Physical appearance is one of the most commented items when it comes to other people, especially since social networks became relevant, so everyone can comment on anything else they want. The border has long been lost, all under the slogan that "Everyone has the right to say what they want", I would just add the part "… until it endangers another", and insults at the expense of physical appearance can have very big consequences for the commented. From everything that is talked about, I would say that the physical appearance of the body, that is, thinness and obesity (and especially obesity) is the topic that is always talked about and the topic that causes the most attention. In addition, it leaves much bigger consequences than whether someone made an ugly hairstyle or put on bad make-up.
How we believe in what we hear about ourselves
People are a social beings who was not created to live in isolation from other people, from the connection, and therefore the influence of others on us. From an early age, listening to what others say about us, we create an image of ourselves by accepting their conclusions and attitudes about ourselves as our own.
Now imagine a child who from an early age listens to how chubby he is, how he should lose weight, and then already in elementary school he starts to suffer various products and insults, as well as the entire rejection from his peers.
The influence of that has been proven by various researches, and we cannot change that by repeating that "other people's opinion is not important", especially when it dates from the period when the child learns about himself and the world around him, and later it just repeats itself.
The summary of the story is that a child who listens to how fat and ugly he is, who feels rejected by his peers, believes in it alone, and then it becomes a far bigger problem than being overweight and physically healthy.
Prejudice
There are a lot of prejudices about obese people, and some of the most common ones are that they are lazy, irresponsible, without self-control, undisciplined and so on. Obesity on a psychological level is much more than all this, and such comments can hold a person back even more.
"Well-intentioned advice"
Under the photos of obese people, I would often see comments that are packed with health care, such as "Look at what she looks like, this is walking diabetes, it's not healthy!" And the like. I do not want to dispute the fact that being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes and various other diseases, but that is not a justification, nor a reason for someone to be offended in such a way. When the goal is well-intentioned, it does not cause shame in the other person, nor is the essence in making someone feel bad about themselves. Well-meaning advice should first and foremost provide understanding and empathy, rather than condemnation. And finally, did the person seek advice at all?
I have often heard from obese people that people bombard them with advice as soon as they see it, recommend diet, training, talk about how to lose weight, without asking for any advice or comment. Even when it really isn't malicious, unsolicited advice on the other hand can cause a feeling of rejection and inadequacy, so it's always best to ask if anyone even wants to hear the advice, an experience you would share with them.
Obesity and shame
Many obese people are really ashamed of their bodies, so many women who do not go to the beach because they are afraid of condemnation, looks and ugly comments. The same goes for eating in public, especially those "unhealthy" meals. When someone is convinced that something is wrong with him, that he is not good and valuable enough, any additional confirmation from others is especially threatening.
So, if you really want to support someone to lose weight (of course, if they want to), do your best to make that person feel valuable next to you, instead of deepening the shame.
A healthy change can result from an instant satisfaction with something, but it is not good if the motive is shame, that is, in this case, losing weight in order to avoid the shame caused by other people's comments.
The essence is that a person develops a sense of self-esteem, personal value and love for himself, and from that position he loses weight if he decides to want it.
Commenting on other people's meals
I return to social networks and everything that is current on them. Today, a lot of people share some of their meals on their stories, and I have the impression that there have never been more condemnations based on what someone eats. Whether it is "healthy or unhealthy", the spice of condemnation is always there.
And it should not be like that, because that is exactly the item that affects the accelerated development of eating disorders.
It won't help anyone to peek at someone else's plates, especially not in a judgmental way that only revolts the person.
The influence of society's attitude towards obesity and obese people is of great importance for the individual and should always be taken into account. By denying that it exists, the problem is not solved, but only deepens, and that is why it is important for the person who is losing weight to be aware of it in order to work adequately on that part of the experience as well.
Enjoy until the next reading