So I’ve recently been perusing through Lovelyish (after a long hiatus) and I’ve suddenly remembered why I stopped looking at this site: all of the body image and weight debates! I am so sick of seeing essentially the same three arguments…

1. Someone says someone in a photo is fat (usually a celebrity), which is immediately followed by someone someone defending them, and then there’s usually a back and forth between someone defending non-stick thin, “heavier”, “curvy” women and someone saying that “fat” girls are lazy and need to lose weight

2. Someone talks about how thin someone else looks, which is usually backed up by people saying how gross that is, and then a similar back and forth (see above) occurs, except reverse.

3. Someone talks about how it’s awesome to be “curvy” and how we should all “love our bodies” and then someone else comments about how that’s discriminating against thin people, yada yada yada.


I propose that we just stop talking about body image for a bit.  Let’s say a week.  There is no winning the above three arguments.  People are going to get offended and get up on their soapbox about one side or the other no matter how convincing an argument anyone makes.  Let’s just avoid the unhappy feelings and the pointless arguments and talk about something else that has to do with beauty besides weight! However, I would like to end with these points, now that I have just completed my Masters in Dietetics and Nutrition.

A BMI of 25-30 is considered overweight.
A BMI of 30-35 up is considered obesity.
A BMI of 35 or up is considered morbid obesity.

These three conditions are associated with many negative health implications (hypertension hyperlipidemia, diabetes, etc) and weight loss should be considered if you fall into these categories.  Go see your doctor and talk about your health and your options.

If you would like to lose weight/maintain weight, the plan that works the best is a combination of diet change, exercise, and behavioral therapy (though prevention is still the best “option”).  This is going to be a lifestyle change and it is difficult, especially in this day and age.  68% of Americans are obese or overweight, so it’s common.  However, this is one case in which it is not okay to be the norm.  It’s your body, and your health should be more important than your perception of your body or other people’s perception of your body.

On the other hand, a BMI of 18.5 or less is considered underweight.  People who are underweight should make sure than they consume the proper amount of nutrients to promote brain/body function.  Also, keep in mind that once you lose ~50% of your normal muscle mass (which happens with anorexia), you basically die because you can no longer breath.

There’s no point trying to argue with each other about what looks best.  Everyone is entitled to their opinions.  Just be healthy.

Lovelies, what do you think about my proposition? Do you agree or disagree?