Are You A Big Beautiful Woman?

[lklmail]

Hey, MuT fans,

I'm just wondering how many of you out there are plus-size women struggling with your body image, like me. (I've scanned a lot of threads to see what's been discussed on this subject already; but I'd like to have some discussion here about the challenges you face in your life from being large.) So many women I've met who are overweight just give up on their appearance totally - no makeup, no pampering themselves, no fashion, just shower and throw on some baggy clothes and go. I confess, I've done that too. But I'm assuming the members of this group are more like the person I am now, since we're all members of a group of self-professed makeup junkies - we're at least trying to boost our self-image and self-confidence and take care of ourselves. There seems to be a prevailing attitude in the world that large women like me are just fat slobs who can't control their eating, and, therefore, don't deserve to look pretty; I refuse to listen to that.

So what issues with your weight bother you the most? What things do you not mind about yourself? How do you cope in today's society where the media tells us we're supposed to have a perfect body and perfect features?

I hate my flabby arms & tummy and the fact that my weight causes problems with my ovaries (PCOS) which messes up my hormones and leads to facial hair, irregular cycles, etc. I don't mind the rest of my body being large, since things are mostly in proportion - everything's big, so it balances. Also, it's pretty easy these days to find comfortable, fashionable clothes that fit. And I'm fortunate to have other strong, confident large women around me (at work, at church, and in my family) to keep me from getting depressed when I look in a magazine and don't find anyone who looks like me.

So how about it....anyone else want to share their story? Chime in!

 

[WhitneyF]

Girl, I'm most definitely a big beautiful woman! I used to be reserved to hoodies, no makeup, and not looking very put together. But one day, something just changed and I decided I wanted to try and be fashionable and try and be good at doing my makeup.... I haven't looked back since!

I've never liked being overweight but it doesn't bother me to the point of crying and getting all depressed. I have a lot of confidence and it's hard for anyone to bring me down. Love me or hate me, it doesn't matter. The only thing I do worry about with being overweight is the health problems. But, then again, you can be skinny and have health problems.

 

[lklmail]

That's definitely true. I do have several health problems associated with my weight; but thankfully I'm managing them with the help of my doctor.

 

[littletingoddes]

Yep, I'm a big beautiful woman. I'm struggling with self esteem issues, because I've gained about 50 pounds in the last year and a half. So I still see myself as the old me, then catch my reflection in the mirror, and think, damn, I'm fat now. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Thankfully, my health is still good. I just had my cholesterol tested two months ago, and it was 149. But, still, I know that the extra weight isn't good for me, and I need to lose it. I just want to make sure I'm ready to commit to it before I start.

I try to dress fashionably, and do my hair and makeup. I also refuse to live up th that stereotype that just because I'm overweight I'm a slob who doesn't care what I look like.

 

[katapilla]

I am bigger than the average girl and i love myself, i can honestly say that my weight never ever ever bothers me. I love being different and i love being me xxxxx

 

[lklmail]

That's so awesome. Seems to me that the UK has always been more sensible about stuff like that - that is, large women are not as ostracized there as they are here in the US. Oh, things are much better here than they were 20-30 years ago, but we have a long way to go.

Speaking of fashion & body size in the UK, both my husband and I LOVE Trinny & Susannah & What Not To Wear!

 

[monniej]

wonderful thread!

 

[msfashionista]

I'm big and I don't like it sometimes because it limits to what I want to do and it lowers my self esteem, but someone gave me this advice and I really just thought about it.They told me that if you don't like yourself physically,look yourself in the mirror and just look at yourself and figure out what you like and don't like,and the thing they told me is to like what you don't like, which is hard because we can't stand it,but once you like you start to do that you want it to get better and you start to think positive-if you want to lose weight,this in my case.I'm trying to lose weight myself and I have about 10 months to go but I know I can do it because the toughest critic I have to face is myself.I don't think there is nothing wrong with be big as long don't care what people think.And everybody in this thread has given me hope that I can do this,I will take each and one your strenths when I get on the treadmill tomomrrow.Thanks for the heads up ladies!And if you are on the journy to lose weight keep me in my mind because I know we can do it.MOtivation,Power and Strength.

 

[Aquilah]

I think it's wonderful you've started this thread! Pretty is pretty! Regardless as to what size you are!

 

[lklmail]

I'm glad that people are responding to this thread. Surely there are some more of you out there struggled with and overcoming the same issues, so please chime in whenever you want!

 

[sheil2009]

I am very skinny, and i always wish i had some lovely curves that everyone seems to be blessed with. Be assured that even if you are bigger, everyone has body image issues, even if you are the teensiest person ever.

 

[bizzymrs]

What a great thread! I'm a BBW and have to say that I'm glad there are more choices in clothing now than 10 to 15 years ago! Although the flabby middle & arms get me down at times (like trying to zip up those fine lookin pair of jeans I bought earlier this summer lol) I'm not as obsessed about my weight as used to be. Also been utilizing boards/forums like these to get the "skinny" on makeup & bath/body products has been informative.

Due to healthy problems I haven't been able to excerise like I used to-but am working up to it slowly with my drs help.

Donna