Weight gain was not by choice. It came about because of physical illness, mostly endometriosis, and hormonal changes created when doctors placed me on various drugs either to try to stop the endometriosis or to assist with infertility. I'm just one big walking mess of hormonal blech. And, I admit, I am an emotional eater. I eat when I'm bored, lonely, tired, and stressed. I have a limited diet because of ulcers and acid reflux, so I tend to eat the same things most of the time. New items set off a lot of unwanted aggravation.
Being overweight then becomes a problem in and of itself, one that, given what I see around me, normal-sized people do not recognize, cannot recognize, and do not want to recognize. Chairs with arms, for example, are generally uncomfortable for people of size. Stairs might be challenging. Clothing doesn't fit well. So many things become difficult.
Here is a list of just a few of the challenges that people who are overweight face. The next time you see a "fatty" in Walmart, consider what that person might be going through. I'm fairly certain that 99% of the people who are overweight didn't chose that for their body image. They have struggles others would be stunned to learn about.
1. Limited clothing options: Finding stylish and comfortable clothing in larger sizes can be next to impossible. And because body sizes can be so varied, a 3x that fits one person might not work so well for another.
2. Physical discomfort: Carrying excess weight can lead to discomfort, joint pain, and physical limitations. This also tends to lead to body image issues and struggles with self-esteem that impact mental health. It can mean that a person stays home too much, doesn't venture out except when necessary, or otherwise limits his or her life.
3. Discrimination: Overweight individuals may face discrimination and bias in various aspects of life. It seems obesity is something that people can still make jokes about and many consider it a symptom of a "weak mind" or "weak will," instead of seeing it for what it is - a symptom of a larger problem.
4. Health complications: Obesity can lead to a higher risk of health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. I suspect it doesn't help acid reflux, either.
5. Exercise challenges: Some physical activities may be difficult due to excess weight, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Just recently, I was at the local YMCA. I wasn't there to join, nor would I. Absolutely nothing about that place is set up for unhealthy people. It is set up for an average 23-year-old guy who lifts weights. The chairs all have sides, there is only one small elevator, and everything is out in the open where people can see you. It was this visit, actually, that brought on this post.
6. Social isolation: Overweight individuals may experience social exclusion or feel left out of social events. Sometimes this is the person's choice, but other times, people may simply not invite someone because they don't fit the look they want (think weddings or other things where pictures might matter).
7. Stereotyping: Being unfairly labeled as lazy or lacking self-control based on appearance. Bill Maher is very good at this, and I have stopped watching him because he is such a jerk about people's weight.
8. Workplace discrimination: Overweight individuals may face discrimination in hiring or promotions. After all, if you can't control your own body, how could you be expected to control a division, or an entire company, or whatever?
9. Airplane and public transportation discomfort: Tight spaces and seating can be challenging for larger individuals. This also goes for restaurant seating. If you're going to serve those large plates of food, then you should accommodate everyone.
10. Medical bias: Healthcare providers may not take their concerns seriously, attributing health issues to their weight. I can't tell you how many times I have heard that there is nothing wrong with me that losing weight wouldn't fix. I don't hear that from my current primary care physician, but I have heard it from others in the past, and pretty much any specialist I see will mention it.
11. Weight-related expenses: Costs for specialized clothing, medical treatments, or gym memberships can be high. Women's plus-sized clothes are generally several dollars more than smaller sizes.
12. Difficulty with personal care: Daily activities like bathing or grooming can be more challenging.
13. Lower energy levels: Obesity can lead to fatigue and lower energy levels, making daily tasks more difficult. It can also lead to conditions like depression and anxiety may be more common in overweight individuals.
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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 830th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
#8 for sure--a former superintendent said within earshot that he would never have an overweight principal or curriculum director because it would not be the public image he wanted to portray.
ReplyDeleteI am uncomfortable when I gain 5 pounds, so I can imagine how uncomfortable more is. I have an overweight (obese) grandson and I've learned a lot about acceptance and to see beyond it to the person his is. It surely is a stigma.
ReplyDeleteI went from a size 6 to a size 12 within a year of my hysterectomy. I'm a 16 right now. Could I have avoided this? Yes. I could have changed my diet and worked out more. But I was busy with work and my mother's health was declining and oh yeah: MENOPAUSE! I accept the responsibility but I refuse to apologize for my weight gain. And here's a dirty secret: I like being fat because weight, along with age, have rendered me invisible. I always found unsolicited attention from men -- on the street, in elevators, on public transportation -- intimidating. I admit I don't miss it. Not one whit. So while I wish I had prettier clothes again (especially slacks) and I hate how I look in the mirror when I'm doing yoga (weebles wobble but they don't fall down) and #13 is very real, I enjoy the cloak my weight gives me.
ReplyDeleteI feel this. So many on your list I understand. Health and injuries have taken their tolls on me, and my weight isn't what it once was. People have no compassion, somehow thinking that if you have extra weight, you also have no feelings. Or they just don't care. I've had people say awful things to me, or at least loudly in my vicinity.
ReplyDeleteThat was an informative list. I am on the opposite side of weight scale. Because of my small frame, I was at risk for osteoporosis as my mom was. And to make matters worse, I have lost a lot of muscle, so it is hard to sit for long periods of time. I have worked hard to gain weight/muscle my eating more. The added fat has helped with cushion but has made me uncomfortable since I am short waisted, and the belly fat can aggravate acid reflux. That same fat also disguises the loss of muscle, and I can feel bones I should not be feeling. I guess we both have health issues that people don't understand.
ReplyDeleteI put on weight when I was no longer able to walk. We judge far too much without waking in another person's shoes.
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