why I do not support the “pro-fat” movement
I recently learned about this movement there is called the “pro-fat movement” or the “fat acceptance movement.” This unsettled me. Quite a bit actually.
Now I will not lie to you, I do not find obesity attractive. In fact for me it is usually a deal breaker for me. Now before you start calling me “shallow” or an “ass” for not accepting people for how they are, let me explain myself. Although some medical conditions and genes may lead to some getting obese more easily than others, it is still an unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity is harmful to your body. Obesity increases blood pressure and puts extra strain on the heart. Your body is not meant to carry that extra weight. It is not a healthy way to live. If I must chose between a partner (female) who is fit (note how I use the word FIT not SKINNY) versus someone who is obese, the choice for me is not hard. Not because one is more pleasing aesthetically, but because one is in all likelihood living a healthier life style than the other. I like women who are HEALTHY and FIT, not women who are too overweight or underweight.
I am not saying it is anyone who is obese’s fault, plenty of life situations may prevent you from living a truly healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy is expensive and working out constantly is often difficult (though not always impossible) for people who are working. But far too often I notice people who consuming foods they shouldn’t in excess (the excess is big part) and partaking in sedentary activity instead of physical a bit too much. You still have the power to make choices, and a little practice of self-control and discipline will go a long way.
Now back to the “pro-fat” movement. I can kind of see their angle. They do not want people who are obese to develop crippling low self esteem. They want people (particularly women) who are exposed to a media who rejects any body size besides skin-and-bone thin (which I find just as if not more unattractive) to feel like they are still pretty. It is a kind gesture on the surface. But I just have an issue with a group that supports what is scientifically proven to be an unhealthy lifestyle. Call it just a form of a support group, but I believe support groups should move beyond acceptance and perhaps strive to help someone live a healthier lifestyle. Not just settle with radical acceptance. Being overweight/obese is NOT healthy, it should not be treated as though it is.
Now if anyone has read this and thought I am being insensitive and do not understand what these people are going through because I am male and not obese (I am 6’3” (1.91m) and about 183, athletic build), let me just say I’ve tried my best to be honest and understanding. Everyone is different. Has different issues to deal with. I’m just saying I do not think it is the best idea to support accepting the negative effects of certain life conditions instead of striving for HEALTHY change. I used to be pudgy, then I hit my awkward growth spurt of 4” in 3 months, where I turned into a stick man. My body’s gone through awkward changes, all of our bodies have. I was lucky enough to find a sport that fit me (rowing) and gave me the structure and motivation to change myself in a positive way. Not many people have that opportunity and I am very thankful.
Oh and a final note, I am just as against the media’s pushing the skinny body on women today. In fact, I hate it. Bone thin women are not attractive. I like women who are FIT, who are HEALTHY, and that does always (and rarely does) mean THIN. Unless a girl/woman is a competitive athlete, they should have about 20-25% body fat, if they are an athlete (which is WAY more sexy than a girl whose ribcage pops out) then maybe 15-20%
