"I'm happy with how my body is"

[xanis]

"In shape" shouldn't be some fixed, unreachable goal. A lot of people could do wonders for their health if they'd just add a modest amount of exercise to their routine. It's great to shoot for something tough like finishing a marathon, but even a half hour of brisk walking per day, while much less than ideal, is much better for you than being completely sedentary.

We have a winner. I think a lot of people get deterred from "getting in shape" because they think that they have to make loads of changes all at once. That's not the case. Start out small, then work your way up to harder things.

For example, when I wanted to get in shape, I started by getting a gym membership and going 2-3 times per week, lifting a few weights and running on the treadmill. I then started cutting out useless shit from my diet (like excess sugar from sodas and candy) and taking in more good stuff (like whole grains and protein). I'm 6' and 170lbs, and I've stayed about the same weight, but lost fat and put on a good amount of muscle. Now I'm going to the gym 5-6 days per week, running at least a mile each day, and lifting heavy.

 

[mvbighead]

You look like that because you don't have enough muscle behind the fat.

You're going to be skinnyfat if you don't start getting them proteinz and moving heavy ass barbells

Honestly, that is kinda what I was thinking. I'd need to see a pic for proof, but at 6'2", 175, I can't see where there would be much room to lose anything else.

Hell, I'm 6'3" 290lbs (and not the least bit happy about the weight mind you), but when experienced nurses see me and then have me hop on a scale, they're flabbergasted. Always tell me that I can't possibly weigh that much. Truth is, I am much larger than I'd like to be, but I work in an office of 600+ people and have heard comments about how much others weigh, and I am always a bit surprised how much less they weigh than I do despite appearing much heavier (read fatter) than I am. I have some (not alot, but some) muscle underneath the fat, which allows me to carry the many extra pounds that I have rather well. I'd look much better if I was down to 230 or so. I'd look like a very sick, frail person if I weighed 175, IMO.

So when someone who is 175 suggests that they have more fat than they'd like, I'm stumped.

And sorry rcpratt, not trying to nit pick, I just can't imagine being under 200 lbs at my height with my build. Much less being at 200lbs and considering myself as someone who still needs to lose 25 lbs.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Will you be happy when you develop Type 2 diabetes? It's a nasty, nasty disease that causes all sorts of misery.

I don't say this in order to be nasty, screw what other people think, however there's no denying that being massively overweight is awful for your health. The fat-acceptance idiots talk about being "healthy at any size" however they are either incredibly ignorant, in denial or flat-out liars.

As much as a positive outlook on life and reduced stress is good for a person's overall health, there's no denying that a person who is an average weight (BMI of 20-25 by current medical standards), eats healthy food and exercises moderately (3+ times per week) is at substantially less risk for health problems than an overweight person. They are also likely to live much longer.

An average-weight person may not look like an underwear model, but who cares - they have achieved a healthy, sustainable medium, and they can feel good about that.

 

[shocksyde]

I'm down 72lbs from Jan '09 (262 -> 190) and am currently weight lifting to make sure I don't end up "skinny fat." I'm hoping to stay at 190 and just lose body fat % at this point.

I don't think I'll ever be happy with my body, though. Too many years (15+) of horrible self-image have most likely permanently damaged my self esteem.

 

[ichy]

We have a winner. I think a lot of people get deterred from "getting in shape" because they think that they have to make loads of changes all at once. That's not the case. Start out small, then work your way up to harder things.

For example, when I wanted to get in shape, I started by getting a gym membership and going 2-3 times per week, lifting a few weights and running on the treadmill. I then started cutting out useless shit from my diet (like excess sugar from sodas and candy) and taking in more good stuff (like whole grains and protein). I'm 6' and 170lbs, and I've stayed about the same weight, but lost fat and put on a good amount of muscle. Now I'm going to the gym 5-6 days per week, running at least a mile each day, and lifting heavy.

One great thing about improving your fitness level is that the earliest improvements are also the easiest ones. Going from being a couch potato to being able to do a 5K really isn't that difficult with a little bit of self-discipline.

 

[rcpratt]

Honestly, that is kinda what I was thinking. I'd need to see a pic for proof, but at 6'2", 175, I can't see where there would be much room to lose anything else.

Hell, I'm 6'3" 290lbs (and not the least bit happy about the weight mind you), but when experienced nurses see me and then have me hop on a scale, they're flabbergasted. Always tell me that I can't possibly weigh that much. Truth is, I am much larger than I'd like to be, but I work in an office of 600+ people and have heard comments about how much others weigh, and I am always a bit surprised how much less they weigh than I do despite appearing much heavier (read fatter) than I am. I have some (not alot, but some) muscle underneath the fat, which allows me to carry the many extra pounds that I have rather well. I'd look much better if I was down to 230 or so. I'd look like a very sick, frail person if I weighed 175, IMO.

So when someone who is 175 suggests that they have more fat than they'd like, I'm stumped.

And sorry rcpratt, not trying to nit pick, I just can't imagine being under 200 lbs at my height with my build. Much less being at 200lbs and considering myself as someone who still needs to lose 25 lbs.

It's fine. I was probably overstating it. I don't have much more to lose, just 5 pounds or so. Most of my fat is gone, just a bit left on my gut and love handles. Granted, there's not much muscle under there because I didn't lift much before I started cutting, but I'm not a bean pole either.

I'm also pretty picky, which I'm sure factors in.

 

[Lamont Burns]

Meh. I'm fat (6'0" 250 lbs) but there are bigger things in my life to worry about. I don't exercise as much as I should but I do still exercise a bit. I don't eat quite as healthy as I could but I am still not a bad eater (I don't generally eat much candy, desserts, fast food, or red meat). Fact is, if I had slightly different genes, I'd weigh a lot less.

This is rarely ever the case.

 

[kotss]

Most people are deluding themselves when they feel happy at obese weights. Exercise and weighing in a healthy range is more beneficial towards happiness than the overeating that makes you overweight. The happiness you feel from food is more like the addiction to a drug than the feel good about yourself happiness that you get from keeping yourself healthy. (Healthy does not have to mean you exercise every given moment of the day.) I certainly do not miss the days where even the little extra weight I used to carry around made me feel uncomfortable to myself. (I was never overweight but I was getting close.) You can enjoy food and drink, just being in control of how much goes in, is the most important factor. As I started getting healthier I started changing my diet to reflect that I felt healthier. I am by no means a health food nut, though. I still eat some candy and drink soda occassionally. I do make a choclate milk shake every night for dinner as my drink. My exercise regimen means I can do these things as long as I remain in control of how much. I was never unhappy about my larger weight, but with the clarity of hindsight, I know that I am happier now than I was then.

 

[dr150]

It's a blessing if you are happy with your weight (as long as you don't ruin your health).

I used to be a perfectionist and was always miserable trying to be perfect with every aspect of my life. It was depressing in a way, trying to constantly climb that mountain.

I know one thing, though....

When I had abs and took my shirt off at a park, pool, or beach, etc., ladies NEVER said "no" to me. I could see them lusting over me and they were aggressive about it, which I found hilarious (the mating game is so silly).

...But when I wore a shirt 99.9% of the time, I looked like a regular schmo who nobody would think exercises like a maniac.....Keeping abs is a PAIN in the ass. I needed a super diet and super workouts for it.

Since I've lost the ab cut from my early years and gained about 15 lbs, nobody can really tell the difference with a shirt on (your gut hides better with a long 6'4" frame).

I used to care how my body looked when I was single, but when I got married to a blond German gal, my interest in all that aesthetic fake crap waned.

You just have to be happy with the shell that is your body and move on to more important things.

 

[irishScott]

5'11" 180 lbs So not fat at all really.

Personally I don't understand fat people who are "happy about their body". Sure they can be "happy" in general but that shouldn't include or be helped by their physical condition. Being fat is a bad thing. It's unattractive outside of fetish sites, and leaves you predisposed or (depending on the cause of the fatness) directly gives you some very serious health problems.

So yeah, IMHO fat people who "are happy with their weight" are either crazy or in denial.

 

[Lamont Burns]

Enjoy the diabetes and high blood pressure while you relish the days you did what you wanted. The way down is not a quick one these days.

 

[bommy261]

if your fine being a fatass more power to ya... hope your fine getting diabetes and high blood pressure as well and breathing heavy walking up a flight of stairs.

 

[irishScott]

It's a blessing if you are happy with your weight (as long as you don't ruin your health).

I used to be a perfectionist and was always miserable trying to be perfect with every aspect of my life. It was depressing in a way, trying to constantly climb that mountain.

I know one thing, though....

When I had abs and took my shirt off at a park, pool, or beach, etc., ladies NEVER said "no" to me. I could see them lusting over me and they were aggressive about it, which I found hilarious (the mating game is so silly).

...But when I wore a shirt 99.9% of the time, I looked like a regular schmo who nobody would think exercises like a maniac.....Keeping abs is a PAIN in the ass. I needed a super diet and super workouts for it.

Since I've lost the ab cut from my early years and gained about 15 lbs, nobody can really tell the difference with a shirt on (your gut hides better with a long 6'4" frame).

I used to care how my body looked when I was single, but when I got married to a blond German gal, my interest in all that aesthetic fake crap waned.

You just have to be happy with the shell that is your body and move on to more important things.

Uh... yeah that doesn't mean you should be happy being fat. You took it too far in the opposite direction, but that doesn't mean you should just stop caring.

I work out 3/4 times a week. Which for me = 3/4 hours a week. It's a health/maintenance thing and any person, fat or otherwise, can do it. Combine that with my semi-healthy diet and you're good.

I actually eat a lot, I just make sure what goes in is relative quality. Mainly it's what I don't eat that makes a difference. I haven't eaten ice cream in over a month, only drink soda maybe 3/4 times a week, and basically stay away from most things with high levels of processed sugar. I only eat fast food if I'm on the road. Once you're on it for a month or two the sugar cravings die. Even so I'm not above the impulsive candy bar/pop tart once or twice a week. Bottom line: a healthy diet and active lifestyle isn't difficult to maintain with a little mental security.

A lot of fat people don't go to the gym because they're self-conscious. Thing is, I actually respect fat people in the gym for that very reason. Hell I'm intimidated by the insane heavies to a point, then I look at the obese guy on the elliptical and I can't say shit.

Bottom line, anyone who's more than 15 lbs overweight outside of a hospital needs to get their shit together IMHO. Whether it's a medical condition, lack of self discipline, insecurity/depression, or otherwise. Take care of it.

 

[AstroManLuca]

This is rarely ever the case.

Right, because everyone is exactly the same, and diet and exercise are the only two factors that contribute to how your body looks.

I have a male friend who wears women's size 2 jeans. He can't wear men's jeans because they don't make them small enough. There is no way I could ever get that skinny unless I just stopped eating.

I'm not saying that it's impossible for me to lose weight. Obviously I could take care of that given enough time and effort. So I guess I'm not "happy" with my body, but I'm also not going to hate myself because I don't meet some arbitrary number. Depression and anxiety doesn't help at all.

Anyway, it's typical for some people to go too far in one direction or the other in this debate. Fat people who are too comfortable about where they are, or worse, ones who actually prefer being fat, need to reevaluate their situation. On the other hand, there are a lot of fat people haters who go well beyond any reasonable level of criticism and act more like schoolyard bullies than adults. They make themselves feel better by comparing themselves to people who weigh more than them and put fat people down at any opportunity. I see a lot of it on the internet and it's disgusting.

 

[Lamont Burns]

Right, because everyone is exactly the same, and diet and exercise are the only two factors that contribute to how your body looks.

So, aside from genetic birth defects, disease, etc etc etc, what do you think are the other factors?

Don't say stress. I'm on an SSRI and anti-anxiety stemming from a family incident... yet here I am in the gym 4 days a week and eating healthy.

Either you do or you don't.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

they are trying to delude themselves. no fat person is happy being fat i can't believe it.

 

[OCGuy]

Basically they dont care about health or attracting people of the opposite sex.

 

[mchammer187]

Basically they dont care about health or attracting people of the opposite sex.

I've seen fat people with hot girlfriends though it is rare.

I will say that I would never date a fat girl but hold myself to the same standards.


Anyway I won't be happy with my body till I can do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8EEbiyahWA.

 

[BlackTigers]

I've seen fat people with hot girlfriends though it is rare.

$$ $$ $$

 

[AstroManLuca]

So, aside from genetic birth defects, disease, etc etc etc, what do you think are the other factors?

Don't say stress. I'm on an SSRI and anti-anxiety stemming from a family incident... yet here I am in the gym 4 days a week and eating healthy.

Either you do or you don't.

I know a lot of people who don't exercise at all and aren't particularly careful about what they eat (certainly less careful than I am), yet they are extremely skinny. There's just a natural variation from person to person.

Yeah, yeah, I need to work harder, exercise more... I know all that shit. That's why I'm 250 and not 190. The fact that I do watch what I eat is probably the reason why I have been able to maintain my weight and not gain any.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I've seen fat people with hot girlfriends though it is rare.

$$ $$ $$

Or a stance of dominance.

 

[digiram]

5'11, 260 lbs.

i'm not happy with my weight. in fact, i'm extremely unhappy to the point that it brings me to depression.

fat people who "are happy with their weight" need to be brought back to reality.

while i'm probably way overly self-critical, being fat is not something to be proud of, be happy about, be content with, or encourage.


i'm trying to do something about it. but i've been trying to do something about it off and on since 14. (i'm 24 now.)

I was about that weight when I was 15-16....I was motivated by the lack of punani and dropped to about 145 over a period a summer. I came back for my senior year at HS, and people didn't even recognize me. It was great.

I did it by:

A. cut out all snacks and sugary food items that most people consume daily. No soda pops, chips, twinkies, etc.
B. Excercise daily. Cardio 3 times a week (basketball), and muscular activity (crunches and push ups mostly) 3 times a week. You don't have to over exert yourself, but just do it. 30-60 mins daily. Do something fun for cardio. I liked playing basketball.
c. Eat less fat. You can still eat good food, but eat less fatty good foods. I ate alot of home made stir fry that I cooked my self with little to no fat. I had a lot of lean beef, white meat chicken, shrimps, etc.
d. Once every few weeks, reward yourself. Have that fatty burger or ice cream as a reward. It'll taste soo good, but then go back to your routine. You'll be used to it after a while.

The punani came pouring in like water after that summer...It was great!!



I'm currently 31 and weigh about 215-220 now. I found a wife, had children, and grew content. My main concern now is my family.

 

[ModerateRepZero]

there's a difference between being comfortable with your body image, and happy with your weight. especially when being "grossly overweight" has been shown by studies to be correlated with various medical problems (or at least at a greater risk for them).

 

[ric1287]

I was about that weight when I was 15-16....I was motivated by the lack of punani and dropped to about 145 over a period a summer. I came back for my senior year at HS, and people didn't even recognize me. It was great.

You lost over 100 pounds in <3 months? Congrats on being a medical miracle