Why is ok to say, skinny and not fat?

[Traveller]

I don't think it's ok at all. If I was to comment on someones weight I would more likely say "you are so slim, what a beautiful figure" or "what's your secret, you look amazing". However more ofetn I just would not comment on someone weight because it is non of my business. I grew up being called fat and overly aware of how I looked and don't ever want to make someone feel like I did. The same applies during pregnancy when for some reason people think it's ok so say women are massive or fat. I stick to "what a beautiful bump" because not only is it flattering, it is also always true. I have never seen a non beautiful pregnant belly.

[krisp]

People simply don't think!

My sister used to tell me all the time that I was fat. I am 5'10", a size 12 on the bottom and 10 on the top and 70 kg's I am clearly not fat! She was always very very thin about a size 6-8 which for someone as tall as us is pretty thin. She is now considerably bigger in fact she's about a size 20 but I would never ever ever taunt her about being fat! I worry about her health I do admit, but I would never use the "F" word to her.

Some people just say things that can be hurtful without even realising it.

[misty]

I think it is 'socially acceptable' to say 'skinny' but not 'fat', because people aspire to be skinny, no-one really aspires to be fat.

Now just because that is what society 'accepts' doesn't mean it isn't rude to say either. It is rude to comment on anothers weight regardless of if they are fat or skinny. On of the factors that lead me to gain weight was being teased as a child for being too skinny. Looking back at photos, I wasn't too skinny, just had a slight build. Now I don't have to worry about that, instead I get to worry about people commenting about how much 'bigger' I am and how I look good loosing weight, but how it is a 'shame about my belly' (lots of loose skin makes a buldge). People are idiots. As if I cann't see and judge my own flaws without their help.

[diannescruffy]

Another thing that would annoy me to no end was during my pregnancies as I carried small. When people would ask how many wks I was the look of shock on their faces. I got comments like "you know you should be eating for two" or "is there something wrong with your baby".

Regards,
Dianne

[Kazmar]

Another thing that would annoy me to no end was during my pregnancies as I carried small. When people would ask how many wks I was the look of shock on their faces. I got comments like "you know you should be eating for two" or "is there something wrong with your baby".

Regards,
Dianne

Omg people are really stupid!

I just dont like the tone. A friend told me "Gee you're so skinny, its discusting" ummmmmm, she's a size 8! She's hardly a big girl

My dad used to just tell me to tell people I have hollow legs

[ladybird11]

Maybe its the whole media thing where they always show skinny (sometimes anorexic) which gives some people the idea that skinny is acceptable, therefore calling someone skinny must be ok...right?

Wrong, I think. When I lost all my excess weight so many people told me I was too skinny etc. I too was eating healthily and exercising. I am just leading a healthy lifestyle. I'm in the 'normal' weight range.

I guess its considered taboo to call someone fat, just as in the past picking on smokers was not acceptable either. But times have changed, some people probably almost feel its their duty to tell someone to stop smoking (I am guilty since losing Mum to lung cancer) for health reasons. But still, calling someone fat, while absolutely tactless, doesn't really help the situation either.

Can someone remind me, do more people die of smoking or obesity each year? What 'category' costs tax payers more to remedy.

Sorry, I've probably gone waaay off topic and I'm just rambling now.

[Inanna]

I don't think it's off topic at all - that's how conversations evolve Leesa!

I don't know which but I do know both are unhealthy - JUST as being underweight is unhealthy. As you know I stacked on the weight whilst pregnant (& before) Immy due to the steroidal treatment needed to sustain a pregnancy for me. I have lost all of my weight now & I too get told I'm too skinny. I am smack bang in the healthy weight for my height.

I think political correctness has got a little out of control when heath care providers find it difficult to broach the weight issue on both ends... Also smoking as well. I too have strong anti smoking sentiments & find it appalling when people smoke in front of kids & others as it's just unhealthy & I don't feel it should be inflicted on others.

However, I have no qualms in saying so! That is my right as a dual occupant on planet Earth. Someone else's weight is their business. Whilst it does impact Iguess on the public purse it's not quite as "in your face" as smoking... (scuse the pun! )

[Traveller]

When I was a new mother of of the mums in my mums group explained how she lost her first child hours after birth. He was born at 32 weeks, having not grown properly (IUGR) and with her subsequent pregnancy she had frequent growth scans to check her baby. She told me how every time someone said he had a small bump she would turn up in tears at her doctors office demanding a scan to check her baby was growing. It really made me think about what I say with regards to a woman's bump size, hence why I never even comment on a bump being neat or small.

With the twins though I was so massive people could not help but comment. I used to joke my belly entered a room 5 mins before the rest of me

[LimeSlice]

I have been overweight most of my life, and just plain fat for the last few years.
When I moved out of home though I dropped masses of weight and people started telling me how good I looked, was ace.
Then when a few years later, I was a size 6 (I was over the moon when I could get into a XS Little Black Dress from Protmans for NYE lol) and all of a sudden I was ill, "sooo skinny". I honestly felt fabulous - best I had ever looked and I was really happy with my self for the first time in my life.
Funnily enough, not long after that I started to put weight on again, wanted to be a size 10, where people would think I was ill, and ended up a size 16 I don;t know, maybe people had gotten so used to me being the frumpy one they were jealous when I rocked that dress at the Ferrari Grand Prix Party My lordy I was hot!

Now I just don't give a flying fig what people think - the only person I care about it my husband (and my health) aside that, everyone else can go jump....but I will get into that LBD one day soon hehehe DH loves it

[Inanna]

It is very interesting isn't it how people fee free to make comment on one's weight? It can be very hurtful no matter where on the spectrum you happen to sit.
I think though sometimes people just blurt without realising or maybe even think commenting on "thinness" is a compliment. I am sure some people are just rude & nasty but I do think most times people don't think before engaging their oral muscles...

[Livinthedream]

Some folks soo dont think.
I read something years ago about how you can beat up on someone who smokes/drinks, but tell a fat person to stop eating macca's and its the end of the world.
So weird. LOL

[Rouge]

*facepalm*

So it's ok to use a derogative term like fatty to make a point...?

[Livinthedream]

*facepalm*

So it's ok to use a derogative term like fatty to make a point...?

LOL,Ok, will edit. But see my point, its perfectly acceptable to tell a smoker how disgusting and smelly they are, but the word fatty is wrong?

2 different addictions ( and I have had both-only got the fat one to give up LOL) But at the end of the day, same cure. Abstinence....

[Rouge]

I think the reason being is that being overweight doesn't always mean unhealthy life style or overeating.

Thank you for editing it It's actually good to talk about these things though.