kids

i call it "the plague"

kthxbai-

[rorhinna]

I don't think necessarily that America wants
us to be thin, it's yourself. Ya, some people
maybe rude and look down on heavier set
people, but unfortunately its not always their
fault. however, I don't think that if you're family
is heavy set that you should just say, well, I'm
destined to be fat and not do anything to try
and keep healthy.

Personally, I think that people can be beautiful
in different shapes and sizes. I prefer to stay
healthy and thin, cuz, well, its mainly my
built, but my sister teases me about not having
any curve...so many things are attractive...

[*Uronacid*]

I would say that originaly america wanted people to be healthy... not thin... it just turned out that way... >.>

[Spirited Away]

Because 60% of America's adults are overweight or obese. It's not just a beauty issue. America needs to slim down. It doesn't mean go anorexic or be bulimic, but it does mean people need to watch what they eat, exercise more and stop making excuses.

Yes! Among such excuses are "Everyone in my family is overweight, therefore I am, too." Though it's true that genes influence body weight, it's ALSO TRUE that exercise and eating heathy can help us maintain a healthy weight. If anyone wants a "Hollywood" example, look at Jessica Alba, who started cooking at the age of 12 to deviate herself from what her overweight family ate.

As for this topic, America does not care if anyone's thin or overweight, because either way, it makes money. I mean, have you tried to go on that Atkins diet? It is $$$, even for an average salary-woman. "Diet ice-creams" are even more expensive than my normal tub of Blue Bell.

For the most part, the perception that everyone loves a thin person comes from your own insecurities. Thin is as attractive as the person who sees thin as attractive; what is that saying, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I see "fit" as attractive. In the gym, I often hear the term "skinny fatso" being passed around to describe thin folks who are unfit (or unheathy), so being thin does not mean a person is on-top-of-the-world.

It doesn't matter if you're overweight or thin, exercise, eat healthy, then be happy with your own image knowing that you're that much healthier than the majority of your peers.

[*Mandy Pants*]

Ugh, I just said, "Being fat and not fit are somewhat different. You can be fat and unfit but you can also be unfit and not fat. We view skinny as being healthier thought it may not always be true. Some girls can be stick thin and still be at risk of a heart attack

Personally...bigger people [not obsese] look a heck of a lot better then anorexic people. Anorexia is probably more drangerous then obesity. I mean, sure eating badeveryday's gonna catch up with you evantaully. But when you stop eating you start feeling the symptons faster [passing out...headaches...not to mention starving...it even worse with buliemia cause you could seriously mess up your stomach/throat]. Skinny&fit is great. Thick&Fit is great too. Obese&unhealthy isn't good at all. Anorexic&unhealthy is even worse.

[phoenixpyre]

BECAUSE FAT PEOPLE SUCK!!!!

jk
im fat

Our school took out the candy machines T_T

[bobby james]

You say back in the medival times but honey this is so not the medival times, there's other stuff to prove that we have money now (because part of the reasons it was looked upon is because it meant wealth, you had enough money to eat) and no one really remembers that. In my opinion, thin is better. Not skinny, but I think being thin or at least fit is neccessary. Also, America goes by the European standard of beauty, thin is definitely in there and that is why.


I prefer it be back in the 50's where America wanted you to be thin, but valuptuous [sp?] in the right places. Now it's "no ass, no curves, oh wait but women should have big bubble breast".

America wants us to be so thin, but you know what, you shouldn't feel bad because we are NOT. It's not happening anyways, considering the fact that we are the fattest nation.

But like I said before, it's basically because of the European customs of beauty. Blonde hair, blue eyed, stuff. It's far from changing too.

[AngelinaTaylor]

But like I said before, it's basically because of the European customs of beauty. Blonde hair, blue eyed, stuff. It's far from changing too.

I'm sorry, but have you heard of Italy.. or Greece? Or other European nations for that matter? They don't usually have "blonde hair, blue eye[s]", as you say. Not all of Europe consists of that description. And why should it change anyway? Thin is healthy :) And if someone wants to be fit, they can do it. It's not impossible. I've got my brother as an example.

[bobby james]

I'm sorry, but have you heard of Italy.. or Greece? Or other European nations for that matter? They don't usually have "blonde hair, blue eye[s]", as you say. Not all of Europe consists of that description. And why should it change anyway? Thin is healthy :) And if someone wants to be fit, they can do it. It's not impossible. I've got my brother as an example.

Haven't heard of Greece or Italy, totally foreign to me. Never even heard of those. OMG are you serious? I thought everyone in Europe was just blonde hair, blue eyes, long hair, and thin! Because you KNOW how everyone in the same country has the same hair, eye color and size.
Well maybe the blonde hair, blue eyed, thin, custom did not come from somewhere in Europe.

[AngelinaTaylor]

^ Oh yeah, and the rest of the world has to be like that too! Just blonde hair and f**king blue eyes! Oh and by the way, yeah those ARE the "customs for beauty". Nicely said, mate.

[medic]

America does not want you to be thin. Considering that a large percent of Americans are actually over weight, it is the fashion industry that puts a heavy hit on it. Don't blame it on just one country.

[fameONE]

Civilians are fat and disgusting.

[*Kathleen*]

^ Haha. Gee, thanks. My self-esteem went down about twenty points.

[fameONE]

^No prob.

Seriosuly, I'm tired of all these schemes and programs to help people lose weight. It comes down to personal resonposibility. I've watched people, single-handedly, lose 50 punds in 3 months by doing simple physical training (running, pull ups, crunches). So when people complain about their weight, I'm not moved. They deserve to be fat and nasty.

[bobby james]

^^ True. A lot of the obesity and fat is cause by laziness.
All of my "chubby" girl friends complained about how they wanted to lose weight and change their eating habits. What happens? "Oh, let's go to panda express after school" "let's order pizza for lunch" My one friend would eat something every 30 minutes, she wanted some hot cheetos or was buying some junk food from someone or complaining about her hunger, but then turned around and complained about how fat she was. Tell her to go to the gym and she'll look at you like you're crazy. Oh, but she wants to lose weight. Makes excuses about 'loving their bodies so much and not changing' but deep down my friends are so uncomfortable in their skin, excuses caused by laziness are the worse.

[fameONE]

What people fail to understand is that your physical health is detrimental to a long and healthy life. These fat motherf**kers that walk the street and go from fast food restaurant to fast food restaurant are going to die and make things harder on their paulbearers.

If your plus sized physique is hereditary, that doesn't mean you can't keep in shape. but being fat just to be fat; c'mon now, that shit's lame.

[pandamonium]

American doesnt want us to be thin America wants us to be healthy. We are all supposed to be living around the age 110 or 120 but most of us die premature deaths like around 60 -80 cause we eat all these bad foods and the pollution we live with. America just wants the new generation of kids to grow up healthy cause we are all eating this fast food and this bad stuff.

But on the other hand media tends to stretch it too far but show anorexic models like nicole freaking disgusting richie.

[HakunaMatata]

It's not about being thin, it's about being healthy, like everyone here has said. Food availability here is like, humungously high. I can walk to McDonalds, Jamba Juice, Panda Express, Starbucks, you name it. Donut shop? Shoot, five minute drive. The media does portray that to be pretty, you must be skinny, but I think less and less people are buying that. Ads are coming out by companies like Dove and Adidas that are a tad more realistic.

[*yrrnotelekktric*]

...because compared to everyone else, america is wambo.

[Sheida]

I do not view larger people in any of those ways. I say if a person has a good personality it should not matter at all what they look like on the outside. I guess people need one more thing to make other peoples lives harder, and to feel less accepted just so they have a feeling of superiority.

But still, people should excersize and eat right to be healthy, not just to fit in.

[starlette]

I can answer this in a simple statement. America is a country of extremes; if fat is bad for you we have to jump to the other end of the scale. People have a problem with being in the middle. and not enough people are campaigning to show the world that super skinny is unhealthy as well. So many people only see fat as unhealthy. but like I said, this country doesn't like happy-mediums.

[twinkles6801]

id rather be smaller to be healthier and more comfortabe, but i would rather not feel so unexcepted because i am not slim, its hard enough.

[Laughsalot]

hmmm i think it's the fashion/model society that thinks that girls should have an overall skiiny body. like tiny breasts, butt, waist, arms, legs. but in the hip hop or whatever is all about letting the thighs/ass and breasts grow out naturally while they should have a tiny waist. let everything grow out but keep the waist small kind of thing.

[brandewijn]

Alright. I'm a larger woman. I wasn't once upon a time but that all changed about 3 years ago. :)

I don't see anything wrong with the govt. pushing for a healthier population. You whining about the push to a healthier lifestyle is like whining because I'm a smoker and there are "smoking is bad for you. don't do it" signs every which way I turn.

I'm obese, I'm on my way to a healthier lifestyle and I'm glad that there are people out there pushing people to be healthy. Not just sit around and whine about how it's "in the genes" and not their fault that they ate an entire bag of Reece's Peanut Butter Cups and a pint of Ben & Jerry's last night out of pure boredom. Binging, snacking, unhealthy eating has nothing to do with "genes" or bad metabolism. It has to do with the way you live your life.

I'm an American by birth but I grew up all over Europe. I was always thin until I moved to the US with lovely convenient McDonalds restaurants on every corner whereas in Italy, the closest was 2 hours away. I won't blame it on the food chain either, I blame it on myself.

I'm unhappy with my weight, unhappy with my clothing size and I can't blame it on anyone but myself. If you are overweight/obese and are happy with your appearance then, more power to you!

I don't think every female should be model thin. But obesity is a rising issue and people are getting larger and larger, as are today's children and tomorrow's will be even fatter. I don't think bigger people should be made fun of or looked down upon. But I don't think we should be given special liberties because we are lazy and/or eat too much.

Look at was it Italy or Spain who recently banned models from the runway who are too skinny? No, they didn't want fat models but HEALTHY models! Heroin chic is out. Healthy is in. Now we Americans are always the last to catch on.

[Miss[x]Tiff]

well...fat girls look...ugly(no offence). Also being fat/not fit isn't good for you.

It's people like you that upset me. Also how can you say "no offense" to a obviously offensive comment? T_T

Anyway, as a few people have already said, just because youre thin, doesn't mean youre healthy. I know pleanty of skinny chicks out there who can't go up 5 flights up stairs without stopping. While me, a bigger female, can do it without a problem.

Also, skinny =/= pretty. There are some ugly skinny ladies out there. So don't give me that.

[TheRisingSun16]

I think it has to do with T.V., music, and modeling. Everywhere you look you see skinny girls barely wearing clothes. It's pretty sickening that America sees this as the "natural woman." I'm not overweight, but you still won't see me in a skanky outfit. So actually it's an insult to just about every girl out there...

[lightsabersavvy]

well it's pretty much americas fault, in my opinion. honestly. you could feed like everything in the world with all these fast food restaurants around. and the problem is that it's almost like it's available to everyone, because it's so cheap. and it doesn't help that there are huge servings of it all. people back then were just naturally thin because, hey, they had to do all the work and they had to go find other stuff to do rather than just sit inside on the computer, playing video games, watching tv, etc.

and i don't think america necessarily 'puts down' over weight people, but it is unhealthy. me, i'm not thin. ha. i weigh a lot, actually, but i don't really look it. i have a lot of muscle, is all. it kind of dissapoints me how i get heavier even though i think i look thinner.

okay, now i'm ranting. but yeah. some people just can't help it.

[Joss-eh-lime]

It's just the media using skinny girls to be the front person of every commerical,
magazine, business, or tv show to imprint in our minds what the right way to look is.
It's true, before our time a curvier physique was better, but I'm sure even then
there were many who couldn't measure up. Whats desired in socitey changes
& they are usually only a small amount of people who can achieve "the look".
I think the best thing anyone can do is just strive to feel confident in themselves
and be healthy at the same time.

[vash1530]

bcuz tha country is too fuckiin fat as a whole

[*My Cinderella.*]

I understand that America doesn't their people to be overweight, but it doesn't mean they have to be toothpick skinny. I think its just society and the media that makes people feel that way.

[redmoonflower]

I find this stupid Skeleton=MODEL!! Regular to heavy set girl=LOSE WEIGHT YOUR UGLY! I get sick of everyone saying that their fat!! But, also we have an obesity problem and it needs to be fixed, but going skeleton isnt good to your health.. you could even die but no one is seeing this. When people say "Obesity Strikes America" people start to think "Ohhh , my, gosh!! I'm one of those fat people who need to lose weight." Also the supermodel approach isnt helping either, sticking your finger down your throat to lose weight! it disgust me!! I mean.. I look tiny on the top but I have thighs and butt!! I cant change that, I know it. But, this is just outrageous.. and then they also blame it on stress... Yeah.. ok.. stress it hard, its takes it toll, but making yourself throw up over stress is dumb...

[AngelinaTaylor]

Tiff' date='Dec 30 2006, 1:21 PM' post='2392307']
It's people like you that upset me. Also how can you say "no offense" to a obviously offensive comment? T_T

Anyway, as a few people have already said, just because youre thin, doesn't mean youre healthy. I know pleanty of skinny chicks out there who can't go up 5 flights up stairs without stopping. While me, a bigger female, can do it without a problem.

Also, skinny =/= pretty. There are some ugly skinny ladies out there. So don't give me that.

He's right about the part that if you're skinny, you're more likely to be healthy than if you're grossly overweight.

Come on, being fit is always better. You don't have to be super-skinny to do that either.

[miiichellley]

It's weird how we're all under pressure to be so thin yet what do Americans seem to eat all day? Fast food, junk food, high calories, high sodium, high carbohydrates, the list goes on. I hate it when people like models or anorexics or bolemics (sp?) force themselves to be toothpicks, but it annoys me when people don't watch out for their weight and get totally obese. So best advice..eat on a steady diet and excercise, but not too much.. to keep yourself in shape.

[voguelove]

maybe it's because we're sick of the sterotype, "americans are fat."

[miiichellley]

Also 'cause people think they'll look like a sexy supermodel if they shrink it down when it just makes them look like a retarded chopstick.

[NYCin2009]

I think most it comes from Hollywood and our idolization of celebs. Most stars are often concerned about their weight, which makes us think that we should also be concernedd with our weight. I do agree that people should have some care about their weight, that doesn't mean we should all be thin, but it means that we should all want to be healthy.

Also, some of it probably comes from the us thinking that we need to me thinner since studies have shown that within the past few generations we are getting larger. America is also probably wanting to get ride of the recently increasingly popular stereotype that america is fat.

[nishikigoi]

I think it's annoying when people say skinny people are unattractive, or blah blah. Maybe the focus should be more on overall health and WHY someone is at the weight they're at. What is leading them to their consumption, or lack, of food.

[tilanguyenar]

Here, here they are:

ADVERTISEMENT REMOVED.

-mzkandi

[*MyMichelle*]

Because thin is beautiful and sexy and the only thing that tastes good. That's why.

[SenorClean]

America would love it if you are fat. That way you buy more fast food from big businesses. and Cha Ching, Mo money!

[USCavalry]

i don't have anything against fat girls, they just simply aren't as attractive as not fat girls. though you ask the question: "Why does America want us to be so thin?" why would you prefer being fat?

[elaboratedream]

America doesn't want us to be "so thin".
America wants us to be a healthy weight.
Most people don't find people who are freakishly thin attractive, and most people don't find people who are fat attractive.
That's how it is. You're not gonna change it.

So you have three options:
1. You can bitch about it and blame all your problems on modern society
2. You can exercise, eat less, maybe even try using a weight loss pill (alli is the only FDA aproved one, but there are plenty out there) or if non of those work, get some sort of surgery
OR
3. You can get over it and be happy with who you are.

[lorrytruck;]

maybe it's because we're sick of the sterotype, "americans are fat."

I completely agree. The first word that comes to mind as synonymous with America nowadays is FAT and OBESE. This may be a bit harsh to hear, but it's the truth. I was so appalled when I first arrived here (in Oregon) and noticed that only ONE person in my ENTIRE school was fat; contradictory to common belief that it's FULL of fat people. But then again, it's Oregon, right?

And according to statistics (USA):

• Eight out of 10 over 25's Overweight
• 58 Million Overweight; 40 Million Obese; 3 Million morbidly Obese
• 78% of American's not meeting basic activity level recommendations
• 70% of Cardiovascular disease related to obesity
• 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity

In the USA, for example (2005 statistics), only four states out of 50 have obesity rates below 20 percent, and 17 had obesity rates above 25 percent.
Be healthy!

[WaterMelon_Chick...]

OOOoook. Let me start by saying LOL @ retarded chopstick. Anyway,I think it's not so much America as it is the media. The image of beauty is so thin you can see your heart beating if your a women, and so ripped your veins are comin out of your head if your a guy. Thank GOD there are more people like Beyonce and Mariah Carey, who are embracing their curves. The thing that I do not see the media doing, is placing importance on being healty. THIN does not = HEALTHY. To me there is nothing wrong with having meat on your bones unless it begins to cause health concerns. I do not agree with people bashing and ridiculing people for being overweight, but overlooking the fact that there are all these high sugar, and processed foods that are clearly unhealthy but so obtainable because they dont cost much at all or within arms reach at a burger barn or a corner store. In America it cost money to be healthy, people who cannot afford to be healthy aren't, thin or meaty. People who can afford to be healty may not choose to because they have money to indulge.

As far as THIN=PRETTY and FAT=UGLY, thats where I draw the line. In the African-American community, we embrace curves. I am thick or solid w/e you want to call it :D. Thickness can range from Beyonce to Tocara. You can definately be meaty and be beautiful. Monique shits on most of the skinny hefas. She can dress her ass off and there is nothing ugly about her. There is pretty and ugly in all shapes big or small. I have seen some skinny people who look like night of the living dead and there is nothing pretty about that.

In the end its all buisness, money people fatten Americans with harful foods sold in markets and fast food chains across the country, then after they blow them up, they want them to go out and spend lots of money on diet products that promise to "get you to lose 10lbs in two days". And what do we as Americans do, we buy into it. >_< My mission is to save people from this vicious cycle, I am going to culinary school and I am going to open a resturant that serves fast and healty food in the heart of the inner-city where it is needed most.

And no matter what size you are strive to be healthy and not thin. THIN does not equal pretty.

[medic]

Why is automatically America that wants everyone to be thin? I am pretty sure the fashion industry and private corporations are the ones who started the "loose weight" campaigns, and not all of them are American based.

It is also funny that we are the most obese country in the world. So if we want everyone to be thin, we are not doing to well.

[*steve330*]

because god said so

[medic]

because god said so

This coming from a Texan, I trust your judgment.

[WHOngos144]

I agree with sakaitone

[*steve330*]

This coming from a Texan, I trust your judgment.

and rightfully so

[Aerjae]

McDonalds doesnt want to hold responsibility for your fatness. America doen't want you to be skinny. Why? Did she ask you to loose weight?

[Trinie]

im chubby but im not looked down on. :)
i love me. and plus big girls have sexy curves :-P

but i dont think america looks down on fat people. there are plenty of plus sized women who are smart, sexy and are even models too. :)

[*steve330*]

America doesn't look down on fat people because half the people are fat.

[austinoutloud]

i think it's wierd that we have a problem with people being too thin AND too fat at the same time.

[*steve330*]

I don't. Both are unhealthy. Gotta get justttttt right.

[*Mercy*]

because god said so

Silly texan,dosnt your state only have 5 thin people and a bunch of my peoples living there?


As for I,I embrace thickness and curves as im latina and along with the afican americans,we arent biased towards plus size or curvy people.

There are truely some gorgeous BBW's out there,and its a shame that America TRIES to overlook them.

[illriginal]

I mean, seriously. I, myself am not thin and I never will be. I have a large family, and I have a really bad metabolism.
Besides, back in medevil (sp?) times, women who were heavier-set were viewed as healthier, and ble to bear better sons... not that I want that last part... XD

So, this raises the question; why do Americans feel the need to look down upon us larger girls, and think that we aren't pretty, aren't as smart, can't do as many things, etc.?

Uhm.. Global Warming?


I don't know, maybe because it's better for their health. Plus do you know how uncomfortable it is just to be overweight? I do bulking and cutting phases in my diets and gym routine. So changing from thin/rip to fat/soft back and forth at least 1 a year, you'll easily notice a difference.

Prior to becoming a health freak, I used to be overweight. Was 245lbs and my blood pressure was actually high lol.

After the doc told me my vitals, I decided to join the gym, and hit the gym hard :D
I did cardio twice a day everyday except for sundays.
I would wake up at 5:45 AM and be at gym by 6:00AM. Start my cardio (treadmill) and run for a minimum of 30 minutes. Unless I do HIIT, which is something to do for at max 15 minutes, unless you're an athlete. Go home and take a shower, eat breakfast, and go to work.

Then after work (which was random hours of the day, most of the time past 5) I would go straight to the gym, change out, and hit the treadmill. For another 30 minutes. Thank God MP3 players existed back then :D

I love being thin, having huge bursts of energy, waking up feeling fresh and energetic etc...

So getting on a diet, isn't anything to be ashamed about. It's basically your responsibility to take care of your own body/health. If not, you'll just let yourself go and die from your own poisoning.

[queen]

^ that's true, but i think the topic hints about the shallow aspect of being overweight. it's just in the general consensus (at least in america) that thin people are "more attractive". you could be a healthy thick person(which, granted, are pretty rare), and you'd still be looked down upon.

[illriginal]

^ that's true, but i think the topic hints about the shallow aspect of being overweight. it's just in the general consensus (at least in america) that thin people are "more attractive". you could be a healthy thick person(which, granted, are pretty rare), and you'd still be looked down upon.

Oh well in that case... hell yeah Americans are shallow. And I'll admit, I'm just as shallow. But the reason being is.. the first attraction is physical, second is personality, third is intelligence, and finally forth is her (and do not get offended ladies) womanly duties.

On top of that I have standards for a dime chick that turns me on just lookin at her sexy self while listening to her intellectual opinion(s) :D

[xKatt]

well...fat girls look...ugly(no offence). Also being fat/not fit isn't good for you.

Um. How can she not take offense to that, honestly? And it looks like you need to step out of the debate forum if you're going to type up a post with the merit of a 1st grader.

I read an article once that said that people who are "fat" are not necessarily unhealthy. In fact some larger people are much healthier than some slimmer people. Seriously! I'm 5'5 and 99 pounds. Does that make me any healthier than a girl who's 5'5 and 130 pounds? Not at all!!

Believe me. I am the biggest pig you'll ever meet and I don't play any sports. I'm lazy and I eat candy and cake and brownies like no other.

It's something called heredity, my friend. And it works both ways. I know someone who's the complete opposite of me. She's athletic, is always involved in sports, eats just as much as she needs to and on a strictly healthy diet. But ... she's what you might call "fat". But she's lightyears more healthy than I am!

And America's not the only country that wants people to be thin. It's really hard to explain it. Sometimes people create a stereotype about fat people, like they're lazy or eat too much and those traits are unattractive.

If you're fat, be fat and proud damnit! Don't starve yourself or go on crash diets or anything that strays from a regular, healthy lifestyle. I know this is going to sound as cliche as anything, but having confidence will matter a hell of a lot more than a slim figure.

[*SinfullySweet*]

You guys can't hold fast food restaraunts for america's obesity. They're not shoving food in our faces. We choose to eat it. Sure, Mc Donalds is unhealthy, but the person that decides to eat it is their own fault, you can go around pointing fingers "MC DONALDS MADE US FAT" No idiot. You ate their food.