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.?

[Chad_man]

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

[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.