Reply #177: ...hate to be inconsiderate BUT...

[mars67]

...Thin people in MOST societies are judged to be more attractive and more desirable. Many studies agree with this assertion (look 'em up for yourself as they are numerous)and it is a result of evolutionary biology. Although many cultures (even when considering various historic periods/societies) differ in what is considered attractive two primary factors are universal: 1. Body Symmetry and 2.Body Mass Index (mass vs.structure). After reading many of the posts on this topic I can't help but think that there are many here who are overweight and feel they must defend their size, diet and lifestyle.I might have been among you at one time. I was, two years ago, 100lbs overweight, had high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, knee problems from the weight and fatty liver syndrome. I decided to make a change and began working out regularly and completely changed my diet. I decided to go vegetarian (later vegan) and work out 3-4 days per week (now 6-7). I began by walking, then jogging, now running/hiking and a weight lifting program. I actually spend much less money on food after changing my diet and use what I save for gym fees (I am a social worker and earn around $28,000 in the great state of GA.). I now have no health problems, lost 105 lbs. and have never been in better shape (my Dr. says I have the cardiovascular system of a well trained athlete!). I look great and people treat me completely different than when I was fat. And you know what, I like it and feel no guilt about this particular societal peculiarity. Nope, none at all. I realize that there are some folks who have medical (physical/mental health) conditions, take medication etc.. which prevent them from losing weight. However, many, many folks here in the States eat too much (and eat high calorie, high saturated fat, high cholesterol diets) and exercise too little. Obesity IS rampant and all it takes is to look around a bit when in public. We are a nation of (increasingly) large people whose health problems are put in check by prescription medications in order to prolong life. I feel that almost anyone,regardless of race, class and budget AND if properly motivated, can take charge of their lives and lose weight (if you are 20 or more lbs overweight generally). The way society (generally speaking) treats overweight people (I have seen the scowls, the snickering and head shaking myself) may be unfair but hey, sorry, it's how things go. Given our society is also very unhealthy/overweight this makes us a bunch of hypocrites but we are also products of our genetic/evolutionary tendencies. Here is a pretty good link about "attractiveness" on Wikipedia:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_attractiveness