Yes, this is another “Black women and their bodies” post. This is not however a “Slim vs. Thick” post. It’s more focused on our health, denial of obesity problems and acceptance of our “overweightness”.
I was at a wedding a couple months ago (actually I crashed the weddding while at a pool party for the kiddies). There were all ethnicities there from Indian, to Hispanic to Black to White. Something stood out to me while I was there watching all the tipsy women shake their groove thing. The Black women were all overweight…all except maybe one. The other ethnicities were mostly slim and trim.
Why are Black women so big anyway?
A lot of you attribute it to just being “thick in the hips”. But there should be no reason why your hips and gut are the same size. Another portion of you just claim you are “curvy”…umm..that’s not a curve, that is a roll. Just because it is round doesn’t mean that you are a curvy woman. Having 20 “S” curves on your body probably means you are fat.
Okay so now that I have taken shots at the overweight women, let’s discuss why we are the biggest, it seems, of all ethnicities and what we are going to do about it.
I have been saying for years it bothers me how much time Black women spend in salons and nail spas and at the threading stand in the mall, but will not take a 20 minute walk on their lunch break. 200 dollars on a weave but not on a personal trainer or nutritionist. It always amazes me that Black women care about their appearance, but the caring stops just above the shoulders. Why do you care what’s put on your hair but not what’s put in your body.
Of course as slaves, we ate the scraps given to us. We ate the crap the Master didn’t want. So we had to make do and those unhealthy recipies for down home Southern cooking was passed down throughout the generations.
But now we have new info..THAT SHYT AINT GOOD FOR US. So instead of trying to get our bodies right and eat better and cut back on the back fat…we decide to try and force society into embracing our less than healthy bodies and proclaiming “Thick sexiness” and sitting our lazy butts back on the couch while chowing down on our 4th piece of Popeyes chicken.
Again, this is not a hate post to women who are naturally “big boned” or “curvier” than the rest. And of course I know with age comes a slower metabolism and more weight gain. But…there is no reason we should be excusing ourselves to consistently eat a whole days worth of calories per meal and then run and say “Black men like women with a little meat on their bones” and “I’m just thick” and “Girl I was born with these hips”, because I highly doubt you were born with fried chicken grease in your DNA, cause we all know that’s what really gave you those big hips and thick thighs.
To you unhealthy size 16 women who write all these “We aren’t all a size two posts”. Please sit down and just accept that you are overweight and stop glorifying it. If you are heavier than your man (unless you just like your men bony) then you should be ashamed of yourself.
The hard truth is Black women love to eat. My girl was saying the other day how they were out of town and all the other girls wanted to do was “GO OUT TO EAT”. They didn’t dance at the club and they were anxious to leave to go eat out yet again. Are we using food for comfort or is it just habit for us to just eat until we burst?
If you are eating right on a regular basis and/or working out and you are still not a size 2-8, this post isn’t directed at you. Trust, I know some of us are more inclined to gain weight than other women with faster metabolism. Some of us are “skinny fat” and “healthy fat”. My goal here is to get you to accept that most of you don’t really have a handle on your health and that you were NOT born to look like a hippo. You have a problem with food and you need to practice healthier eating habits and take better care of your health.
Stop trying to justify your fatness. You are doing yourself, your mothers and your daughters a disservice by teaching them to accept their unhealthy frames.
What do you think is contributing to the obesity in the Black female community? Please men what are your thoughts on how big Black women are compared to other cultures. What can we do as a community to improve our overall health and lifestyle?
Article by Patrice Williams
True2me is a writer and the creator of www.whatdcpeoplehate.com. A proud native Washingtonian, she provides her views on life through comedy and her own philosophy, which is definitely different from the norm. She loves to laugh make others laugh, sometimes through unconventional means, but fear not, she means no harm nor foul. Follow her on twitter @true2me1
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Lack of knowledge and emotional issues that manifest in food. Black women absolutely have eating disorders…except it results in one being overweight rather than skinny. (emotional eating). Black women don’t get therapy – they simply eat.
I say this as I get ready to get out and run 3 miles!
Omw to work but I have to comment. There is a correlation between low income and obesity. I know for a fact in NYC people on food stamps have to spend the money or they will decrease the amt each month hence the increased obesity. Plus many people don’t cook as often so chinese food and popeyes are a substitute. Just some thoughts
Plus for me, I am thick. I wear medium size shirts and large to xl bottoms. Blessed in the booty. But I walk often and cook often to stay healthy!
bless you girl! bless you.
*sigh* Are we still on this?
I will be honest, I am a plus sized woman. Granted there is not a politically correct weight/size, but I personally just want to be healthy, not neccassarily ALOT smaller, but HEALTHY. (primarily because diabetes runs in my family) It has definitely been a struggle & a long journey to try to lose the weight & articles like this don’t help.
What women my size are saying is that don’t tell us something that we already know. Instead of stating, “You’re fat!”, which is the obvious, encourage that person to work out if your so damn tired of seeing it! We not trying to glorify ourselves, we just want to be left alone, just like the skinny chicks want to be left alone! We don’t have to “prove” anything to anybody…who are you? The Weight police? If folks are not going to be part of the solution then by all means, PLEASE SHUT THE F*CK UP!
Now that I’ve put in my 2cents, let the f*ckery commence!
Fat aggression? She stated several times that women who are fat based on health and genetics do not apply. You’re a fat ABW, a wicked combination. Seek help.
And the f*ckery has begun…along w/ the name calling…thanks!
LOL…man everyone is going in today!…XD
Hell this is everyday!…lol
I don’t think she is saying that at all. Im pretty sure she isn’t saying ” let me point and laugh at this fat heffa” At the end of the day there are some big woman that think Denial is a river in egpyt. I think that it’s about time somebody said something. I know it’s a struggle, but I tell you I did what i had to do to get this weight off and i’m still working on it.
I have met Pat and had lunch with her, she isn’t coming across that way. I know that for a fact.
you said, “What women my size are saying is that don’t tell us something that we already know. Instead of stating, “You’re fat!”, which is the obvious, encourage that person to work out if your so damn tired of seeing it!”
====
i disagree with this. making the choice to participate in a fitness activity and to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE is a personal choice. someone can give an overweight person the motivation to continue on this journey of changing one’s lifestyle, but ultimately, it’s the choice of the individual to initiate the change.
the same way i have to choose if i want to get up at 530 a.m. to run in the dark, an overweight person has the choice to exercise as well.
That’s what this post is doing..encouraging “fat” women to eat right and work out and stop denying that there is a problem…..at least that what I was trying to do.
I don’t think alot of women are denying the problem. Hell, I know I’m fat, but just like Dreamstate said, if I want to get right, I have to make the decision to do so. But telling me that I’m fat isn’t going to make me want to lose it either. All I’m saying is a little less criticism & a little more encouragement.
you can do ehhhh!!!!!!
LMAO…thanks…
curious, don’t take this the wrong way, on average, what do you eat everyday? Give me a breakdown, How many meals and what is it and how many snacks. I may be able to help you. But you gotta commit. I have a lot of overweight friends that “claim” they want positive advice but when you give it to them, they never follow through and make excuses as to why they ate something bad, or ate excessively. I’m 32, I weigh 98 pounds and I look like I work out, but I don’t. However, I do things that most people don’t do. Like, walk even though I have a car and fast. If something is less than a mile away, I’ll foot it, even though my whip is right outside. At work, I never use the elevator, I take the stairs. You’ll be surprised how many people wait in line just to get to the second floor. I always beat them.
I want to put you on to an easy way to drop at least 20 pounds without even really doing much. So if you are open to suggestions, holla back.
98 pounds …geezus! lol at the food diary
“lol at the food diary”
Actually keeping track of what you eat & your calorie intake is a good way to monitor your weight. I also keep track of my protein because my protein has been low in my recent blood tests.
Naw, man, I’m serious!!! hahahaha!! I can help people, but they have to be honest about what they are eating. I know exactly why Black Women are so fat.
And look at your reaction to MY weight. I think that’s another reason why Black Women are so fat, plus they think women such as myself live in Vogue Magazine or we are not real. My whole family is on some Jada Pinkett shyt, Granny too, and we do not look frail or sick. We are cute. LOL!!
But I have a problem getting Black Men, and you know what, who cares, lol, they tend to be attracted to an unhealthy look because of their mom’s possibly being overweight. My brother might be the only dude in the hood that’s not into overweight chicks with bad weave. The women in our family not on that. We didn’t really eat soul food, maybe some greens and macaroni, but no neckbones and porkchops, etc. LOL!! Something simple as Black Folks thinking they need to always have meat in Spaghetti along with another meat has them being overweight. Pick one. Spaghetti with meatsauce as a meal itself, or plain spaghetti with a side of fish or something. Alcohol is an issue too. Something else I don’t do often. And when I do, it’s a margarita or dacari, something gay. No Henn, or Remy, or beer. That stuff ages you and makes you fat.
Leave me alone BBD, I’m trying to be positive for once on this site. But Black dudes are part of the problem, ya’ll like fat chicks man. LOL!! It’s true.
But Black dudes are part of the problem, ya’ll like fat chicks man. LOL!! It’s true.
Not really fat, just thick in the right places (tits and ass preferably)..;)
Most Black women have an ass no matter how small they are. I got friends with a big flat butt, and honestly, my little round one looks much better, lol, and I’m not just saying it because it’s mine. I look no different than these women you think are thick on tv. When you see them in person, they are just little people with a nice shape.
I think it’s the shape of the booty, not how big or wide it is. Brothas are confused about whats hot. They think Bigger is always better. Bigger can be really suspect once the clothes and spanx come off.
“Bigger can be really suspect once the clothes and spanx come off.”
Spanx don’t do that much!…lol…Trust, I’ve done the research! The only thing it does do is prohibit the “Giggly Ass Syndrome”…It’s very effective!
*giggly*–> *Jiggly*
Editing error while trying to be witty…lol
I heard spanx is like magic. LOL!!! They say they take like 20 pounds away instantly. If I was big, I would wear try them.
But that’s the thing…it’s not only for fat girls…some girls who have too much jiggle need one too!
Wait wait back up. Did you say that overweight women have bad weaves?
No. I said my brother might be the only dude in the hood that doesn’t like overweight chicks with bad weave………………………Meaning, guys from the hood tend to like overweight women with bad weave, and my brother isn’t one of them because he wasn’t raised around overweight women with weave.
@ ILLBABY…I am definitely open to it. Do you have an email address that I can email you at?
I don’t want my address all over the web. How come you don’t want to tell me on here. Don’t worry, if people start joking I’ll get ignorant for you, I’m pretty good at talking crap. LOL!!
Naw it’s not about that…I could give 2 sh*t what most people on here think! It’s just that I just started trying to eat more protein in my diet so it fluctuates alot! Then when my protein is too high, I have to stop…Primarily I do the *5 meals a day* jawn…
1.Eggs, soy milk, turkey sausage (breakfast)
2. apple (snack)
3. chicken breast w/ salad (lunch)
4. banana or cherries (snack)
5. Turkey w/ broccoli & mushrooms (dinner)
*nothing but water w/ meals*
*this is just an example of what I have been doing lately*
First mistake, that Breakfast is no good. LOL!! You need to minimize that, that’s the easiest meal to minimize.
Eggs AND sausage is two fatty items. What about Sausage, 2 links, French toast, and a grapefruit. If you do eggs, do them boiled, eat the white part only. Or just a bowl of cereal by itself. No Oatmeal or anything with a lot of grain.
The apple is good, Green ones are the best.
Lunch. How about a Chicken Cesar from Panera or something. Not a whole breast AND a salad, combine the two. Rotate every other day, do a Plain Cesar at least twice out the week. I do Plain Cesars.
Soda, one a day if you must.
Since you are tying to lose weight, the banana is no good. Eat another green apple, or watermelon. Or Fruit Snacks or a smoothie. Don’t know if ya’ll got Smoothie King, but the mango one is the bomb!!!
Dinner can be the same, cut out the mushrooms though, you don’t need those and the Turkey, that two proteins at once. No bread, if so wheat only.
Or, if you eat a big Breakfast, eat a light dinner. One or the other. And watch your portions. Make everyday things into some kind of workout. Live close to the grocery store? Walk there, walk back with your bags. Don’t eat after 8:30pm.
Thinks to cut out, (if you engage)
Heavy drinking, get it in like twice a month, that’s it!!
Driving everywhere. Walk, run, play, (if you have kids, or neices, let them wear you out)
TV, try to watch like one show a day, and do it while you eat. After you eat, do something physical. It can be anything, sex even, whatever you do, don’t go to bed for at least an hour.
Sex, yep, part of the plan too, get into it, I mean REALLY into it, don’t just lay there, make that into a workout.
Stop taking Elevators and Escalators unless its pass the 5th floor. You will feel the burn by the 3rd flight. Try to do this for like 6 months and I bet you drop 15.
See, the eggs is where I run into the problem…just because my doc suggested it to up my protein…everything else sounds great! And if it doesn’t work, I’m coming after you!…LOL…JK
Thanks for being part of the solution!…You should have been writing the article!!!
Eggs are fine, just the white though, it’s the yolk that gets you. You can buy egg whites and make scrambled eggs, omelets and all of that and you will get the same protein.
Take a multivitamin too.
If you follow this for real. You will lose it, I’m telling you, go hard for three weeks and weigh yourself, I bet you drop something. I can’t wait to hear what happened so I can pat myself on the back. LOL!!
Egg whites homie. They have a ton less calories and you still will be getting tons of protein. there isn’t much difference in taste either
What type of multivitamin do you take?
Egg whites homie. They have a ton less calories and you still will be getting tons of protein. there isn’t much difference in taste either
Centrum for Women. It’s like the Ultimate one, you will know what I’m talking about. On the box it says, help with Breasts and hair.
Gotcha! Thanks for the tips!
MissJae don’t take homegirl’s advice. Minimize breakfast? Chicken Caesar from Panera? No oatmeal but you can have soda and drink alcohol? Is this girl for real? Clearly not a nutrionist in the making… Breakfast is the one meal a day you shouldn’t skip and it should be your biggest meal. That caesar from Panera? 30 grams of fat (33% of that saturated) and over 1000 mg of sodium… a heart attack in the making. If you’re going to have a salad, ask for the dressing on the side and dip your fork in between bites. Also, go for lighter dressings like vinaigrettes or Italian… no cream or cheese based dressings. And what the heck is wrong with oatmeal? It’s filling, great for your heart, lowers your cholesterol and keeps you regular. Get with it but cut the butter and sugar and add some fruits and nuts. Oh and soda… if you’re a regular soda drinker now, try cutting it completely out of your diet… studies have shown that if the average soda drinker gave up soda, they’d lose just over 15 lbs in a year… and that’s without changing anything else in their diet or exercise regimen. Good luck!
Since you’re over here being Women’s Health magazine do something positive someone start up the FXP 10,000 pound ” We don’t need Dr. Ian” challenge? LOL
Quit saying black men only like fat women. We like women with some type of shape. We don’t like women fat or abnormally skinny. Some guys like it up top. Some on the bottom. Some like a healty balance between the too. Rolls aren’t sexy to women or men either. if the 4’11 is official quit hatin on the thicker girls.lol Embrace your inner Jada Pickett.LOL
no one is worried about your jokes either.Lol
Why do you think I’m hating on them? What did I say about thick girls that was mean? I’m just pointing out what I think about Black Men, and I truly think you guys don’t know how to recognize what’s healthy and what’s not.
Just attack my weight like you really want to, that’s what this is really about. You think I’m sickly or something, because my size isn’t popular in the Black Community, you probably can’t even imagine how it looks.
How did I go from trying to help a big chick lose weight to hating on thick women? Say what’s really on your mind Nice. And I don’t think its going to be very Nice either. LOL!!
LOL Naw i was just picking with you. You didn’t say anything mean. We’ve just been too buddy buddy lately. Remember you didn’t used to like me.lol I don’t have anything to say. You’re actually trying to be nice today after you tried to expose some DL dudes yesterday.
I can see 98 lbs being proportional to being 4’11. I knew a girl who was about your height and weight. She was bad too. It’s not impossible. I’m just saying we like women of all shapes and sizes
I did expose them, did you see how they shut up. LOL!!
98lbs don’t sound healthy. How tall are you?
4’11. It looks official, trust me. LOL!!! If I was 120, I’d look fat and stumpy. I’m at my normal weight for my height.
Right. I get this all the time too. I’ve never in my life weighed more than 100 pounds, but it’s proportinal to my size.
Also tough to catch a male eye unless I’m in a place that has some sort of age requirement.
That’s okay though…my dude like lil ole me just fine.
Subject verb agreement…sigh.
I should just go home for the day, lol…
High Five, thanks for coming out, they about to bash me on here, lol, but at the same time, they don’t want to get accused of liking fat girls.
I like Black men, but I don’t need a cover up on the beach in my bikini, so they not really checking for my ass. LOL!!! But will side eye me in a minute when they see me with another race. They crazy, just as crazy as women. Don’t know what they want, following trends and living to impress buddies.
I think a lot are in denial because I use to be one of them. .
I don’t believe a lot of women are in denial, they just don’t care! *I use to be one of them*
Um…failed. As a woman who’s yo yo’d with weight when my lifestyle changed (working to law school and back to working) nothing in what you said was remotely encouraging. I’m a full figured chick, that good ol’ 16 you denigrated above and… I’m seeking a healthy toned brick house effect.
Though this article doesn’t actually apply to me ( i’m doing my gym thing -natural hair doesnt’ sweat out woohoo!) I’m offended by this article. Not cool man. Not cool.
HEY! I am in fact not a hippo and am built nice, thank you. I think that would make me a rhino… lol just kidding, just kidding. Girl, you’re mean. I’ve never wanted to punch someone so bad in my life. All overweight people aren’t inactive; I’m not. Like, were you verbally abused as a child? Seriously, please answer that.
You can’t write an article claiming to care and in that article insult the very persons you’re referring to, that just ain’t right. You don’t compare a human being to a two ton animal then along with your article post a picture of a man in a fat suit, dude. I think that my “FAT” co- workers at Lane Bryant standing on their feet for hours running back and forth catering to people’s needs would beg to differ. Furthermore, I strive to be as positive as possible, but I think I’ll give myself a pass for this one… You need to worry about your own ugly self, YA DUMB BITCH!!!
P.S. You are NOT cute; you should take your picture down … No. Really do it … You’re NOT cute. I know so many overweight women that look LOTS prettier than you. Seriously, how ya gonna talk about people then post your picture looking like how you do … Ew.
Wow…you woke up at 6 am to “tell me off”. You failed to understand this post was about health. I’m KNOW you are overweight cause you got mad enough to take this as a personal attack towards you and your obese friends. Now that you got that off your chest..do you promise to eat right and take your mad, working at lane bryant ass to the gym or the track and work out. Perhaps if you did, it would relieve of you of some of that pent up bein overweight anger you possess. You will feel a lot better
Ummm I live on the West coast it was 6 a.m. where you were lol. It is so cute how you assume to know what I do in my life. Girl … I wasn’t mad, and I did not feel personally attacked. I felt saddened for other overweight women who do not, in fact, have the confidence or health consciousness to do 30 minutes 3 times a week as recommended by health experts or eat fruit or veggies, those are the least of it. See, you were not coming from a place that cares about the health of the women you were talking about. No, you were bashing them, calling them hippos. You had insults, not solutions. Why do you think so many people on here responded back negatively to what you wrote? Say and assume what you will about my life, you don’t know me; but I can see that you have your own personal issues to work on. My sister made a comment, (one not calling you a Bitch and saying that she wanted to punch you, which I still do, lol) instead you responded to me calling you out of your name. I feel pity for you spirit. Grow up. Seriously.
There is a lot missing from this “reality check” article. I understand the frustration over the prevalence of obesity among Black women and feeling powerless. But you lacked providing context for the problem, compassion towards your targeted audience, encouragment to begin and maintain healtheir habits and effective solutions to develop such habits.
You provided a snapshot of a an experience you had, stating the most overweight in a group of ethnically diverse women, were those you identified as Black. In the retelling you focused on thier unhealthy weight instead of the fact they were participating in physical activity. The festive event, the people they were with, the music, the safe supportive environment all contributed to their participation in dancing in the first place. If such environments were availabe and accessible where large populations of Black women live, work and thirve then we may see an improvement in physical activity among this group. When was the last time you strolled through a predominantly Black community and saw a plethora of healthy options such as grocery stores with fresh vegetables, health food stores, gyms, parks, therapists? But there’s no lack of liquor stores, corner stores with no appealing F/V, hair/nail salons catering to the to the outer body instead of the mind and soul. Take a look at the structured environment and the institutional practices of your local and federal government, coporate businesses and health care system before placing blame solely at the feet of the individual.
Victimization does not help anyone. However like this “post” many in the “health” industry are violent, threatening, and overtly critical to the point of demeaning towards overweight Black women. But because they are able to hide behind the “it’s about your health” argument thier discrimination and disgusting behavior is acceptable. When was the last time you sincerely wanted to “work out” with your severly obese friend or family member…if you’ve ever decide to associate with any. When was the last time you checked your face, tone, statements for elements of disgust and ridicule when commenting on their “health?” Reconsider the conversation with a group of your friends when you encountered an overweight Black woman enjoying an ice cream cone? Change your attitude and behaviors towards those who are heavier than you first, then maybe you can be effective in assisting in the change process.
Weightloss and the physical, emotional and social toll it takes on one’s body, mind and relationships is NOT EASY. Believing that motivation comes only from within is addressing half the issue. Establising a supportive circle of family and friends that can positively contribute to the lifestyle changes an overweight Black woman must engage in can be frustrating. Despite thier good intentions, family and friends can be more discouraging than encouraging. Many women who have achieved healthier weights and maintained them had to remove themselves from their usual group of friends and family. You wouldn’t pressure an recovering alcoholic to have a drink but an individual attempting to lose weight is more likely to be pressured to have another helping or discourged when they suggest a more involved activity than sitting at the movies.
It can be a long, lonely road for overweight Black women who are trying to change and there may be many setbacks. But posts, blogs, tweets, etc that discourage and demonize them mostly damage their efforts to change. Change your tactic and you may be able to effect change rather than destroy the attempt.
Encouragement would be saying “Eat healthy,” not posting a picture of Rasputia and comparing your sisters to hippos.
Except you’re kind of insulting them and calling them out, actually.
get real….fat people stay much into the comfort zone and refuse to do something about it..she is just being brutally honest u wake pple up was fat and told most of my life its in the family bla bla blah..well when i got tired on my size slow metabolism and all, i reduced my portions, stopped getting up in the middle of the night for an extra snack, started walkin 3times a week for a minimum of 30 mins..the weight just rolled off..well took awhile but eventually..got off.. I say it knidly pull up ur soaks and do more…
Note; my mum has diabetes and she is not being..having had 6 kids and all..oh and 4 of her siblings have it too..and they are small too
After trying to decipher that mess of a post with barely any punctuation, misspellings, & horrible grammar…YOU’RE LATE! What you are saying has already been said & discussed…Good day…
I think a lot of Black women are fat because they are lazy and they don’t want to sweat out those horrible perms. Then on top of that you have a lot of brothers reinforcing that bullshit by saying you aren’t fat you are thick. Now keep in mind the only Brothers who like fat women are guys with fetishes and men with low self esteem. The guys with low self esteem would like to bang dimes but that would entail stepping their game up. So they try to justify banging moo-cows by renaming what we all are seeing. When men have choices they almost never choose fat women.
ditto on the perms, except i dont think perms are all horrible and i dont think they are lazy.
you don’t think some Black women are physically lazy? What’s easier sitting on the couch eating Cool Ranch Doritos watching Tyra or jogging. Hell some of those chicks can’t wait until their kids get old enough to open the refrigerator and get them a can of Tropical Delight so they don’t even have to walk their fat asses to the fridge.
people only respond to the physical force or the brutally honest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ-3DI5Q23M
Like this guy does here…
omg speechless
hahahhahahahahaha!!! I love this guy, he’s awesome!!! The world needs him. Too funny.
WAIT, is that nicca HITTING folks??? GTFOH
BLACKCHILD YOU ARE CRACKING ME UP…BWAHAHAHAHHA
I hope you have a response for Michelle up above.
Because she really kind of told you about yourself.
Signed,
Black, Size 8
hahahahahahaha!!!! You are gangsta for that statement, but you are so right. I was just going to mention how Black Women don’t take time to play with their kids. That can be exercise too. I play with my son at least 2 hours a day. When you are not lazy around the house, you don’t need a gym. My son made one last week and every since he was like 6 months, (he’s fat) Black Women be like, oooh honey, you carrying that big ol baby, he need to walk. That’s why a lot of hood kids walk so soon, the mom’s force them so they won’t have to constantly pick them up. Lifting 30 pounds all day, works wonders for the arms. The phone is the enemy too. LOL!! They can sit around on that shyt for hours.
I think some people in general are lazy, not just black women because the truth is a lot of us are not, and it’s not always weight that makes you lazy it’s personal disposition. ACTIVITY IS FUN! lol… dude you should be nicer. : )
Sorry my reply was @ blackchild
we aren’t talking about other people we are talking about fat Black women
Fat Black Women are people and the problem is there are people, like you and that GIRL who wrote this article, treating them like they’re not. It’s just sad. Luckily, I am a confident, happy, and well adjusted woman of color. There has to be an underlining reason as to why you and that girl are attacking bigger women in our community…. Oh Ha Ha Ha I get it; it’s always funny and easy to make fun of the fat people. Yeah, but it’s NEVER funny to be hurtful. You’re an adult, I believe you know that. Also this whole thing is really middle school.
no underlining reason this is the topic and that is my hypothesis. Black women are fat because the vast majority neither eat properly nor exercise. The problem is exacerbated by men who celebrate that inferior body type.
@blackchild but what i dont get is why do people care so much? Im not condoning being overweight; but there are gyms, you can cook and walk & be active. Some women enjoy being overweight & what you say won’t change that. So the whole point of this article is ridiculous b/c its talking about people and making fun of them…….when some of them dont actually care.
I’m not overweight & I dont care if other women are. I don’t date women , which is why the issue is irrelevant to me. I still don’t get why the author who is a female is sooo interested in other women. If you dont date fat women; don’t worry about it, some other guy will. How do you know that those men aren’t happy with their fat wives or girlfriends?
Idk but I dont delve in to how other people look. I am only concerned with me & my relationship and MY health & size. Im not concerned if my neighbor or people i see are overweight……but i do think the author is insecure if she has to write an article putting down others for their own insecurities and that is a point ive mentioned in my responses.
jack up insurance premiums. contribute to conspicuous consumption by being gluttons (if its not just some metabolism mishap). eff up seating on planes. walk too slow if you happen to be stuck behind them. eye sores. urge to tell someone they not all that when they insist they are. reverse weight discriminiation (monique and skinny bitches being hungry). breathe heavy and its annoying if you are in a quiet room. they drive everywhere and contribute to global warming.
plus i always hear big women complaining about how they dont make such and such fashion in their size but i never hear them say anything about the fact that a size 4 costs the same as a size 22 despite size 22 taking up so much more material. if i were a designer i wouldnt make shit in sizes over 12 without charging more. same with dry cleaners having to use more cleaning solution on their ish. need more water to wash themselves. the cost of their fatness is distributed to people who are not fat. skinny people have to subsidize the expenses of fat people by paying the same price for goods and services that fat people use in greater quantities. .
I could think of more reasons to dislike fat people but im not a bigot. really.
I don’t care I don’t date bigguns but then to say well some men like fat women is an intellectual straw man. You can say there is somebody that enjoys everything . I use to live in Thailand and there were men there who liked Ladyboys and 9 years olds but they are outside of the mainstream.
……..( sighs) Oh I’m bored with this now.
LMAO. I’ve gotten into this discussion many a times but have since have declined addressing a woman and her weight. It is going to be what they want it to be, and that’s the reality. Sure, I could say that everyone is different and different shapes and sizes makes the world go round, and it’s not their size that counts, it’s the person.
Who am I fooling though…there were some women in my recent past that I’ve given the side eye to not because of their weight, but their attitudes toward it. One chick was 4’11″. However she was probably the same weight as me. She told me there was a gym in her office (since she works for the gu’ment) and she did at the most 20 minutes of exercise when she went in. When asked the specifics, never really anything challenging or intense, it was like she was just there to check the block. Well, one day she came out her mouth with she thinks “she’s just perfect the way she is.” )
0_o Her weight was about 182 by then. Another woman I spoke to took pride in being “country thick” however expressed a need to get back into the gym. She had a trainer and everything but would make up excuses and try to sidestep whatever he instructed her to do. Of course “she’s working on it.” Good luck to her.
I could have a great deal of empathy for a lot of them, considering that people could have a genetic history of obesity, or thyroid problems, or even an injury that enables them to fully exert themselves, but the majority of the cases I see is poor choice in dieting and sedentary lifestyles. It’s nothing to hear a woman rat out every item on a menu at Ruth’s Chris and update her FB with what she stuffed her face with, only to plop down on the couch or her desk at work and remain there for a few hours. The only real physical exercise being done then is the walk from the car inside the nail shop. There are way too many sources of information on managing weight and eating healthy out here to accept some of these excuses, and that goes for guys as well.
You are brave. I wouldn’t date a female over 120lbs. Just my preference
Over 120 like forreal?
All the females i dated leading up to my wife have been petite. Sex game is better. I smashed a couple of thick chicks and they run from the dick about half hard and half penetration because their pussy walls are smaller because of that “thickness”.
Smaller females = balls deep.
*Theodore Millon approved*
All I can say is to each his own. Usually a thick chick is more of a “your body is my playground” experience
I can feel you weight gain being a strain on the marriage. A good friend of mine always said ” That’s not the woman I married.”
But those men crying could have avoided that. Lmao those height to weight body indexes haven’t changed in 100 years just like the food pyramid. It’s all there.
If your lady was a biscuit away to begin with, baby weight is going to tip that sexual attraction meter into the red. If you subscribe to 120lbs or under you’ll give yourself plenty of room to work with lol. I just try to cover all angles cause I ain’t going out like that over something so trivial as taking care of your own health. If a female can’t do that then we ain’t cutting it.
“subscribe to” …??
Women are not magazines.
I feel kind of bad for your wife.
*eyeroll*
To the rescue Nice, To the rescue, To the rescue Nice, To the rescue!!! (Fat chicks singing)
LOLOLOLOL I see you’re trying to play me. You just don’t get my definition of thick. Elise Neal Thick. lisa Raye Thick. Even Toccara before the weight loss thick. she was close to the line but she was solid. Monique not thick.
There is a difference
hahahahaha!!! I was just reading your posts and you was taking up for them hard. LOL!! Plus I just wanted to sing D-Nice.
I agree but Toccara, naw. She was always big, she looks good, but she’s a tad bit bigger than thick.
Lisa Raye and Elise Neal, yep.
Clutches my pearls.
(But I am under 120 lbs, so I can kinda testify)
oh theodore… lol the myths you carry, but anyway babies do change the body but if the weight is all your concerned about on your wife/mate I’m concerned for her cause that’s not love. what if she lost her legs or her face became mangled I guess that’d be the end of the marriage too huh…wow!
Smaller females = balls deep
*Dead on arrival*
somebody been watchin wesley pipes…LOL…that cat is funny as hell though!
Okay nice, you gotta think about Blow up potential. If a chick is young and already over 120, what’s up with her future? After kids, after 30, they are going to be fat dude, that’s how men end up with fat wives, most of them started out thick and voluptuous, but women tend to get lazy once they get the guy and have kids. You gotta do some math on these chicks, I had a girl that went from 105 to 180 overnight after marriage, lol. But you could kinda tell she was destined to be fat by her shape and she was lazy. I’m putting my son on to Blow up potential for sure. LOL!!
Laziness is the key. She can be over 120, but it has to be proportional to her size. I do the math because I wouldn’t want my wife to blow up after having kids. That’s why you have to work out with them, There are other things you can do
“That’s why you have to work out with them, There are other things you can do”
THIS is why I like you. Most women will work out WITH you (well teh ones I know). A couple that plays together stays together.
So true…
Couldn’t really call it anything serious. I would date a woman heavier than 120 because to me it depends on how it’s distributed. I have a weakness for boobies and I like nice round butts. Shorties are my weakness but they cannot weight as much as me (175lb). I always ask “what’s going to happen if I need to fireman carry your azz out of a burning building?”
@nice
yup i’m a long term investor. 5″4 120 or under. This ensures that the inevitable baby weight won’t be the end of our marriage.
I see you are familiar with Blow up Potential, put your boy Nice on. LOL!!
Oh yeah, about the baby weight, I figured out, well, I think, that’s some bulshyt. LOL!! I had a baby and was back after 3 weeks. I was 135 full term. You not supposed to gain more than 40 pounds preggers. Women use pregnancy to bring out the inner fat chick and eat like crazy, they put on all of those pounds for no reason at all. That’s why its hard to lose afterwards. The key is to workout during the pregnancy and not eat for two, just eat right. The baby got nutrients in the sack. That’s a myth that you are eating for two. You know what’s up, Blow up Potential is very real. LOL
naw, some are just lazy….not all, but some…and others may not have the discipline to keep losing the weight…i’ve known many women who have been through this phase…they will start an excersice program of some sort and usually in the beginning stages or mid way through it they give up…it usually becomes a thing of lack of focus or something…
Keyword for many: DISCIPLINE.
Perms have antifreeze in it, oh trust me, they are horrible. They leave a green poisonous film on the brain and it seeps in over time. Read Nutricide, Genocide through Nutrition, it changed my life, LOL!!! Every Black woman should, their beauty regimen is deadly.
Then on top of that you have a lot of brothers reinforcing that bullshit by saying you aren’t fat you are thick.
It IS alot of niggas calling fat women thick. I noticed that in college. That ish is GROSS. Girl got 5011 rolls on the side of her NECK, but a nigga will be like “yo she got a fatty though.” And I’m like “nah son, she IS a fatty.”
Almost judged this post just off the title alone. Glad I read with a better understanding. Truth be told, alot of what she’s saying is right. But I’m almost positive somebody WHO SHE’S NOT DIRECTING THIS TO, will take personal offense and all hell will break loose on the site. *sigh* Gotta love FXP lol
LMFAO@ “yo she got a fatty though.” And I’m like “nah son, she IS a fatty.”
BINGO. I fail to see how one can be overweight and swear up and down that they eat right and workout. One may not lose weight with that mix, but they certainly won’t gain. There are numerous excuses which drive me bat-ish-crazy. The woman who eats a salad when around friends then smashes a bag of potato chips and downs a 2L of pepsi. C’mon son, we ain’t stupid.
I just got done with a 3 miler, my hair is sweated out and I’m bout to watch some World Cup. My problem is that I have trouble finding black men that can keep up with my working out / eating right.
Well it’s a lot of Black Men out here with Low Self Esteem then. LOL!!
Key word is self * kat williams* voice…. Pay me no mind i’m just enjoying all the back and forth on here.
this discussion is definitely going to get heated over the course of the day
*co-sign*
I don’t even know where to begin…. first, I think this post is mean-spirited. I don’t know of any woman that would be motivated post reading this to do something about “looking like a hippo”. There is quite a difference between being rude and constructively criticizing and I believe that this is the former.
Yes, there are big black women; just like there are big white, Asian, and every other ethnicity. My question is what are you personally doing to inspire young women to get off the couch? Have you started a walking club? Are you getting your girls together to do yoga-lates? If your answer is no, then aren’t you part of the problem? This attitude is contributing the issues in the community.
I personally work out 3-5 days a week with a personal trainer that I’ve had for more than a year now. Is it costly? Yes. But at the same time, I know that I feel better physically and emotionally when I’ve been a gym rat. I’ve been blessed to have the means to do so but it is definitely a sacrifice. I’m not motivated to keep the weight off to keep my man, my motivation is I spend a lot of money on my wardrobe and do not want to keep having to buy new stuff because I’ve outgrown my clothes! lol.
I think that in order to get healthy, we all, not just Black women need to start eating better and become more active! Cut down on the alcohol (it is high in calories), eat more veggies, etc. We know what to do, its just a matter of doing it.
“I personally work out 3-5 days a week with a personal trainer that I’ve had for more than a year now. Is it costly? Yes. But at the same time, I know that I feel better physically and emotionally when I’ve been a gym rat. ”
—————————————————————————————-
You working out will be cheaper than the inevitable diabetes and heart disease medicine that will come with unnecessary weight
Plus – there are ways to work out for free. Just ran 3 miles on peachtree street. may do some sit-ups during world cup commercials to round it out. I think that’s also a misnomer amongst black women – that it costs good money to stay fit. Good shoes and motivation is really all it takes, the money is a plus.
and the blogger did note, if you can spend $40 every two weeks on hair – one can definitely pay $35/month for a gym membership.
$40? That’s awful low. It’s nothing to hear women paying $150 per and sitting in the salon for 7 hours up here in the DMV.
Heck – I don’t know. I”ve never been the type to NOT know how to do my own hair. (Baffles me that some women don’t know how to do their own hair – it is what God gave you, why not know how to style it?) I think a wash and style is like $40. Add on a relaxer then it creeps up. I’m natural now – so that’s a cost I cut out. I go if I need a trim/cut. The whole salon experience is what going to the dentist is for others (I’d much prefer going to the dentist than salon).
Anywho tangent. Point is – money isn’t a valid excuse for being fat!
@KIM i agree with you. Money shouldn’t be an excuse, but as we know some people will make an excuse for anything. It is definitely all about budgeting! I pay about 100 a month for my gym membership and trainer but i still go to the salon/nail shop etc. lol!
Is it an expensive lifestyle? yes, but to me its worth it; im protecting my brand so to speak!
Additionally good hiking/running trails are just about in every city and you’re right there are tons of free ways to exercise too. We just have to continue to build each other up so we can all stay on the right track.
You sound like me. LOL!!!
(Baffles me that some women don’t know how to do their own hair – it is what God gave you, why not know how to style it?)
Me too. I go get my layers cut every 6 months. All you need is a good blow dryer and a Chi, you good. LOL!! Save that money.
I pay $40 too. But I don’t have a perm or weave. $150 hairdo’s and 7 hours in the shop, lets me know it’s some kind of exceptional weave being sewed in. LOL!!
It’s funny, they spend all of that money to look cheap. Weave really does make you look cheap.
my personal trainer is only a session. He is in the DMV any ladies interested hit up my site.
Ashleigh has the attitude that this article was meant to address. Mean-spirited? Are you serious?? Everyone tip toes around this topic, it needed to be said. Get your fat asses in the gym stat!
Indeed I do and let me tell you why. YES, obesity is a problem in our community, but for people who have been called fat their whole life, one more person saying that is not going to be their motivation to get in the gym. I personally have never been overweight and I am in excellent shape. So this article does not directly apply to me. I’m just saying calling someone a hippo or talking about people isn’t going to change the problem.
I try to motivate people, encourage them to eat better, choose healthier items to eat etc …they tell me to sit my petite azz down and shut up
*shrugs*
I can definitely respect that. I’ve gotten several of my friends to get memberships at a local gym. a) i like to have a workout buddy and b) if they see me doing it they might feel more comfortable. A lot of times a gym is an intimidating place for bigger people because they feel as though they might never be able to get in shape. I just try to get people to focus on taking little steps at a time.
Exactly! If you’re gonna make a statement, lead by example…You can’t sit back & hope that it’s going to change because you don’t like it. Take that fat friend that you have with you to the gym instead of calling them names. She will thank you later!
Ashleigh we’re here! Most women will go if they have another person with them to hold them accountable. Biggest Loser Club or whatever – - it helps to have a partner.
I agree… The best way to teach is to be an example. As I stated b4 I was heavy before but just started to focus on me. And thats when I lost 50 pounds, friends who were overweight began as well. Most of my close circle are all normal size, but this one in particular we both struggled. And now she is on the bandwagon( its baby steps), but she says I am a motivation. So it helps.
its unfortunate that your friends have said this to you…but if you are tallking about theri 5011 rolls and being hippos my response may be the same… Sometimes the problem is in the delivery…
Thank you!!! This fake “well, I’m just trying to tell you you look like Eddie in a fat suit to HELP you is not the business…”
Maybe other women’s bodies are nunya and you need to listen when they tell you to back off?
I think people who are overweight tend to be easily shamed. I think they are already carrying shame around with them, and if you challenge them about their weight they get more defensive, even if you are well-meaning.
i think the issue needs to be handles with a lot of sensitivity if we really care about the health of our friends and family.
I look around sometimes and I am very afraid that I will lose people to weight-related illness, and soon.
Did you bother to *ask* them if they wanted to hear your mouth?
Did you take a look at what they might have already been doing/eating *before* you ran said mouth?
And you still haven’t responded at all to the ladies who said something about your mean-spirited tone. If you really want to help, you might want to think about that before you call yourself “trying to motivate” folks.
Signed,
Black, HII-training, Pilates-practicing Size 8
I don’t know…I don’t think the reasons why are that simple. I mean Masta was/is eating the same kind of southern cooking, Popeyes and nem are HUGE now (they’re expanding to even the ritziest malls so we aren’t the only ones eating it), etc.
In some cultures, carrying more weight is a sign of prosperity. Maybe there’s some genetic memory there (no Assassin’s Creed)? Maybe Black people are genetically predispositions to carry more weight?
Or even…who defines what’s “healthy”? My mother is 130 pounds and she’s listed as obese.
I just don’t think it’s that easy to say why Black women are supposedly so big.
(This coming from a petite chick who has the opposite “problem”…being too tiny by Black people standards.)
That’s right. “Predispositions.” LOL
Actually it has been studied (like they always study us black folks) that black women’s bodies were part of the reason they survived the middle passage. Apparently the thicker shapes and fat deposits helped sustain many of them on the long arduous trip.
We also have to remember that when we look back to earlier days when most folks were skinny, there was a lot more physical activity done through the course of the day. Men worked field and factory, women worked house and field. People walked everywhere. There wasn’t as much fast food. People ate only what they could afford and that was just enough. High Fructose Corn Syrup wasn’t the base for every sugary drink. The service oriented society we work in requires less effort than the industrial/agricultural model we transitioned from.
The reason why weight is seen as prosperity by some cultures is because there isn’t always an abundance of food or money so the person that displays the ability to eat well is a sign of wealth. This was true in Korea, although now, they realize that Western food is the culprit behind a lot of younger and fatter Koreans.
Great Point…. I remember in undergrad when people had to pay for their own cable everyone was outside during the school year kickin it. Once cable became part of the tuition plan females started staying inside.
The fact they were no longer outside walking or running around combined with that unhealthy diet of Chick Fil-A and pizza hut saw alot of women cross that “thick” threshold.
People just aren’t active anymore. I’ve seen it with myself. I went from hoopin four days a week in college to not doing much anymore. Had to do something to change that.The hardest part of working out is starting out. once it becomes a habit it gets real easy.
There also has to be a correlation between mental health and weight as well. For instance, most women will self-diagnose themselves as depressed so with that depression they eat. Or, eating is a coping mechanism for some traumatic experience they’ve allowed to go unchecked. Eating disorders are prevalent in our society, truth be told. Most of the disorder is not reading the label and understanding portions. We eat meals that are too big!
People don’t understand working out /doing something athletic is a great way to deal with stress. I think people also operate under the misconception that healthy food doesn’t taste as good. Turkey bacon/sausage generally tastes the same and is just as healthy. Reading labels and the ingredients used is important. You find out a lot when you start doing that.
lol u sound like my dad he is such a guru about not eating red meats and not consuming high fructose items. Excerse does make u feel better so hit on a “big” girl and take her dancing lol
Fo sho’. When I’m sad / uber stressed I stray away from food cuz I’m like…I’m already feeling bad, I don’t need my jeans to not zip up and compound to my stress.
I also have trouble in grocery stores b/c I do pay attention to the labels on boxes. I’m all about how much enjoyment do I get for the calories fat. Like a 1.5 oz bag of chips ain’t providing mounds of enjoyment for 8-12 grams of fat. I shop around the outside.
Michael Pollen has an excellent, eye opening book about how food is made and what is in it. It will make you cut back on processed food fo’ sho.
Interesting. When I’m “depressed” I stop eating. Like I cannot eat. I completely lose my appetite.
**Ditto** especially when it has something to do with the man i’m dating unfortunately…
Generally speaking though, I’m a grazer so I have to watch what I’m picking up…
Nice
Totally agree with you.. Its a chore to workout and get oneself on that plan. Once I started college, the weight started and forget about doing a deskjob. I was not active at all. A at one time was a size 16r. But then I met someone who had an active lifestyle and I started my own. I actually have my first 5k this month and I am looking fwd to it. I am a foodie, but I also love nice clothes. So that keeps me motivated to stay active and keep off this weight. I still feel I have alot more to lose, but I take pride in my accomplishment.
Now…. To answer this post. I feel our community as a whole, has not been exposed to active lifestyle. Growing up in the city, the only form of activity was gym once a week. I see with my little cousins who left the city and move to the burbs, they are constantly engaged in active after-school activities like swimming, basketball, baseball, etc.
I can only speak on the urban side( BKLYN), but I do feel we need to add more active activities to our culture.
5K that’s what’s up. My motivation was my friends. I was always skinny so when people started calling me fat boy I had to make some changes. My good friend P90X helped me get back down to my fighting weight.
Oh some of my co-workers did the P90x.. I am not ready for that. And I can be honest I can lose 30 more pounds to be totally Video Ready(LOL). Its just that you want to be healthy, and not have issues later on. And this year, I kicked things into gear. Living in NYC, makes it harder with all the great restaurants, but I have learned the art of discipline.
I feel that, the age old art of discipline lol my nemesis I’ve tried P90X CUODOS to you @nice I quit after 14days too intense I couldn’t move
Man @ SpicyVP & Chriss P 90X is insane. I felt emasculated every time I watched the women kill a workout that had me gapsing for air. It’s tough but rewarding.
The same company makes a 15 minute trainer that has some of the same workouts, but is less intense. They recommend it to work your way up to P90X
Yeah, well now I have Turbo Jam. I know for the fellas P90X is the way to go. I did notice results on my co-workers. But again, that is a serious workout. I saw some youtube results and was blown away. We just have to get moving. As for me, the accolades are worth the sweated out perms. What I do, during the week I wear buns and cool updos to mask the hair. On the weekends, and date nights, I have to bring it. (wink, wink). Its all about committing to being the best you.
agreed sedentary lifestyles are much easier I to experienced the college gain but didn’t like the extra lbs so I started hitting jesse owens south hard i’m mean 2x a day 5days a wk. How do u get the big women to recognize that they’re unhealthy and workout if they’ve never been small anyway?
Chris,
i think the key is starting off small, even if u walk a little more. Cut out soda, and once they see the scale going down. They should get motivated. But a majority of the time, there is much more going on then fork to mouth. There is some psychological issues too.
If a woman has never been small then she might not have that body type. I think there is a big difference between being solid and sloppy. I mean if you’re gasping for breath if you have to run a little or walk up some stairs that’s not healthy at all. Exercise not only helps your health, but will benefit your body in your golden years.
The easiest way to get started is to cut out some foods. use egg whites instead of eggs, turkey meat instead of hamburger, sausage, and bacon, Cut out the pop and drink more water. Count how many calories your eating a day, and the grams of fat you get with eat each day. Stop eating out as much most restaurants kill you with calories and fat in their meals. I used to be addicted to McDonalds & triple prime burgers from Ruby Tuesday’s until I saw the nutritional facts not good for me at all
Youtube is filled with different workouts you can use many of them for the home. you can get books from the library and get other workouts online. the toughest thing is getting started
Popeyes is good stuff.
this post is a call to get healthy
It’s more courageous to tell the truth instead of sitting in silence or lying about the situation. I applaud you for putting this out here. Keep your head up.
HuH…sigh…, we’re big bc we spend so much time working to make a living, taking care of bad azz kids so that they can grow up to make blog posts about how women our size are a discrace, have low self-esteem (but it’s easier to say I’m cool wit it when we’re NOT). We’re big b/c food TASTES GREAT. We’re big cause some women believe they have to pick between having the long european hair black men absolutely adore or the cheerio waste-line they covet…man, thank u society. We’re fat b/c no man ever wants to date u and take u places like swimming or skating or “hey, lets go camping, rock climbing then join a softball league” so they can get to know u. They take u out to a movie & dinner then expect to hit some “drawls” (lol) We’re fat bc some of us are LAZY, some insecure, some are lonely, some don’t give a f*, some think it’s beautiful, some don’t mind looking like the strong, determined, God fearing, good will pioneer women who helped get us to where we are now vs. the vh1 bimbo who got $$$ shake her s*. I don’t know Patrece inspire some of those women who are big for the wrong reasons to get educated and get healthy. You curse your ppl & yourself when speak not with an uplifting voice about serious matters that affect them. Next let’s talk about why wealthy brotha’s prefer white women over black women whether they’re skinny or not? or about brotha’s with criminal records, maybe we should comment on how fast the rate of single parent households are growing or why half of black women aren’t and will never be married?
This post aint that deep hun, you’ve just regurgitated the same hate spew as the other posts I’ve read. Let’s keep kicking the one’s who are down…
that part about dating is hilarious because i have an uncle who is 50 and pretty well off and looks kinda young so hes pretty active on the dating scene. he was telling me about the different races of women he dates and how he takes his white girls camping horse back riding swimming and bla bla because they are adventurous and that he takes sisters to eat movies and hotels because they dont wanna mess up there hair and are scary….lmao
I’ve been asked out a lot of x and never to do anything athletic
Chriss:
I can tell you that asking most black women to do anything athletic or even involving outdoors is always met with controversy. It could be the “bugs” or the “humidity” or whatever…they don’t usually go for it. A younger, more naive me used to think that maybe a walk in the park would be romantic to some and allowed more time to get to know someone and talk without distraction. I could never be more wrong. Reality is, most of the black women I’ve dated would always want to start off with dinner or movies, or dinner and movies over just walking somewhere. If it isn’t a lounge or some fancy restaurant their interest level was usually low. *shrug*
lmao…at the undergrad at my school in the spring, when it started getting warmer and raining alot, it was a running joke that the president would cancel classes under such conditions so the glut of women who went to the school wouldnt mess up their hair. at any rate, attendence would be sparse those days. lol
lol
thats why black guys like me. I’m the best of both worlds. Black girl that likes black and white girl things. lol
Awww not that I’m the most athletic person in the world, but I do love camping, swimming, canoeing, white water rafting. I love the water.
This hair thing is irking me big time. I really hate that it’s a stereotype for Black Women, and it’s pretty much true. I saw that movie Good Hair and they were so proud of saying they man can’t touch their hair. Wackness to the highest degree.
That’s nothing more than a cop out. Women have the same opportunities to work out that men do. You can get a 30 minute workout DVD anywhere. Black men have nothing to do with the fact Black women are becoming increasingly obese.
Monique started that whole big is beautiful mess. You should always have self esteem, but we can’t teach people that’s beautiful the same way the other extreme isn’t beautiful either
your absolutely right brothas have nothing to do with black women’s obesity everyone is in charge of their own mental, spiritual & physical health. That’s what I’m saying but you can’t address a product of several different sources without addressing the issues of the sources which all end up in the same result…FAT!
Patrice I think I love you. Thanks for writing this, it will 100% be taken seriously coming from a female than someone like me AND it needs to be heard.
A call to action my ass, this post is definitely mean spirited but hell, “to each his or her own opinion.” LOL, Thank you dearly for being the Fat Crusader and reaching out all the Fatties of the world *side eye*…clearly you know everyone’s life history, I’m just wondering how much research you’ve done…everything isn’t a racial issue, not just BLACK women are fat, it’s not just a Sistah problem it’s an AMERICAN problem, and no that’s not an excuse to go grab a bucket of KFC.”If you do not tell the truth about yourself
you cannot tell it about other people. “~ Virginia Woolf , so I ask WHY on Earth does it bother you SOOOO much about another person’s weight, is it really coming from a place of concern or it’s the pure meaness coming from a place of contempt.
Have you ever been obese, I’m not talking about 10 or 20 pounds overweight, I’m talking OBESE, it takes YEARS to get there and it takes years to lose, it’s not an easy fix, it’s more than I’m just big boned and I love to eat, it can also be a psychological problem as well. To be honest most fat people don’t glorify their fat, the few who do just stand out, even more I guess…I don’t personally know too many obese women who will say “Hell yeah, I love to be tired as hell walking up the steps, or yes, I like to read blogs that have anonymous folks BASHING us to no end and lumping EVERY fat person into ONE CATEGORY.” The reality is that as a fat women, you learn to love yourself in the mean time, you don’t glorify the weight, but you can’t hide it, you can’t walk around in a self loathing/self hatred mode, so you embrace it and you love yourself inspite of the people who don’t know shit about you and talk about you like dogs. You do two things, you work hard to lose the weight, which I personally am doing or you get comfortable and do nothing about it, either way, what another person eats, don’t make you ish.
What we do as a Community? Well, for one you DON’T go around calling black women hippos. You DON’T teach girls that they are less beautiful or worthy of mutual respect because she is overweight, you guide her and give her the tools to be healthy but you don’t perputuate hate and they negativity that she probably already gets enough of, which will have the reverse efect of lowered self esteem and high bad food habits. Side Note: It’s a proven fact that MOST people learn and change behavior’s through POSITIVE reinforcement. So you, teach people how to make healthier choices even when they have little money, because eating healthier can be costly. You design programs in the inner city that talk about healthy cooking, you establish walking groups and excersize clubs. You have group or one on one sessions to talk about the pschological issues with weight, for instance, why do people over eat, it’s not just because the food is always just that good, but you have emotional eaters, who’s addiction to food started with the onset of a tramatic experience. You don’t through insults and expect for people to catch them and embrace it. You start with the elders in the community, Big Ma and them who have been cooking wrong from years and are now seeing the results with high blood pressure and diabetes. You educate the people. You make it affordable.
*Peace*
That’s exactly was I was saying above in my comment…If you don’t want to be part of the solution, by all means, shut your trap!
Girl, you are my sista from a different mista! You were on point!
Well…HEY SISTER!!!
You are right! Negativity breeds negativity and it does nothing but separate the masses. Light against dark, skinny against fat, the upper class and against the working class, the working class against the poor. When will we learn as a community to make change we must come together. When women come together especially Black women come together on one accord, it’s some powerful stuff! You get some smaller fit women (fit, cause skinny doesn’t equate to HEALTHY) with the RIGHT attitudes who can go and host exercise classes and teach people then that’s an idea.
I understand what you and Miss Jae are getting at, and I have heard the skinny doesn’t equate to health argument all over the place. But this is just a fact we see less black women exercising than almost any other demographic, and when I talk to black women about the issue they say because they don’t want to mess up their hair or looks. That is all she is trying to say here, stop making excuses and get in the gym, run, or something just get active.
You threw out some great ideas about a community centric approach and mental issues are the reasons not just eating. At the end of the day it is up to the person to lose the weight, the government is not going to sink money into helping “black folks get fit”. As you said yeah there are other people who are fat in America, but remember there are less of us than them as well. The black community has rampant diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol issues we are fighting genetically because of all that bad soul food we just can’t put down. We kept eating it because it was tradition, eating bad food with family is what we have always been about. At the end of the day only the people with the problem can dedicate themselves to fix it, I have tried to help Obese friends we work out, I give them some healthy foods that I have eaten. Then they go home and eat totally unhealthy despite my advice and support, I gave up it’s up to them I am here if they need it, but it’s up to them. Plus it does not take YEARS to lose that weight, if you still want to eat nasty it will, calorie reduction is effective and if you shave 3 to 4 pounds a week that’s 30 – 40 in 10 weeks. No where near a year.
We need to adapt and realize that those things like cooking with the white Crisco grease, should not be taught and passed down the same way. There is no mean spiritedness here, it’s an issue in the black community that people feel strongly about, and that leads to heated discussions. You think it’s mean because you fit the subject of the argument plain and simple, I am sure you commented on some articles about skinny women before it’s all opinion.
“You think it’s mean because you fit the subject of the argument plain and simple, I am sure you commented on some articles about skinny women before it’s all opinion.”
So what about the folks here that don’t “fit the subject” that think it’s mean? Are they wrong to feel the way that they feel? It is actually rude as hell. And for the record, I’ve never comments on an article about skinny women before. I treat them the way that I want to be treated.
Point well taken, first thing I will say that if you are say 250lbs or larger and you are losing weight through diet and exersise alone, it will take years for your BMI to be on target.
No, actually, I haven’t commented on any Skinny women comments because I’m not a skinny girl hater, I respect any women who goes to the gym and gets or fitness on or is blessed enough to have the genes to allow her to be in shape withouth exercising. Yes, it’s all opinion, she gave hers, your giving me your perspective and I’m giving mine. No, I’m not lazy, but yes, I do fit into the category of FAT, I make no excuses for it, and I’m currently on a regimen to lose weight. No one can make you lose weight with negative comments and blogs, you have to already have the mindset that you want to change before you are receptive to the words being spoken.
thumbs UP don’t hurt’em girl they not ready lol
LOL…thank you Chriss and Nik as well. I just speak from a place, that I know what it’s like to hate your outward appearance so much that you want to end your own life and negative words don’t move people to change, that’s a myth, I’m NOT one of those Mo’Nique, “Skinny Women are Evil” types…lol, cause even she has been losing mad weight so what does that tell you, I just believe that it’s not the MESSAGE, it’s the delivery. Besides, you can’t MAKE people lose weight, they have to already want to do it, to be receptive to what’s being said by the way Chriss, I totally agree with your post!
So you discount an article which basically says “fat women make a ton of excuses for being fat” by making a bunch of excuses for being fat. Did you really think you were telling us something with that wall of text? Why are you crapping on the author because you are guilty of the things she’s calling out? How is good advice mean-spirited?
First of all, I’m going to keep it real polite, I don’t internet negativity and I’m sure we could go back and forth all day. I didn’t crap on the author at all and as for my wall of text, anyone can feel free not to read it and scroll down past my long message…and I realize it was long. I didn’t make any excuses for being fat, I didn’t say, I’m fat because *fill in the blank* happened to me. I simple posted my response. I wasn’t mean spirited but she was.
“Did you really think you were telling us something with that wall of text?”
Did the author really think she was telling us something that we don’t already know with that wall of text?
LOL RIGHT…Stop making excuses
LOL I’m going to take my size 6 and throw up the fruit I had for breakfast. LOL Apparently I really am fat!
It’s cool.
Right now I’m in a workout slump. I’m in a new city, and whereas in ATL I used to run or had a membership, here I’m like, “where can I go? Where can I run & I won’t get killed or lost?”
Thanks to all this I’m going to stop eating and do two-a-days. I was once on a forced “breakup diet” and I couldn’t eat for like 2 months. I got down to 117. My friends had an intervention on me. Like seriously. I’m talking crying, pleading, and begging.
Ya just can’t win! LOL
Okay…do me a favor before you throw up your breakfast…
I’ve often struggled with women’s sizes so when you say size 6, what height and weight are you talking about? One of you ladies break down dress sizes for those of us who don’t shop in the women’s section.
Good point -cuz on one post folks were like woah size 2 yuck. I’ve rarely received a yuck and I’m a size 2/4. 5’4″ and 113-120 = size 2 or 4.
Size 10/12 is usually thick (and CDC may classify this as overweight). I run with girls that are size 10ish and they have a solid pace and endurance. Don’t know women much bigger than this that really work out. Folks that say they do may do 10 minutes of walking then eat fries and a coke. I’d say size 14 is stretching thick.
if that’s your take sizes u haven’t been around enough “big” girls so u probably shouldn’t comment on the whole 14 is stretching thick thing anywhoo…I’m curious about this best of both worlds black girl & white girl thing what do black girls not like that white girls do u mentioned earlier and is that fact? oh hell it’s bout to be another topic entirely, selah!
LOL clearly white womens body types are diff than black women, we are curvier by default even @ the same size 2/4..but then I also lift weights/weight train and muscle mass is way more dense than reg body tissue or fat.
lol @ ten minutes of walking fries and a coke.
I’m 5’4 and some (all my life I thought I was 5’8… I’m more like between 5’4-5’5)
My measurements are 34-26/27-not sure about the bottom. LOL maybe like 38/39.
And I won’t put my weight on here because then I might actually cry. But I’m over 120 for sure.
Sizes are hard to break down. Right now most of my jeans are 6. When I was they have to be altered down to fit my waist. So sizes are really hard to judge.
Major editing fail. I was saying that When I was on my “breakup diet” I was wearing a size 2…. Some of my jeans are a size 8 but they have to be altered down to fit my waist.
See I’m 5 foot 3 at abt 167. I have a 48 1/2 inch ass and a 34D cup. I wish someone would say I’m fat. My waste is a 33 which I’d like to get down 2 inches. But I wear medium shirts and have a huge ass. Weight isn’t or shouldn’t be criteria. Its proportion and heart rate, blood sugar, cholesterol!!! @truetome come to nyc and you will see fat hispanic woman far surpass blacks…..
Ummm you are not anywhere close to being fat, but there are plenty of (safe) places to workout in Columbus indoor or out. Lol.
LOL you are 2/3rds the size of me and you don’t think you’re skinny. I think it’s safe to say we both might have distorted views. I’m over 20 lbs heavier than dude above’s testimony and K.I.M’s #cosign.
thats funny on the break up diet. i break up lift weights.
omg this is the funniest and realest thing ive read here. spot on in some areas missed slightly in others but i get the gist. lets get healthy people!
I always thought there wasn’t much you could do about your weight- being genetics. I think you can maintain a good lifestyle and stay as fit as possible.
we have to do a better job in promoting healthy lifestyles
Honestly, I think this post, along with most of the comments, is an ATTACK on bigger people. Yes, there are some bigger people out there who are sloppy/lazy. However, you don’t know every person’s situation. They probably are TRYING to lose weight. And if you aren’t going to be encouraging or try to help them out, then shut up. I am overweight and I am working on losing weight for MYSELF. Not anyone else.
Soul_Sunshine basically said everything I was thinking. Great comment!
Exactly! Unless you know their personal story, how do you weed out the ones that can’t lose weight do to a health issue or the ones that can’t lose weight due to being lazy!?!
I dont need to weed them out..they need to weed themselves out and fix their problem…GET HEALTHY
There is an element of attack, but then there is an element of calling it like it is. Truth is often seen as an attack when it’s not sugar coated.
I know too many fat people that say they work out or eat healthy; however, it’s sporadic and not really focused. I think there needs to be a truth to call it out – and have a conversation like this, “hey girl…you ain’t thick, you’re fat. Now that we’ve got that established, why are you that way? If it’s genetics – manage that with a doctor. If it’s cuz you call working out a 10 minute walk and eating healthy eating fried veggies…education needs to be bestowed upon you.” The education point is each person’s responsibility.
The truth tempred with love is always received better.
I agree – the post was great for shock value. In real life she’d probably say, “I’m concerned that you are not living a healthy lifestyle.” She saved a few keystrokes by typing…you’re fat.
@KIM..I’d actually say something like “Girl you know how many calories are in that and how much it would take to burn”…My friends and coworkers get mad at how I do that…
I don’t volunteer information otherwise..like A fat person face to face didn’t ask me if they were fat so I don’t walk up to them and be like “Ur fat” ..however, as a writer, commenter and blogger, I have the right to offer unsolicited advice
“however, as a writer, commenter and blogger, I have the right to offer unsolicited advice”
Um.
No.
You don’t.
Signed (yet again)
Black, Size 8
I love my Black folk..if I didn’t, I wouldn’t even care to write this..I’d say “Eat whatever you want..I Dont care about anyone but ME”
I am just an honest loving person..sugar coating it makes it seem OKAY to be unhealthy when it’s not
Tempering truth in love is NOT sugar coating,. some of you really need to get a clue.SMH!
Offending folks and getting people on the defensive, only negates your message because it will fall on deaf ears FYI for future PSA’s.
But that’s just the thing!…Who to say what the “truth” is? The truth to you is whatever YOU perceive it to be. Fat girls don’t need anybody to tell them that their fat…mostly likely , they’ve heard it all their lives! And if “The education point is each person’s responsibility”, why is everybody up in each others business? I’m just sayin…*Kanye shrug*
We always push collectivism when it aims to benefit, then individuality when we are part of the collection. I’m up in a fat person’s business cuz my health insurance premium is higher when more people in my pool are not living healthy. I’m up in a fat person’s business when I care for them because I don’t want to see them accelerate death. I’m up in a fat person’s business when I’m on a plane trying to get comfortable.
That is kinda a insensitive way of saying all of that and I guess I could be nicer with it…but really, we are in a society that requires connectivity & communication. Just like it’s a smoker’s responsibility to quit smoking and we know that they’re smoking bothers more than just them.
And that’s fine if you wanna be “all up in it” because you feel as thought it’s affecting you, but what I am saying is that belittling them isn’t going to help…they will become more resistant. It’s up to that person if they want to change, not you. If you really wanna be all up in their business, be all up in trying to be a part of the solution instead of just making statements.
I do run with folks and encourage my overweight friends to play sports with me, not to get the desert etc. I’m here on FXP on for shits and giggles.
“I do run with folks and encourage my overweight friends to play sports with me, not to get the desert etc.”
And look at how many comments it took you to even mention that you ARE part of the solution!?
“I’m here on FXP on for shits and giggles.”
Clearly…lol
K.I.M. stay sexy, Miss Jae is a very bitter individual. It’s pretty obvious, don’t let her ruin your high for enjoying yourself.
Wow…lol
” I’m up in a fat person’s business cuz my health insurance premium is higher when more people in my pool are not living healthy.”
Unless you’ve worked insurance, I’d submit your analysis is simplistic, you’ve bought the party line, and you don’t really have a clue.
Insurance regulations have been sufficiently defanged so that insurance companies can raise your rates whenever they wish, for pretty much whatever reason they wish, irrespective of how unjustifiable the reason might appear.
But you keep on thinking whatever you like to try to justify your prejudices. I’m supposing you think motorcycle and sports accidents, anorexia and bulimia treatments, are incidents that don’t have high health costs attached.
*eyeroll*
Signed,
Black Size 8 (who, if you’re one of those who thinks only a size 2 is the only size that can be fit, would like to invite you to the dojo or Pilates studio to get your butt kicked whenever you wish)
lol – i’m just excited somebody is posting on a Sunday. And sure – I’d love to try a new way to get physical. Running is my thing these days and Pilates would be a welcome challenge – running has decreased my flexibility range.
My bad, perhaps it was a simplistic analysis. Let’s simply rephrase it – obesity causes death more than smoking and obese people spend more on healthcare than non-obese people. So perhaps the higher costs related to obesity diseases aren’t passed on. One could take issue with the CDC; however, they noted that obese people spent 42% more on healthcare costs than non-obese. Perhaps the insurance companies truly do a service and don’t spread those costs among the entire insured population. I wonder if medicare/medicaid contain the extra costs to only obese people.
Folk don’t have to bemean, you can be kind and encourage/inspire/motivate folks! I am alwasy giving out tips to whomever asks or approaches etc..but some people are just assclowns at whateva size!
@Nik..I’m encouraging you by being BRUTALLY HONEST..sometimes it takes that….If I did’nt care at all and just wanted to attack I wouldn’t have even tried to address the issue
I care that Black women as a whole are UNHEALTHY..it’s mean to you because the truth isn’t pretty..it’s very harsh
No.
It’s mean because no one *asked* you to open your brutal loud mouth.
When people want assistance they *ask* for it.
Too bad you can’t be “honest” without the “brutal” part.
And yes, that’s me demeaning your writing ability. If you can only say something but one way, perhaps you should sit down and/or go back to school until you figure out how to be compassionate as well as honest.
It can be done, but apparently, not by you.
Signed,
Black, Size 8
Being an physically active black male I find it hard to understand how anyone can accept being overweight. With that being said I dont believe that being overweight is really a bad thing. Accepting it and doing nothing about it however is. If you work out sufficiently then you can eat whatever you want and stay the same weight. So should every one be a size 0 no but everyone should get exercise that is at least equivalent to their eating habits and there are ways you can work out without ruining your make up and hair.
MY 2 cents.
Hair can be done/redone in a few hours or you get styles that are condusive to sweating, like wet sets or braids, I do wet sets rolled a lil tighter on the very bottom layers and when you sweat it falls beautifully.
As someone who eats rights and works out five days a week, puttin in 7 to 8 hours a week of cardio and strength training,.its a decision that folk have to make and along with the decision will come change and sacrifice. An overall healthy lifestyle change.
Some folks use food as a coping mechanism, some are just not that informed as far as nutrition’helathier choices, some gland issues etc but these days it easier than ever to become informed and make healthier choices. Find others way to cope with stress besides comfort food and move your body, walking daily can help tremedously to shed pounds and inches and help with stress.
The benefits of exercise and resistance training are well documented.
I encourage anyone and everyone to get healthier and fitter and you don’t have to be my size, or in the range the author quoted a 2 to 8 but even @ a 12 to 16 you can be toned fitter stronger, flatter stomach etc with healthier eating habits., feel better and have a better self image……find what works and whats best for you, from exercise to size and own it honey!!!
thank u!
I’m all for getting healthy but I think this was a tad mean spirited. I’ve alway been critical of Monique and her messages b/c health should be promoted rather than fat is best and skinny bitches are evil. But, if I was overweight, I wouldn’t be motivated to get up and work out if some random internet chick called me a hippo. And singling people out never works. America as a whole is getting fat. Not just Black women. I live in the South, so I see plenty of fat Black men, White people, Latin people and even Asian people. When I saw this post, I knew it was going to turn into another bashing session. Today victim, obese Black women. Yesterday, gay people. The day before that, feminists. I wonder who’s gonna get it Monday.
stats dont low. black women are the most obese demographic in the US by a loooong shot.
Stats tend to be misleading but that’s a whole ‘nother post.
That’s could very well be true but looking at this article, one would think that we’re a bunch of elephants in the midst of giraffes. I think not.
Yea its an issue, I have seen in the last several years young women go from a cute 16 yr old to a fat sloppy 20 something and the looks on their faces seems that of defeat.
Heck some of em dont even have kids but they got a gut. They didnt even get a good “run” out of their beauty. They, I think overrated a “pretty face” and cute clothes.
Look I like a women with figure not rolls and guts. I lost 40lbs over a two yr mark (and I dont even belong to gym). My waist and age are the same number (34). And for me I still get clocked by women like I was 21, I think they “know” I am older but sans the gut they can see I take care of myself and its a turn on.
Theres no way anyone under 6 ft should be 200lbs (or more) of mostly fat. I am 5′ 9″ and weigh 185 and yes my BMI is spot on (blood press is 90/60). The trick is to carry as little weight as healthily possible as you age because as you age you will gain weight. Its easier at 55 to be 185 then it is to be 225.
“My waist and age are the same number (34). And for me I still get clocked by women like I was 21, I think they “know” I am older but sans the gut they can see I take care of myself and its a turn on.”
Myself at 33: 6 feet, 175lbs. Believe it or not, when I tell women that they insist that I should “bulk up.” Go figure. I have the same shape I did in college but probably only about 10 lbs heavier.
stats can be misleading but in this case they are not. obesity is pretty well defined in the study and its an unhealthy body mass and fat percentage, even if you account for different body types and races. i dont remember the exact stats but it is a pretty substantial difference. maybe not elehants amidst giraffes but alot more of them elephants are black and a lot fewer of the giraffes are black..then you add in diabetes and heart disease stroke all complicated by weight etc which we all disparately suffer from and you see it is a huge problem in our comunities particularly among black women (obesity). shouldnt be sugar coated as an everyone problem when we suffer from it much worse than every other group. certain behaviors we do that no one else does, and we need to target and correct them..
I agree. We need to improve. But calling someone a hippo is just gonna make them be resistant.
@candacehr http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/why-are-black-women-so-big/
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
As a woman who has been really small and as a woman who is currently big, the author of this blogpost can kiss my flat ass. How dare you? You are not concerned, and you don’t care about the people you claim you want to help. You are doing what the slim thugs of the world are doing just more of the same. Pick on black woman meme in full effect. I hope that you are a good person on the inside, because you may be skinny, but quite honestly you are not someone I would wish to get to know. Being that I am overweight and I need you to tell me how to live my life and you are just so concerned about my health. sigh. when I was 5’7 and 125 lbs I had hypertension. I have had problems with my hypertension since I was a little girl, it just didn’t get diagnosed until I was 18. So don’t tell me that you know what someone’s medical history is, and how based on women at a wedding you feel qualified to berate all black women on their weight. Take your non nutrition degree having ass somewhere and sit down.
That is all.
“Take your non nutrition degree having ass somewhere and sit down.”
*dead*
*cosign*….XD..*jus fell into the grave!*
My mother has a degree in nutrition and echoes the same sentiments as the author. What’s your point aside from the fact you’re mad at life?
I am not mad at life, I am however reluctant to take advice from a non medical professional. Congrats to your mother on *her* credentials.
You don’t need to be a medical professional to see that some people too damn big
I’m a full-figured woman, who happens to be Black (Whoa!). I don’t take offense to this article because A) I’m not a plus-size advocate… because I don’t define myself by my body’s proportions,
B) Because, up until a few years ago, I was a vegetarian for 10+ years, and still eat extremely well. Despite not making tons of money, I purchase my food items wisely… the bulk of them consisting of poultry and produce. I also abhor soda and most fast food restaurants.
C) I exercise my “fat ass” (well, it’s not skinny) everyday, and walk every-single-day (having proudly participated in a few marathons over the past ear), consciously do the stairs rather than the elevator, do yoga or some equivalent… and so have solid meat and am proportioned well, nothing is unsightly or gelatinous on this full frame, despite not being slim (never have been) and I’ve dated a wide spectrum of different type of men who’ve appreciated me for being attractive and for taking care of myself despite not being skinny… I know without a shadow of a doubt I don’t want to be bigger or walk around w/ a sloppy, misshapen hulk. So I do my best to maintain the one I have. Period.
and more importantly D) I have a clean bill of health. So anybody not waving a medical/physician’s license in the air and who hasn’t given me my physical? I take their assessment of my body w/ a grain of salt and a chuckle.
The same way I am sick of the Black man/Black woman being dateless debate… I’m bored with this one. From both sides of the spectrum.
I do agree wholeheartedly that advocating an unhealthy lifestyle that doesn’t include a balanced diet and movement of any and all kinds is not the way…
Otherwise, just because many of you prefer a certain aesthetic (we *all* do, including myself), don’t presume to think that there’s one, underlying reason why many Black people (not just women), indulge in unhealthy eating habits or that every bigger person is on the cusp of death. Trust, I’ve heard every excuse under the sun from my community, about why they’d prefer to eat fat laden meals, rather than healthy ones. None of them are really valid; particularly when you consider the influx of Farmer’s Markets opening up in inner city areas.
There’re SKINNY and FAT Black women AND men who have a long list of health issues (including gastrointestinal ones and high blood pressure/cholesterol) because they chose to eat garbage, because it was the easiest thing to shovel in their gobs or because they just “couldn’t get into vegetables, cooking w/ Olive oil, and can’t stand fresh produce, unless is cooked w/ smoked fat sitting in middle of it”. Many of us, of varying body types just don’t want to eat well or exercise period. Most from are community are EMPHATIC about eating meals full of fat, and then joking about having the “‘itis” like it’s cute. Why?
That’s my piece, for better or worse, to like or dislike. *sips coffee*
& Please pardon any grammatical errors or misspellings. I’m only on my second cup of coffee. *shrugs*
and P.S. calling people Hippos and such doesn’t really lend any validity to your argument. Just saying. *sips again.*
Obese people resemble Hippos…*shrugs*…if they like looking that way..then they dont have to read any further..I will not apologize for stating my opinion..no matter how mean it may seem.
Then that’s your opinion that you needn’t apologize for, because it’s a conviction you feel strongly about and this is where we don’t see eye-to-eye. Because while you and other commenters make some valid points about healthy lifestyle choices, I don’t resort to name calling when writing a piece about something I feel strongly about or when commenting. *Kanye shrugs back*
P.S.
Not dictating how a person’s writing style should be by the way, just saying you calling fat/obese people “hippos” overrides the importance of your message re: diet and exercise. But to each his/her own.
I’m eating some pringles (oh quick gun me down!) baffled by this fuckery. So I can’t love myself because you say so? I can’t be comfortable in my own skin? That’s straight up deeper than life. Being skinny does not make you beautiful the inside makes you beautiful and although that can be taken as some hallmark card bull..I’d rather be a hippo than be ignorant or malicious. My mom raised me to be a good person and have respect for and be tolerant of other people and their lifestyles and as long as I’m being the woman that she raised me to be she’s happy with that. I am by no means causing shame to her life.
Throwback: If you don’t have nothing nice to say..don’t say nothing at all.
This post isn’t about being skinny..it’s about being healthy..you must be overweight and unhealthy…keep on being that way if that’s what you want…I dont want that for you..but I can’t stop you from enjoying another 3000 calorie dinner tonite
What do you think is contributing to the obesity in the Black female community?
I believe it is very much an issue, but were talking about more than just our women as well here cause honestly nowadays its across the board…i’ve noticed all races of women that are now, for lack of a better word “thick and healthy”….point and case, i remember when i was coming through grade school, on up to highschool there were but a hand full of girls (white and black) who were deemed big and/or unhealthy in size, however nowadays i see girls (black and white) as young as 8, 9, 10 yrs old looking a tad bit obese…but mostly its due to the food we eat now…truth, be told they are giving us more foood with higher concentrations of fat, sugar, glucose and all the good inhibitors of healthy living, but it is not by choice that this is happening…
Please men what are your thoughts on how big Black women are compared to other cultures. What can we do as a community to improve our overall health and lifestyle?
Hey, I’ve always loved black women shapes…actually, you all have a grave advantage over other cultures cause what they have to work/pay to get (by way of butt, thighs, and tits) majority of you already have naturally….the thing is we as a people have to reverse a pattern that necessarily isn’t easy to do since it was incorporated into our diets hundreds of years ago and that was the constant overkill of eating fried and processed foods…and for the most part that has been our downfall…me must come to a point to where we begin to change our diet and eating habits, and most of all begin doing some type of physical excersice and/or activity on a week to week basis….its not always about just going to the gym…hell, you can work out by cleaning your house, or going walking on trails, or playing tennis, basketball…
I think we have to stop thinking its so easy for everyone. What is simple for one person, isn’t for the next. We have to, culturally, make it a part of our lives.
I run a wellness nonprofit. Some women take to changes easily and others don’t and need more assistance, encouragement, and support. Being called fat and lazy isn’t motivating. Just saying.
It is to do it..just DO IT. you get up and go to work in the morning even tho work may be stressful. You raise your kids even tho that may be hard. Eating right and exercising isn’t any darn different. If you don’t want to do it you will make an excuse.
Although the author gives great advice (mean-spirited or not) what many of us fail to realize is that it is not easy to change a lifestyle that has been 20+ years in the making. So yes, some of us do workout on a regular for various reasons, but for many it’s not easy to completely reverse bad habits and do the right thing. Let me say this before I get dogged. I’m 5’4 about 160 lbs, but if you had to guess, most would think I weigh around 140 or so. I try to eat healthy and attempt to work out regularly. I said all that to say, before you all point fingers simply because you have your sh*t together, take a moment to think about how these people feel and the inner struggles they deal with everyday.
@simplyamazing Sounds like excuse making you are doing to me. Obese people lose weight FASTER. It’s not “HARD” to change something that could possible kill you, its stupid not to.
I’m not saying we have to be perfect eaters and what not..but come on..most of us don’t even try
I hear what you are saying but there are a lot of factors that play into this issue and if it were as easy as you say it is there wouldn’t be anyone overweight. We all would be as fit as fiddles… but we are not. I am on my own health regimen for me, not to get a man and not because you said so. I am just sick of people piling on black women… period. And that includes you.
So we are supposed to ignore this problem with obesity in the Black community so we don’t “hurt feelings” ??? Since when can’t Black women take a little tough love..
When its all that is lobbed our way. When is the last time someone said that black women were wonderful. I am waiting because quite honestly all I hear is all the negatives. Too smart, too snobby, too fat, too loud, too opinionated, hell too black. All of those comments. YOurs is the latest in a laundry list of things that black women should/need to be doing. That is where my ire comes from. I am working on myself. I know I am not perfect, but I am not out telling everyone what they should be doing. right now I am sweeping my own porch. What do you need to work on? Praytell. We know you have your weight and health together…. You could work on your delivery and tact, and that is a constructive criticism.
and that picture of eddie murphy as the loud fat black mean woman, didn’t let me take much you said seriously. At all. plays into the mammy stereotype.
Laundry List? I said black women need to take better care of their health…PERIOD. That is a FACT!! I didn’t put anyone down..Black women are wonderful…but they are overall unhealthy…that’s not a put down.
I write the way I write..I am not changing my “tact”..my point was made, understood and I’m sure I influenced someone…
“I’m sure I influenced someone…”
You should be. You’ve influenced (at least) me to stop reading what you write, and encouraging everyone else I know to do the same.
Signed,
Black, Size 8
Oh you left overweight black men out of the equation. You attacked women.
because there isn’t a real problem with Black men and obesity like there is for black women. besides..last time I checked I was a Black WOMAN *looks in panties*..yup..still woman..
@truetome have u seen spanish women in nyc! They are worse than the blacks you describe. I’d love 2 knw where u attended that wedding. I’m 5 foot 3 167lbs with a 34d and 48 1/2 inch booty with a 33inch waist. Please don’t tell men men don’t like my body. They love it. I cook and walk often. I prefer to keep my eye onn my waist, blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol. So yes there is such a thing as thick!
I don’t recall asking for your measurements..you are probably OVERWEIGHT if you have to read them off to me.
Further, I am not HISPANIC..I am a BLACK WOMAN who writes mostly about things that pertain to the BLACK COMMUNITY. This site is also focused to issues in the Black community. Not that I dont care about Hispanic’s overall health…we should all be healthy..but from my experience..they care more about they are less obese than Black women.
Lol no one asked u to write this piece but u did. Point is, when u say overweight, u aren’t correct. If some one is skinny they can also be unhealthy. I look damn good and love my body and that’s why I can share my measurements without being self conscious. You write an article based on what u see, I write responses based on what I see. But instead of empowering you’re lumping Black women with out comparisson to other minority groups. Step your game up. You’re not taking criticism on you’re writing well. Have a drink of water, and come back harder Xoxo
I understand the frustration but it comes with lots of judgment and ignorance to the topic of fitness and overall health.
Many overweight/obese people don’t necessarily overeat. Many under-eat but eat high caloric foods. I think also someone mentioned eating disorders as in emotional eating. I’m with you. Black women, overall, have to become more attentive to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and we need more conversations [not attacks] about being healthy. It is a misnomer that when you see someone that maybe 30-40lbs overweight that they are diabetic, have high-blood pressure, or high cholesterol but we do have to be honest about becoming more in tune with our bodies and understand what unhealthy living really is about. We also have to stop calling overweight women “obese”. It is a specific set of criteria that’s used for this diagnosis. Attacking anyone doesn’t spark change. The stress or the criticism could do the opposite.
We all have to do more to advocate for healthy foods in our neighborhood grocery stores. There’s easier access to fast food than to healthier food. Unhealthy foods and processed foods are less expensive. Even if you by canned vegetables, the sodium content is very high. We have had a tradition of eating high fat, high calorie foods because, 1) we ate what we had access to cook 2) we needed food that would sustain us throughout the day in case we didn’t eat again or because of the labor we were doing. We still eat as if we are field hands. We have to change the traditions.
More Black people have to research on slow food movements, genetically modified foods, buying local and in season foods, location of neighborhood grocery stores etc. All of this contributes to our health issues beyond just exercise and working out.
Culturally, we have to address our attitudes about ALL health issues. Maybe some of these women aren’t physically well, but I also know just as many so-called thin, physically healthier women with mild depression and are borderline bipolar and don’t know it. If we’re talking about health, all of it matters.
Kill the attacks. Come with some true encouragement and some really solutions for change.
Amen Rhonda!
Rhonda, Please note that undereating “high calorie foods” is equivilant to OVEREATING. Also, if Im not mistaken…at the end of this post..did I not ask what can we do about this as a COMMUNITY to resolve this issue …WTF…did yall only read the first sentence :-/
Yes there are skinny women who don’t take care of themselves either..however…they are BURNING CALORIES with their metabolism. Slimmer women are LESS LIKELY to have the problems obese women do..PERIOD. Whether they work out or not
There’s some antagonism for some reason. Just a discussion. Right?
I was speaking of over eating in the context of volumes of food. I think my statement actually says that. I can eat one Mcdonald’s meal today that has 1200 calories and that’s all I eat and the meal itself it high caloric but I’m still under-eating. It maybe not be enough calories for the day, its high fat, and it will slow my metabolism down. This is what I was speaking of.
Secondly – health is beyond just physical health. Wellness is about how a person feels about themselves, how they are physically, mentally, emotionally, how they handle relationships, etc. You’ve decided that being “healthy” is limited to a scale. The skinny woman that is emotionally unstable shouldn’t be viewed as HEALTHY because she’s thin. Yes, the context of this is about weight and I do understand that.
As far as reading your comments above, they were read. I offered my own comments in addition to what I thought about what you’ve written. Your opinion, my opinion. That’s what this is…..simply.
Rhonda, no matter what it is, whether healthy or non-healthy..if you are eating only 1200 calories a day..YOU WONT GAIN WEIGHT. Overweight/obese/unhealthy women are that way because they eat waaaaay too much food in one day..period.
I disagree wholeheartedly.
If its not enough calories, your metabolism will slow down because its thinking you’re starving yourself especially if you’re living a sedentary lifestyle.
Even if you workout….you still need to EAT….throughout the day.
Its about eating the RIGHT foods and enough of the right foods.
Even to lose weight….you have to EAT. Starvation diets will cause anyone to gain the weight back and even more.
Just google.
nobody said anything about starvation…1200 calories isn’t starving hun..
1200 for some…can be a starvation diet. The metabolic rate for each person is different. That’s what you base your caloric intake on and 1200 maybe too low for some to still lose weight in a healthy manner OR your metabolism will slow down.
Just like telling ALL children: ” All you have to do is go to school, study and you will good grades” and yet you don’t take in account the teacher, the school itself, the parents, the learning style, etc.
We aren’t all built the same. YES, YES…do something to move into a healthy lifestyle but to be a true motivator is understanding its not as easy as ABC. I have a nonprofit for women on health and wellness. We have trainers, etc. I’m not just saying to be argumentative.
I’m off the grid. Don’t see this really becoming a constructive discussion on the topic.
Peace.
“.if you are eating only 1200 calories a day..YOU WONT GAIN WEIGHT. ”
You’ve never heard of antidepressants, or other medications that cause weight gain?
You’re not just mean-spirited, cruel, tactless, and a bad writer, you’re also misinformed.
Signed,
Black, Size 8
Hello,
I’m just tuning into your article and even though I think you should have left the “Hippo” comment, I’m very much in agreement with the obesity of black women and I too have been voicing my opinion. Black women are seriously in denial if we believe we aren’t obese. Sure obesity is an AMerican problem but on any given day looking around, we can see that more of us are obese than any other group. I brought this to my friend attention once and she became upset. I asked her to look around one day when out and about. She told me the next day while shopping she did take a notice and when at awe about the number of obese bw she saw in comparison to other races.
It upsets me as a black woman because we as black women are beautiful and we’re also blessed with bodies that most other races would die for. I mean the butt, slim waist line, etc are features that most women go under the knife for but we are blesssed with these features but too many of us just eat the wrong type of food messing up our bodies. Its nothing wrong with eating as I eat six times a day. However its the type of food we’re eating and not exercising. Obesity is now becoming one of the fastest killers amongst us black women with Mississippi being the fastest state. Star Jones hosted a segment last year which showed black women fighting obesity many having lost family members to it.
We as black women must realize that many of us have a eating disorder and its nothing to be ashame of. We are always telling ourselves how strong we are but we must realize that everyone amongst the living has weakness and sadly to say, food is many of our weakness. I’m happy to say that many black women are beginning to workout in my community whereas I used to didn’t see hardly any. Its nothing wrong with having a problem but failure to accept responsibility for our problem is the issue.
One last thing. I hear many mentioned how men like our bodies a certain way and I often hear some bw mentioned how we as bw carry ourselves better with weight more so than other races of women. I would like to say carry ourselves better has nothing to do with health related issues and yes before anyone comes here and say it, slim dosen’t mean healthy and one can be slim and still be unhealthy. However, more obese people are encountering health related issues more so than slim people. As a matter of fact the Surgeon general has gotten involved to tackle obesity. I’ve read where some insurance companies are becoming reluctant to insured people who are morbidly obese. Being healthy shouldn’t be for a man but for yourself and love ones such as your children. I watched my husband cousin having to have her toe taken off due to diabetic being overweight. This isn’t fair to her children who needs her.
I have love for my sistas and as we sometimes come hardcore on the brotha’s saying things about them, we as black women need to hear the truth also but not in an insulting way.
Why the hell are yall up on here telling us the size of your booties and breasts and waists and stuff. That’s not important. We are focusing on eating right, being healthy, working out not how you are shaped. What are you guys doing, trying to confirm you aren’t fat. Seriously, if you have to try to get the okay from people regarding your size then you probably are FAT.
you know women love to go into minute details when it comes to anyting concerning weight and health….i’ve heard the convo’s…the weight situation for you all is like sports to men…we love to get into the details about our favorite teams, players, leagues, etc…..*sidebar*…how can you assume someone has issues just by them acknowledging there physical aspects?…me personally, i think its kinda sexy when women talk about there body parts….it lets me know they are cognizant of there appearance and how it appeals to men…:)
yes it is……..men love it! seems like @truetome wont understand that having a nice deriere (idk if i spelled it right) and cup size with the right waist gets you a nice man as well as nice daily compliments………
..lol…i think that’s how you spell it (deriere)…don’t know..gotta look that one up…but yeah let’s not get it twisted….her words are NOT BIBLE…and she is not speaking for everyone…any black woman worth her salt knows bruthas love a curvacious chocolate, mocha, pecan, light skin (whatever you are) stallion!!…and any woman reading this DONT FORGET THAT!…bruthas love some meat and potatoes, especially this one right here!!..
yeah I feel you. What good are the sizes without any pictures to back it up? Don’t tell us you’re thick show it.lol
Naw Im being silly
check this site out:
http://www.cockeyed.com/photos/bodies/heightweight.shtml
I use it for roundabout reference sometimes and wish sistas would put their pictures on there. Both sexes are represented and you can really see the difference between the different ratios.
I would add my pic on there, but some Asian broad has my spot. LOL!!
What good are the sizes without any pictures to back it up? Don’t tell us you’re thick show it.lol
…you know I was going to play devil’s advocate and put that in my earlier comment, but then the thought of women on the board going in on me was to much to bear..LOL..
Because someone asked for an explanation. They said, “I don’t understand what those sizes mean” So I think it’s for clarity.
Damn.
Cuz u mentioned that people who think they are thick are actually fat and that’s not the case. Seeing my weight and height alone as other people stated are what they define as fat. Many said 5 feet 120. I stated that my definitions, waist, bust, booty proportions are actually more impt than just labeling someone fat by weight and height. Thas all!!
“My goal here is to get you to accept that most of you don’t really have a handle on your health and that you were NOT born to look like a hippo. ”
Lies, lies, and DAMN LIES. Not one thing about this post, threats, insults, etc was anything toward productive for big, fat, bbw, full figured whatever women. I’m with you on many of the things you say but please cut the shit show. This was really just another rant about the fat girls.
I don’t give a giggety crap about what other women are doing as long as I have ME straight. How about you begin with YOU and be an example for others to follow? If you want folks to go to the gym, why don’t you ask one of your overweight gfs to walk with you or visit with you instead of throwing her “20 S’s on her body” under the bus?
@MzNyce If an obese woman believes she looks good that size then she won’t do anything about her health..she looks like a hippo and has 20 s rolls on her body. She is not THICK..she is LUMPY…and there is NOTHING RIGHT with that..nothing AT ALL. Sure it’s insulting to say hippo…but maybe ..just MAYBE if I didn’t say say “big is beautiful” less of you would be inclined to keep slowing killing yourselfs and jacking up your insides…
I’m trying ALL MEASURES here..nice hasn’t worked..HAS IT…
“Hippo” was somewhat unnecessary, considering this is an article of sorts. …
“Morbid Obesity?” That’s a scary word… it is to me (a fuller-figured woman) anyway… which is why I do what I can to maintain my body for what it is, eat right, stay active, and not get any bigger.
Morbid Obesity would’ve sufficed.
You’d have to know the BMI to know the morbidly obese or super morbidly obese terminology.
I’m over this convo though and hollering at my trainer.
LMAO there is no such thing as “super morbidly obese” – some of you are just so… extra. Lol. It’s pathetic.
Oh sweetie, your ignorance is showing. Thank goodness God takes care of babies and fools. Before you shove you foot even further down your throat, “Google It”
LOL your condescension is… also extra. I’m glad for you that you believe there is a descriptor, using BMI, called “Super Morbidly Obese.” I’m glad for you.
What it boils down to is that Morbidly Obese is where it ends.
Also, you and your homies are hateful, mean spirited, catty, petty women who have nothing better to do but focus on something that’s not your concern. What is it of my business if Jane Q. Johnson weighs 400lbs? It is not my concern. If she is a friend of a family member of mine, maybe. But to write [and support] what accounts to a poorly written open letter stating your “Open Season on Fatties” mindset helps absolutely no one.
If you and your cronies could ever fix your mouths to say you think this is helpful in the slightest, I’d call you a group of God Damned Liars. There’s nothing even halfway helpful about this – it’s full of justifications for your baseless hatred of people you don’t think are attractive.
Here’s a suggestion – you don’t like the way fat people look? Stop looking at them. Don’t speak to them. Don’t date them. God forbid your feeble constitution might be affected.
This is, without a doubt, and solely because of the pathetic justifying of your hatred, the best example of a liar – who’s simply afraid to say how they really feel – I’ve seen in a while.
Really, you’re all so… extra.
LOL I love….how you are shouting down the wrong person. If you looked at what I wrote on ANY of the posts here, I was in total agreement (and the other young lady above me) with your comments that this blog was a flaming piece of vitriolic shit.
NOW do you see why I said your ignorance is showing? You spent all that time crafting such a great response aimed at a person who by all accounts said many of the same things on Several Other Posts.
SMH. Happy Sunday Gigi!!
Ms. Nyce – I apologise. I hadn’t read any other comments. I did go and read your comments just now – and you’re right, they were spot on.
Cheers and Here’s to positive women like yourself
-G
morbid obese people look worse than hippos
@truetome its your TONE of this article. If you had tried to state that you were concerned with how many black people/people of color have high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure. I’m with you on that. If you say many of black women should continue or get started on a health plan and exercise for long life and overall good mental & physical health….id be with you on that.
But when you start saying that people are fat, unattractive……..just b/c you’re skinny why do you think you’re attractive. You’ve mentioned before about being a single mom (from what ive read on this website) What if someone said “these single black moms who are unmarried look so disgusting and are a shame to society; why are all these black moms single and stuck up” how’d you like that? Im not here to make you feel bad or attack your personal life, im trying to give you perspective on how deragatory and messed up your tone of this article is. It doesn’t seem as if you care. Youre just putting people down and sitting and criticizing. I’m not overweight and obese, but I dont believe that any one should be attacked just b/c you dont like it. fThis post makes you seem bitter. And I’m pretty much sure that’s not what youre intent was on this post……..
since we’re not sugar coating @true2me you basically have sold out to the age old caucasion standards of beauty it really has nothing to do with health. You look around and can’t see why all the black girls aren’t striving to be that perfect stick figure of a woman and work hard to maintain it cause that’s what u and white men think is attractive…S* face it even if big girls could be big and not have any underlying health issues such as diabetes or hypertension ppl->you-would still hate b/c u don’t think they look “good”…gurl bye!
*caucasian
I said nothing about being skinny..or needing to be skinny. I said HEALTHY. Most overweight/fat/obese people are so because of poor diet and lack of excersize. I also said that if you are “curvy” or not a small woman AND you take care of your body this doesn’t apply to you. This applies to women who are big as hell because they don’t take care of themselves…
I never said anyone should look WHITE..I said you should be healthy. being “thick” because you eat the equivilent of a days worth of calories per meal 3x a day is NOT HEALTHY
Some of you sound just like the person who mad at their creditor for telling them to pay their bills on time. No argument about the money due–just focused on the tone.
Kudos to true2me for calling it what it is. There is too many coddlers( I made up a word-haha) in the Black community and too many of us are starting to believe our own bullshit. Get your ass in shape! Stop bitching about the tone of the message and adhere to the message.
And stop trying to convince people on this thread that you are happy. If you are happy–great but cancel all of this false bravado and hyped-up consternation about a painfully honest and needed blog posting.
Thank You True2Me!
I think you made a lot of good, valid points in this article and I completely agree! As a community we do sometimes wrap ourselves up pretty tight in the security blanket of denial and excuses…..the one thing I will say though is that the issue is primarily HEALTH and not WEIGHT so just like there are healthy “fat” girls, there are unhealthy skinny girls….these girls are arguably even more deluded than fat girls who justify their obesity because they are armed with an impeccable metabolism that completely removes their physical checkpoint of poor health…..they can’t see it on their bodies so its as if it doesn’t exist…..but the truth is, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol are just as likely if you are eating triple your daily caloric intake, wouldn’t know a gym from a library, but happen to win the genetic lottery so to speak and can still squeeze comfortably into your size 4. BMI and weight don’t tell the whole story, but EVERYONE needs to read that last chapter….
::steps off soapbox::
@Chid In my last sentence I said there were “skinny fat” women and “healthy fat” women….however..the skinny fat girls are healthier than the Fat Fat girls…
I’m disgusted by this “article,” I’m LITERALLY holding back my puke.
@true2me I disagree with the tone of this “article.” To allude to ANYone as being a hippo, with a complete disregard for how they may feel, is negligent and disgusting of you. It makes you appear to be a disgusting person and makes me wonder how you could possibly have ANY friends.
Maybe your thin friend (cause I cannot imagine a ‘big girl’ would be your friend) with the overweight mother, grandmother or aunt will read this and not come around you because of the negative judgment you have of overweight women.
If you were saying, ‘I have a overweight/obese Black friend/family member/associate and I want her to be healthy’ it’d be a difference. As I read this diatribe it registered as being yet another person saying “Black woman I hate you” and then to make it worse, it’s ANOTHER Black woman.
*I wish morbid obesity upon you. Since you know everything about being overweight. And KNOW that Black women who are overweight are lazy or using excuses or something else.
OH yea … why did you have to use Rasputia(?) as the picture? Couldn’t find an appropriate Black woman, so you had to indulge in what white media does to Black women and be exploitative? BTW – THAT isn’t even a REAL Black Woman; it’s a MAN in a fat suit!
FYI … If you want to be encouraging, start off by coming at people with a bit of empathy. GEEZ, Tyra Banks discussed this subject FAR better than you did and with a LOT more empathy and she’s a SUPER MODEL!
One more thing and I’m done … Are you jealous that some “hippo” attracted some man that YOU wanted and he called her “thick”? Because that’s what ALL of this, from you skinny chicks that are pissed when Black men LIKE “meat” on their women, seems to be. You don’t see “thick” women complaining when a man prefers skin and bones for a woman.
Black men don’t like thick women. Broke men like thick women. Look at every professional athlete, actor, rapper and see who they wifed up. What percentage of them was thick”. When brothers have their money right they aren’t choosing fat chicks.
@blackchild lets be honest. Those rich black men you mentioned are like a very small percentage of all black men. Secondly, they “wife” those women but are always cheating on them. Now, do you really think they like and appreciate their “skinny” wives…when they are constantly stepping out with other women? Bad comparison. Plus you can only speak for you….not every black man on the planet. #comeonson
I love that you have #comeonson as a hashtag. LOL
According to the stats there is a problem with obesity in the black community, but I don’t really see it. I live in NYC (Brooklyn) and yes I do see fat black women, but I see plenty of skinny black women as well. Actually I think I see more skinny and average sized black women than fat black women. Maybe NY isn’t as hard hit.
I’m not going to even respond to mean ignorance and this is coming from a not “Big girl” IGNORANCE! I’ll never read your blog again!
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/why-are-black-women-so-big/ Here is the article I’m referring to. How could they actually support this?
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
This is pretty offensive, for a few reasons. But maybe you’d be better served simply knowing that in America, more blacks and hispanics live in poverty/poor conditions than any other group. It is expensive to eat healthy – cheap to eat like shit. The shit food – packaged, processed, sugary, carb-laden food is what helps a body pack on those pounds. So while you’re busy being captain save-a-roll, maybe you should foot the bill for their meals. It is, btw, patently ridiculous this was published as a serious article. – then again, if this is the kind of Hard Hitting Journalism you people are capable of, it explains why I’ve. Never heard of your site and won’t visit again.
I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Particularly the latter part of your comment.
How would someone know by just looking at them if they have health problem and take medication that MAKES THEM GAIN WEIGHT by just looking at them. There are a myriad of reasons why a person is larger, like heredity for instance. I’m tired of the put downs nationally of Black women. No here we have a young one that obviously thinks she knows it all to join in. Sista wake up young one and LEARN
It’s not always FOOD to have someone gain weight! So this silly fat fat and skinny fat is ridiculous, worse than Caucasian media and men and women them selves with low self esteem. Grow up, learn before you join in the ignorance, maybe one day you will be able to articulate an opinion worthy, as of now, it’s just plain ignorance
The blog is killer and the comments are nails across a board. Truth? Is it POTENTIALLY unhealthy to be overweight? Yes. Is every person who is considered overweight unhealthy? No. I’m the biggest woman in my family….and the healthiest. I am the only one NOT suffering from Asthma, Pre/Diabetes, Hypertension or heart issues. My propensity to eat smaller portions, less meat/more vegetables, drink water and fry once in a blue moon has helped keep me ahead of the tide. I am currently in progress of slimming down, but I will not apologize for being happy with ME as I am so that someone can wave their judgment around on the Internet.
All of the overuse of the term “fat” and “hippo” is pure disrespect to another human. If you’re naturally small…then really, why are you here? You’re simply perpetuating the “school yard” shit that has helped build complexes in women who are now bigger than they’ve ever wanted to be. Unless you’re a dietitian and licensed to say what’s healthy…you may want to quit talking. Every person is different. One woman was prescribed a certain thing in her diet because of her lack of protein…that is what she should adhere to. She COULD go to the whites of the egg…but, that’s a choice she has to make for herself along with her doctor in order to see the results in her BLOOD that he/she may be looking for. YOUR diet…isn’t and shouldn’t be everyone else’s diet.
You want to know what the FIRST step is? Embracing each other without the stereotypes, name-calling, and snobbish disregarding of others’ physicality. Learn some basic etiquette of positive dialogue and then holla back.
@MizzMekaMonroe http://bit.ly/dgYWfG she is asking why are black women so big. And saying we shouldn’t glorify being fat but lose weight.
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
My Sis @JeTaraS put me onto this foolishness… http://bit.ly/dgYWfG …this bish said “Why Are Black Women So Big Anyways?” #IMTOOTHRU
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Man, i cant believe its folks still commentin on this joint!!….i’ve been gone a couple of hours and this discussion is up to 250 plus!?….any takers that it hits 300..lol…
Omg @ the comments on this article on @thefreshxpress about Black women being over weight. I’m speechless. http://tinyurl.com/2boavbb
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Young stupid and BULLIES… you all deserve what’s coming KARMA…. and NO I’M NOT a ‘BIG GIRL’ but I DO see a bunch of ignorant people that are buying into European standards of beauty. You all should be ashamed of yourselves, there is nothing funny or interesting or helpful for the community. Pure ignorance
First off, I’d like to say that this site is better than this article.
But in the interests of “educating” young minds on this topic, allow me to make two quick points:
1) It is expensive to be poor – The access to healthy food has long existed as a problem in urban and rural areas throughout the country. As a result, poor people pay more for unhealthy foods than their non-minority counterparts. I’m pretty sure this plays heavily into this; and no, it’s not as simple as hiring a “trainer” or a black cutting back on getting her hair done. I’m sorry, I see those solutions as rather myopic.
READ HERE:The High Cost of Poverty
2) Eating disorders – Of course this has nothing to do with “being fat,” or the subject of this post, but I think it’s applicable. Recent studies have shown that a significant number of young black women fight with eating disorders (bulimia etc.) than young white women. What does that have to do with anything? Well, it is attitudes expressed in this post, coupled with the ongoing non-acceptance of “BLACK BEAUTY” that in my opinion plays a part in this new trend.
I agree this site is way better than this post. Way better.
I def always expect the best and better written on here.
BMI ,shoulder to hip ratio, forget all of that. Black women are fat because low self esteem men will still roll around with them. If 25 lbs overweight meant a lifetime of loneliness every Korean nail shop would be tumbleweed empty come Saturday morning and Bally’s parking lot would look like Magic City. Speaking of which why are strippers fat?
In ways I don’t want to respond but then again I feel the need to. Now I would love to go in on the author and call her all types of names just as she called fat people hippos but I won’t do that. Because Jesus won’t like it. And because that would go against everything I stand for to UPLIFT black women.
This was my problem with the article. The entire time I read it I felt attacked. I felt as if true2me wanted to make sure I knew that SHE was disguisted by how I look. I felt that she could care less if I really lost weight but that she enjoyed poking fun of me because of my current weight. I took her rant as a person on the outside looking in. I prefer people who have been in this skin and got out than people who’ve never experienced it. It’s not the same. Like some of the above commenters said there are some who are trying. There are some who aren’t and could care less if they ever lost weight. There are Asians, Whites, Mexicans and Indians who are fat yet we are being isolated and picked on. I guess it’s pick on Black Women Year because lately we have been under attack in more ways than one.
You commented about women “glorifying” their weight. Let me explain something to you real fast. I haven’t met any plus size woman who glorifies their size. Yes, I am sure some do but I haven’t met them and I am sure you haven’t either. Now I have learned to love me where I am at, so therefore I can get it off successfully. It takes a while to get to that point. Until plus women love themselves in the skin they are in they will never get it off. And reading post like this will keep some of them in their skin because they will go back into depression about their weight.
I know many people came down hard on Mo’Nique for her praise towards big women but what you and many fail to see, Mo’Nique helped women to feel more comfortable in their skin. She let them know that they were already beautiful regardless of what society told them. She also was telling them about exercise and her recent weight loss (which is amazing) has also helped some to realize that even though they love that weight, they can get healthy if they choose to. Because it’s their choice not yours. I watched that show she had a few times and those girls worked out the few episoded I saw so I know she was telling them about being healthy.
Another thing I think you don’t understand is the internet is open to everyone, EVERYONE. Whether it’s a 40 year old woman or a 13 year old girl. Your words were hurtful and could have been better worded. Regardless of what you think there are some women who still get hurt when called fat. There are some women who have heard that their entire life and struggle to get it off because of the hurt they feel from that one word. The entire time I read I kept wondering how many plus women read this and fell into a deeper depression about their weight because of YOU? How many teenage girls went and purged because YOU said they aren’t beautiful as a size 16? I wondered what dumb man went to his plus wife and had her read this article for MOTIVATION because YOU feel a size 0-4 is healthy? I wonder how many young girls will consider not eating today because you gave no healthy solutions for them. OH but you are trying to help. OH YEAH I missed the memo.
You don’t always know how it feels to be in their skin. You don’t know that some plus women are trying because you are seeing them in their NOW state. How you know that those plus women at the wedding hadn’t already begun losing weight? You don’t because I am sure you didn’t go ask nan one. (You ain’t stupid I am sure.) How you know that a plus woman didn’t workout that day or maybe her lifestyle is healthy?
If you want to help, start a walking group in your community. Go to your neighborhood Boys and Girls Club and ask the administrator if you can set something up to get the kids active. DO SOMETHING! Go to your church or place of worship and set up a fitness day once a month to get the congregation working out. But don’t sit behind your keyboard and thug. You have a site, why not give out healthy tips once a week for the people who do read it. Or give out exercise tutorials via youtube for people because I am sure someone will take it.
Oh yeah and I am a very curious person I took a look at your profile pic on twitter. LOL girl you are real funny to attack big women. You sitting up with your tits everywhere which leads me to think you have low self esteem. (Hey just like you I am just trying to help you get some self esteem.) You don’t have to be nakey for followers. *shrugs* but I am sure you will say you don’t and you will make excuses for why you posted a nakey pic up and that you aren’t just trying to be the next twitter model.
Good Night.
this was a thoughtful comment. one of my e-friends has a wonderful site about her healthy eating & weight loss efforts. I don’t give advice because I have not been there nor am I a professional–but I read this site on the regular because I am trying to improve my eating habits and exercise even as a slender person. When you get a chance search for A Black Girls Guide to Weight Loss. very informative site that makes it plain, from someone currently losing.
Thank you! I use sparkpeople.com but I like that someone is trying to help and not poke fun.
As the smoke clears and the dust settles one mere mortal stands and marvels at the carnage left behind in this post.
Yesterday He was a decent man living a decent life. Now He is a brutal savage who must slaughter to stay alive.
The last commenter went in on me. Love it lol RT @thefreshxpress Why ARE Black Women So Big? — theFreshXpress.com. http://bit.ly/aZNLbo
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I’m giving credit to @Reecie for this because she commented that this other blog covered this topic … so I went to check it out and lo and behold the EXACT point that @true2me was trying to get at was discussed here: http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/beauty/cause-your-good-hair-is-more-important-than-your-health/
Now … @true2me there’s an example of questioning a problem, provoking people to discuss it without deliberately being exploitative and derogatory.
The causation of obesity is perplex and unique to each individual. Laziness or perms are superficial culprits, but I think it goes deeper than that. If we choose a hair style, over a quality of life, hell, that’s mental!
I’m a black woman who has lost over 100lbs as, I realized the path I was heading down – was detrimental, to say the least. I even went natural, to satisfy the vitality of my hair and workouts, lol. Therefore, I am always up for dialogue of how we as a community can adapt better lifestyles (weight is simply the product). But, upon reading this piece and then seeing some of the responses you supplied to the commenters that followed, I’m unclear of your intentions. The tone seems quite incendiary. People do not necessarily pull inspiration from a tear down. Yes, we as a culture are unhealthy – big and small, male and female. Yet, resolve comes by way of education, facilitation of resources and positive support. “Fat” people know they are fat. “You’re fat” rhetoric, can actually cause more harm, than naught.
The author’s intentions are clear. This was a taunt at all the black “hippos”. Hidden under the guise of a concerned person. People like you and others who have something actually beneficial to balm this epidemic are what we need.
@AbsThePoet it’s at http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/why-are-black-women-so-big/
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I wanted to bring something to this, but I see the writer of this post, reverted to the 3rd grade by calling other black women an animal. *Shrug* So I’ll just chime in a shouts and congrats to Paula aka Madame and Ericka @ BGGTWL sparking considerate convos and giving us grand examples of how to get healthier and UPLIFT eachother in the process!
I just read this post titled “Why ARE Black Women So Big?” right? You can find it here:http://is.gd/cOhxj
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@tydigga1 oh no…now we’re tackling important shit like, “Why Are Black Women So Big?” http://bit.ly/dgYWfG
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For those wondering, I am ranting about this heaping helpin’ of stupid: http://is.gd/cOhxj
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@NIAnaturally Oh, mama: http://is.gd/cOhxj
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@true2me1 wow your article is causing quite a stir my dear… http://bit.ly/cfPxIG
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Yeah, sheesh lol RT @Tyishia_: @true2me1 wow your article is causing quite a stir my dear… http://bit.ly/cfPxIG
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Woooowwww! Thanks for your contribution to “Attack the Black Woman” Year. I hope it blows up in your face.
@eequeens @ButtaBaby this. yet another controversial article full of faux concern for black women. same ole shit http://bit.ly/dgYWfG
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My opinion about this http://bit.ly/cfPxIG I may not agree with how @true2me1stated some of her facts but her opinion holds some merit.
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@cheymarlymom Here ya go. Be cautioned! http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/why-are-black-women-so-big/
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MadameTheJourneyBlog.com | MY REPLY to Why Are Black Women So Big? http://bit.ly/cYYPIn ( original post: http://bit.ly/cfPxIG )
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damn, and i was just joking about the 300 comments…
I’m not exactly sure what the intent of this post was supposed to do.. let alone be. Calling attention to health issues among black women is one thing, but to post something that is so opinionate with no concrete facts to back it up on a (I guess) journalistic (I write this loosely) medium.. actually makes me cringe. This post was negatively charged (I’m not sure if it was meant to show your comedic side) as well as some of the comments that follow (-ed, -s) – not just from you (to clarify). It’s one thing to pepper a post with snark to perhaps give the writing a bit more fluid – as the [local] publication I write for can do this and yes it can ruffle a few feathers – but to have total disregard for journalistic integrity really unnerves me. I can see if this were a post for a personal blog where it’s nothing but YOU; your thoughts, your words. But this space isn’t all about you per se.
Ok so you meant to be this blunt and ruthless with no apologies, but at what gain? What was the goal? What is the newsworthiness of your thought? Yes, we know there are an abundance of health issues among black women (depression, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) and sometimes it does contribute to our weight gain.. but we know this. It’s pushed in our face everyday and to see another attack to us via your post this is just another dagger to the arteries; where one of our own is telling us off and probably labeling it as [faux] “tough love.”
Have you ever been that girl that’s the size 16.. or even size 24? Probably not cause you wouldn’t have written this. The statements about us embracing our fat (sorta speak) is more about self acceptance and self love, because for years even to present times; westernize standards have told us we had to look a certain way to acceptable.. and perhaps to even be loved. So when we embrace our curves and rolls (all of our “flaws”) we are accepting who we are and loving ourselves from within. It’s hard being a big girl… hard enough that we have to battle and cope with fluff pieces like this telling us what we should and should not do.
While I don’t like your thoughts, I do respect you and this space you wrote them in. I will say this… until you are THAT girl/ woman or have become a legitimate writer/journalist you shouldn’t write such negatively charged and opinionated pieces unless you have some solid evidence ( i.e. stats on what the avg. black woman weighs, etc.) to back up your points. Otherwise…. this is just a fail…. at least from my journalistic/writer’s eyes.
I feel that I shouldn’t have to experience something to have an opinion on it. There are plenty of things the contributers to this site have not experienced personally yet write about. Besides, what could be better than someone from the outside looking in? Someone who is looking at you and expressing their non-experienced thoughts? Perhaps if ppl had an outside opinion, they would change their minds and try to improve things.
I’m not ignorant to weight gain. I didn’t intend for this article to get personal so there is no real need for me to talk about my personal issues. The fact still remains, even after all the smoke has cleared that it is NOT OKAY to be overweight and unhealthy. And that the Black woman’s community has a very serious problem with obesity, diet and nutrition. PERIOD.
You know, the fact that you used a picture of a man in a black woman fat suit as some caricature and lame attempt at sensationalism immediately invalidated any point you thought you were making. The next time you decide to fat shame and concern troll, actually find a picture of a fat black woman to make your point.
Oh, that’s right you really didn’t have one to begin with so you used lazy writing to get people’s attention to a shoddily written “article” and then began the bashing. Next time, try some actual writing instead of trotting out the same old tropes used to shame women into being, or damn near killing themselves trying to become the “ideal”.
I love that she changed the photo from Eddie Murphy to Jill Scott after this comment… Hey OP– classy bloggers use photo credits. Why don’t you post some.
that would be too much like right.
I posted this on Twitter earlier:
“No disrespect was intended… it was one writer’s opinion and attempt to start a conversation on a subject that does warrant attention. We’re a community built upon a foundation of open dialogue and debate. The thoughts expressed represent thought in the community. While we dont take a stance on too many topics as a website, our writers do. Through the dialogue sparked, we hope to promote understanding. So no disrespect was intended, and hopefully the resulting conversation was productive and people grow from the discourse. We’re not into too much censorship. You can censor the message, but that doesn’t stop people from thinking the way they do. We’d rather tackle the topic head on, and see what comes from it.”
That being said the author had an opinion she wanted to share with her community, and get your thoughts on it as well. While her opinion was not well received, she articulated her view and why she felt that way. Was it “well-written and thought out”, etc.? That is for you to decide (as many of you already have). What is “well-written”? An article written at a level where only graduate school educated folks can read? Or an article written where everyone can understand her message, read through it, and provide feedback? Point being its all relative.
The bottom line is that our thoughts in the black community are diverse, as are our approaches to expressing those thoughts. You may not like the author’s approach to tackling this subject, nor her words used, nor her message. But that doesn’t stop her from feeling the way she does, and clearly there are many others who feel the way that she does. To NOT post this article, which was not blatantly offensive on the surface, would be to censor true thoughts and feelings in our community. But to post it… thats tackling the issue head on, bringing the debate to your face, in all its uncomfortable glory, and allowing you to “school” the author (and commenters) on your perspective, and hopefully everyone can grow from the entire process. If nothing else, you at least understand how other people feel. Because the reality is that clearly some people do feel this way.
To say we’re “better than this post” is appreciated, and duly noted as we continue to grow as a publication. At the same time, it alludes to us being “better” than the author’s opinion, and thats just not the case. For all we know, her opinion could be the majority in her community, amongst her friends, or even in our community as a whole. The fact remains that only an elite few actually speak out and voice how they feel. So the 100+ commenters on this blog who disagreed with it… for all we know there were 500 people who agreed. And maybe 300 of them had their opinions changed by the resulting conversation. Or maybe they didn’t. We don’t know. But what we do know is that while this post may have been very uncomfortable it forced us to address issues that wouldn’t have been previously addressed and discussed on this level, whether it be the problem of obesity in the black community, the lack of empathy we hold on issues affecting each other, or just the general attitudes we bring to each other.
Avoid it if you want to. But the author and people who feel like the author aren’t going anywhere unless we confront these beliefs and discuss them head on. Or, you can refrain from it. Either way, if we’re not an open forum and community (both as an online community and black community in general) we’re not doing each other any favors.
…and for a little balance:
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/05/fat-the-insult-du-jour/
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/05/michelle-os-obesity-battle-sound-policy-or-too-much-gubbment/
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/05/sexy-beyond-size-two/
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/02/the-food-that-is-killing-us/
http://thefreshxpress.com/2009/06/say-it-loud-i%E2%80%99m-fat-and-i%E2%80%99m-proud/
You know, if the article had been written higher than a 5th grade reading level, and if the author had not used a caricature of “the fat black woman” by using a picture of Eddie Murphy in a fat suit, I could have possibly taken her article seriously. If the author had not responded to comments in such a base and ghetto way, insulting women, calling them hippos etc then perhaps her article could have been taken seriously.
Any author postulating that ALL FAT BLACK WOMEN ARE THAT WAY BECAUSE THEY OVEREAT apparently failed to pay attention in the community, to the fact that many folks are obese because good food costs money and often in our communities we can access the liquor store, Walgreens and fast food before we can access grocery stores, and are able to learn healthy eating habits.
There are many factors as to why women are obese. It’s lazy writing to point fingers, shame women and drop every single fat black woman into the bucket of you’re a lazy cow that over eats. This publication does not service the community by promoting articles like this that read more like a slam letter because the author had a bad day, is mad at someone or they just didn’t feel like doing the research required to cover this topic.
It pains me to see anyone get paid to write such drivel, and for the publication to instead of copping to its mistake, defend the authors lackadaisical writing and tell people that this issue won’t go away. Trust me, as one of the women the author oh so eloquently calls a “hippo”, I know I’m fat and I also know what I can do to change that, and it’s not as simple as putting down the chicken leg and going for a walk. That sounds like the privileged knucklehead I had the misfortune of taking a class with last year who kept spouting such idiocy, but they were barely 20 and hadn’t really been out in the world so I could forgive them more easily than I could forgive the author of this “article”.
In closing, I think its pretty telling that the author changed the photo associated with this “article” but does not even acknowledge that she’s done so. Good luck to this publication, as it seems you’re going to need it with such quality authors on your staff.
The bottom line is that our thoughts in the black community are diverse, as are our approaches to expressing those thoughts.
*cosign*….everyone has a way of getting across there own viewpoints and opinions and should not be made to feel the fool for it…hell, point and case is by all the millions of blogs that are on the web presently….we all have our opinion about multiple topics, and whether good or not, how we feel about something is how we feel…
Let me start by saying I don’t agree with all the sentiments in this article, but I must admit, it has some validity.
I can’t speak for why every black woman is big…but I know where my own shortcomings lie, and since I’ve already admitted them to myself, I have no problem admitting them here.
I’m not going to put my weight on blast, cuz that’s nobody’s business but mine, but I am far too large for my 5’4 frame, and I’m aware of that. I’ve gone from a size 16 to a size 10 to a size 18 in a very short number of years. I used to work a job where I was on my feet 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, outside in 80-90 degree weather. I literally melted away working that job, which is how I got to be a size 10. The second I started working a traditional sit-down job, I eventually gained the weight back. The largest portion of that was because I wasn’t exercising. My poor diet also contributed to my weight gain. I have the misfortune of working a high-stress job where eating on the run is the easy way out. For a long time, I took that easy way, and I have paid for it. I’m blessed to not have diabetes or high-blood pressure, which is definitely out of the norm for someone of my weight.
When I finally stopped using my job as an excuse to eat fast-food and unhealthy snacks, I felt better. My skin cleared up, and my hair and nails became more healthy. I eat very healthily now, I very rarely eat processed or fried foods, and I watch my portions. What I do not do enough of is drink water, or exercise regularly. Water has always been a constant struggle for me, because I just don’t like it. When I lived in Florida, I drank nearly a gallon a day, because I was sweating so much with the heat. Now that I work indoor in air conditioned, I very rarely want it, so I have to make a very conscious effort to drink it in the recommended portions. I’ve found that a squirt of lemon or lime juice helps, so I try to keep some with me. I also drink flavored water, though I try to limit myself to one flavored water a day. I have started walking to the store again….I find it sad how little I walked anywhere since I have a car now, even though when I was in college I used to walk 10 blocks to Krogers and then back with a month worth of groceries. I also have been playing frisbee with my fiance. I haven’t worked up to everyday yet, but I will.
I guess the bottom line is that there will always be a million excuses not to do what you’re supposed to do. It’s too hot, it’s raining, I don’t want to get my hair wet, I’m too tired, I have other things I need to do…. My health is the most important thing to me now. I can’t do anything else if I’m not in good health myself. It just sucks that I had to learn that the hard way.
I’m a firm believer that low income and obesity go hand in hand. Although there are fat middle and upper class people. My point is this, as a child my mother had me young. She was on welfare, and recieved food stamps. Now I know for a fact that my mother had no clue what she was doing. Even as a child my body reacted to bad to the food dyes, and chemicals in processed foods. I was a fat child as well, it carried over until my adult years. It wasn’t until i was 22 with High Blood Pressure in the stroke range that made me wake up and say that, this isn’t right. So i started finding ways to eat better, I started reading labels, and cut out a lot.
Sometimes i think bigger folks are just lazy. They say they don’t know what to do, but they will google everything else but how to eat right. Spend hours on blogs and gossip sites, but can’t take a nice walk around the block. I’m a 16 now, in high school I was a 20. Like i said on your Blog Pat, I look around and I see Black Woman struggling. I can’t tell you how many big woman I have seen limping, walking with a cane, or in a motorized scooter because of their weight.
It gets to be an issue when your heart is pumping so hard to get blood to such a large body. Your heart is about the size of your fist. When you’re bigger your heart can get fat around it making it harder to beat, I mean there are a host of health issues that comes with having fat on your upper body. People don’t take it seriously because at the time it’s not hurting them. It’s not visable. I think that we all know there are fat people of different colors and cultures, but we are here talking about our people. So lets stop making excuses for this, and get it together, because eventually we are passing this mess down to our children, and wondering why so many of us die so young of health related issues. Wake up people….this processed junk isn’t good for us, chemicals in our food, titanic amounts of salt to preserve our food because it’s not fresh. Then we use the excuse of healthy food being too exspensive.
THATS A LIE! If you google anything, google “Clean Eating” its cheap, and process and preservative. You can use frozen vegetables that cost like 75 cents a pack and there are easy and complex meals that you can cook for you and your family. At the end of the day you’re lying to yourself if you think there is a such thing as a healthy size 18 or 20. If your doctor said you’re healthy then you need to get a new doctor and report him to the board.
Ladies it’s okay to admit that you’re not healthy. I can honestly admit that if i’m fat i’m fat, and it’s only up to me to change that situation. It sucks to have somebody else say it but this is becoming an epidemic. Lets stop looking for every excuse to say why her blog entry isn’t valid yes we know that black woman aren’t the only big woman out there and yes we know this and that…but stick to the main idea of this story and know that there is some truth in it.
Beautiful response hun (much MUCH less “harsh” than mine lol..but hey we all write different)
It also pains me to see our women on canes and wheelchairs soley due to weight. Having heart problems, chest pains, back and joint pains. Diabetes..we need to stop living in denial.
My mother is on a cane, and it’s not due solely to weight. She has debilitating arthritis, and cannot get around without the cane. Get your facts straight before you keep lumping everyone into the same pot.
I can tell that the author of this post has never been significantly overweight and therefore doesn’t understand the issue about which she speaks. But I expect this from most people who are ignorant about the difficulties of weight loss. I lost 100lbs and I’ve kept if off, but it took me a long time to get to the point of wanting to lose weight and actually making the changes I needed to make. What helped me reach my goal was not taking advice from someone who had never been overweight longer than 5 minutes. If weight loss were just about nutrition and exercise every fat person would be the size they want to be. You have to get to the heart of what’s eating you and if there’s a lot of layers underneath that need to be unhearted, it may take some time.
Fat black women are not flaunting their size or forcing other people to accept it, but rather electing to enjoy life in the body they have now, and that is a healthy choice. And we need to stop all of this ridiculous talk about how fat people are drains on the healthcare system and focus on the real problem which is health being treated as a commodity in this country and not a right, as it should be.
Furthermore, it’s ignorant comments like “hippo” and others that cause tension between black women and women in general, as we are our harshest critics because the vulnerability we see in others represents the vulnerability we do not want expose in ourselves.
Weight loss is not easy big girls, but you can do it!
I really enjoyed reading this post. I actually ran across a discussion about it on another blog. We have similar views on the issue (www.skinnypeopledo.com). I hope this makes people think about what we are doing to ourselves. (generations of overweight women)
Yes, it was candid and could have been done with a little compassion but the information needed to be put out there.
Is whoever wrote this hot mess at all familiar with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and laxative addiction? I wonder how many of the non Black women she’s so busy admiring for being “slim and trim” have 1 or more of these conditions. She’d be a little less excited, I think, if she ever had to see the inside of someone’s mouth whose teeth are rotten from their own stomach acid. Sounds ugly? It happens every day.
why does it have to be one extreme to the next. I’m asking Black women to be health conscious..not STARVE THEMSELVES or PUKE UP FOOD…WTH you get that from..SHEESH.
Where did I get that from? Is that it happens all the time. Anorexia, bulimia, etc are steadily growing in young Black women. If you feel compelled to talk about these issues in such a public forum, you clearly need to educate yourself first. Google is your friend, sweetie.
I think she met WTH did you get that she inferred that women should starve themselves or puke up food…just trying to help..(ducks under desk)
* “meant WTH”…its getting late..
LMAO @ the new picture. omg
@_peech One writer, one opinion. We’re an open forum. And we’ve published many other perspectives on the same topic. http://bit.ly/cLmW0N
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
*dead at the new picture*
Um, this post and the accompanying comments from the author contradict themselves so thoroughly – “I’m just trying to show my concern.” quickly turns into “Ok, screw being nice – y’all look like hippos.” – that I can’t even offer it any validity.
I will say this – being 98lbs at 4’11″ does not qualify you, even remotely, to give someone else advice (unfounded, inaccurate and OBVIOUSLY poorly researched advice, at that) on how to LOSE weight. That is apples and oranges.
And for crying out loud, the number of women in these comments rattling off their measurements or offering up personal explanations? STOP. A poorly written blog post that sparks a conversation about the prevalence of obesity in Black women… is NOT a call for y’all to start spitting your info in hopes that someone might validate your fear that you are or are not included! In other words, that ain’t your call to start talking about your size and why you are or are NOT ANYTHING! Save those conversations for people you know love and care about you… not someone who sparks a convo about health only to resort to calling you a HIPPO in the end. #NAWL
Erika that’s the problem now. Overweight women discount thin women’s opinion because they are thin. Whether that person is thin because of diet and excersice or naturally doesn’t mean they don’t have a say in the matter. That doesn’t make any sense. If anything wouldn’t you want to listen to the woman that isn’t obese/overweight…DUH!!!
LMAO You’re joking, right?
You MUST be joking.
“Whether that person is thin because of diet and excersice or naturally doesn’t mean they don’t have a say in the matter. ”
Seriously?
Nah, those are jokes. Has to be. LOL
THESE 3 black women brought amazing responses to this! As for THIS “article”, despite the 2008 and late damage-control attempt, is for the birds.
http://www.madamethejourneyblog.com/2010/06/my-reply-why-are-black-women-so-big.html
http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/the-op-eds/the-fat-o-phobes-are-showing-their-behinds-again/
http://idolikemyjunkinthetrunk.blogspot.com/2010/06/being-black-and-healthy.html
LMAO….all these blogs commenting on this. SW making a formal statement. is all too much. LOL. who freaking cares man? everyone knows people make fun of fat people. if your not fat, everyone has a mom or auntie or cousin or friend who is fat. people are fat for one of two reasons, or both of these reasons: their metabolism or they eat too much for their activity level. i guess black women have more issues with the two causes of obesity, for whatever reason. the author speculated on some of those reasons and she did ok. she used some un PC commentary and dug a little hole in the comments section, but damn…people are acting like Obama was talking about fat people. its just a regular person who wouldnt have near the audience she has without all of the hype the people who are upset are giving her….crazy
eat too much or wrong things…i know some of yall are touchy
Less about making a “formal statement”. More about bringing perspective to the debate. There is no “right” opinion in this situation, only honest opinions. People need to be more open to accepting (albeit not necessarily having to agree with) those opinions. And people need to be more empathetic with how things are received towards other people. Or maybe they don’t “need” to do anything at all, hell, what do I know.
i guess im with the dont need to do anything at all bunch as regards this article. more black women are obese than any other group. you can question the studies and refute the article on that basis. or you can accept the studies and question the writers positions as to why its a problem. but unfortunately i feel like people went right after all the straw men. that isnt really constructive. calling it like i see it, seems like the people who were against this article are the biggest culprit for it turning into a shitstorm of nonproductivity. sure she said some questionable things but address that in a side note. dont make it the premise of your argument. though i did my share of instigating as per usual, this article was disheartening for one that likes to engage in somewhat reasoned debate.
not article…thread and responses.
Yall still would have reacted the same had I not used the word hippo or mentioned your rolls. Please stop the denial.
having a “big ass” does not excuse you for being overweight. If you lose some weight to better your health, you should still have a nice ass.
That’s real sexy. For those of ya’ll who don’t know what I’m talking about – read up: http://bit.ly/cfPxIG Via @TheFreshXpress
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
@lexxaye No, he took the pic of Rasputia off and replaced it with… just click the link. http://bit.ly/cfPxIG omg just ugh.
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
@SirenaSoundz sis… go read it. http://bit.ly/cfPxIG seriously it’s… beyond ridic.
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
If you are looking for some help with weight loss. Spark People (www.sparkpeople.com) has some great tips to help you. I personally use it and it helps a lot because I am sure a few of you may be looking for suggestions. You go in and put in your weight and they start you with stages. If you don’t exercise and are just starting out, they do have exercise videos that aren’t long. Check it out if you get a chance. Really cool site. Even if you are a 2-8 I am sure you can stand to be healthier.
I need this concern trolling broad to learn how to write, I’ll show her a sz 16 hippo. Why ARE Black Women So Big? http://bit.ly/aZNLbo
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
I thank everyone who aided in assisting in weight loss and other thoughtful responses.
My remaining question is to The author of this um article? and the ones that actually published it and stand by it. Who taught you to hate yourself? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRSgUTWffMQ.
I pray for those that do not see the harm in poking fun, I am ashamed to say we are the same race and gender.
My the journey to hell be pleasant.
Oh wow. Now as upset as I was about true2me and the fresh for posting this. I would never wish hell on them. That is so unfair. WOW I am shocked it’s escalating to this. I just think the fresh will have to better pick their articles but those words were harsh.
*getting out my root box to use on @thewayoftheid for bringing this fuckery to my evening* http://tiny.cc/z9yvo
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
This has actually encouraged me to continue to work out. I had a baby 6 months ago and had gained close to 40lbs but this was added to the weight I had gained while in college. All the chics I studied with or ate lunch with wanted to go to buffets and eat out all the time. So I was like 30lbs over my ideal weight before I became pregnant. I bought workout equipment for the home and barely use it!! One day I caught a glimpse of myself in the danggone mirror and did not approve of what I saw! To go from being a 5’9 toned 145lb person who went to the gym 5 to 7 days a week to what I am now….nuff said. I was used to going shopping and not having to try anything on because I knew it would look good on me. My on again off again routine is not producing the desired results. It takes discipline and consistency with exercise to lose weight along with a change in your diet habits. More healthier foods and plenty of H2O. When a person has been in shape before they may long for that again and are easier to work towards it versus someone who may have been overweight their entire life. But I do encourage our women to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I’ve taken care of people of our race with diseases and difficulties secondary to obesity and unhealthy habits. So lets encourage and build up one another not tear down each other. This article consists of views from men and petite and overweight women and is interesting. It honestly encouraged me to be consistent with what I am doing and to get back in shape if for nothing else…my health! ( Oh and to be the ish when I visit the ATL later this year lol)
I’m just gonna leave these here:
http://www.fatnutritionist.com/index.php/are-fat-people-unhealthy/
http://www.fatnutritionist.com/index.php/are-fat-people-unhealthy-part-2/
http://www.fatnutritionist.com/index.php/food-isnt-poison/
http://www.fatnutritionist.com/index.php/the-rules-of-nutrition/
http://www.fatnutritionist.com/index.php/all-women-are-real/
why does that picture keep changing?
Yay! I love this.
This comment was originally posted on Alas, a blog
Not really sure how to feel about this article or where to start but I will try:
As an overweight black woman, I feel that this article can be interpreted in different ways. The defensive part of me want to ask what’s the largest size that you’ve ever been” but being a social work major doesn’t allow me to stoop to that level. Instead, I will ask, why exactly do you think that being “fat” is such a stigma and offends people when you do not have to wear it. Sure, obesity is a growing problem, especially in the U.S. and yes, if we don’t give a damn, then who will but being a cynic or a prude does not solve the problem for some people.
I think this approach is very rough for people who don’t have a thick skin. I’ve looked at my size two pictures and I can see the unhappiness written all over my face. Sure, I ran, went to the gym regularly but ate all of the wrong things. I see the hope in this article only because of one sentence referring to “unhealthy size 16″. I am glad that this was indicated, whether intentionally or an overlook.
I believe that you are very aware of the growing epidemic but I do not think that you inspire people who suffer from depression because of people like yourself who like to make fun of the “big girl” sitting around with a bunch of skinny women in the room. Where’s your contrast in this article? How about uplifting and encouraging us fat people to eat the proper food? How about not stereotyping and placing many of us into a box, assuming we’re all getting our nails done, shelling out money for our $200.00 weaves and enjoying the gluttony like it will not be here tomorrow.
My personal experience was traumatic for me. I miscarried TWICE trying to have a child, went down a rabbit hole so deep that light was lost at a point, eventually had a successful pregnancy but was confined to bed rest since my seventh week and damn near lost my mind when postpartum depression kicked in. When I tried losing the weight, I found out that I had an umbilical hernia which resulted in another set of MONTHS that I couldn’t work out. I avoided fast foods, endured the name calling from people who once upon a time thought I was cute and tiny size two and frankly, I wear my hair naturally and do it myself. I was laid off from a 50K job last year and never was able to bounce back to that income even with a husband that works everyday and provides for our household; in my neighborhood…BED STUY…until the white people moved in, we didn’t have too many “organic sections” in our supermarket and now, we suffer from the high prices that are shoved down our throats. It’s almost like a chain of f*** ups and if I didn’t remain positive, I’d avoid shelling out money that I can’t afford to a personal trainer.
What advice do you have for ME? I go to the gym, have a nutritionist, doing everything right… Even when I get down to my healthy size 8, I couldn’t do what you have done with this article. You are helping to bring down a community, not uplifting. Yes, I understand there are a bunch of “fat” girls screaming, “I’m not meant to be a size 2″ yadda, yadda, yadda but you help us stay fat. Laughing at our insecurities keep us guarded, my dear. Only a few will see hope in this article; perhaps, you are satisfied with your satirical approach and content with giving others something to laugh at while a majority shakes their head.
Research or at least live in these shoes before you tear us down. These shoes are worn, indented and may not fit you comfortably but who says that I don’t enjoy them. If you visited this weight class before, shame on you.
To an angry, black girl! Wow, young girl. You seem to be so very angry about something or someone to spew such hateful and derogatory things. There is a way to go about conveying your point; it’s called tact and decorum. You know, you get more with honey than vinegar. I am glad that you are thin and healthy. That is a great thing! I, on the other hand, am 5 “7″ and 210 pounds. I exercise at least three times a week, at a west African dance class, against my doctors wishes, as I have 4 herniated discs in my neck c4, c5, c6 and c7). But I’ve always been a dancer and dancing is the one thing that moves me and the one thing I enjoy. We dance for 2 hours, and the most fit sweat, like a cold glass of water on a hot day! And as far as sweating goes, I L-O-V-E to sweat. I wear my own natural hair, and the wetter my hair, the prettier it is! Plus sweating just makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my body (burning calories and purging toxins). I don’t eat pork, red meat, or chicken. I eat Seitan, fish and veggies only (However, since I don’t know where most of my fish comes from, I’m not sure we will be buying fish much longer either. I’m not a sweet eater, a bread eater or a fan of desert foods. There is no junk food in my house other than pecans and cheerios (my idea of junk food). The smoothies I drink consist of: green apples, pineapple, blue/green algae, wheat grass, garlic, mango, bananas, kiwi, open cell chlorella, spinach, broccoli, barley grass, green tea, echinacea, lemon bioflavinoids , jerusalem artichoke, dragon fruit, tamarind puree, lime juice and nova scotia dulce. But yet from the 60 mg of predinisone I’ve been on for over a year for my injury I have gained weight from the steriod. Regardless of how I gained it it I am still, now morbidly obese. Once the steroids have been stopped I’m sure I will lose the weight. My point, unless you know my journey to where I am, you really should not judge. You can be equally unhealthy and skinny too. I don’t know if you vomit to keep your figure, and I don’t know if you exercise. However, there are skinny girls in my clalss who cannot reach the bottom of their feet when we stretch. They make it mid calf and that’s it. They barely keep up during class, and often times have to sit down or leave because they can’t keep up Yet we’ve got big girls who can move like rubber bands. Before careful what you say and where you are addressing people you don’t like due to their phyysical status, they may be the ones to save you one day or hate you. Watch what you say and how you say it. Shock value only lasts for a very short time. Be careful how and where you tread!
I’m not sure what the author of this blog was thinking when she sat her (size 6 I’m guessing) butt down to write this. There’s a difference between constructive criticism and being hateful. If the article was truly meant to come across as caring about the health and well being of black women who are overweight (though I don’t know why black women needed to be singled out when Americans period are some of the fattest people in the world), then the author really really missed the mark. Instead, she comes across as another fat hater who masquerades her disgust as concern…just sad.
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/fresh-forward-cutting-the-fat/
http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/reasons-why-we-justify-the-fat-let%e2%80%99s-come-up-with-some-solutions/
there’s this thing called the thrifty gene look it up…may be a reason…it may point to reasons other black people who don’t look overweight are unhealthy….you can disagree think it’s BS but just look it up. “The Thrifty Gene”
Awwwww, poor widdle angry bucketlist. Tell ‘em why you mad, son!!!
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
Bucket oh Bucket I have to be honest with you after the first couple of posts I stopped reading yours in their entirety. You see I have a finely tuned BS meter and your readings are registering extremely high.
First of all Black Women are not a monolith. We don’t all want the same things, act the same way or are all attracted to the same men or men at all quite frankly. Open your eyes, ears and mind and act accordingly and you might have better results with them.
Second you seem to think that you are a ‘nice guy’ or are a ‘good catch’ but clearly from your communications that might not be the case. There are several posts and articles out there about the myth of the nice guy or are you as nice as you think you are. You might want to look them up, I would have linked them but frankly I have already devoted more time to you than I should.
Third, I also detect some bitterness on your part that seems to stem from the fact that since you look ‘good on paper’ or you seemed to have acquired all the ‘right things’ that this whole dating / relationship thing should be easy. Sorry to disappoint you, but finding or creating a satisfying relationship aint easy and anything that is worth it usually never is and the sooner you see the truth in that the better.
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
And I love how dude proclaimed us wannabe mindreaders when HE was the one who started by telling us we were all a bunch of sour grapes, hatin-ass-hatin’ golddiggers simply because we were apparently all Black women.
You and every other money-hungry, social-clout interested black female would jump on the Kobe, or Micheal Jordan, or Tiger band wagons in a hot second. And actually you all were until they married other-than-african-american mates. So please stop spouting this nonsense like you are so deep that money and social status somehow is not an issue, when the first or third sentence in these lists you all keep for a guy is to have money and status.
And for a dude with such an apparently scientific brain, he doesn’t seem to get that if you keep running into the same type of folks the common denominator is always YOU and maybe YOU need to revise your selection process. This mathematician seems to think 2+2 WILL equal 5 if you just badger the equation long enough.
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
You said, “He loves me for me. I love him for him. That’s our big secret. We’re not unique…”
It’s that simple when two people leave their baggage behind, something that one hater on this thread has lots of.
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
Karnythia, thank you for this AWESOME post. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we have to love and nurture ourselves.
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
Loved this. Fuck yeah.
Also – is that Cornel West towards the end of the video for a minute? That’s a fabulous song! Perfectly complements the post!
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
Yeah, I was confused by the whole “I’m a nerd” thing, too, as if I would not love to find me an awesome, nerdy person to date. You’d have to be a nerd to roll with me, anyway, as non-nerds do not understand why I would leave them behind for 6 days to go to Wisconsin and hang out with a bunch of other nerds.
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
Bucket, take Pop Lizbet’s advice and look up the “Nice Guy TM” before you comment here again. Otherwise, you’re just derailing. And I’ll have to slide you into the moderation queue.
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
Is there a particular reason many of you are engaging in a dialogue with a person full of hate for women, let along black women? Its time for black women to stop discussing, discoursing and negotiating with racist minded black men with inferiority complex who have so much hate and disregard for black women. Ignore this person and let’s stick to an environment free of hate. I’ll suggest people follow the advice by the amazing Khadija:
http://sojournerspassport.com/take-your-walking-papers-and-flee/
This comment was originally posted on The Angry Black Woman
This article doesn’t offend me. I’m overweight, not happy about it, but I have decided to do something about it. This is just one person’s opinion so I don’t understand why some people are getting bent out of shape. Who cares what people think? What matters most is what you think about yourself and if you love yourself for who you are no matter how you look or how much you don’t fit into society’s idea of “healthy, what people say or think wouldn’t bother you as much.
It’s nice to get encouragement from people, but what if you don’t have anyone in your corner? Then what? Do you give up on your efforts to be a better you?
To all of you who are overweight and unhealthy and want to or are working on losing the excess weight to get healthier (i.e avoid health issues), you can do it!! Find someone you trust who can support you in your journey. Don’t rely on some stranger’s opinion to define you.
To illbaby. I agree with you so much. I am a black male who lives a healthy lifestyle work out eat right. But still enjoy certain foods I like. I just don’t over do it. I live in Louisiana now. Some of the people down here. When they cook spaghetti for instance. They will use ground beef, pork sausage, and shrimp in the meat sauce. And they don’t see any thing wrong with that. Or they will eat a meal with three sides For instance. Chicken with rice&gravy,mac&cheese and yams. Not one vegetable on the plate. Even though a sweet potato is a veggie. It is still a heavy starch though. And most of the women that cooking these delightful meals are. You guessed it slightly overweight.
Far as the eggs. I suggest for every 2 eggs you eat. Eat one whole egg. If you are scrambling 2 eggs. throw away one of the yolks. If you you are strength training egg yolks promote faster muscle growth. Instead of eliminating the yolks out of your diet completely. And you will throw away tons of money buying that expensive liquid egg whites. With hardly anything in them. This is advice from an ACE certified fitness trainer. Not one of these wanabee dieticians or personal trainers on here giving lame advice. Whoever said don’t eat oatmeal really had me laughing
You don’t eat oatmeal if you suffer from Celiac’s, Mr. ACE-certified.
“Certified” certainly does *not * mean “knows everything”. So may I suggest, instead of *you* giving out what is ill-advised and could possibly be fatal advice, since you don’t know the physiological makeup of the person commenting on the other side of the internet, that you refer them to a qualified nutritionist instead of yapping like you think you know it all.
The reason sisters are so fat cause they are intimidated by the salad fork and you got to many thirsty dudes out here blowing up these sisters heads.Stop with the excuses sisters and get it together.
Obesity is a very serious problem within the black community. Not just black females that are obese, so are black men. Sad thing with alot of the black females are the clothes they think they can wear. You can not be a size 16 and squeeze into a size 8 top. Have enough gut for 12 people and wear a halter top. Nor can your crack be 6 inches above the waist of your pants, jeez. I see more young girls with bellies, saggy breasts than fat arze grannies. Hell, the grannies these days look better than the youth. We really need to address our health issues. It is amazing what some black people turn their noses up at without even tasting it. For ex: goat meat is delicious and more healthier than fried foods and pork. Yet so many of you will say yuck before even trying it. I am always open to try new things. That is what made it so easy for me to be a pescotarian. No red meats, no pork, no chicken, only fish, veggies and fruits, grains. If some of you really want to drop weight fast, cut out all meats/eggs/dairy. If you can’t do that, do what I do, will lose it slower, but you will lose that extra weight. Do what I don’t do, work out or walk couple of blocks,lol. Gonna try and start walking today, being lazy. I will admit, I let my self go and I hate what I see, so I will start working harder. I am now 5in4, about 160, 44yrs old. I want to get down to at least 135, not under that. One thang about it, I don’t look a day over 28, cause mama have it going on,lol. Have a blessed day and hopefully my advice will be helpful.
The reason why women of all races are so overweight in America is actually quite simple, it’s because men accept it. No matter how fat a woman is, some broke dude is going to try to talk to her. If these women were left alone with their 10 cats then I’d wager that they’d find some walking shoes and a sidewalk. However as long as men continue to lower their standards and accept the FUPAs and the muffin tops, then the women will continue to not give a damn.
hi i think generally all most Americans are over weight whether pink black, whilte or blue..but other wise ur on point..pple give excuse for their weight being natural and all..yet if (extreme example) starved them for two weeks they wouldnt weigh the same..i wonder why!!!..former fat person..
People, men and women, and Lord help us, the children, are fat because they eat more food than they burn. They eat more than their sedentary lifestyles can digest. And they eat all the wrong things all the time. I like junk food. I’ve got a terrible sweet tooth, but I don’t allow myself to indulge everyday. Instead, I try to eat properly through the week and allow myself a little splurge one day on the weekend. My splurge? – gummi bears and diet coke. Immense joy!
Who cooks these days? I can’t tell you how many people I know that don’t seem to know how to cook. It’s almost a lost art. But they know how to pull up to Mickey D’s. My tenant never cooks for her two little kids. They’re normal size, but she’s very overweight. Lots of pizza deliveries at her door. I live alone, and cooking for one can sometimes be a waste, plus I don’t want to be in the kitchen every single day busting pots and pans. So I usually take one day and cook enough for the week. I’ll make casseroles, cook in the crock pot, and/or stick stuff in the oven. Done! Then the rest of the week, all I have to do is heat up my food in the microwave. I seldom, if ever fry anything. Boil, broil, bake. A bottle of oil will last me 6 months. No lie.
People eat when they’re not even hungry, but just because it’s there. I once went to a potluck at a church meeting. Lots of greasy meats, cornbread, veggies, and deserts. I saw this one really obese (over 300 lbs, about 5’2″), woman pile food on her plate til it was almost 5 inches or more high. (hold your fingers 5 inches apart – got the picture?) She scarfed that down and got a similar 2nd helping. Then, she announced to the group that she was just going to make her a ‘little’ plate to take home. I actually lost my appetite.
I can’t tell you how many people have turned me down when I say, “let’s go for a walk.” Admittedly, I don’t walk a lot, though I love it, because I live in the hot-ass south. I do understand why people walk so slowly. I compensate for it by moving around a lot, bending, stretching, stooping, when in the office or at home. When the weather is decent, I walk. I think I could stand to lose a few pounds, but my doc says I’m not overweight, and I have excellent health.
Even the kids refuse to move their bodies. In my neighborhood, I seldom see children out playing. They’re all parked in front of some TV or the computer. Maybe someone will take them to a playground every now and then. They’re huffing and puffing like old people.
I’m sure I’m older than most of you, but when I was a girl, all us kids were skinny. Our knees and elbows jutted out. We could cut someone with those bony parts. We ate well though, ’cause someone was in the kitchen cooking fresh food, and we were healthy. We were also put out the house everyday to play. Back then, the last thing you wanted was to stay in the house. We had street skates, bicycles, and double dutch rope. We ran, climbed, crawled and jumped – constantly – all throughout the day. We had recess,gym and swimming at school – lots of opportunities to burn off that youthful energy and burn off fat and toxins. And then we’d get a really good meal at night, take a bath, and sleep like rocks. Kids today stay up till all hours of the night, and recent studies say too little sleep will make you fat.
I have a friend who eats huge amounts of food and never gains an ounce. Why? Because she works out and runs regularly. She says she does the exercise thing because she loves food, and she doesn’t want to deny herself. Sounds cool to me. But if a person is not up for the exercise, then they’d be better off reaching for a book to read than that 2nd bowl of ice cream.
Folks be eatin’ like dey starvin’
I believe there are some significant issues around black women and obesity. I’m one of them, though thankfully I’m not morbidly obese and most of my weight is age, hormone and stress-related, not due to any significant trauma or health condition. It has been documented that black women do gain weight and have more difficulty losing it than white women do. We know that much of our diet is unhealthy and we eat too much of it. But I believe that given the rampant obesity, the issues are much deeper. Many of us are depressed, some of us are victims of sexual abuse and most of us have dealt with both racism and sexism. I see morbidly obese women in my East Coast city EVERY day. I’m talking easily 100, 200 pounds overweight. I believe that the weight is not the problem but the symptom of the problem. If you are depressed and overworked and underpaid and dealing with a host of family and financial issues, for many women, food is the easy, accessible and obvious choice of comfort. Many of us are single and celibate. Food is both comforting and satisfying. It’s the legal drug to numb pain for many of us. I think all of the above coupled with more sedentary lives and jobs, and technology that keeps us inactive are the culprits. Not to mention the changes in food products that depend on microwave-ready, high-fat, high-sugar products instead of traditional home-cooked meals. I don’t judge. I think it’s amazing for anyone to come home every day and cook for themselves or for kids.
That said, there are simple things you can do. Eat less and exercise more. Period. It’s not rocket science. You have to move, you have to cut portions, you have to be willing to spend more in the hair salon to keep your hair up. That’s another significant factor, is that many of us do have issues with hair maintenance. That is real, no matter how much people want to dismiss it. I have locs, but if I don’t want to look like a rasta, I still have to do more maintenance when I exercise. Seek a hairstyle that works with a workout plan. Wrap your hair up as tight as possible. Barter with friends who do hair for other services so you can get it done more often. If you can’t afford a gym, walk more. Keep up a pace that gets your heart pumping. You should be able to talk, but not sing. If you have health insurance through your job, look for programs that save you money on health club membership. Also, if you’re in a city where they are planet fitness offers a cheap ($10 monthly) no-frills membership that can get you on the path. Try to eat as many whole foods as possible, even if you eat out regularly. Even McDonalds has salad options. And one big thing – stop the sweet teas, the Snapples the sweetened coffees and the sodas or at the very least limit to a small amount 1x a day. Drinks are a HUGE source of hidden calories and juices are as bad as sodas.
Hope the long post offered someone some insight. And to the author – everyone is not fat at a size 12-16. An 8 is not the optimum size. The average, non-obese American woman is a size 14. Sheesh.
I agree wholeheartedly about the depression, though people would rather say we have bad attitudes. It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination to deal with all that has to be dealt with and feel good about it all the time. The loneliness is a killer too. I imagine most young women dream of being married to a loving husband and father to their children. We make the mistake of not waiting until he comes along, or take the first one that does, and often end up with children to support by ourselves. For some he doesn’t come at all. For a young healthy woman, this is distressing and disheartening.
Some have poor education and are trapped in jobs that don’t provide enough income and offer no future. Couple that with decreasing benefits, and the woman’s expenses become higher than her income. Low income limits our housing and school choices, so we’re often stuck in areas with low-quality housing where we don’t feel safe – more stress. Can’t get the car fixed, can’t pay the full electric bill, prices keep going up – it’s all too much. Many black women are very unhappy.
Food becomes the pain-killer. Yet it’s killing us. I think the ‘strong-black-woman’ concept is doing us harm. We are not superwomen who can always weather the storm unscathed without tears. We’ve got to get the help we need to save our lives, whether that be psychological and/or nutritional counseling.
If we don’t do it for ourselves, who will? Certainly not the people who’d rather stick us in a box labeled ‘evil.’