BIG BEAUTIES. The buxom Tonya Babb is the new Big & Beautiful queen in Barbados. Babb, who also took prizes for Best Talent and Congeniality, was crowned Sunday night at the Sherbourne Conference Centre before a packed audience. Babb, Miss A&T Marine, beat the Berry’s-sponsored Stephanie Skinner and Miss Sharon’s International Fish Latoya Marshall into second and third respectively. Skinner was awarded additional prizes for Best Business Wear and Most Improved, while second runner-up Marshall walked away with Miss Photogenic. In this Sandy Pitt picture, the happy queen (centre) shares the moment with first runner-up Stephanie Skinner (right) and third placed Latoya Marshall.
We shall digress from the politics to discuss how we feel about the ‘Big Beauties Show’ which was recently held at the Sherbourne Conference Centre. Based on feedback a good time was had by all. We wonder how many people in the audience attended the show out of desire to positively support the fat participants or whether it was the opportunity to have a good laugh. Let us say up front that we harbour no ill feelings towards any of the fat participants, all of our anger is targeted at the organizers of the show. We feel to a man in the BU household that a show which is held to parade obese woman is an unethical and insensitive act. We believe that it was staged to exploit for financial rewards ONLY. Remember that Barbados when last we checked has been given the honour to occupy twelfth position on the fattest country list in the whole wide world.
What an honour!
The fat women who participated in the show should be respected as individuals but at the same time must be told to go and loose some weight pronto! By ‘bigging-up’ these woman what are we saying to the wider society? We know the response, yeah, yeah, fat people are people too. Sorry people that does not wash as all! We now live in a country where to eat junk food, sit in-front the big screen television and gossip on the phone is part and parcel of our lifestyle. We offer no apology for saying that those fat people who participated in the ‘Big and Buxom Show’ need to examine what they are doing by first rearranging some of their life’s priorities. We could list all the ways a fat person is inhibited from enjoying many simple things which life has to offer them but why bother. It’s their right to parade their fat and physically unappealing bodies on stage! BU loves you but we will love you some more if you stop ‘wolfing’ down all those carbohydrates and start to manage your diet.
Here is something to think about:
When any man sees this woman and he sees a fat woman how do you think he will respond? Something to think about. No one can have the perfect body but we can try. Stop glamorizing obesity. It is costing the Barbados government mega-bucks in healthcare as well as chasing our men from the bedrooms.
110 responses so far ↓
Anonymous // October 28, 2007 at 8:07 AM
Read this on the Nation website just now.
Bajans getting fat in New York
Published on: 10/28/07.
by TONY BEST
FAT FOR SO.
And the longer they live in the Big Apple, the fatter they become.
That’s the picture which the New York City Department of Health has painted of Bajan immigrants.
In a report on the health of foreign-born residents in the five boroughs of Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island, the department complained that Bajans were among the immigrants who “are
more likely to be obese”.
As a matter of fact, almost a third – an estimated 30 per cent – of the Bajans were found to be overweight, a situation which exposes them to an increased risk for several serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer, according to the Department of Health.
Unhealthy habits
Interestingly, they may not simply be bringing their pattern of obesity from Barbados.
Data cited by the department suggested “obesity among foreign-born New Yorkers increases with the duration of residence in the United States.” In other words, their length of stay in America encourages them to adopt unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits.
What’s alarming about the state of health of the Bajans and others, assert health experts, is that it’s a headache they can do something about through diet, exercise and lifestyle.
Control
“This is something over which people have control,” said a health official.
“Obesity is contributing to the alarmingly high rates of diabetes we have seen in the city in recent years.
“Deaths due to diabetes is high in the city and immigrants are among the main victims.”
But Bajans aren’t alone. Thirty three per cent of the foreign-born from Panama and Honduras were obese; 24 per cent of the Jamaicans; and 23 per cent of the Russians.
Just as important is the fact that more women tend to be overweight than men.
“Data suggest that foreign-born adults from Panama, Honduras, Barbados, Jamaica and Russia have higher levels of obesity than the overall population of foreign-born and United States-born adults,” stated the department’s report.
Surveys
These figures were based on findings in two New York City community health surveys conducted in 2002 and the following year.
The state of Caribbean immigrant health in the five boroughs was examined a week ago at a one-day conference held at the Columbia University Presbyterian Medical Centre in Manhattan by the Caribbean-American Medical and Scientific Association.
Obesity is defined by a person’s body mass index (BMI), which is based on a man or woman’s weight and height, with adults having a body mass index of 30 or more being considered as obese.
“Obesity increases a person’s risk for several conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and cancer,” stated the report.
Obese
“In New York City in 2003, 20 per cent of adults were obese, an increase from 18 per cent in 2002. Foreign-born adults are less likely than United States-born adults to be obese.
“This difference is largely driven by the lower prevalence of obesity among foreign-born men, who are 30 per cent less likely to be obese than foreign-born women.
“The rate of obesity among the latter is the same as that among United States-born adults,” added the report.
There is more about the Bajans and other West Indians, who account for more than 600 000 of the millions of foreign-born residents in the city.
Among West Indian immigrants, infant mortality rates are highest for Antiguan infants.
Eighteen out of every 1 000 Antiguan infants in New York don’t live past their first birthday, compared with nine each for children born to foreign-born women from Haiti, Britain, Guyana and Ghana.
Actually, the infant mortality rate among babies born to mothers from Antigua and Barbuda was three times higher than that of the foreign-born population as a whole and two times higher than the United States-born population as a whole.
In the category of low-birth weight babies, the rates for Guyanese, Bajans, Antiguan and Trinidadian babies were higher than the figure for American-born mothers, which was ten per 100 live births per year.
While 14 of every 100 live Guyanese births suffer from low birth weight, meaning fewer than 2 500 grams at birth, the comparable figure among Bajans is 13 per 100 live births, compared with 12 for Antiguans, Bangladeshis and Trinidadians.
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 8:39 AM
Yes I read that article and I wondered why it was a surprise to anyone and why only Bajans in NY were being singled out.
Obesity in NORTH AMERICA due to improper diet and a lack of exercise is wide spread throughtout every spectrum of the population and various nationalities living there. It is the number one cause for death by heart, stroke, disbetes, cancer, high blood pressure and a host of other diseases. Another thing that is often overlooked and caused by obesity is the number of joint replacements being required by an inordinate amount of North Americans.
The tragedy about joint replacements is, that the number of successful patients undergoing this surgery is also on the decline because a hip, knee and other such joint replacements is only successful where the patient keep their weight down and exercise. Most medical facilities are now refusing to replace a joint until the obese element is first addressed.
Billions is spent on trying to educate people about the danger of obesity and its effect on health and pre-mature death but it falls on deaf ears.
The thing that alarms most people in North America, especially the medical profession about the problem is, that healthy foods are readily available at affordable prices to 90% of the population. Yet school kids and adults because of busy lifestyles, laziness and poor eating habits never or rarely ever sit down to a healthy and balanced diet.
They prefer fast foods like MacDonalds, Harveys, Swiss Chalet, Burger King, Pizzas, and are always snacking on junk foods. In addition, and in spite of schools having gyms and health clubs springing up all over the place no one wants to exercise. Many say “Why do without in the land of plenty”.
The fact that some ethnic groups are more prone to specific diseases is nothing new.
The biggest problem about what is going on today in most parts of the world and right here in Barbados has everything to do with what we like to call “Progress”.
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 9:37 AM
I read this article too but it does not surprise me nor does it make a whole lot of sense to single out Bajans in NY.
A substantial number if not the majority of the North American population not just Bajans living in New York are obese. Many men, women and children are grotesque and look like beached Buluga whales. And are dying like flys from heart, stroke, cancers, diabetes etc. The more money that is spent on health education the worse the problem becomes.
However, I am optimistic that some progress is being made and the younger hipped generation is taking health, exercise seriously. But we still have a long way to go! The Government is also acting by making food suppliers list the ingredients in their products like fat content and other harmful ingredients but it is a slow process!
But contrary to the caption of Anonymous’ post it is not only “women” impacted but men and children too. The bellys on some men make it impossible for them to wear pants at waist level.
But what is even more distressing is that overweight people are now wearing out their hip, knee and other joints with billions being spent to have them replaced many getting very poor results and why? Because joint replacement is a waste of time unless the patient loses weight and keep it off by exercising. Many medical facilities will not do joint replacement unless the patient first loses weight because the results are predictable.
The food consumed in North America is junk food even though healthy balanced diets is available at affordable prices to 90% of the population.
Busy lifestyles with both parents working leads to MacDonalds, Harveys, Swiss Chalet, Pizza and other foods that are crap. Then after that most kids and adults sit at the TV, Computer etc and continue snacking. Many suggest “Why should I do without in the land of plenty”.
Most people can go to a supermarket in North America and buy and provide their family and themselves with a healthy balanced diet. Chickens are rarely more than $5, chicken breasts are rarely more than $4, spare ribs (back) $8 for two huge strips, etc. potatoes, rice vegetables are all cheap. However the majority want fast food, Craft and other packaged pre-cooked foods that they just stick in the oven.
OMG // October 28, 2007 at 9:45 AM
People attend these shows to laugh their heads off.
The pictures in the news don’t show half the comic relief depicted on the run way.
And somehow, the smallest big one always win.
Ian Bourne // October 28, 2007 at 11:14 AM
I was a judge in the first and emcee at the 2nd show organised by Tonya Cumberbatch. Being large and in charge myself and married to a full-figured lady – I have no problem in either appreciating or being seen with her, rather, it is stinking attitudes making otherwise erudite beings spout offal like “chasing our men from the bedrooms” or “People attend these shows to laugh their heads off.
The pictures in the news don’t show half the comic relief depicted on the run way.
And somehow, the smallest big one always win”
I know of many skinny Bajan men who ADORE Large Ladies, conversely – “Floats/Tiny” from Bacchanal Time has more than a few children and John Harrison has a beautiful slim wife who WORSHIPS him and has given him a son or two, I think!
I am not disputing the health angle of what a lifestyle can do, but to think big ppl must hide or not have sex or be thought of as lovable in our own right is a totally asinine assumption!
David // October 28, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Ian Bourne~thanks for making a contribution. BU stands by its position that we respect all people but we don’t like the idea of promoters glamorizing the virtues of being obese. We too have people who are obese in our family and social circle.
Lets keep our eyes on the big picture. Barbados have high asthmatics, diabetics, chronic diseases galore and the list goes on…we need to manage our lifestyle and it does not mean we hate fat people! We deplore the people who exploit the insecurity of fat people.
Ian Bourne // October 28, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Who says fat ppl are insecure? I think skinny folk are more bothered than the other way around, Tonya the organiser herself is a large person and she did it not to capitalise on any weakness – rather, it was done to empower folks who happen to have more flesh than average
Ian Bourne // October 28, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Here is the BBC -
Being moderately overweight could actually be good for you, say researchers.
People who are a little overweight are likely to live longer than people who are underweight or obese, a study shows.
But experts pointed out that the study only looked at how long people lived and not at obesity-related diseases.
The American Centres for Disease Control research appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Overweight
The US team looked at data from three US surveys about health and nutrition carried out in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Weight was assessed using a measurement called Body Mass Index – calculated by divide a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.
A BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered normal. One below 18.5 is considered underweight and 30 or above is considered obese.
The researchers found that the people who had BMIs higher than 25 but lower than 30, which meant they were moderately overweight but not obese, did not have a reduced life expectancy.
The people who lived the longest of all were those with BMIs of 25, which lies between the ideal and overweight margins.
In comparison, there were 112,000 extra deaths among the obese category and nearly 34,000 extra deaths among the underweight category.
Caution
When the researchers compared the trends over the three decades studied, they found the death risk linked with obesity had decreased over time.
They said this might be down to people being healthier and getting medical treatment for obesity-related conditions such as heart disease.
US researchers recently estimated that, based on the current obesity levels, life spans could fall by between four months and nine months.
If the rise in obesity – 50% a decade in both the 1980s and 1990s in the US – was not stopped, the team said it could fall by two to five years within decades.
Dr William Cochran, a nutritionist for Pennsylvania’s Geisinger Health System in the US, said the new research could cause confusion about whether being overweight is unhealthy.
“I think like most things, it’s a mixed bag and the truth is not always black and white.
“But there is positively, absolutely, undeniably no doubt that being obese is not good for you.”
In the UK it is estimated that one in five men and a quarter of women are obese.
Dr David Haslam, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: “These findings should certainly set us thinking.
“Even though we are getting fatter, in a society that is putting more emphasis on a healthier lifestyle, the impact may be lessened.
“In this study the risk of death from heart disease does not appear to be as high as a generation ago, however, the risk of developing diabetes has not decreased.
“This shows that while medical management of diseases associated with obesity have improved the need for concerted public health campaigns and best practice in treatment of obesity must be paramount.”
David // October 28, 2007 at 12:12 PM
So Ian enlighten the BU family because it seems you are closer to this situation than most. Why did the organizer have to format a show in the same way as the shows we come to see so often in order to empower big people? Why have you not addressed the issue of the high degree of obesity in our country and the issues which are associated with it and how glamorizing it could negatively affect our situation?
Ian Bourne // October 28, 2007 at 12:14 PM
More of ye olde Beeb on overweight matters -
Curvy women are more likely to live longer than their slimmer counterparts, researchers have found.
Institute of Preventative Medicine in Copenhagen researchers found those with wider hips also appeared to be protected against heart conditions.
Women with a hip measurement smaller than 40 inches, or a size 14 would not have this protection, they said.
The researchers say hip fat contains a beneficial natural anti-inflammatory.
Narrow hips ‘detrimental‘
They said this anti-inflammatory, called adiponectin, prevents arteries swelling up and becoming blocked.
Women ranging from Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren to Kelly Brook and Catherine Zeta Jones today have been made famous by their hourglass figures.
The Danish researchers examined almost 3,000 men and women aged between 35 and 65 from 1987 to 1988
They measured height, weight and body mass index – calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres.
They then looked at Danish health registers up until the end of 1998 to look at how many of the men and women had cardiovascular problems, and up to 2001 to see how many had died.
Compared to the group of women with the smallest hip circumferences, women with the biggest were found to have an 87% reduction in deaths.
They also had an 86% reduced risk of having coronary heart disease and a 46% reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to the researchers.
Previous studies have found both men and women with small hips are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and gall bladder disease.
However the study, which has been published in Obesity Research, found a wider hip circumference was not linked with better heart health in men.
‘Apple-shape‘ risk
Professor Berit Heitmann, who led the study, said: “It seems that the protection is not a matter of wide hips, it’s the detrimental effect of narrow hips with a lack of muscle fat, or bone or a combination of both.
She added: “Fat on hips is different than fat on the abdomen. If you do not have enough of this fat you may risk heart attacks.”
Carrying excess fat around the stomach, being ‘apple shaped’, is already known to be potentially damaging to health.
Fat cells in this part of the body pump out chemicals that can damage the insulin system, raising the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Belinda Linden, of the British Heart Foundation said: “It has been widely reported that if you are apple-shaped, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease is likely to be greater than if you are pear-shaped.
“This study provides additional evidence of the association between hip circumference and cardiovascular protection among women.”
But she added: “It is important to consider both your body weight and shape in tandem. Controlling both by eating less and being more active is the best way to reduce your risk of heart and circulatory disease.”
Ian Bourne // October 28, 2007 at 12:26 PM
I get tired of hearing remarks all the time, my size does not bother me, but it seems to bother many others – I do not see it as “I should comply to shut up such remarks” instead, I see it as – I don’t talk about bony folk, so why humbug me? MYOB!
As for other shows of this nature it is also popular in Africa where big women to love are the norm, it is also known as STEATOPYGIA -
Judges at a beauty contest in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, have picked a winner weighing 117kg.
The contest, held to overturn western criteria of selecting beauty queens, attracted 13 contestants.
Carine Riragendanwa, 27, was named Miss “Pog-Bedre” or Large Lady, at the contest jointly organised by the Ministry for the Promotion of Women.
The Burkina Faso contest was held at the same time as the latest Miss World competition was held in China.
Contrary to the western obsession with tall and thin beauty icons, many men in Africa find fat women attractive.
The organiser of the event, Fatou Djiguiemde, told AFP news agency contestants weighing between 75kg and 130kg turned out to prove slender figures are not better than anyone else.
Free clothes
All the contestants at the celebration of big ladies paraded in front of an enthusiastic audience, first in traditional clothing and then in bathing suits.
They were later asked to talk for five minutes on a subject of current interest or concern, like Aids or poverty.
Miss Riragendanwa received gold jewellery, a motor bike and a selection of African dresses.
The beauty queen will also have her hair done and receive free clothes for a year.
The stiff competition saw a tie between Diane Yameogo who weighs 105kgs, and Christine Da weighing 100Kgs for the second position.
They both received $150 and a year’s free clothing.
** ALSO **
A competition held to pay tribute to “generously proportioned” women is going from strength to strength in Burkina Faso.
A student weighing 113kg is the latest winner of Miss Pog Bedre (Large Lady). “I am not at all worried about my size,” Amelie Sorgho told the BBC.
“I may sometimes envy thin girls when they wear certain clothes but it’s not worth going on an infernal diet.”
The show was first held last year, to coincide with the Miss World contest.
The show’s promoter Josephine Guiguemde says the idea is to “pay tribute to and recognise well-endowed women.”
Miss Sorgho, an arts student at the University of Ouagadougou, gave a huge smile as it was announced that she had beaten 12 candidates to be crowned Miss Pog.
No swimwear
Contrary to the western obsession with tall and thin beauty icons, many men in Africa find fat women attractive.
“Thin women are for whites,” said Issa, a 47-year-old electrician.
“In Africa, if a woman is large, it means her husband is looking after her.”
Alain, a student, says he is prefers thinner women.
“If I had a large girlfriend, she might break my motor scooter.”
The BBC’s Mathieu Bonkoungou in Ouagadougou says just like in Miss World, the Miss Pog contestants speak about their belief in worthy causes, such as educating girls, helping those who have suffered domestic violence and fighting Aids, prostitution and divorce.
The jury voted for Miss Sorgho after the contestants had paraded in a variety of costumes, including African dresses.
The only difference to Miss World is there is no swimwear section. They do wear costumes which show off their curves but little flesh is revealed.
Miss Sorgho said she wanted to use her time as Miss Pog to lead a campaign to educate people – men and women – on the dangers of using skin-lightening creams.
Kathy // October 28, 2007 at 1:26 PM
I am moderately overweight myself, and I have made a commitment to eat healthier food. This is more expensive, but cheaper than the medical costs of diabetes and heart disease. I also try to exercise and change my lifestyle for the better. Even parking in the farthest parking space and walking fast is a start for me.
But I am also committed to health above looks, so I won’t worry myself into depression, or starve myself into ill-health either. Some of us are just a little bigger, and I am thankful to those who recognise that. Whatever I look like on healthy food and exercise … that is me, and I’m not going to sweat it.
One big advantage for the older, full-figured woman is a reduced risk of osteoporosis. And, of course, we get less wrinkles!
Radiance // October 28, 2007 at 1:56 PM
Puh-lease, BU, your article is so dumb. Including the pic of the suggestively-posed blonde/brunette with the anorectic arms, bony hips, and no backside from what I can tell. You could have found a better picture to make your (weak) point.
Silly BU. There are lots of big women and small women in Bim who eat heartily and healthily. And there are women, big and small, who eat badly.
By the way, both obesity and anorexia can cause death.
Tell you what: Post your pic, so that we can see what your (near perfect, I assume) body looks like, so that we all have something to aim for in this life. (Stupse)
David // October 28, 2007 at 2:03 PM
As we expected the attacks are coming because some of you have completely missed the point of our ‘dumb’ article. We were at pain to point out that we have nothing but respect for all people but what we have a problem with is the glamorizing of the physical condition obesity.
Maybe if the organizer instead of copying Monique’s concept out of the USA they might try Big Loser which encourages people to lose weight.
The View From Here // October 28, 2007 at 2:15 PM
It seems to me that there are 2 separate issues here: The aesthetics of sex appeal and health.
On the issue of aesthetics I agree with you Ian on the issue of health I agree with you David. I think the articles Ian site refer to slightly overweight women rather than obese women but I do take his point about women in the slightly overweight category.
There is much documented evidence that too thin or too fat endanger health and on a small island either extreme could wreck havoc with a national health care system. I got that and agree.
One of the two fundamental problems I have with the post though, is that it advances the idea that if obese people would just stop eating all the carbs and processed stuff then they wouldn’t be obese. Well that’s true, but the problem is more complexed that just ‘go lose some weight pronto’. In many, I dare say most cases, it is not a simple issue of willpower or lack of self-discipline.
Obesity is an illness and the thing that causes it in most people, though not all, is compulsive disorder and/or food addiction. Processed foods are very addictive and they trigger chemical responses in some people which the eater is not consciously aware of. These responses create the compulsion to eat more and more of the same … or to keep making the same unhealthy choices. They’re not doing so because they lack will power to stop, they’re doing it because they’re caught in an addictive cycle.
The other fundamental problem I have with the post is that it attempts to advance a concern for health and exploitation as the main issues while at its heart is your, David, own aesthetic disgust (if you will) with obese women. You want to be respectful and fair David, I can see that, but saying you respect when your words clearly reflect contempt is not convincing.
I appreciate what Ian said, i.e that the organiser wanted to create a space for larger women to be celebrated as beautiful because they are many men and women who prefer larger women. Healthy or unhealthy, this is a fact. To presume that everyone would prefer slender over plump is a narrow view of the range of tastes that exist in our world. The world is a very diverse place with diverse tastes and if one can have a beauty show for thin women why not one for fat women?
Having said that I myself am not in favour of any shows, photographs, music videos etc, where women of any size parade around naked, half naked or dressed up like fancy dolls for men or other women to, ogle, judge, fantasize about, ridicule, jerky off to or essentially consume in whatever way. That is like sooooooo medieval!!! Furthermore the idea that people would go to the show with the expressed idea of ridiculing or laughing at the women is très distasteful. What kind of people would do that? Unevolved and unsophisticated cretins clearly. YUCK!!!!! Call the pied piper quick and get them off the island!!!
There is another subtext here though that I want to give voice to: the ever present spectre of the emaciated ‘desirable’ white woman, albeit presented in the form of the problematic identifiers “hispanic/latina” (I suspect), as the model which all men, but in this context black men, desire and revere and black women, particularly the obese ones, are encouraged to compare themselves to and imitate. That is some deep neo-colonial stuff right there LOL!!!
I am really glad you touched on this subject David. I find all the party political stuff interesting and informative but it is really wonderful, to me anyway, when you also address some of the underlying cultural and socio-political issues and attitudes that exist in Barbados.
I hope others join in this debate.
Btw. if significant numbers of the population are exhibiting signs of apathy, i.e. addicted to food, watching tv, gossiping on the phone as you described, perhaps that is part of political disenfranchisement. After all, apathy can be engineered and is a form of social control: an apathetic population can’t make very informed decisions, political or otherwise, now can it?
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 2:42 PM
Too many things today is being blamed on “addiction” yet 60 years ago when people were working hard as sh—-te, having to get around on Bikes instead of cars we did not have the obesity then or health problems we now have. Some might have died younger but it was because there were not the antibiotics and treatment facilities like we now have. Things like pneumonia took many. To-day you do not even have to go to bed with that problem!
Bajans could put away nuff food back then too.
I am not going to flog this to death but this subject fits into other nonsense being put on TV. Not long ago on TV we had dwarf tossing as you recall.
I think that obesity has to be seen for what it is and it is the another “Silent” killer. And 95% of obese people are the authors of their own misfortune.
Not long ago we saw on CNN where the MAJORITY of North American youngster and I mean youngster 3, 5, 10, and 16 years old are overweight, some grossly so. Certainly this was not an “addiction”. Not at that young age! It was due to poor nutritional habits and not enough exercise. These are the facts !
Kids are spending more time in front of the tube, computer etc stuffing their faces with unhealthy garbage that parents encourage them to do. That is the problem!
Compassionate Concern // October 28, 2007 at 2:44 PM
Let me apologies in advance for a long comment. Hope you find it worth the read. This is an interesting and potentially contentious issue that has been raised. We need to clarify whether we want to talk about health, legality, morality. We might also want to clarify what we mean by being fat, overweight and obese.
In terms of health there are many things that increase risk of death, illness, and cost to the individual or taxpayer. We do have influence over some of these and we should try to be responsible as individuals and communities. My suggestion is to do your bit and encourage those that you are close to do their own bits. While there may be some minor benefits of being very moderately overweight we should recognise that the implications of being ‘fat’ are of a bigger.
There are many issues here including: the ‘nanny state’ versus individual right to live with the consequences of their own choices and of how people perceive and respond to risk of personal choices. We should take pride in and treasure the fact that we still live in a democratic country. Legally an individual has the ‘right’ to choose to live as they choose within the law of the land. What one sees as fat another sees as healthy. To the extent that my behaviour harms another is should be ‘encouraged’ to change it (as we have been seeing internationally with cigarettes). One would be right to argue that unless my being fat affects your health or pocket that you should leave me alone. Of course if the public healthcare system is funded from your tax dollars there could be a concern that others will have to ‘unfairly’ bear the burden of my ‘unnecessarily ‘ higher healthcare cost. Workplace productivity may be another area where the burdens are borne by the ‘innocent’.
Morally I don’t think that we should encourage anyone to aspire to be obese. I don’t think that we should glamorise it. We can be understanding and supportive as the reality is that not everyone will be able to lose weight easily. The fact that there is ‘an advantage’ to something does not make the responsible choice to make. We should look at a balance of the risks and benefits. If the benefits are small and the risks are large we chose one way and vice versa (if they are similar they I can choose to go either way based on my personal preferences). No I don’t think we should restrict treatments on the basis of a person being obese (like is being done in the UK) unless it is clear that the outcome will be undesirable. By this I mean that if my surgical wound will not heal well because I am obese then it is fair to encourage me to in my own interest lose weight before surgery. It however is unfair to decide that the surgery will not be done because it needs a little more skill. It is unethical and illegal to deny me emergency surgery because I am higher risk than average and because you think that I must have contributed to my being this way.
It would appear that based on a balance of the current evidence, being fat/overweight/obese is not a great idea health wise. As a society we should be concerned when it appears that harmful lifestyles are being glamorised. We also need to be understanding and supportive even as we seek to encourage change for the better.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/obesity/
http://www.namcp.org/Journals/JMCM/Articles/10_3/V10N3_Ecomomic_Weight.pdf
http://www.oxha.org/
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 3:24 PM
Compassionate Concern
Excellent excellent points and thoughts few can be argue with. The person has the right to be fat if they want to be and you are correct.
I also think you are correct in saying we should not nag as it is none of our business other than if obesity, like smoking and drug and alcohol abuse are increasing our taxes to pay for it. I can take that a step further, look at reckless drivers and speeders they do their share of taking their own and others lives and injuring people yet most of us yawn at this. And I am sure there are others such examples.
Having said that I think that most people have a responsibility to think of their siblings or family. We do not want to lose you prematurely when it can be avoided. We love you regardless of you being fat! But if we know being fat can shorten our life why not try to fix it?
Bush tea // October 28, 2007 at 3:25 PM
David, the price you pay for delving into issues like these could go as high as being crucified
The point I got from your post is that you have a problem with persons using this attribute to make money and a big ’show’, knowing full well that for the most part, the audience only go to have a laugh at what they consider a freak show.
No one is picking on ‘people of size’ but just as we should be upset with an ‘Ugly person’ contest or a ‘big headed person’ contest or a ‘Mr. stupid’ contest BECAUSE IT IS NOT UPLIFTING- even if the contestants are all OK people who probably live fulfilling lives.
It is the same with flaunting Gays, anorexics, wealthy folks, and the BET gangland culture…. NOT UPLIFTING.
There is a difference when we highlight positive values like culture, learning, healthy living and athleticism…. where spectators go along to admire something that theyw should want to emulate.
If spectators genuinely admired these ‘persons of size’ and the life values that they typified – then all well and good- but is that the case?
….incisive post David.
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 3:28 PM
Another great post by Bush Tea.
Radiance // October 28, 2007 at 3:35 PM
So, BU family, do you match up to the “appearance” standards you have promoted on your board? Yes or no? Yes, you are focusing on an appearance standard because, unless you are the personal physicians of these women, you know nothing about their health.
How do we know anything about the lifestyles of these women that BU chose to pick on from their pictures. We actually don’t. We are making huge assumptions. The skinny blonde chick exalted by BU on this wesbite might be unhealthy too. Like some others I have encountered, she could be smoking to keep her weight of or purging or starving to stay skinny.
For those invested in the “skinny is beautiful” belief (which is what BU seems to be promoting with pictures moreso than words), see how the developed countries are spending millions of dollars on treatments for eating disorders (in both men and women) AS WELL AS obesity. And see how they are also taking steps to ban super-skinny models from the runway.
We all can benefit from healthy eating and physical activity. But BU, don’t let your personal preferences/prejudices about appearances sully your arguments about health.
Radiance // October 28, 2007 at 3:39 PM
It would have been an incisive post if BU had left their prejudices about appearances out of the article.
I gather that BU and Bush Tea and some others would go to the show to laugh. But I am sure that some would go to admire and ogle. Just as some would find members of the BU family, Bush Tea, me, and others nice and attractive, some would also find our appearance repulsive, and cackle when we pass by. Can’t please everyone.
I’m all for staying healthy. I wish everyone a long and healthy life, big and small alike. Stop picking on people because of their appearance, though.
David // October 28, 2007 at 3:40 PM
Radiance…please reread our article. We are not attacking fat people. In fact read Bush Tea’s comment which sums up our position. Many problems with our society is that we love to bury our heads in the sand on these issues.
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 4:03 PM
I agree with that too. Too many people today do not want to take responsibility for their actions.
One need only look at the number of folk getting their gut tied off to lose weight which is a very risky procedure. Look at the number being sucked in by fad diets and clinics offering them to lose weight while still saying they can eat like pigs? These people and they are thousands of them because were the numbers not there supporting these diet agencies, surgeries etc neither would be the doctors or the diet agencies. Obviously thousands of fat people do not want to be fat and it may not have anything to do with looking sexy or slim but because they are convinced it is a health issue.
Thousands of obese people want to look good and beat their weight problem but they want to do it with a pill, surgery or other nonsense, in other words the EASY WAY when the only proven way to do it is a proper diet and exercise. Both of which they do not have the will power or discipline to do!
Forget the weight problem for a moment. How much more proof do we need to be convinced that REGULAR Exercise alone prolongs life and prevents all kinds of fatal diseases. And is this not the focus we should all be on. Living longer healthier lives so we can enjoy our family, seeing our siblings marry, enjoy our grand children and life in general? And what better place in the world could there be to swim, walk, jog etc 365 days of the year than Barbados?
Radiance // October 28, 2007 at 4:24 PM
Dear BU,
I read your article quite thoroughly the first time around. “It it unethical etc etc financial gain etc etc”. It would have been great if you had your stopped there.
But, no. You then went on to say: “It’s their right to parade their fat PHYSICALLY UNAPPEALING bodies (my emphasis) on stage! BU loves you but we will love you some more if you stop ‘WOLFING DOWN ALL THOSE CARBOHYDRATES and START TO MANAGE YOUR DIET” (my emphasis).
You are making the point about ethics, financial greed etc. based on the appearance of these women, not on their presumed poor health. You seem to believe that the promoters are exploitative because you wonder how could anyone find these women attractive, therefore it must be some kind of bad joke being played on the. If these women had met your standard of physical attractiveness, even if they were starving themselves to get there, I doubt that you would have made any noise about ethics, exploitation and the like. Your choice of terms to describe them, and the picture of skinny blonde health and attractiveness you chose to use to make your point, belie the stated intent of your article. Remember, encouraging eating disorders (by the pictures you chose) isn’t ethical either.
Again, I say, unless you know these women personally or in a professional health capacity, you do not know what they are eating. They might be eating the same thing as you, for all we know. But you hide your physical imperfections behind a blog. Come out, come out, wherever you are BU, and let us evaluate your physical appearance. I am sure that we would find a roll or two of fat somewhere. Bring your health records and a week’s sample of your food choices too, so that we can see that you are people of your word.
David // October 28, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Radiance so you did read, ok.
So what is your position on the show? Do you agree with it? If you are a regular visitor to BU you would be aware that we are not afraid to use extreme statements to ram home a point which we want to make. Our point is about the glamorizing of women who are obese. All the other points fall away in importance.
So do you agree with the show and the parading of obese women to a packed house?
No Name // October 28, 2007 at 4:42 PM
You know what amazes me about all of this?
Look at the hits this subject generated which shows I think how many people actually read these blogs but are only stirred by certain subjects. I find that very interesting.
If only we could generate the same enthusiasm, passion and interest in other and more pressing and immediate concerns of Barbadians. Why can’t we?
Radiance // October 28, 2007 at 4:54 PM
BU, your point is about glamorizing women who you find unattractive. You know NOTHING about the state of their health. Why do I say this? Because you “glamorized” a rather waif-like woman and gave her picture a place of prominence on your website. And you know NOTHING about the state of her health either.
BU, I do not go to “beauty” shows at all. A talent show, yes I would. A concert, sure. A beauty show, no.
Straight talk // October 28, 2007 at 5:34 PM
I love large ladies for their joie de vivre and sheer presence.
I adore and respect Rihanna for her talent and achievements.
Not so sure about No Name, but can we move on?
Bush tea // October 28, 2007 at 8:17 PM
Hi Radiance,
I like your tenacity, but I really do not think that the issue is about the actual ‘health’ of the ladies, or indeed of people of size in general. I feel that the objective here is to promote a model that, overall, best disposes a person to peak healthy living and disease avoidance.
Despite Ian’s protestations, the overriding evidence is that overweight and underweight persons predispose themselves to compromised health- compared to if they were of moderate size. It is not always their fault, but that is another matter.
By having these shows therefore, is it not akin to saying to the public “here are some examples that you would NOT wish to follow- have a good laugh as we parade them around while they vie for an attractive cash prize”
It is the principle of the thing… next we will have a pot bellied man competition…. come to think of it – anyone game on co-sponsoring that?!!!
Anonymous // October 28, 2007 at 8:45 PM
My mother always told me “every piece of cloth in the store has an owner and every saucepan has its own cover”
A man might look at a white slender model and fall madly in love, other men might not even give her the time of day or a second glance and vis a vis
I know of one guy who says he wants no woman under 300 pounds.
Whilst obesity is a health issue, some of the most attractive women are those obese women. I have really come to respect ppl for their individuality and not so much their outward appearance.
From reading the obituaries recently this supposed issue is the least of our problems.
Penny // October 29, 2007 at 7:12 AM
Fat does not necessarily mean unhealthy. However, most fat people are unhealthy as they lead a very unhealthy lifestyle! Which is why they are fat. However once they are able to change these habits like eating excessive high fat food and no exercise, they probably will not be FAT. I know of people who are by definition fat but by no means are they unhealthy and their doctor have given them a clean bill of health!
Beauty is really in the eyes of the beholder…
mosquito // October 29, 2007 at 9:27 AM
Solve the traffic and obesity problems in one fell
swoop . Walk.
Concerned Bajan // October 29, 2007 at 9:30 AM
mosquito stop making mock sport at this issue. You can’t write more than 2 lines? You feel we would recognize you?
looking on // October 29, 2007 at 9:43 AM
Not every one who is fat is unhealthy,besides
there is some one for everyone.
remember that everything that looks good is not always good.
Anon // October 29, 2007 at 11:34 AM
I by no stretch of the imagination am a ‘model type person’ however, I am one full figured woman who has been sickened by the show. When the competition first started a couple years back, I actually contemplated entering, much to disapproval of friends and family, but their disapproval came from the fact that I was too small to enter the competition. When curiosity did kick in and I decided to check the requirements, indeed I was too small. I would say its ok Big people are people too, but its time we stop looking for excuses and wallowing in our self-pity by entering competitions like this, which blatantly promote obesity and ill-health. I am full-figured and dont ever think I will be model type but everyday, I make an effort to exercise and eat healthy, to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Time for us big people to stand up and do something about ourselves. STOP LOOKING FOR EXCUSES.
Lisalight // October 29, 2007 at 6:37 PM
This competition is stupid, stop promoting these women as beautiful, is it beautiful for you legs to rub together, to get high blood pressure, or heart problems, and a range of other ills?
Please, they parade these unhealthy women and call it a competition, oh please! Go to the gym.
No Name // October 29, 2007 at 6:48 PM
Lisalight I am going to be wicked.
I want to know that the wrinkle I chose is the right one.
Anon more power to you do not let people exploit lifestyles that could rob you of a full life!
No Name // October 29, 2007 at 7:40 PM
Let me now be serious because I do not think that the average Barbadian realizes how serious obesity, poor diet, smoking and excessive alcoholic intake and the lack of exercise can be on ones health and longevity.
Arteriosclerosis cannot be detected by a physical exam. It is not until one suffers a miocardial infarction (heart attack) or similar areterial defect that this condition is discovered by an Angiogram. It is at this juncture in your life that you realize your lifestyle, diet and lack of exercise has robbed you or could rob you of years of enjoying life that includes seeing your children and grand children live their dreams.
Another thing that women do not realize is this “Silent” heart attacks among women are very common. What is a silent heart attack? one that can kill you or take out 20% or more of your heart muscle as yoiu survive and if you doubt it reserach it. You have no pain, shortness of breath, tightness in the chess nothing. You do not kniw you suffered a myocadial infarction. My wife had one. It is vitally important for women to ask their doctors that he/she include an ECG with the blood tests ordered following their annual physical.
“Take heart” a book written by a genius Dr. Terry Kavanaugh should also be read. Terry who I knew personally was a visionary 40 years ago who advocated heart patients should be immediately after the event be put on rehab involving walking, jogging etc. Back then Terry was considered a “nut”. To-day his books and his philosophies on treating heart disease is practiced in every prestigious heart hospitals in
the free world.
Heart muscle killed by a heart attack will never recover unlike the liver that can re-generate with lifestyle changes. However, the heart with regular exercise after a heart attack develops new veins not arteries and it also becomes more conditioned if the patient watches their diet and weight AND EXERCISE EVERY DAY RELIGIOUSLY. Therefor the remaining healthy heart muscle functions better and takes up most of the slack of the muscle killed. Terry believes and statistics support it that if heart attack victims follow this regimen along with drug therapy after a heart attack their chances of living a normal or very close to normal life and LIFE EXPECTANCY is as good as a person that has never had a heart attack.
I never forget taking a hot tub with a prominent heart specialist a few years back and he said to me. If I had my way I would put everyone on Lipitor and we could get a 40% reduction on heart attacks and with exercise included that number could be increased to 75% or more. I am not a doctor but these boys were both highly respected in their fields especially Dr. Terry Kavanaugh who it was a distinct honor and pleasure to have crossed paths with. Thank you Terry because of you I have my wife still and she is all the proof I need to know you are correct. The world owes you a lot! Or should I say those in the world who listen!
Radiance // October 29, 2007 at 7:43 PM
I will say again BU and fellow bloggers, appearances ain’t all they’re cracked up to be. I was looking around for this article and I’ve found it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18594089/
Check the paragraph that says “Experts have long known that fat, active people can be healthier than their skinny, inactive counterparts. Normal-weight persons who are sedentary and unfit are at much higher risk for mortality than obese persons who are active and fit”.
The long and short of it is that slim people (code word for “attractive people” for some of you) can be awfully unhealthy too. Decide if you want to talk about health or appearances. I’m all for the health thing. As for the appearance thing, I say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
By the way, LisaLight, most women with any kind of curviness in the hip/butt/thigh region have legs that touch along the upper thigh. Even the extra fit ones that run and work out alot. And most of you bloggers know this too. Some of these non-obese women with big thighs live in your house.
David // October 30, 2007 at 4:10 AM
Radiance we don’t disagree with your article or position for that matter. Remember that the thrust of our argument centres on the glamorizing of obese people where overwhelming evidence point to obese not being a health condition. It does not mean that we are saying all obese people are ‘unhealthy’.
The perception which isbeing created is not healthy!
No Name // October 30, 2007 at 7:06 AM
Radiance and David I hear both of you loud and clear.
Personally if an obese man/woman feels good about it and others enjoy seeing them on TV it is their business if they want to flaunt it. The same is true with dwarf tossing and a host of more and more shows on TV that in my opinion do not interest most viewers.
Why this Post I believe went down the path of “health” and I can well understand it and felt good about it is that “obesity” has been medically and scientifically proven to be the number one cause for serious health issues that lead to early death. Of course not exercising and eating correctly is also part of the equation.
Barbados as small as it is has its fair share of this problem IF YOU BELIEVE THEIR PRESS AND MEDICAL AUTHORITIES. I thought bringing up the health part of the overall issue served to broaden if you will the subject so that all seeing it especially youngsters at impressionable ages would see the entire perspective and not believe obesity should be taken frivolously or is cool.
Radiance your point is understood and it is a good one. But these subjects have to be looked at for what they are.
Some people can say factually a fat or thin person they knew lived to a hundred and drank nuff booze, smoked nuff cigarettes, ate nuff and any food they wanted. And in many cases what they say is correct. Maybe in those cases “genes” are stronger I do not know the reason.
However, most social structures have to be guided by statistics, studies by the experts that conclusively show and prove and what MEDICAL EXPERTS tell you, as in this case. If you or anyone else does not subscribe to that rational thinking, then when you get sick you should not go to a doctor, because obviously these persons do not believe what the MAJORITY in the medical profession is suggesting. And which is, that anyone who is obese or even overweight, not eating a proper diet and not exercising regularly is a ticking time bomb for cancer, heart, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes along with other serious illnesses.
Having said that people have the right to do what they want to do and to believe what they want to believe. I never suggested otherwise!
Yes thin people who are not exercising, eating properly and are abusing their bodies stand a good chance of getting what obese people get from overweight. And yes thin people suffering from Anorexia are truly sick people waiting to die.
However in this case the focus was on obesity albeit for a different reason besides health but I think the discussions and input from all opened the eyes of many and made them think. And if I am correct mark the accomplishment up as another positive thing blogs can do.
mosquito // October 30, 2007 at 7:44 AM
mosquito stop making mock sport at this issue. You can’t write more than 2 lines? You feel we would recognize you?
Great contribution to the discussion ‘concerned Bajan ‘who are you concerned about? No facts just a cheap snide shot.
I can write more than two lines but why be a windbag when there is no need .
As the good book tells us
EMPTY VESSELS MAKE THE MOST SOUND
Adrian Hinds // October 30, 2007 at 10:49 AM
David When Minister Jerome Walcott made mention of Barbados as a “FAT FARM” i did not hear from any of these well endowed people. When Dr. Hoyos i believe said that Obesity is at epidemic proportions in Barbados I did not hear from those who are now talking. The truth is that the Obesity problem in Barbados should not be taken likely, and that this is no time for persons to engage in impression of the mind about being obese. If it were not an health issue i am sure you would not be bothered, if we did not live in an interconnected society and world where the health of others can and will have an impact on all of us, I am sure you would not be bothered.
Adrian Hinds // October 30, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Should not be taken lightly. :D is likely to be more correct. Sorry language mavens :D
mosquito // October 31, 2007 at 7:47 AM
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has published a report highlighting the links between diet, obesity and cancer.
Bush Tea // October 31, 2007 at 10:45 AM
right mosquito, now we have all the information needed to live healthy lives!?!
What WCRF report what?!?
How about a little common sense? Our physical body is DIRECTLY comprised of what we eat… it takes a major ’study’ to establish this link?
The good book says that we can look at the sky and see that it will rain or not….. we can look at the fig tree putting out new leaves and know that summer is near… but we can’t seem to see some real obvious things.
like…
If you pass a tenantries freehold act and take away landowners rights….. soon NO ONE will be able to find any land to rent – and lots of land will lie IDLE.
like….
If you persist in putting a DUMP in Greenland, despite all advice to the contrary – our children will pay in more ways than one
like …
if you are TOO FAT, or TOO THIN, or too ANYTHING … then you are probably NOT DOING SOMETHING RIGHT…..and you will pay in the end.
… i just like picking on you mos’… you still got me vex ’bout that flyover foolishness (LOL)
No Name // October 31, 2007 at 11:24 AM
I do notwant to-reopen this debate because it has been flogged to death nor do I want to create a firestorm.
But because of the discussion on the subject I found a report on last nights CNN from the US medical community both timely and sad.
The report suggested that in spite of the overwhelming evidence that obesity kills doctors in the USA has had to put 24% to 28% of their obese patients on cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drug therapy because they lack the will and discipline to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising.
Anonymous // November 7, 2007 at 7:14 AM
Saw a CBS report this morning which says that 46% of employers in the USA penalizing employees who are obese on their medical plans.
David // November 8, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Blue Cross has joined the fight against obesity. This is an approach which we think is constructive. In Barbados, BAMP, Ministry of Education & Sports, PTA’s etc
Employee // November 12, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Here’s congratulations to a person who is overweight but as Ian so pointed out, will have no problem with her heart because of her broad hips.
The BWA’s PRO now acting as Project Manager, Marketing/
Communications was recently engaged to another BWA employee Stephen Griffith.
Here’s to her health and happiness.
Congrats
The Devils Advocate // November 15, 2007 at 5:44 PM
I have been fat, I have been slim, both times I have been critisized by the public. Barbadians need to mind their own business. Some of you do not understand what anorexic is yet you affix that label to others. I am 5′9″ and weigh 135lbs yet Barbadians call me “anorexic”. When I was heavier (181lbs) everyone was telling me how ‘good’ I look. I did not feel that I looked good. I am tall with a small frame and 181lbs was too much for me to carry. I am under constant pressure to ‘eat more’ and to stop ’starving’ myself. My metabolic rate is so high that even though I am always hungry I no longer gain weight the way I did before. I have noticed that some of the larger women in society have something against any person slimmer than they are and feel free to make comments but I cannot dare to call them fat. Its seems that women are pressured to be fat in Barbados because men here seem to prefer larger women. I know of men who deliberately sabotage their mates attempts to lose weight and we usually say that a woman should be glad that he loves her fat. Does he really love her fat or does he feel more secure with a fat woman? We need to understand that some men do not have loving intentions when they choose a fat mate or try to keep her fat, despite health problems. Overweight women in Barbados do not have trouble finding sex partners or husbands, this is why the majority of women are overweight. If bajan men really liked women slim there would be more slim women. We are so used to being big that we desribe normal sized women as anorexic.
David // December 12, 2007 at 5:17 AM
Here is an interesting bit of trivia.
Since posting this topic it has consistently remain in the top ten most popular topics. It receives hits daily from all over the world by people who seem to have a healthy apetite for information about obesity, fat, big and several other search words which are used to stumble on this topic.
partly bajan girl // December 20, 2007 at 6:44 AM
An interesting topic and very important to discuss!
Its tasteless to show both socalled “beauty” of too fat or too skinny woman on a runaway or in contests.
The women here are beautiful,but not because they are fat,but because they bear their weight with pride.
Thats not what i wanne attack,either.
I am a littble bit too heavy myself,and then its nice to be appreciated so much anyway by bajan men.
But on the other side,i do not want to be a “kink-object,either”
The ideal of beauty from old Africa is also a bit different than the western ideal generally.
And that again derives from different livingconditions ,powerty etc.
From I(i`m born in Scandinavia) first visited Barbados and till now,I have seen a quite sad development in the way that there are more cars pr. household(noone WALKS anymore in my grandparents neighbourhood),more cheap junkfood instead of the delicious,homemade original “slow-food” of Barbados,
and a lot of fatter and fatter Bajans.
Its not a good development,even if it reminds of the U.S.
I think the healthoutorities must be much more aware of how advertising and lifestyle is projected from U.S to here,especially by magazines ,shopping malls and TV.
IMO,its too many cars on this island,and thats a serious problem,enviromentally and from a healthview.
Many bajans have big and many cars now,but a ridicoulos short distance to walk on this tiny island!
David // December 20, 2007 at 7:08 AM
partly bajan girl~some good points! We live in a Barbados today which is focussed on the economic side of things. Despite our reputed higher education our behaviour is out of alignment. Maybe one day our people will realize that we don’t have to justify or find excuses for every thing that is not “good”.
segun sonusi // December 31, 2007 at 8:14 AM
It dosen’t matter what the size is, what matter is the heart of the person you’re dealing with. i love big and fat women and cabt stand slim women. its all about choice and interest. big and fat women has a lot of fleash to give and juices but slim ones gives only bones and little skin to hang on…i never see anybody that goes to a meat shop and buy bones less fleshy meat. no one.
Partly bajan girl // January 3, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Oh God!
This is not a discussion about what bodyfigure you prefer on them girls,
but about how Bajan community (and others),are strongly influenced by a “high-culture” that want us to drown in fat as long as we pay.
This topics answers so far,
only make my suspicion stronger about that smart and talking Bajan girls arent considered sexy?;-))
David // January 4, 2008 at 1:08 AM
We noticed Liz has been gaining some pounds again. We noticed also that after dancing about 1 minute to her introduction song before taking the platform last night she was badly out of breath and had to ask for water.
Makes his go ummmmmmmm.
Hakeem // February 5, 2008 at 9:28 PM
I really do admire full figure women …they hold their heads up with grace….they are articulate….friendly and always makes u go.whew…when they are dressed…so special they ladies are…so remain focus ladies…
living large // February 15, 2008 at 4:09 PM
BU, I think you need to read up on why some people are as you call it obese. Some are due to genes, some because of desease. I for one tried to fit into what “gods judges on why people are obese” sure i lost only if i didnt eat anything. sence i dont even eat 1000 cals a day as it is i dropped down to 500 a day. i would lock myself away everyday in a room without water or anything. i dropped the pounds in 7 mos. what did it cost me? my life. i now due to the yo yo dieting ended up with liver disease. plus all the illnesses that go with it. i dont have long to live. was it worth trying to be what dumbbutts think i should be? hell no. everyone in my family is large as far back as i can remember. and dont tell me a farmer who eats only what they raise after working day in and day out by hand not machines works the farm but still was a large person. if your not a doctor then shut up. you dont know nothing.. if they want to have a beauty contest good for them.. i was a model in a show once. people are what people are and if you have a problem with people being obese then stuck it up. most people are. and by the way my husband said that gal you have one here is one he would run from for sure cuz she looks like something the dogs buried. of course im sure you are like some of the asses that go to chat rooms who think that putting people down due to size is “helping” we have heard it all.. you dont know the pain some go though due to people like you.. could we call this a hate crime? just a thought.. you can answer this if you wish but i wont come back to this site its to dumb to bother with.. what a loser site
The Devils Advocate // February 18, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Yes, some of us have genes that cause us to be overweight but most of us overeat. Some of the women that you describe as ’skin and bones’ and ’something the dog buried’ are normal size for the genes they were given. Some women are big boned and need more flesh to cover their bones some have a small frame that cannot carry the weight, it is not fair for society to expect ALL women to be one size or another and place value judgements on people based on their size. Generalisations do not work but I must generalise and say that I have found that fat women who are fat by their own making tend to insult every slim woman they see. Fat women who are comfortable with their size tend to carry their weight better, so much so that they are not considered fat. Some of you who like fat are just as shallow as those who like thin and you try to insult or pull down those who do not fit your idea of beauty. Strangely enough fat women do not care how they hurt their slimmer sisters with their insensitive comments yet we slimmer women cannot openly refer to fat women in derrogatory terms. Some of the women around me blame the birth of their children for their increase in weight (some of the babies are teenagers). I have given birth to three children and yet I have remained slim. I have never been on a diet in my life nor do I belong to a gym so why is it that my children have not ‘destroyed my body’. Stop blaming innocent children and own up to the truth.
yo // February 19, 2008 at 10:39 AM
loss so wiregfht
Lovelylisz // February 22, 2008 at 1:16 PM
I have read most of the comments posted here and do agree that the issues of health and appearance seem to have become quite blurry as we continue to speak on the general topic of Obesity- because basically we seem unsure of what healthy really looks like.
Health sometimes (actually most times) cannot be measured by how a person looks. A fact that might have been pointed out already.
I dont think the BBW show was created to tell women that they should be unhealthy and eat as badly as they can, just to be paraded before an audience of unruly people who want to laugh. Quite the opposite!!
As far as ‘glamourizing’ goes, I dont think it is about that at all! One woman thought she could make some ladies feel good about themselves by offering them an opportunity to dress up and look beautiful and feel appreciated.
All beauty shows in my estimation are essentially ‘meat markets’ and it so happens these BBW shows have more ‘meat’ that the standard beauty shows, but these larger women represent a growing sector of our community. Is the waif-like anorexic appearance more tolerated that the obese one simply because there is less flesh and fabric used? Is thin the more acceptable norm for us to see ‘glamourized’? By targeting this show are you not saying that Health=NOT BEING FAT? So you (BU)have created the blur of health being synonymous with appearance. As David, you have agreed with that when you said,” It does not mean that we are saying all obese people are ‘unhealthy’”.
So I guess all I am trying to say is:
The standard beauty shows offer younger girls opportunities, why cant a BBW show do the same?
Instead of pulling down the show and obese people as just people who eat loads and don’t exercise, why can’t sponsors offer lifestyle prizes – gym memberships, healthy cooking classes and other POSITIVE prizes that affirm, and not just for weight loss (appearance only) reasons but Healthy ones. And have these bigger ladies address other women about lifestyle changes, this may help to change the perceptions of healthy living, because the larger people in the community are sick of ’skinny’ people saying that Healthy=Skinny, slim cannot always in this ‘expanding’ society be the poster boy for Healthy.
Let us try to help the upliftment of our fellow person, regardless of race, religion, hairstyle or size. Let’s build upon someone’s attempt at helping a sector of society by contributing positively rather than tearing down.
To David: Wasn’t that the premise on which this site was built?
del // April 17, 2008 at 3:22 PM
I always find it amusing how people who don’t have a clue are always the first to talk. It is sickening how everybody will get down on an easy target. Illness & general bad health are not specifically reserved to fat people. Every fat person did not purposely get fat. A lot work hard at trying to be healthy sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t. We have to live with it. I don’t envy either a fat person or a slim one, every body should just live their lives and MYOB. If I choose to enter a show it is my business. If you want to come and laugh at me it is your pathetic business. Statements like Professor Fraser’s just gall me because nobody is poking at him and telling him how awful he is as a human because of one flaw. Get over it! I am trying the best I can to live a happy and fulfilled life right now, must I waste my time trying to live up to YOUR ideal!?!
Bajan_Sun_Goddess // May 14, 2008 at 11:44 PM
i’m new soo i’ll reopen this one. i really am trying to understand the eva mendez tribute. are you trying to say that thin women are beautiful and large women are ugly? i’m not a skinny minny sooo i find this kind of insulting and offensive. also, to say that fat women drive men out the bedrooms? To each man his own. there are many men who prefer large women, whilst many men prefer thin women.
If a person being fat offends you, then dont look. Have we soo adopted western standards that we believe that being thin equals beauty, sophistication and a higher level of desirability?
If you are fat and you are fine with that then so be. if you arent then change it.
i’m sick of ppl telling me how to live and act and dress and look just cause it makes them feel more comfortable. screw them. i do what makes me happy the same way throwing up your food makes you happy. embrace the cheesecake!!
David // May 14, 2008 at 11:48 PM
BSG you have gone back in the archives haven’t you :-)
Look the thrust of out blog was to focus on how the show maybe glamorizing being fat. The problem we highlighted as a result is that fat is generally known/proved to be unhealthy.
Nothing personal!
J // June 16, 2008 at 6:21 PM
All I know is that all the big fat girls who went to school with me, that is women who were shorter than 5 ft, 7 inches and more than 220 pounds by age 18 were all dead before the age of 55.
So continue fooling yourself if you wish.
It does not matter what you boyfriend or husband likes.
Obesity kills.
Devils advocate // June 20, 2008 at 4:48 PM
“I do what makes me happy the same way throwing up your food makes you happy. embrace the cheesecake!!”
Are all slim people anorexic?
BSG does not seem very happy despite the comment.
Anonymous // June 20, 2008 at 5:03 PM
A fat behind + 2 large lovely bubbies + wide hips + strong legs with shapely calves + fat pouty lips + teeth so white yuh need sunglasses + smooth jet black skin = heaven’s delight (if God got anything better, He kept it for Himself)
Sally // June 21, 2008 at 5:44 AM
What you need to focus on is why the rate of addictions is on the increase, whether it be food, drugs, alcohol or even sex. The problem is that each generation feels worse about who they are then the previous one did. We are raising children, girls and boys with broken spirits and no self esteem to speak of. As an obese person myself, I know what emotional eating is about. And strongly feel that until we look at the root cause we will never turn the tide on the disease. But in the meantime, have some respect for these men and women, its not so easy to overweight in a society that worships thin and being told constantly in some form that we are not good enough only serves to compound the issue.
And as for that rather silly Video you have placed here, yes Eva is truly beautiful but it would be fantastic if the video itself was not vertically distorted making her look even thinner than she really is. And while you are at it, how about a blog on the rampant costs and health risks of bulemia and annorexia.
David // June 21, 2008 at 8:49 AM
Sally the point of our blog is not to ridicule fat people. You seem to have become emotional about the subject and given your admission we understand. We want to highlight how obesity is being glamorize in these types of beauty competitions. This is our opinion. You mention about us making fun of obese people who are battling a desease.
You must separate the obesity caused by biological dysfunction and then there is the lifestyle part, the people who eat too much etc.
J // June 22, 2008 at 1:41 AM
Obesity is not a disease.
Obesity causes disease.
I mentioned obesity as a disease to a sister (who is a nurse) and she retorted, “you notice that there no obese people in Haiti”
Disease what.
Cut down, on the starch, fat and sugar.
And get moving.
Bajan_Sun_Goddess // June 26, 2008 at 8:12 PM
actually,devils advocate, i consider myself to be quite happy being the way i am. also, not all skinny women are not anorexic however alot of women either throw up their food or smoke to remain thin. They are both unhealthy practices.
i understand the need for persons to be healthy and being fat does put a strain on your organs and makes them work harder i agree. however if a person is quite content being fat that is their choice. when they get sick, they foot de bill.
However i still have the issue with the eva mendez video. In my opinion, it’s telling me if you want to be beautiful, look like her. can any of you men honestly say you have never seen a beautiful woman who was fat? It’s all on how you carry yourself, dont you think.
J // July 1, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Dear Bajan Sun Godess: The truth is that when fat people become sick the taxpayers foot the bill. I believe that I read in yesterday’s paper that the current Minister of Health was saying that the last survey showed that the taxpayers pay upwards of $50 million a year treating fat related illnesses.
Eat more fruit and vegatables.
Eat less fat, sugar and simple carbohyudrates.
Sweat for at least 1/2 hour everyday.
No need to smoke.
No need to throw up your food.
Sweat more. Eat less.
David // July 6, 2008 at 7:05 AM
We read in the press yesterday that the Big and Beautiful Show is floundering on the rocks. No sponsors willing to jump on board. We thought it funny that criteria for entering the show is to be 250 lbs and one of the prices is gym membership. We are sorry but we can’t understand it!
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road // July 7, 2008 at 12:18 AM
end of the show
october 2008
Devils Advocate // July 23, 2008 at 3:56 PM
“actually,devils advocate, i consider myself to be quite happy being the way i am. also, not all skinny women are not anorexic however alot of women either throw up their food or smoke to remain thin. They are both unhealthy practices”
So basically you are saying that the only way to be thin is to stop eating, throw up your food or smoke?
Why is it that people try so hard to find something abnormal about being slim?
Obesity is defined as being VERY overweight 100-150lbs heavier than the average for your height. ‘Obese’ is not used for those who are 20-50lbs over.
I find that ‘fat’ and obese are used interchangeably in these postings.
5′9″, 165lbs=fat
5′9″, 300lbs=Obese
5′9″, 450lbs= morbidly obese
A fat woman can still be healthy but an obese person cannot fool themselves that their body is functioning properly. Yes I have seen beautiful fat women as well as beautiful obese women, but is beauty all?
If you are 60-100lbs over average please, my sisters, do not follow the normal route of denial, get out there, get moving and work on activating your metabolism.
My family has lost almost all of it’s BBW’s (and BBM’s) to strokes, heart attacks and complications from diabetes. If you are fat, fine but if you are obese we may lose you way sooner than we would like and then what would be the point of being beautiful?
teardrop // September 27, 2008 at 4:15 PM
i am new to this site so some one enlight me as to who david is ….is the manager of the site? let me quote u right you said “the point of our blog is not to ridicule fat people “but yet u start the blog with a tribute to eva mendes who is a recovering drug addict by the way ..and has admitted to eating disorders in the past ….wow this is the perfect woman ? i on the other hand is what society deems over weight, and i have always been from a child and i have always been active in sports …..i even represented my country in sports, i always get a clean bill of health ……
teardrop // September 27, 2008 at 4:20 PM
do u really think all men chose slim woman over fat ones ….how old are you really ?
Kimikola // October 5, 2008 at 12:24 PM
teardrop, fyi, all men may not prefer a fat woman over a slim one… however the fact remains that slim is not always beautiful. What about those slim girls that are so ‘tweet tweet tweet’ or for lack of better words UGLY and all the larger ones that so appealing to the eye. At the end of the day it lies in the eyes of the beholder… how old are you now?
Kimikola // October 5, 2008 at 12:36 PM
teardrop, you tell them that being overweightis not always unhealthy.. i too am big and when i go to the gym the slim girls are struggling to catch up with me…. if the big and beautiful show embraces obesity… what can be said about miss teen barbados and miss barbados world? Well call me shallow but when our young women see these ‘model type’ figures it promotes anorexia in hope of them being what accepted as “beautiful” teardrop i am on your side… bajans need to stop being so biased and take their heads from the clouds.
Bonny Peppa // October 12, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Whether ya fat (like me) or slim, when ya numba call, ya got to go and meet ya Maker. So eat, drink and be merry ’cause today could be ya las’ mas. Ease off de fat gals man.
How ya like ma?
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road // October 13, 2008 at 9:58 AM
MY RESPONSE:
There is TOO MUCH FAT ON DE ROAD. as sung by me -Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier
The FAT is sinking down Barbados to way below sea-level.
The situation needs arresting not caressing.
In Japan in order to combat rising obesity as a result of western influenced diet, the Government has mandated that women’s waist should not exceed 26 ” and men not to exceed 33 ”
A lot of FAT is based on ignorance, laziness and indiscipline.
No excuses ! Stop eating so much crap, start to exercise more and check my video to the song TOO MUCH FAT ON DE ROAD on youtube.
Asiba say so.
Asiba is the commander in chief of MAF-which is MOVEMENT AGAINST FAT.
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road // October 13, 2008 at 10:04 AM
DONT GET TIE UP:
I dont hate FAT people as some persons seem to think.
As a matter of fact: I love FAT people
I love to see FAT people
I want to see FAT people
I love to see FAT people
I want to see FAT people………..
in the gym …….exercising
HUFFING AND PUFFING
CRINGING AND SWEATING
AND DOING SOME FATBUSTING
Bonny Peppa // October 15, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Asiba,
You got a problem wid fat people (like me) and I got a problem wid ugly men like you. I could lose weight starting now but you will always be ugly. Tek dah.
How ya like ma?
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road // October 20, 2008 at 9:27 PM
I am on a serious mission to keep this whole situation about FAT and overeating on the front burner because it represents a threat to health of the nation.
Our Prime Minister has just alluded to the situation of chronic non-communicable diseases—lifestyle diseases. The Minister of Health has dealt with this matter. Dr.Henry Fraser has been on it for years. Dr. George Alleyne has stated that people in Barbados are getting fatter and fatter.
It is a BIG problem -no doubt.
When I wrote and recorded the song Too much FAT on de Road, I did it from a healthy lifestyle perspective, not as any attack on FAT people.
No one can deny that Obesity and our eating habits are of concern. A lot of what we eat and how we eat and drink is based on ignorance and misguided approaches brought all the way down from slavery. It is the continued enslavement of ignorance that I am dealing with here not any personal attack on FAT people.
I am consious of the cost to the healthcare system of people eating and drinking indiscrimately and growing FAT and overweight. I am well aware that this is money that could be spent on areas such as education and housing. The simple thing is that lifestyle diseases can be avoided by a more enlightened approach.
Your comment above is not called for
Iam not that sort of person and that is why I would not hide behind the cloak of annonymity
Bonny Peppa // October 23, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Asiba,
You are implying that all fat people overeat and that is simply not true. Some fat people would tell you that they eat very little but maybe it has something to do with their genes or some other problem. Aren’t there any unhealthy ‘thin, fit-as-a-fiddle, persons that you know that have died of heart attack, diabetes, stroke etc. or any of the ‘illesses’ that fat people are predisposed to? Fat persons always seem to be the ones easily targeted and made fun of? We are human too, so it isn’t always what is said but rather how it is said.
To ‘hide behind the cloak of annomity’ or not, is a choice we all have on BU.
Peace, my friend.
How ya like ma?
Bonny Peppa // October 23, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Asiba,
Ya got me sa vex dat I typing too fast and making real mistakes. I meant to say, ‘healthy’, fit as a fiddle and not unhealthy and also I meant to say “illnesses’.
Ya see how vex and frustrated you making dis fat person?
One love still.
How ya like ma?
Disturbed! // December 5, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I for one believe that being overweight is a big thing if it is going to cause health problems. It is obvious that we have several overweight Bajans but it is time we sit and wonder why.
For one, doctors tell you watch what you eat. It is a serious thing but to be honest i get very tired of eating bush and fish. I am not much of a beef lover, and i stay far away from pork but I may eat a bit of chicken every now and then. Not as a rule, but to break the monotony of fish.
There are way too many places to get unhealthy food in Barbados. And with people dropping into “stress eating”, they tend to gravitate towards these places for comfort food. in addition, since we are in the age of fast, quick and in a hurry, people like to grab a quick bite since everything is so hectic in the world today.
Only disciplined persons are able to keep up with being healthy and as a man I find it much easier to do such than most women do. We need to encourage our people and educate them on the risk of being overweight. At the end of the days its their choice.
deanna wright // December 6, 2008 at 3:53 PM
i love fat people. Get fatter man it is awesome
pawan // December 25, 2008 at 6:20 AM
hi i m pawan kumar, i m searching fat woman i like fatty woman, because my wife very fatty
Bush Tea // December 25, 2008 at 9:48 AM
@Asiba
If you are really serious about the issue you should do some research on the foods that we have adopted as staples in Barbados (well… all over the world..)
You will find that most of them are actually poisons which are concocted to make us addicted to them so that we buy more and more.
Many are not well suited to our genetic types (wheat flour, rye, milk etc are examples for type O’s), and some of them are downright POISON – read about aspartame that is used in sugarfree products.
Practically all these new ‘manufactured’ food products are questionable -and many are KNOWN to be dangerous.
You are right about the need for a war on fat, Asiba- but it is much more than fat … we all are being slow poisoned….
We need a war on bad food…
sophie // March 16, 2009 at 5:58 AM
hi people can i please see the big big big big big big big big big tits on boys peenes
Joan // April 2, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I am a woman. I am big. I am 5′3″ tall and weigh 303 lbs. Now, I bet you are thinking that I am going to support the “fat” pageant” WRONG!! Aside from being very, very unhealthy, I am very, very unhappy. And…any fat, obese person that says they are overjoyed with themselves, is lying to themselves as well as, others. One may be fat and young, and have talked themselves into being happy with themselves, but just wait until your weight catches up with you. Being extremely overweight, is NOT HEALTHY!! And, unless you have a thyroid problem or some other physical problem that is making you fat, there are no excuses for fatness.
Not only is obesity not healthy, it is not attractive either. At least, to most people. Now, I am talking about extreme obesity, not the person who may be 10 or even 50 pounds overweight. Extreme obesity is NOT attractive.
Aside from that, nothing is made for extremely obese people. Come on fatties! How difficult is it to fit is theatre seats, airplane seats, restaurant booths with fixed tables, normal size chairs, normal size beds, normal size anything!! And the clothes for fatties. OMG!!! Unless you spend hundreds of bucks, you look like you are wearing a potato sack or a tent!! And…even the clothes I do spend hundreds of dollars on, still do not look good on me. (Have you ever noticed that it is normal sized people that model the fattie clothing in all the catalogs? And…even in the catalogs that do use plus sized women, they are certainly not 300 pound women!) And…how about hospital gowns, hospital beds, hospital MRI machines. Come on!!! Nothing is made to fit the extremely fat people!!
And…no one has any idea about the “fun” things I have missed out on because of my weight. I cannot walk well without breathing heavily and hurting beyond belief, so trips to the coast are out, trips to anywhere are out!! Disney Land is out, can’t fit on any rides. All I could do would be to sit somewhere and eat!! I have a walker, but it is giant sized also, and I am embarassed for people to see it!! My family are all in a different state than I am in, and I have not been back to see them because I would have to purchase two airplane seats to accomodate myself, and I refuse to do that.
Well, I have rambled on for a while, but this is honesty! Fat is not healthy, not pretty, not convenient, not anything good!!
Here is the good note: I have gone back to basics. Eating all foods in their natural form, mostly raw, mostly organic. I have only started this a few months ago. To date, I have lost 30 lbs. Horray for this fat grandma!!
So, go ahead. Have your fat pageants. Do whatever you like, fat people. But know this; most people do not look at a fat person and say, “How beautiful.” I am only talking about the physical part, that first look. Yes, it is true that when other’s get to know us fatties, most of us are well liked, seemingly happy people.
All of us fatties need to get back to basics. Natural food in it’s natural state.
Murad Hussain Shah // April 4, 2009 at 2:53 AM
Very good
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-'why should I wear a jacket and tie' // April 4, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Hurrah !!
as I read the post from JOAN
Some ignorant uniformed people feel that what I am doing with my songs is some kind of a joke but I know that are equally honest and sensible persons who know better.
One significant thing about the FAT thing is that in many cases, it is the indiscipline of excesses. It is gross indiscipline. We need some discipline.
There are so many issues around the FAT thing -social and otherwise that it remains a challenge and as an artiste I will continue to write and sing about FAT.
check the link
or -copy and paste
http://www.imeem.com/people/ag1vkwe/video/xN6zrBTo/asiba-the-buffalo-soldier-too-much-fat-on-de-road-music-vide/
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-'why should I wear a jacket and tie' // April 4, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Funny enough Bush Tea. I do refer to these foods as poisons. I cant believe that someone else actually sees it that way too. -Glad that I am not alone. Sometimes I feel that way though.
I totally agree with you that there needs to be a war on bad food and this is part of my fight also.
I put my money where my mouth is and I have written and recorded a song entitled -”EATING RAW’ which some individuals at first mistakenly interpreted as a sexually overtoned” song which it definitely is not. The song actually refers to eating food in its natural state-.
The thing is that I have spent my hard earned money and money gained from royalties to pay to record these songs but the radio stations play foolishness from Jamaica and America and refuse to promote local music.The radio stations do not play a quarter of the music produced by Barbadian artistes.
So the WAR is on and I have appointed myself the chief executive officer of MAF——MOVEMENT AGAINST FAT.
This will manifest soon when I record another FAT song to add to the list that includes :-
(1)”TOO MUCH FAT ON DE ROAD”; (2) “STILL TOO MUCH FAT ON THE ROAD” ;
(3)”EATING RAW”
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-'why should I wear a jacket and tie' // April 4, 2009 at 9:19 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYz7ee2KOIM
Here is the youtube link for the song TOO MUCH FAT ON DE ROAD
Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-'why should I wear a jacket and tie' // April 11, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Definitely a FAT problem in Barbados
It is hurting my eyes when I see FAT overweight individuals who seem to over indulged in the eating thing.
Something has to be done and done quickly. It is a national problem
Fat People Have Rights Don’t They? « Barbados Underground // April 17, 2009 at 11:53 PM
[...] in a previous blog declared our position on the issue of fat people. A significant percentage of the population [...]
Cheyenne // April 24, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Gees that was the most boringest thiong I’ve read in the whole entier world!!!!!!!
saami // July 8, 2009 at 7:07 AM
send to me a lot of sex photo and sex video
big and tall // July 30, 2009 at 1:24 AM
Hey man we all look good in our own way.
DF // August 5, 2009 at 12:40 PM
I support the fat pageant in everyway. Fat people are beautiful and no different than their thinner counterparts. My wife weighs 545lbs and to me she is the most beautiful thing in two fat legs. She loves to eat and she loves her food and to her being fat is a vital part of who she is. She has been heavy since childhood and comes from a whole family of fat people. She doesn’t even know what it is like to be thin so from her perspective being fat is a normal part of life. We have three daughters all of whom are chubby and they are also bright, healthy and active children. Life for us is good and there is no need to hate us simply because of weight. Fat people have a right to exist and be fat if they so wish. There are a lot more skinny people out there that are unhealthy and a drain on society than there are fatties so please have some respect and leave the fatties alone.
David // August 5, 2009 at 1:48 PM
@DF
If we accept the statistics of the health department obesity is up there as one of the big killers in Barbados.
Peeping Thomas // August 5, 2009 at 5:24 PM
@ David
There are more skinny people than obese, so it is likely that according to DF, “there are a lot more skinny people out there that are unhealthy.”
Many years ago, I heard a doctor said that there are people who build fat regardless if they eat healthy and exercise, and even if they forego the foods that could pack on the pounds.
Some people’s excessive weight might have to do with genetics and some may have to do with their metabolism.
The crutch of the matter is, it may be in the best interest of obese persons to get routine check-ups and lab tests to make sure their body is functioning normal, and enjoy life to the fullest.
David // August 5, 2009 at 6:10 PM
@Peeping Thomas
Your point is taken but don’t you think in a world which embraces fast food and unhealthy lifestyles we should be careful not to trivialize or glamourize obesity?
DF // August 6, 2009 at 8:55 AM
@ David
I don’t think anyone is trivializing or glamorizing obesity. Everyone knows it has health risks and most people are not attracted to it. I think the idea of a fat pageant is to promote size acceptance and to show that fat people shouldn’t be marginalized because of their weight. People come in all shapes and sizes and it’s time some people out there recognized that fact. Because thin, fat or in between we all have one thing in common and that is the fact that we are people and we should be treated as such.
:-/ // February 3, 2010 at 5:22 PM
David, your article is certainly allowed to be full of your opinions. But, as Radiance pointed out, it’s disappointing that you’ve blurred the line between thoughtfulness and judgement of the attractiveness of others. When you say things like “fat and physically unappealing bodies on stage! BU loves you but we will love you some more if you stop ‘wolfing’ down all those carbohydrates and start to manage your diet.” and so on, you lose credibility.
You’ll love people more if they’re more attractive to you? How insincere.
You’re allowed to think that obese women are disgusting. That’s your right. Albeit, it would be nice to read something less snarky and purposely cruel, but that’s not the point. The point is that you lose credibility when you impose your disgust with overweight women instead of actually focusing on health. Say what you want to say, but don’t pretend it’s some selfless thoughtful campaign to healthiness. The way that you refer to the overweight overshadows your focus on health and makes it seem that your actual focus is that you don’t find those women attractive, so you wish they’d stop popping up on tv.
Fat doesn’t mean unhealthy, or at least no more unhealthy than rail thin girls with eating disorders and heroin addictions.
J – your comments are so disappointing.
DF – you make some great points. size acceptance especially.
When it comes right down to it, I don’t understand why people go out of their way to hate/judge people for being overweight. Get over it. Move on. If you are concerned for people’s health, spread awareness through something other than disgusted and hateful blogs and comments.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/01/obesity-study-shows-fat-bottoms-and-thighs-can-be-healthy/1
Anonymous // February 4, 2010 at 4:15 PM
bitch u biggggggggggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!