Facing the Facts: Recognizing Overweight

The world's giving a round of applause for overweight folks, isn't it? Just take a quick scroll through social media, and you'll see what I mean. It's like being overweight is the latest trend. But for those of us who keep ourselves fit, it's like we're the odd ones out (Yoga Outfits Challenge Indian Norms). Ever noticed that?

Why am I bringing this up? Well, because if you even mention someone's weight, especially if they're carrying a bit extra, suddenly you're labeled as a body shamer. It's like walking on eggshells.

Let's set something straight: being overweight doesn't always mean you're unhealthy. It's worth checking your BMI (Body Mass Index) before jumping to conclusions. But there's more to it than just BMI, which we'll get into shortly. Now, ladies, I'm talking to you, but guys, listen up too. Being overweight tends to affect women more than men. So, everyone, pay attention (The Power of Fitness Bra).

 

Why do we call someone overweight?

It's when their body weight isn't quite balanced or evenly distributed. Picture it: maybe their lower half is carrying more weight than the upper part. Think big tummies, extra layers of fat hanging around, or hips and thighs packing on more than their fair share. 

Sometimes, it's like their whole body's rounded out with extra weight piled on every part. And yeah, even the bum gets in on the action, adding to the overall imbalance. Then there's the height factor. Some folks are carrying around more weight than they should for their height, giving them that big-built look.

Now, here's a simple test you can do at home to see if you're tipping the scales: how do you feel when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror without any clothes on?

If you're feeling like your weight isn't where it should be, chances are you've got a hunch you might be overweight. But let's be clear: we're not talking about those who always feel overweight, or those battling with bulimia or anorexia. We're focusing on others who might not realize it yet.

Here's a little checklist, especially for the ladies, to help figure out if you might be carrying a bit more weight than you should. 
Answer "yes" or "no" to each of the following questions.

 

Do you feel kinda small when you're hanging out with ladies who've got their shape and size all sorted?

Ever find yourself feeling a twinge of jealousy or envy when you see a woman who's really rocking her shape?

Got a bit of a confidence dip, even though you might not want to admit it, and deep down, you know it's probably because of your weight?

Do you get all fired up when someone makes a comment about your body weight?

Ever find it a struggle to pick out clothes that actually fit you right?

Do you get the odd comment suggesting maybe you're a bit on the sloppy side?

Ever catch yourself putting others down or getting caught up in gossip, maybe as a way to feel better about yourself?

Do you find yourself stressing out about finding the right outfit for events, maybe even avoiding going altogether?

And hey, do you ever find yourself hiding your body under loose-fitting clothes?

Do you wear clothes that are really tight, though people don't comment but they stare at you?

And let's not forget about the walking situation. Do you ever struggle to keep up with others, feeling like you're lagging behind? It's all part of the puzzle.

Count your "yes" and "no" answers. The totals will reveal how you truly feel about your weight.

These questions really hit home, don't they? If you find yourself getting all fired up after reading them, what's that telling you?

Now, let's say you realize you're carrying a bit of extra weight, but when it comes to explaining it, you've probably heard yourself saying things like:

"I barely eat."

"I'm always out walking or exercising."

"My diet's all healthy stuff."

"Dinner? Oh, I either skip it or keep it super light."

"I don’t snack late at night."

"But still, the pounds won't budge, and I don't know why."

 

These are the classic lines we hear from folk during our coaching sessions. Even after a few rounds of coaching, they're still scratching their heads, and sometimes, they even bail after the first session, especially when we start digging deeper.

 

Stay tuned for our next chat, where we'll dive into why people end up overweight and whether they're truly okay with it. Keep your eyes peeled for that follow-up.