January/February weight management challenge

[Veronica]

I think extremes are bad. I wonder why they couldn't find a plus size model who was more fit, that would make a better statement. Rolls of fat are not attractive and neither is being so skinny that you can't lift a 5 pound dumb bell.

Veronica

[emily_in_nc]

I think extremes are bad. I wonder why they couldn't find a plus size model who was more fit, that would make a better statement. Rolls of fat are not attractive and neither is being so skinny that you can't lift a 5 pound dumb bell.

I wonder if there are any really fit plus-sized models, though? Seems that perhaps the whole model/fashion lifestyle doesn't really lend itself to spending a lot of time on fitness, but I could be wrong, since all I know of it is is watching "America's Next Top Model" in the past, and that show never showed the models working out or even talking about any athletic endeavors, that I recall.

I actually thought the plus-sized model looked attractive, despite having some obvious body fat. Surprised me that I felt that way -- perhaps because she was tall and had long legs and beautiful skin (probably airbrushed, though).

[goldfinch]

I thought the plus woman looked fine. She sure looks a lot better than me as a 57 year old woman who has had children and has lost a third of her weight.

[Crankin]

I'm conflicted. The plus sized model is a very attractive woman, but... the rolls of fat don't look healthy or athletic to me. Not sure if the modeling lifestyle at any size is compatible with being athletic. I remember when I was in high school, a couple of my friends took a modeling course and I went to the runway show. It was really creepy.
As someone who is smaller, take this as my opinion. I do think, though, that clothing manufacturers should take the plus size market seriously and should have the same choices as "regular" sizes. And they should remember that short people buy clothes, too, no matter what their weight is.

[Blueberry]

And they should remember that short people buy clothes, too, no matter what their weight is.

+1. They make larger sizes longer - which just makes them look worse on me. Bleh. At 5'4", I'm not even *that* short.

Focusing on the fitness and gradually cleaning up the diet. Ate like crud over the holidays and didn't gain weight - clothes are looser. Now to work on actually losing weight!

[SadieKate]

Veronica - what do you think of this person?

[SadieKate]

That's three-time U.S. Olympic Hockey Team medal winner Angela Ruggiero, a confident 5 foot 9 inch, 185 pounds. She could wax your a$$ in all its sizes. Chill out about the body image stuff, okay?

Do what you need to do to be fit and healthy, and let others be. If they have a few rolls, it may be healthiest for them.

http://www.womensrunning.com/articles/54

[Blueberry]

SK - Interesting article - thank you!

[maillotpois]

Wow. She is amazing. I wish I could remember the magazine that did the swimsuit or underwear shots of the different athletes - all totally different sports and some of those women didn't look rail thin or even traditionally "fit". But they were all strong.

My body fat ranges in the mid to high 20% range, according to triple site caliper testing, but I am riding better than I suspect I would have in my almost anorexic grad school years.

[salsabike]

That's three-time U.S. Olympic Hockey Team medal winner Angela Ruggiero, a confident 5 foot 9 inch, 185 pounds. She could wax your a$$ in all its sizes. Chill out about the body image stuff, okay?

Do what you need to do to be fit and healthy, and let others be. If they have a few rolls, it may be healthiest for them.

http://www.womensrunning.com/articles/54

Nice post.

[Veronica]

That's three-time U.S. Olympic Hockey Team medal winner Angela Ruggiero, a confident 5 foot 9 inch, 185 pounds. She could wax your a$$ in all its sizes. Chill out about the body image stuff, okay?

Do what you need to do to be fit and healthy, and let others be. If they have a few rolls, it may be healthiest for them.

http://www.womensrunning.com/articles/54

No, not okay - since I am not about body image and I have never espoused that people should be a certain weight or BMI. Excess fat is NOT healthy. Why did you feel the need to bring in physical violence?

Yes, I am very proud of the hard work I put in to lose nearly forty pounds and keep it off. And I am thrilled with the progress I continue to make. Silly me for thinking that I might be able to encourage others to take charge of their lives and do what they say they want to do.

Veronica

[jyyanks]

Hey - just wanted to comment on the article.

I too am conflicted. I absolutely believe that runway models are too skinny and that a majority of women can't identify with them. I think it's important to let women know that they should feel confident even if they are not a size 0 but that doesn't mean that they it's ok to not take care of yourself. The model they showed is beautiful but in my opinion, she didn't look strong or healthy. Neither model looked healthy, toned or strong (not that I should talk as I'm not toned either)

I agree with the reader who said :

'I don’t think the fashion world should support obesity, just as I don’t think it should support anorexia.'

I don't know, I have to noodle on this one as I feel like I'm being wishy/washy.