Are you overweight? Were you overweight as a child? Do you like yourself?

@mentalward (14691)
United States
November 20, 2008 3:31am CST
I've been noticing more and more people going on diets. People have been dieting forever, of course, but it seems that recently I've noticed more and more people complaining about their weight or going on one diet after another. I'm curious to see how many overweight people were also overweight as children. If you were, you will have the hardest time losing weight as an adult. Are you content with your weight or does it bother you? I've seen overweight people who are perfectly content with their size while others are obsessed with losing weight. Can you be overweight and truly happy, too? I was really skinny growing up but put on weight with a medication I was taking. I had learned to accept myself when I was skinny but, once that weight piled up (50 pounds!) I got terribly depressed! After awhile of that, though, I learned to like who I was again. Once you accept the reason for weight gain, it's easier to like yourself. You may not like the additional weight, but you can still like who you are. Do you agree?
10 people like this
24 responses
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
20 Nov 08
Hello! I have always been bit plumpish and chubby, if not fat. I have never been been skinny. As a kid, I was healthy and even though my parents thought I needed to put on some more pounds at the end of the day they were happy with my fitness and growth. I think, that's common parents' psychology here in India. We kind of associate being fattish as affluence and good diet intake. Having said this, things are changing, people now understand the importance of being healthy and not being fat or skinny. And guess, what, even though I complain of being on the fatter side, I know that its more in my mind more than anything else. For I have a more or less perfect BMI. But I look fatter than what I am because of my structure. Wow! That's was quite a response!
3 people like this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
20 Nov 08
Structure has a lot to do with it, most definitely! As long as you have a good BMI you don't have to worry about your health. It sounds like you like yourself and that's great! I think a healthy attitude does a lot more for your overall health than the perfect body weight, if there is such a thing! My two sons are complete opposites, even in body structure. My youngest is very tall and thin while the oldest is shorter and stockier. He complains a lot about his weight but I keep telling him that he's more of a "football player" than a "basketball player" as far as structure goes. He's healthy and has a great BMI. He just WANTS to be thin! I hope one day he'll learn to accept what he is and like himself better.
2 people like this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
20 Nov 08
I saw your sons on the pics. And you have so well put it! You know what, as a kid , I was bit grouchy about my height. I am short. But then, I realised that I have to accept it. I did not allow that to eat my self esteem. I have always tried to appreciate my beautiful eyes than to frown over my crooked nose. That helps actually. BTW, you are slim but look so good in it. I just hope you stay healthy forever.
3 people like this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
20 Nov 08
Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. I've always loved that phrase. If more people concentrated on the good qualities of themselves and others and less on the negative qualities, the world would be such a better place! Way to go, mimpi!
1 person likes this
@mayka123 (16555)
• India
20 Nov 08
I was never overweight as a child but just healthy. I could not be called skinny either. But in the last 22 years my weight has fluctuated a lot. Went from skinny to overweight and now just healthy and putting on a bit of weight lately.
2 people like this
@mayka123 (16555)
• India
21 Nov 08
I am trying to change my eating habits now. Luckily I am not too fond of fried stuff so I dont miss eating fried foods. But I have a lot of cold drinks and chocolates which I have to cut down on.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
20 Nov 08
You were very fortunate as a child and young adult! I'm glad to hear that you're healthy right now. I think that, after the age of 40 or so, it's typical to put on a couple of pounds each year. We may not like it, but it happens. I was very unhappy when I put on 50 pounds because of a medication. I started out weighing 100 pounds, so that was a huge amount of weight to put on in a short time! Luckily, I found the right way to get back to a healthy level and that was simply to eat healthier. I no longer eat "fast food" nor do I eat fried foods. I began to eat more fruit and vegetables and drink more water. I snack throughout the day and rarely have a full meal at any time. When I'm no longer hungry, I won't continue to eat simply because food is in front of me, even if it's just one more bite. I feel really good now. I'm down to 128 pounds and it feels "right". My hubby says he LOVES the way I look now and that's always a plus! LOL
2 people like this
@katkat (2378)
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
I was never owergeight since childhood. I was skinny back when I was a child. I have a problem gaining some weight. My doctor said that I have a fast metabolism. I can eat as many as I want and not gain weight. I'm concerned on my weight then as I'm skinny. I'm not so happy being skinny growing up. I have decide to gain some weight since I was in college but busy schedules, a lot of work and not enough sleep makes it impossible for me to gain some weight. Finally after college, I gained some weight, maybe I'm still skinny but not like that skinny back then. I'm planning to gain some weight more. I think additional 3 pounds will be better. I am still me skinny or not. Nothing changed but my weight.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
21 Nov 08
I know what you have gone through! Until I was 41 years old I never weighed more than 100 pounds except when I was pregnant. I'm 5'2" tall so it's not like I looked like a skeleton, but I was skinny! I ate mounds of food all the time and never gained a pound, just like you. People used to think I had an eating disorder because I was so thin. I tried everything to gain some weight back then. What did help, at least a little, was eating something right before going to bed. I would eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and drink some chocolate milk right before bed. I managed to gain a few pounds that way. You are so right about being you no matter what your weight. Nothing changes but the outside. Who you are is on the inside and that's what counts.
• United States
21 Nov 08
well i have always been under weight till i was put on a certain medication that blew me up over 45lbs in 6 months!! i got huge and it was really hard to deal with but insanely enough i got more self confidence from that time period because i forced myself to be more outgoing and flirty which i was already but i dunno i somehow gained confidence out of it.. i lost all of it now but i learned to like myself when i was big so now other than a few minor things i like myself now.. i think if you lie (well your not lying but you think you are at the time) to yourself and convince yourself that your great no matter what after awhile youll believe it.. lol.. and then you will realize it was true the whole time.. but i still have my days where i hate my body and etc but nothing like how i was BEFORE the weight gain.. im just not sure the lesson was worth the stretch marks lol
1 person likes this
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
20 Nov 08
I was not over weight as a child I was very petite. As I got older I did gain weight. I have never been real big. I am satisfied with my weight. I have gone on a diet before to loose weight. And yes I agree.
2 people like this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
20 Nov 08
It's very natural to gain weight as we get older. It sounds like your weight gain is very normal and nothing to worry about. You're very lucky! I learned that dieting, per se, is not the way to go, unless you would call changing your eating habits a "diet". I don't limit my intake of food. I eat more fruits and veggies and drink more water. That's done the trick for me! I've lost 22 pounds recently and I'm still going! Only five more pounds to go and I'll be where I want to be. I'm happy, though. I feel good at this weight so, even if I don't lose another pound, I'll still be happy.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Nov 08
I've been a big all my life and I had low self-esteem. I once worried about what others would say about me. I felt I had to be skinny to be accepted. Thank God for Jesus! the Bible says; I am fearfully and wonderfully made. When I started surrounding myself with positive people, I began to appreciate the woman I had become. I think, I look all right, but friends say I am beyond that because the Christ in me allows me to shine. I am a big beautiful and don't need validation from anyone, in order for me to SHINE! I will never be a size 10, but I can loose weight to be healthier. I am a mother of four and grandmother of three. The greatest amount of weight I lost was 225 lbs of a loser abusive husband. I lost 35 lbs this year and I am eating to live. For years. I've been an emotional eater MOST OF MY LIFE. Now I think before I eat, I eat to be comfortable not to pass out. You are the greatest love of all and it's inside of you! Keep your head up!
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
11 Nov 09
I was very small up to about 6-7 then I went through some problems with my parents divorce and slowly started to put on weight. By the time I was in my teens I was maybe 20 lbs overweight. As I got older the weight has went on faster. Although I'm very fluffy now, I know that diets don't work. Eating healthy and exercise are the only answers...you just have to have the willpower and dertermination to stick to them. [b]~~I AM WHO I AM~~ **STANDING STRONG IN MY BELIEFS**[/b]
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
12 Nov 09
I watched a movie just the other day called Super Size Me and I'd recommend it to anyone that eats fast food. You wouldn't believe how much impact fried food and soda's have on your body. The guy in the movie went on a 30 day McDonalds diet...he ate only at McDonalds, 3 meals a day and could only super size if they asked. Since most ppl walk only 2 miles a day (if that) he restricted his walking to 2 miles. At the start he was 185 lbs and in mint condition. By the end of the 30 days he was at 225 lbs, he was having signs of a stroke, his kidneys were showing signs of failure and he was so sluggish he could hardly get up the stairs to his apartment. It was unbelievable. Ppl don't realize how much some foods impact them. I stopped eating meat 2 months ago...now if I have even a small piece I get extreme stomach cramps and diahrea. It makes you wonder just whats in it. [b]~~I AM WHO I AM~~ **STANDING STRONG IN MY BELIEFS**[/b]
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
12 Nov 09
You're very correct about the way to lose weight, healthy food and exercise. I lost about 25 pounds not long ago and ate as much as normal, but ate more of the right foods. I added more fruits and veggies to my diet, stopped eating anything fried and slowed down on the sodas.
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
20 Nov 08
I was thin as a child until I was out of college. I didn't like myself all that much then, and can't say I'm all that impressed with me now. Sure, I'd like to be thinner, again, but my size has nothing to do with how much I like myself.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Nov 08
I was an overweight child around my teens. and I have to say I had a hard time. I was talked about all the time. from friends, family and those who didn't even know me but as time went on I learned how to love myself and laugh at those who laughed at me. now as an adult it doesn't bother me I have so much confidence with my weight. even though at times I am disgusted because of health issues. that is my only bother. I don't want to shorten my life. If I could turn back the hands of time I would have started working out and dieting a long time ago. but looking back it was a great battle to find that inner beauty and decide that it has to be me to make that drastic change and not some spector looking in for a laugh... I don't think its that hard to loose the weight if your really want it off, it just takes dedication and hard work,and some of us are not willing to do it so we resort to those loose weight quick skeems that don't work. I for one know in order to loose the weight I need to change my lifestyle as a whole
@littleowl (7157)
20 Nov 08
Hi MW..yes I agree with you that you can like and accept yourself if you have put on weight...as a child though I was overweight, then in my teens it seemed to drop off and I stayed at a reasonable weight, but after getting married and having my children, with my first the weight came off alright vut my second child I just couldn't budge from putting on 17lbs so went on diet after diet,,,then on tele one day watching a documentary the dr on there said that your body will find its ideal weight and all the diets under the sun won't stop your body being that way..after that I learned to accept myself and be happy about myself, I'm of average build now whereas I still have clothes in the wardrobe of a size 10 which I was a couple of years ago, but they will now go to the charity shop...hugs littleowl
1 person likes this
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
20 Nov 08
I have always been big into the athletics and keeping in shape. But that was who I was. I loved being active. I was in a car accident almost 3 years ago and they put me on medication that I ballooned up on. Which of course was not something that I was digging. I was truly upset that they knew that they were putting me on an anti depressent which makes you gain weight like hot cakes and nothing was ever mentioned of putting me on depressents or these side affects. Didn't even say it with the hand out. Well with having a back injury I have to take this weight off due to having a back injury and extra weight causing strain on my spine. Something that I don't want to go through life like.
1 person likes this
@gracie04 (4549)
• Philippines
20 Nov 08
Yeah, wayback in highschool.. i gained so much weight that time.. i remember my classmates making fun of me.. they called me names such as giant and biggie.. when i entered college, i started to lose weight.. when my bully classmates saw me two years ago, they were surprised to see the new "me". some of them are even making the moves to know more about me but i refused.
@jackiew (915)
• Canada
20 Nov 08
I was never overweight growing up.My weight came after giving birth to two boys.I am not extremely overweight just a little chubby.I can live with the extra pounds.My partner doesn't mind the extra weight,he loves me just as i am and thats all that matters.I do try to wear clothes that make me look a little thinner though.I just make sure i stay about the same and not add any more.I tend to go up and down in my weight.I love the going down part.[lol] happy mylotting
1 person likes this
• Philippines
20 Nov 08
I am not! but, I am afraid I might come to that. I dont take diet pills. I have less excercise too. But I dont eat that much. still I gain weight.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36449)
• United States
12 Nov 09
Well, I was quite skinny when I was growing up, and a lot of it was Health issues that kept me from being able to gain weight like I should. Then I was able to keep at a decent weight until having some more health problems about 5 yrs. ago and due to them became like a Type 1 Diabetic and was put on some medication that ended up making me gain weight to where now I could still afford to loose about 20 more pounds somehow, but was able to loose around 30 in like 6 months last yr. so I know that even days I feel heavy still, I am enjoying life, and know that even though some things might be limited due to Health, life is going well.
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
21 Nov 08
I am overweight. Not that I am overly overweight, but I am overweight. Much to the ire of my wife, she fell in love with a pretty fit and slim looking man. And she married one that is fit looking and with a smaller tummy as well. I am going on a diet for aesthestic reasons. TO look good for my wife. But have been failing miserably. Cannot get myself into the discipline required to lose those added pounds around the waist! I also do not have problems with people calling me fat. I am fat. I always believe in, "Eat happy, die happy" rather than starve and deprive myself of something nice. We work so hard to make money. AND we face so much stress at work. So the last thing I want to do when I get home, is to pile more restrictions on myself. Too much of that outside of home. Even if you do not like me for my size, too bad. Your loss of a good loyal friend. Not me.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
21 Nov 08
Heehee ...while I wouldn't mind losing maybe that extra ten pounds (I tend to gain it all in my stomach) for most of my life I've been a bean-pole...or as my mother used to nickname me skinny-ma-link. The joke of the family was that I must have inherited my father's side of the family traits...they could eat a whole cow at every meal and not gain weight...Now my mother on the other hand was the type that could gain weight just by looking at food and was more obsessive going on one weird diet after another and even resorted to a diet doctor who just pumped her up with glorified amphetamines....yeesh..those were fun years with her hyper mood swings...NOT. In fact, she was so concerned about my lack of gaining weight (or was it jealousy) that she took me to the doctor and he gave me meds to gain..did a bit but not much. Over the years I have on and off gained weight and maybe wasn't thrilled by it, but I was never as obsessed by it as my mother seemed to be. Whenever I did gain a hefty amount of weight (well for me)..I would just start eating better, but not on some wacko diet..As of now...I'm 5' 1" and 110 lbs. and a size 4 in jeans..
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
21 Nov 08
Uh...please don't fling wet noodles at me....
@fran429 (502)
• United States
6 May 09
Hi Mentalward, I was skinny minnie as a child, then around 5th or 6th grade I started getting chunky... In 7th grade I really felt the stress... I wasn't obese... probably just barely overweight... I finally slimmed down, naturally... or maybe it was caused from walking EVERYWHERE... who knows... but by 11th grade I was at a solid 125-130 and could live off fast food for ALL meals and not gain a pound.... THEN I had baby #1... I'm now on baby #2 (she's 5 tho) and about 50lbs overweight. I think that actually puts me at obese. clothed, I don't think I look THAT bad but who really knows... I'm not happy with my weight but I'm slowly starting to accept it... and hoping to lose it still too... I think if I KNEW the reason of the weight gain I could accept it MUCH easier... but no matter WHAT I do, I can't lose it... Either way... fat or not, I still love myself... I have the personality of a super model! *wink*
@Nhey16 (2518)
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
when i was young til before i got pregnant, i was so skinny...but after my 2nd child i really got bigger... i dont really like myself when i was big coz of health reasons, i could hardly breath, and seems like my asthma always attacks me. when i tried to lose weight, i really feel a lot better not only on how i look, but with my health as well...
@agent807 (751)
• United States
6 May 09
I've always been a heavy person. From a chubby little kid, to the overgrown animal that I am today. When I was younger, I was picked on for being big and fat, but the thing I had was that I was stronger than everyone, including some adults. I discovered this little game called football, which was fun because I wasn't the fastest person, but I could drag four people down the field with me. My doctor once said that I was too heavy and I wouldn't live very long if nothing was done about it. So I continued to play football, but I was still growing like crazy, except now, I started lifting weights. Someone had mentioned once that I would end up being a 300 pound person because of how fast I was growing. The only time was I was thin was in high school after I was involved in a car accident my senior year. I weighed 215 at the time, but dropped to 150 by the time I left the hospital. I went into a slight depression from the wreck, and felt that I couldn't do anything. I was so weak, until I went to PT, and started hitting crazy weights and grew a monster of an appetite. I shot up to 250 when I graduated and felt twice as strong as before. These days, I don't play football, but I am addicted to the weights ( especially when I borrow plates from another machine because I am lifting that much), and lifting heavy stuff. Whoever said I would be 300 pounds was right. I was scared about it at first, but then accepted it because I wanted to be big and strong. I like my size because am several people. I didn't realize how big i was until I stood next to someone in a mirror. I have the strength and appetite of a few people (man I love my appetite, it's huge and bottomless). I now weigh 340 pounds (clearly overweight) and feel like an animal. I use my car for the leg press, and I have a towing capacity like a truck, actually equal to that of a truck. It drives people crazy knowing that a person could get that strong seeing them move heavy things like they're light (to me they are) w/o being a bodybuilder (not my goal). The power is a high to me. I think this is the greatest I've ever felt feeling like Superman. I guess I wasn't meant to be thin.