Kelly Clarkson.
Pink.
Lady Gaga.
Adele.
Sadly, what these women have in common and what comes to mind first isn’t their amazing pipes – real women who sing live and blow us away every single time. Sadly, what comes to mind when you see these names lately (and let’s face it, many more) is the ruthless criticism they’ve endured in the media because of their weight.
Thankfully, and to the applause of women everywhere, Pink and Kelly Clarkson are two celebrities who have snapped back at critics basically stating they have no time for weight shaming and are quite happy thankyouverymuch.
Betty Ann Heggie touched on this recently in her blog post Women, Weight & Wisdom. “We women face unnecessary scrutiny regarding our bodies. Those who weight-shame will often use the excuse that they are just concerned about our health; but rather, it stems from paternal, controlling judgement.”
She shares her own experience working in a corporate environment when she was told to lose weight, because her image wasn’t representative of what the company wanted to project (can you imagine?). Knowing Betty Ann as we do, she certainly didn’t follow that advice and none of us are surprised! Instead, she explains, “A few years later I was named the top investor relations person in Canada, first by my peers and then by my clients, and I couldn’t help seeing the poetic justice. My skills and performance, not a superficial, manufactured image, was rewarded as the true virtue. I accepted those awards holding my head high in the very fullness of my being.”
Far too often, women are still, continually, judged on their appearance rather than their contributions and stories in the media just put the focus on what happens to women in our own neighborhoods, in our own circles, every single day. Like Pink, Kelly Clarkson, and Betty Ann, I think the first step to change is within our own reach. Our own attitude, thoughts, and yes, snap-backs at the critics are where change needs to start (even if that critic is inside your own head!)
What about you? Have you had a situation where someone criticized your weight or appearance? Perhaps your worst critic is yourself. Share your thoughts on weight shaming, self-acceptance and who you see when you look in the mirror in the comments below and you could be our $100 PayPal winner this month! One caveat, both Betty Ann and I insist you use that money to go out for an amazing dinner and treat yourself to dessert too.
I once contemplated joining a dating agency (not an online one), and was told I should really lose 15lbs. I declined to join. I think everyone should work on being happy in their own skin and not worry about other peoples’.
I think I am my own worst critic when it comes to weight. I have never been overweight until I had my last son and that is 34 years ago. Since then I just keep staying the same, not gaining or losing and its depressing. I know I am a lot older and weight comes with age too but geez, I just want to lose a bit.
I’ve never had anyone say anything to me about my weight but I am certainly by biggest critic and wish I could find that motivation to exercise more to just tighten things up. 5 kids didn’t help me but I’d love to lose that extra 20 lbs that bothers me. I just would like to be happy with myself. My daughter and I have tickets to see Kelly Clarkson in October and if I were to win this would treat us to an awesome dinner before the concert.
Before we made our lifestyle change my better half’s mom and grandmother would often tell us we needed to lose weight when we went to visit. I hated it because instead of saying hi or hope you had a good trip here the first thing out of their mouths had to do with our weight. So frustrating.
As someone who has been 200lbs and then 135lbs, but still HATED to wear shorts because of ‘fat knees’..I understand all too we’ll the struggles of self-acceptance. Now as my weight creeps up to almost 160, I am becoming more and more uncomfortable and beating up on myself, even though I know full well that I am just fine where I am and that there are ppl out there who would give anything to be this weight..I am still miserable. I guess it’s growing up in a society where it’s beautiful to be thin and perfect 🙁
I have been bullied and weight shamed since I was very young… Because of this, I have always hated the way I look and have felt disgusting my entire life. It also makes me avoid lots of situations and I end up isolating myself.
I think I am my own worst critic. I’ve been really thin, and I’ve been really heavy. I had a high school teacher assume I had an eating disorder, and in university I gained the freshman 15 and was depressed about it, now I’m bigger than I’ve ever been (aside from during pregnancy). I’m working hard to love the way I look and work to feel happy in my own skin, and not worry about the number on the scale.
I really can’t stand when my husband weight shames himself when he doesn’t see the weight shedding as fast as it used to. I try to be as supportive as possible and tell him I will love him no matter what size he is as long as he is healthy
men are really hard on themselves too!!
Sadly, I have been my own worst critic. Growing up in the “old days” when Twiggy first appeared on the scene, my body type was totally repugnant to me: I saw myself as “fat” regardless of how many times friends and family repudiated that comment. Over the years, with age and maturity, I have come to love myself as I am and to just keep getting back on the wellness wagon by exercising, eating healthier and enjoying the fact that I am no longer ruled by my nicotine addiction. (It has been 14 years! YAY!) I am not at a “healthy” weight yet, but I am working on it & I AM happy in my life and no longer ruled by what I am eating or what “others” think about me. Life is too short to be miserable and since aging is a privilege denied to far too many, I am embracing it fully!
I have taught my daughters a healthier attitude towards self-acceptance and they would never shame anybody for their body type or size. We know several women who are genetically very tall and slender who get shamed for being “too thin” & men who are called “too short”, “too small” or “too girly” so we see shaming from many angles.
Thanks for all the great sharing on every topic. I most certainly enjoy Betty Ann’s calm wisdom and strength when you feature her!
I believe I have earned my extra weight, I have had two amazing boys, (both almost 9 lbs each) I exercise regularly, but I am never going to denying myself anything in order to fit someone else’s view of the way I should look. If you do not like it then too bad.. and I have taught my boys the same that people should not be judged by the way they look, the weight they are.. or who they love.. Size does not determine anyone’s worth.
I am trying to loose weight and yes I have been told by some people to o.
I am my own worst critic. I have never had a weight problem, but age has a way of moving things around a bit.
In the last 5 years I’ve had 6 major surgeries. Each time I’ve gained more weight than before. I know I am overweight, but guess what I’m ok with that. At least I’m on this side of the grass, been through a total hysterectomy (pre-cancer cells found), a bowel resection, 2 hernia surgeries, and last surgery a double mastectomy as I have cancer. Not a pretty site for sure when naked, but I am who I am, inside it’s still little old me full of joy and life! Be happy with who you are first! If I win, am going to Pennington’s to get a nice outfit that fits and looks good!
I have had lots of people make fun of my weight before, many times. High School was a horrible time in my life that I would not wish to re-live. Body shaming was quite an unpleasant experience and to this day I am still somewhat self-conscious about my body weight. Although I have made huge progress in not letting it bother me as much as an adult, but it is definitely something that stays with you…it can negatively impact a person for many years.
I have struggled with my weight yoyo-ing up and down from extreme highs to extreme lows my whole life. While I never cared (and still don’t care) how other people saw/see me, I hated what I saw in the mirror. After my C section last January it was painful for me to attempt any form of exercise for a very long time but I just made up my mind that if I wanted to be able to be active with my kids that it was time to get my butt back in shape (and the rest of me too!) I don’t care about the numbers on the scale, just my health and fitness and endurance. Kids are exhausting! I see so many of my family members strugglimg with health issues including diabetes and weight related pains and I just couldn’t bear the thought of that happening to me. I hope that if my boys see me taking care of myself that they will learn to do the same. I also hope that I am raising them to not be judgemental of anyone who doesn’t look just so. Every body is different and even the same body can go through many different stages in their appearance and it is so important to remember that.
All my years growing up and into my 20’s many people thought it was okay to tell me that I was so skinny. I hated the way I looked and was so self conscious that all thought I am no longer skinny being self conscious about how I look, and knowing that people are judging me, hasn’t gone away.
Oh yes I have been weight shamed, I get judged when I go out and I really get teased and judged when I go with my husband to any of his families outings, his dad and brother are the worse and so I do not go anywhere with my hubby anymore, the problem is my husband is very tiny only weighing 110lbs and I’m huge, so we get lots of stares, so I prefer to stay home in my house where no one can see me
i try not to listen to anyone about my weight, as it is none of their business….especially from people that talk behind everyone’s elses back about it…. and does not look into their own mirrors
I’ve had people comment on my weight because I have been too thin! My identity to some people was tied up in my skinniness. Having since then endured a lengthy inner ear illness and gained about 25 pounds because of the medication I’m on, I feel that I am now my worst critic. I am not overweight but constantly want to be thinner and closer to the weight I use to be. People tell me now that I look “healthy”. I am trying to accept myself the way I am but it can be hard when society tells us to be thinner and thinner.
When I was quite thin, I had comments about my weight – from people asking me how much I weigh (would you ask someone who was heavy that question?) to making comments that I needed to eat a sandwich… It made me very insecure to say the least
I once wasn’t hired due to my weight..my friend ended up getting the gym and one day she was going through files and saw mine..she was stunned that in my file they stated the reason for not hiring me was due to my weight..at my heaviest being 5′ 5 1/2″ I weighed 150lbs..I was not hired because I was what 20lbs overweight..give me a break!
I am probably my own worst critic when it comes to my own weight. Since having our kiddo, I have carried around some extra weight and while I would love to “go back” to my previous weight pre-baby, the reality is that it hasn’t happened. My body grew a freakin’ human being. I think that is pretty amazing. Even though I have my own struggles in the changing room adjusting to my post-baby bod, I also know that it doesn’t help to self-depreciate. If I feel comfortable in my skin, that is all that matters. I’m taking steps to living a healthier lifestyle through better food choices (more nutrient rich produce and less junky treats) and adding in more regular forms of exercise. My motivation is more about being healthy for myself and my family than it is to gain approval of others, or to conform to unattainable images of beauty.
Don’t even get me started on “trends” like thigh gap. I dread thinking my daughter may one day struggle with self-image issues based on current fads. I just want her, and every woman, to embrace who you are, and to recognize the magic of photoshop and airbrushing are unattainable standards even for those beautiful people we all strive to model ourselves after!
My Nan used to tell me I was too small and I couldn’t be eating. She commented on my weight every time she saw me. I did and do eat and have tried gaining weight to please her in the past. Turns out I just have an overactive metabolism. I feel like there is nothing wrong with my size and shortly before my nan died I told her that. I think there is a stigma that if you small, you have an eating problem and if other want to think that , its fine. I am out to please myself only.
I am trying to lose weight and yes I have been told to do so,and I am trying my best
I think it’s so sad to shame anyone else for any reason. I’ve had negative comments about my weight , that I’m too thin to be healthy. But that’s just the way I am.
Amazing article! Be true to yourself!
When I was younger, I was a bit heavier than some other kids. My sister was skinny as a rail. So I was compared to her a lot, criticized why I didn’t have the same shape as her. Now in my late 30’s I am a bit heavier again, and I am extremely critical of myself. I don’t like myself like this, I have lower self-esteem. Would like to get more in shape & feel better about me.
I remember my sister in law telling me I really gained weight and I was not very pleased. I did suffer from being overweight in my preteens and then lost weight, but I have always tried to be careful.
i wish people didnt feel like it was their business to comment to others about what they eat or the size of their body big or small. i have struggled with losing weight and i feel like people expect overweight people to constantly be dieting. so you fall into this yoyo dieting because you are doing it for others and not for yourself. i try to just pay attention to my own plate and if anything i have learned that my worth is more then a clothing size.
I am always my own worse critic when it comes to my weight. No on has really said anything negative to me about it but that hasn’t stopped the thoughts that create a negative body image for myself.
I grew up being criticized for being too thin. I have always been a tall, thin person, and often people have, and continue to, shame me for that. I get accused of not eating / not eating enough (trust me, I eat plenty!), exercising too much (not even close to the truth!), etc. It is really sad that people are judged for their size, whether big or small. I fall into a more “normal” (whatever that means!) sizing now, instead of “thin” so I get fewer comments than when I was younger, but it still really bothers me that people put so much thought into a person’s weight. Healthy and happy, that is all I wish to be! We don’t focus on weight in our house, so I hope my girls grow up to love their bodies no matter their size.
Yes, it has happened to me
It really irks me that people feel the need to comment on other people’s weight. Some one who is overweight or underweight is very aware of that fact without someone else pointing it out to them. We all criticize ourselves more than enough, we don’t need to hear it from others too!
It started when I was so young, my mom telling me to ‘suck my stomach in’. This led to years of food abuse, obesity and feeling bad about myself. I have come to terms with myself over the last couple years and finally have a healthy relationship with food.
I got so depressed with how I looked that I didn’t even want my husband to look at me naked.
Ive always been the bigger girl.. even through school. Even the majority of my girl friends joined dance classes and girly sports, I always felt myself shy away. They could wear the tight dance outfits and the short volleyball shorts, and I felt like I could never pull it off. So instead, I joined Army Cadets. I had a uniform and wore it the same as everyone else. It made me feel like an equal. And even on weekend camp outs or events that I didn’t need to be in uniform, I felt confident in myself. No one ever judged you on your size, or what you wore. It boosted my self esteem. 🙂
Oh my, I read the stories above and it is so heartbreaking. I cannot tell you how sad I feel and how good I feel when I hear of women saying Screw you and standing up for themselves! When I was a teen, I was 25 pounds heavier than I am now and faced self esteem issues and bullying, so badly that to this day I look in the mirror and see differently than what others see. With 4 daughters, I have learned to fake it and evoke confidence throughout the years, and what annoys me the most are the unrealistic standards that are set on social media. You don’t need to be stick thin to feel good about yourself and to have a healthy body! Sorry can I vent here?! Here’s to all the women out there who dress the way they want to dress, feel healthy inside and spread the word that it’s ok being you!! Dang right!! 🙂
I was already feeling a bit down about the extra baby weight, and my Aunt made a comment that really got to me. Good intentions, but no filter.
yes, i have been shamed many times over the years, i have a daughterin puberty stage and have taught her not to be ashamed of her body , she is very confident and i hope as she grows up keeps the positive attitude!
Oh yes of course. Lots of horrible comments. Unfortunately fat shaming and skinny shaming is rampant in our body image obsessed society. Ugh…
Wow, after reading the comments here I consider myself to be very lucky. Despite being somewhat overweight at various times in my life, I don’t recall ever being criticized or shamed for it.
This wasin grade 6 and I remember some kids really liked my clothes. I remember one by saying if only it was in another girls body. I think my issues came from a child and I never really got over it. I am trying to make that different for my 2 girls!
I think it’s important to feel good about yourself. I don’t think you should compare yourself to others, especially those on TV or movies. They are paid to look thin. I would want my daughter to look up to someone like Kelly Clarkson who is proud of who she is. I have been criticized of my clothes choices in the past. It hurts, but I have also learned that how I feel about myself is more important than what others have to say.
I don’t think anyone should be shamed and we should support and encourage everyone to love themselves!
Weight was never an issue with me when I was younger. In fact, after my daughter was born and I went for the six week check-up I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight (mind you I did put her in the stroller and went for a walk every day). The weight stayed off till I was about 45. It was about that time that I quit smoking (such as nasty habit and so glad to be rid of it). The numbers on the scale started inching up and I’m really finding it hard to shed the extra weight. I’m not obese or overweight by any measure, I’d just like to be able to redistribute the weight (it seems to have settled around my belly). So, yes, I am my own worst critic.
Growing up, I had a hard time accepting my weight and looks in general, and I was shamed by my schoolmates. I’m grateful that I learned to appreciate what my body can do rather than what it looks like, which has translated into love for my body.
I am my own worst critic but seem to be heading towards a more positive way of looking at myself.
Once when I was quite young someone did call me fat. I felt so bad. It made a big impression on me. I’m perfect now though :P.
I think it’s horrible the way they criticize celebrities, I saw so many headlines about Jessica Simpson, too fat while pregnant. Guess the headline I just saw the other day, she’s too skinny!!!! They can’t win! I am by far my worst critic, I know I need to lose weight
It’s my weight. I’m harder on myself. I’ve lost 70 lbs and haven’t reached my goal. And I’ve plateaued.
My Mother-In-Law used to always make comments on my weight. Every time we went to visit the first thing out of her mouth was “Have you gained weight?”, even if I hadn’t. It always made me hate going to visit. I have to also admit that I am hard on myself when it comes to my weight since I have always had an issue with it but I am working to try and be more accepting of who I am. I think there is too much body shaming these days and it is just adding to everyone’s “lack of acceptance” of who they are. I am very impressed with how Kelly Clarkson has been handling what has been going on, she is a great role model when it comes to accepting who your are and being happy about it.
I was criticized by my family doctor in high school, she was rude about my weight even though I wasn’t overweight at all. I started to hate my body after that and dealt with an eating disorder. I don’t think shaming anyone for their weight is okay, we need to show young women that it’s okay to not be stick thin. I love Pink and I love the way she’s dealing with these bullies.
I have always been judged for my weight problems by a certain family member. I never felt good even when I was 115 pounds! Now that I am older I have a few extra pounds on and I don`t care what people say. If they don`t like the way I look well don`t look at me lol
My worst critic is me but I’m learning to give myself a break. I have health issues which make exercising difficult & thyroid issues which are conducive to weight gain. I know I’m not active enough but I do try when I’m able to do it.
I was quite overweight as a child and all through public school . I was teased and made fun of a lot at school. I also remember being called names and bullied at overnight camp so badly that I pretended I was sick so my Dad would come and pick me up and I never went back. Its horrible to feel badly about yourself because of how other people see you. I was lucky in the older grades of public school because I was good at sports, so this gave me a bit of an out from the cruelty of the others. I am thin now at 50 but fought with my weight all my life and while my body is thin now I still often see the fat girl I was for long periods of my life, that never ever goes away.
I get a lot of ironic commentary right now, as I’m 8.5 months pregnant – my husband informs me that I’m like the letter ‘B’ with legs. Which is actually kind of amusing 🙂
Yes, way too many tim,es have people been rude enough to make a comment about my weight. I have had young men say “Watch out, buffalo stampede coming through” to various regular fat shaming names. People make me sick.
Yes, and it was because I lost too much weight too fast and I wasn’t even dieting or trying to lose weight. Apparently, my thyroid had gone totally out of whack and was hyperactive and my body was breaking down food too fast. Then when I started to gain weight back from taking medication, it appeared that I was gaining weight again. The hardest part is trying to have some form of wardrobe that I don’t have to constantly buy new clothes. It varied from size 10 to 16 and keeps going up and down every few months. People seem to notice the yo-yoing more than me but on occasion, I even notice that some clothes that I did fit into last month, I cannot fit into them now because I go a little bigger around the waist. Maybe next month I will be able to wear those pants again. Sigh.
My weight has gone up and down since puberty and I have really beat myself up over it. Having 2 beautiful thin older sisters doesn’t make it any easier. Sometimes comments by family members they think are supportive can actually make you feel worse.
I am six feet tall. I am not fat. I am muscular. I dress well for my professional position. Yet, people seem to feel they have license to comment on my appearance. Depending on the time and my composure, I sometimes ask them, “Would you say that to a man?”
no one has said something like that to my face. i am my own worst critic, i am better now at accepting the way i look and finding nice things to enjoy about my appearance.
I usually gain on vacation and notice when summer comes
I don’t recall off hand a time when someone criticized my weight or appearance but I do think that weight shaming is horrible! I’m my own worst critic hands down. When I look in the mirror I see a mother of two. I had twins that wreaked havoc on my body. I see stretch marks that I know were worth it but sometimes just hard to overlook.
I have always had a weight problem and have had lots of people comment on how much cuter I would be if I lose some weight.
We need to build eachother up. I am so sick of people being jealous, rude or mean just because someone is different.
I have had weight problems all the life, in high school I think it was the worst, the kids were very cruel and I didn’t have much friends as I wasn’t slim enough or pretty enough to hang out with them. I kinda kept to myself, had one really good friend who other kids thought was also not good enough. still today I see people looking at me differently because of my weight, and I think my biggest critic is myself. I am also disabled so it makes things harder to do and losing weight is not easy.I have learned to accept who I am and if people can’t accept me this way I don’t bother with them, lifes to short
I was always the “fat kid” in school. I may have been a kid back then, but those are words that have followed me my whole life. Weight shaming is a heartbreaking thing. It destroys you. Once you perceive yourself as others have, it’s hard to see yourself in any other way. I work hard on having the body that I do today – and by clinical standards, I’m still quite overweight. But I’m proud of what I have worked for, and therefore proud of my body. I’m the one rocking the bikini and the stretch marks at the beach. You don’t like what you see, stop looking!
I remember once I was at a family function and my cousin who I hadn’t seen in about a year came up to me and said…’wow, you’ve gained a lot of weight’ and then started laughing. I don’t think he knew how much that hurt me.
I’m definitely my worst critic. I’ve been overweight my whole life. Tried every diet imaginable. I’ve come to terms with it now….I think. I’d still love to be thinner but I try to embrace what I have and own it.
For most of my life, I have struggled with my weight. I have finally accepted myself for who I am on the inside, not beating myself up mentally for the extra few pounds I have on my body. I try to eat right, and of course treat myself once in a while. With a back injury, I cannot do massive cardio, but I do get out and walk almost everyday.
It is a shame that the world is crazy about women and men being shamed over how they look. The main thing is : you should feel happy about yourself no matter what size you are 🙂
Yes when i gained weight with my first child, people seldom asked long after if i was still pregnant.
I think I am my worst critic. I have good days and bad days when it comes to my body image. I find that I have to give myself pep talks and motivate myself to exercise and take care of myself on a daily basis.
I’ve never really criticized myself. As a child, others pointed out I was boney, to skinny…etc. I’m 28 years old and I’m approximately 50 pounds. There was a time when I was embarrassed. Now I’m older and love my flaws because they make me, me.
I can’t believe anyone ever criticized P!nk. That girl’s body is a MACHINE! First of all she looks the same to me but even if she did put on a few pounds – WHO CARES??
I’ve lost 40 pounds since I got remarried 3.5 years ago. I went from a size 8-10 to a size 0. I feel good and I eat as much as my husband who weighs 2 of me to be perfectly honest lol. I do find my face looking thin sometimes in photos but I literally can’t eat any more than I do!! Someone told me to go eat a cheeseburger once and I was REALLY unimpressed and hurt. I’m not starving myself people – lay off! Let me live my life where I’m trying hard to be healthy and I hope everyone does the same.
Overweight, underweight, healthy weight … someone is always going to have something to say. Just do what’s healthy for yourself and try not to criticize others.
oh and for the record I’d totally use the money to get myself a good haircut and color!
I remember going on a family cruise when my daughter was 4. The waitress laughingly said to my daughter what a pretty but chubby girl you are. I promptly said “you know she’s only four and that’s baby fat??” Fat shaming is never okay. My daughter doesn’t need that kind of baggage on her shoulders. I love that these powerful celebrities are sticking up for themselves. Women come in all sizes and we don’t all need to be a size zero!
yes, sometimes close family members even criticize body weight and it is not fair. everyone can’t be skinny or a size 2. they have to know that different shapes have to be accepted.
i have been a steady weight for a couple years now and last year I had a child but didn’t put too much weight on luckily. i am trying to be more comfortable in my own skin because I am older and wiser now. it’s not all about being perfect, just be happy as you are!
I was teased for being overweight. I took control of my eating and lost weight and I continue to try to not over eat.
Someone made a remark the other day on my weight, but I took it in stride.
I can tell when I have gained weight because my clothes are tight.
At the moment I’m on a diet and I’m determined to lose the weight (30lb), I have been wanting this for years as I’ve never been totally happy with myself!
I am my own worst critic, but i don’t focus on my weight!
I was always the biggest person in my group of friends back in high school, and I’d noticed when they would make catty but subtle remarks about my weight and that would make me even more self conscious. As I got older, my self esteem got better. I don’t care what people think or say now – I just do me.
I am learning to be more self-accepting of my weight – striving to be fit instead of losing weight. My siblings strongly believe in living a healthy active lifestyle. Thanks!
I’m my worst critic, but I’ve learned over the years to just love who you are
I looked at a picture and it honestly took a few beats for me to realize that person I didn’t recognize was me! After quitting smoking, the weight gradually snuck up on me. I have lost some of the weight by doing it slowly and making very small changes at a time. I still have some extra pounds but I feel & look so much better.
I am my worst critic. I am getting to the point where I am starting to exercise to feel better about myself and stop checking my weight on the scale.
Yes, I used to be super super thin. After having my first 2 children I struggled a bit with my weight but was still fairly thin (I went from about 105lbs before getting pregnant with my first son, to around 130lbs after having my second son). I am now hovering just over the 200 mark (I have 5 sons, and have struggled badly with my weight since having my 3rd). I feel very self concisous, I feel like I am judged when I go out because of my weight, and its very difficult as I just can’t seem to shed any weight no matter what i do.
Some days I love myself more than others. At one time I dropped a ton of weight, and I still saw the same person. People tell me I look beautiful, but I don’t listen.
Oh my gosh yes!~In high school, a boy said I was fat when I was walking by. I was devastated! For one thing I was a healthy weight! His friend looked at me and said i wasn’t that fat! But i was too hurt to say anything. Going between pregnant and not pregnant and breastfeeding has been a interesting experiment in weight. People have a hard time guessing my weight anyway because I am tall (5`9) but people are always surprised. It definitely made me realize that a) numbers don`t define health b) numbers don`t prove anything and there is a range of healthy weights for people- it depends on one`s circumstances.
I had an ex-boyfriend that used to harrass me endlessly about what I ate, exercise etc.. After we broke up, I completed basic training and was in very good shape. I would see him occasionally in a friend setting, and he made a weight related comment. This time it didn’t end well… 😉
I need to lose some weight. It isn’t an easy task, when you are disabled and can’t exercise. I am meeting with a Dietician to help me set up a meal plan.
Absolutely! I’ve been told to my face that I had better lose weight.
I was happy with how Pink handled it by saying she was taking a break and eatting some pizza! Trying to measure myself to these Hollywood standards is in my head I know is unrealsitic but I still do it! The lengths they have to go to is beyond. I use to starve myself and refuse to do that anymore! Accepting changes that occur as I get older is hard. It seems people feel the need to comment on ones weight. I have an 80/20 rule and the chips will fall where they do…
I hate how I look so I suppose I’m my own worst critic
I am my own worst critic and have struggled with my weight for the last 10 years but it’s not something I really lose sleep over at night. I do carry a bit of extra weight around and would like to shift it but ugh, I love food way too much! I will be honest and say that I am not happy with what I see in the mirror and know that I can look better than this. Now I’m off on holiday in 2 months and feel pressured to have a “beach body”. Sigh!
I was told I was too skinny when I was younger and said I had a eating disorder ,which I didn’t
The only time was my mother when I was a teenager she said something along the lines that I wasn’t pretty. Now as long as I am reasonable healthy I am happy with my appearance
I’ve weight issues every since I had a hysterectomy at 27 years old. That was 23 years ago. At the time, the doctors told me one of the side effects was weight gain since I would have to take hormone replacement. So for about a year, I ate just enough to get me by, I got down to a size 4, but everyone asked me if I was sick. After I while, I started eating “normally” again, and the doctors were right, I did gain weight. At first I didn’t put to much into it, now its to the point, I don’t like what I see in the mirror. It’s it ongoing battle.
Yes i have been told to loose weight.
I am trying to lose a little weight, but only for personal satisfaction. I want to be in top shape when I get married next year.
Been told that I had too much baby weight left over
I grew up being overweight. Surprisingly my biggest critics were my family members and not my peers. The same people that overfed me called me names like “two ton tessie” or “big bertha”. It hurts when I think about it, but it makes me more motivated to keep myself in shape. It was one of my driving forces of losing over 100lbs a few years ago. I didn’t want to be back to where I felt judged.
i was heavy ever since i was a child and it was hard as my family were some of my hardest critics. Ofcourse there were the kids at school who called names too. I have since learned to like myself a person, but i admit at times i still eat my feelings so to speak.
I am my own worst critic when it comes to weight. I gain weight recently and I don’t like it. My family and friend tells me I’m not fat but I think I am.
My mom is probably the most fat shaming person I know. I’ve been overweight probably since the 3rd or 4th grade and was always made to feel like I was less of a person. Her excuse was that that was how the world would treat me and if “I’m not happy with myself” to start doing things to lose weight. I did become self-conscious and I somewhat still am even after losing a significant amount of weight. But I’ve learned that the world comes in all shapes and sizes and that the most important thing is that you love yourself.
I think all women have been weight shamed at some point, no matter what size we are. Unfortunately our culture judges women on appearance, not who we are. I honestly think it’s more about trying to “keep us in our place, and be quiet”., than the actual weight. We’re all fabulous, no matter what size!
I was always a little more heavier and taller than other girls in my class, just grew faster I guess. Yes, I was called names for my weight, and it was very hurtful. I went the other way I think because of this when I hit high school and just quit eating, and what I did eat, I got rid of it. this was a challenging time for me.I absolutely remember looking in the mirror and seeing myself as fat, and I know that with what my weight was sitting at, there could not have been a speck of fat on me.
When I became pregnant with my first child, I started eating healthily and that was a great choice to make of course. I never looked back at the bad habits of my weight and eating and everything else that was involved with trying to be a skinny gal.
I eat a healthy diet , and that is fine by me.
It happens everywhere all the time, but sometimes we just need to find it in ourselves to put any negativity out of the way. I was always made fun of at school about my weight. But no matter how much I ignored it, it still bothered inside. I live a somewhat more active lifestyle now, but nothing could ever replace the feelings I went through back then.
Yes, I’ve been shamed, but it is important to remember that people’s comments are usually a reflection of them, not you.
I have had people say negative things about my weight my whole life. It has been a constant struggle for me to lose weight and keep it off. I truly feel some days I don’t like who I see in the mirror. Other days I am more empowered. It’s a constant struggle.
I have been told that I need to loose weight by friends and family and not in a too friendly and caring manner either. I am sure they figure they are helping, but their comments hurt. Also I have full lips, and have been told that they are clown lips. I truly do not like who I am when I look in the mirror. I try to avoid the mirror if I can.
Ive never had anyone comment about my weight to my face but I know I am my own worse critic. I think weight shaming is terrible, all that does it make you eat even more, lowers ones self esteem and makes them feel worthless and ashamed. When I look in the mirror I see an overweight elderly woman who wishes she didn’t have back and knee problems so she could walk without a walker.
I have never been criticized for my weight. I do have my problem areas but that is my opinion. I stand in the mirror and sometimes I just don’t like how I look. People say I am crazy for complaining. At the end of the day, we have to love and accept ourselves. We all come in different shapes and sizes. We should not be judged on our appearances. Society is tough enough.
I haven’t been criticized for my weight or appearance to my face but I’ve been certain that people have thought not-so-pleasant things about me. I had trouble losing weight after I had my son and it was the first time I was ever in that situation. I was surprised that people would care that I was carrying some extra weight. At this point I don’t concern myself too much with what other people think about my appearance. I like to be comfortable and that’s what makes me happy.
The first situations I remember I was in grad 3 or 4. I grew up faster than other girls my age, and was a taller/broader girl to begin with. I think many of the boys just couldn’t understand that I had a more womanly figure at a young age. it’s tough. I can remember that moment so clearly. It’s been over 30 years, and every now and then the memory creeps into my mind. I’ve always been self-conscious about my appearance. After having my daughter, I don’t really care as much, because I’m happy, and if my tummy is more mushy, well, it created a wonderful little girl, and that’s all that matters.
I’ve had family members make comments on how big I’m getting. I know I need to lose weight I just have a hard time passing up fast food and soft drinks.
Every single time I visit relatives or see old friends, same comments every time. Hey skinny Minnie. You need to put on weight. You’re too skinny. I know I’m thin. I don’t need to be reminded every time… but if I commented on anyone else’s weight, I would be mean. Womens weight concerns don’t make sense to me. We all need to stop judging each other based on looks because that just makes you ugly on the inside..a6
yes when I was a kid my moms ex boyfriend would tell me to get off my fat ass. I wasn’t even as big as I am now. I was skinny back than. I’ll never forget it
I once had a friend ask me if my husband regretted marrying me, since I got “so fat” (I wasn’t at all) after our wedding. It was extremely hurtful, and when I told my husband he was livid. My dad died last year and I”ve gained 60 lbs due to comfort eating and I’m trying to work it off. I feel unattractive and fat and it’s really hard, because I’m used to being slim.
Yes its happened 🙁
In school I always had an athletic build but over the years have gained weight. I hve almost always felt ‘large’ and havent worn a swim suit in maybe 30 years. I always use an avatar.. I dont think there is one picture of me online anywhere and I have been online since 1998. I am fat and old.
I have always been thin and people have criticized me for that, some saying that I am too thin. This is my thought, if I was heavier, people would complain about that. People love to complain. I’m a runner. I eat constantly. I’m healthy. There is no problem
I’ve been called fat before but right now I’m my own worst critic. I never look good enough.
I’m my own worst critic!
I am my worst critic!
I’ve always had a really hard time gaining weight ! And i hate being skinny !!!! I am my own worst critic !
I have been bullied and weight shamed since I was very young… Because of this, I have always hated the way I look and have felt disgusting my entire life. It also makes me avoid lots of situations and I end up isolating myself.
I’ve been pretty fortunate in that with a thoughtful diet and regular exercise, I’ve mostly managed to keep my weight within “acceptable” range (free of stares and the butt of cruel jokes, etc.) And since I’m pretty short, it’s challenge, since if I gain just 5 lbs ~ it looks like 25!
I did go through quite an odyssey (and learning experience) with my weight a number of years ago when I was going through my third (and last! I hope!) battle with breast cancer. During and after the radiation and chemo treatments I lost A LOT of weight: about 30 lbs down to 78 lbs! I looked like a survivor from a concentration camp. Since I didn’t talk about or tell many people about the cancer, many people stared at me like I was diseased, a heroin addict, or a bulimic. I could hear snide remarks and notice sudden distance from colleague and associates.
THEN after all that was over and I started taking oral medications (Arimidex. Tamoxifen, a few others) I started packing on the pounds ~ regained all the lost weight plus an extra 10-15lb (not to mention the puffiness, especially in my face.) I felt so ugly and repulsive that I became very reclusive and detached ~ and ultimately isolated myself even from close friends and family. This continued for over a year. Until I decided that I’d beaten the cancer and now it was time to beat back the demons!
I began a real take charge attitude in all aspects of my life and I gradually regain my confidence and control. But even beyond my own personal experience I have had many friends and colleagues who’s weight (or other aspect of their appearance was subject to scorn, ridicule and outright bullying. It is unconscionable and unbearable. ~ I cannot fathom the despicable cruelty of too many people. It is both heartbreaking and reprehensible.
As a child I was bullied about how skinny I was. I had bones that stuck out in the joints of my knees. I was asked if I was getting them removed or if I was being fed at home. I was a very picky eater. I now have a bit too much weight and the bones are no longer noticeable and now there is not much that I won’t eat.
I was told I am too skinny even though I am average
i haven’t heard much since middle school. I’m naturally slender but more likely comments were always complexion or lack of muscle due to health issues.
I am my own worst Critic. I am getting better about accepting all the changes that come being 43 I remind myself That I grew 2 wonderful boys with this body. Thanks for the great contests!
I have had people comment on my weight, but I try not to let it bother me too much. Self-criticism is sometimes a problem for me, but I try to focus on how I feel rather than the number on the scale – right now I’m recovering from a broken ankle and could definitely stand to improve my fitness because I have spent the better part of four months on the couch.
I would like to lose weight, but I’m not trying to. If it happens, it happens. We shouldn’t let other people’s opinions get to us.
I’ve been overweight as long as I can remember and even though dealing with it has gotten easier over the years it is still a struggle I face on and off. There could be times where I feel amazing about myself but then someone would comment saying “if you just lost a bit more weight you would look better”. The fact that there are a lot more healthy role models out there makes me feel good about myself again though 🙂
My latest experience with “weight shaming” was when I visited my husband’s family in Italy. It seems to be common practice for people to comment on others appearances quite freely, usually in a negative sense. I had felt pretty good embarking on the trip. I had lost 30 pounds, bought new clothes and had a pedicure. I was brought down pretty quickly on one festival day when everyone was dressed up. “What happened to you…you’ve gained so much weight…engrossare (I heard GROSS)”. I can tell you that it will be a while before I can face going back. I am now back at the beginning, trying to focus on healthy eating.
I have been weight shamed by family and strangers but never by my true friends. I was very active as a teen and my mom always had me on a diet and put the food on my plate because I didn’t measure up to the way she wanted me to be. It has had an effect on me through my life and even after losing weight on several occasions my brain still told me I was fat. My own children have looked at pictures of me as a teen and said I was thin. I think it is sad that people have nothing better to do than pick on people for the way they look.
I attacked myself and was super critical of my weight to the point where I developed an eating disorder. Our society is SO weight focused.
not about weight but i ain’t pretty that’s for sure
No one has ever done that to me except myself! Especially since having kids, I feel like no matter how much weight I lose I can’t look the way I want
I have always had troubles with my weight. Ever since I can remember. I used get teased relentlessly. I would go home crying daily. It was horrible!! AZ an adult I have gotten it as well…just a little more subtle. Such things as “Oh. .you’re going to wear that?? Isn’t it a little short for you??” Ugh. Now, although I try not too…I find myself doing it to myself… “Oh I can’t wear THAT..it’s too short!” Or “it’s love that dress..but is it really appropriate for ME?” Luckily it’s have found an amazing man that reminds me every day how beautiful I am ♡
I was teased a lot in middle school for my weight. It’s not fun at all.
I am probably my biggest critic and even though since I am tall I don’t look overweight, when in a smaller attire (swimsuit or else), I always find myself too fat. I need to work both on a healthier diet/exercise regimen and my own image.
Yes, I have experienced it, when I was too skinny I was called anorexic, q tip, and other derogatory names, and then when I gained weight I was called Fat, pig etc, It did not bother me because I was not, in my opinion, too skinny or too fat. My mom always told me that what other people think of me is not my business, meaning don’t make it your business, words can’t hurt unless you let them.
Just last week my step moms 90 years old mom said to me “Looks like you’ve gained some weight”
RIGHT TO MY FACE. Who does that? I’m pretty slim/average and that comment actually hurt me and made me question a lot of things about myself and my body. Body image is how you see yourself and no one else should comment on it.
Yes – I have a mean Sister-In-Law that always makes mean comments about my weight
I’m lucky, I don’t have any weight problems, it sure is amazing to see somebody go through the struggle of hard work and determination and get down to their goal weight.
I love that celebrities are speaking up against fat shaming. I have never had any rude weight comments made to my face but then again, everyone has their own opinions in their minds. I just hate seeing people make rude comments abour other people’s weight when it’s really none of their business.
Yes, I have been criticized for my weight gain ever since the tragic death of my daughter. My family has made comments about my weight as well someone I thought was my friend. This so-called friend (not) would constantly ask me why I am so “fat” and then in the next sentence tell me how much weight she has lost and would ask me if I thought she looked good. Well, we are no longer friends because a good friend would not do this to their friend.
My weight bothers me every day, but it bothers me most when my 7 year old son says i’m big or fat. It’s not his fault, he’s telling the truth. I remind him it’s not nice to call people that, and I even tell him HE’S not fat, even though he is a little meatball right now. Kids see things for how they are, so if my own child distinguishes me like that, I know it’s probably how others view me.
My mother-in-law bought me a top in extra small when I am an extra large. Why some people can be that cruel is beyond me.
I’ve never had anyone say anything about my weight and appearance.
My worst critic is definitely myself. I constantly shame my own body, but in ways that I would never in a million years even notice in someone else. I am very accepting of all body types, just not mine. I’m certainly on a journey of self body image acceptance.
weight has been a big issue for me or most of my adult life I have learned not to let hat other people think about me or my weight. As long as i am happy I’m good
In the last few weeks my mother made a comment about me being “so round.” I feel self conscious enough going out in public. Her comment (which I heard second hand) makes me want to stay home and eat which won’t help my “roundness.” Inside I feel that I am a nicer person now than I was at half my current weight. I wish people’s “worth” wasn’t judged by the number on the scale.
When I was younger someone thought I was pregnant. It hurts your feelings and makes you look and think about yourself.
I was so picked on when I was younger about my weight , I wore glasses, and had braces. Not to mention the acne period I went threw also. Thankgod for my dad encouraging that I was a fantastic beutifull person.
That’ll be the day when someone criticizes my weight! I’d bite their head off and eat it! 😉