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AIBU?

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AIBU to think (some) overweight people feel the need to comment on portion sizes

161 replies

Bernadinetta · 20/02/2024 09:06

AIBU to think that (some) overweight people feel the need to comment on portion sizes to overcompensate for the fact they’re imagining people are looking at their food and thinking “well no wonder she’s fat”, even if they’re doing it subconsciously.

Have just spent a weekend away with my parents, I see them often as they look after my kids after school two days a week, but rarely spend mealtimes etc with them. DM isn’t obese but is on the overweight side. Every single meal out was full of comments such as:
”Oh wow, that’s huge isn’t it!”
”We didn’t really need one each of these, we could’ve just shared couldn’t we?!”
”Its lovely but it’s just soo much bread” (proceeds to eat sandwich open-faced without top slice of bread)
”We’re going to sink like stones in the pool now!” (there was a pool where we were staying)

And so on, multiple comments every meal. I feel like slimmer people probably get their food, if the portion is too big they eat what they want and leave the rest, no need for the whole performance. I feel like bigger people feel the need to make the comments to try and deflect. Or is it a generational thing? Or is it just my DM?

OP posts:
Bloomingdaffs · 20/02/2024 09:18

That's not some overweight people that's one person, your mum.

SpudleyLass · 20/02/2024 09:18

My mum did this to me when I was at my slimmest.

It was obvious she was projecting her own insecurities.

When I weigh heavier, she makes snarky comments too.

Yes she is overweight and don't you dare mention it though. It's OK for her to do it to others but not OK for others to retort back.

I long ago decided to not make my body image issues a problem for my daughter because of that experience. It's really damaging.

pickledandpuzzled · 20/02/2024 09:17

Anxiety around food goes hand in hand with failing to be a healthy weight.

I can feel anxious that a meal will be too big, too small (if I choose a healthier option) too soon once the last one or not as nice as DH’s or … the possibilities are endless.

If you have to tightly control eating to avoid obesity then you will feel anxious.

catless · 20/02/2024 09:17

It's a mother thing. Or was in my case. Love to hear her say it again though 💔

Dorriethelittlewitch · 20/02/2024 09:16

My very slim mother does exactly the same whilst leaving 3/4 of her plate.

BouleDeSuif · 20/02/2024 09:15

I'm fat and I don't do that- I like my body and I'm not ashamed of it though, and I'm not on a diet. I said things like that when I was younger and thinner and cared more what people thought about me!

Oneofthesurvivors · 20/02/2024 09:14

Plenty of slim women never shut up about how much they (are not) eating.

Rumors1 · 20/02/2024 09:13

My parents are competitive under eaters and constantly make comments like this. Dad is very underweight and mam on low end of normal weight

IncompleteSenten · 20/02/2024 09:12

I'm really fat and while I don't make comments to other people, I do feel guilt and shame about eating in front of anyone. If I have to eat when anyone is watching then I can only manage a tiny amount. I'll say I've already eaten, or I'll eat later. It's ridiculous because anyone with eyes can clearly tell I do not live on tiny portions!!

I think it's only a small step from that to feeling the need to comment.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 20/02/2024 09:11

You can’t generalise. But I think if you’re trying to lose weight or are aware you probably should, being constantly faced with large portions is very trying so it’s not surprising if some people comment.

soupfiend · 20/02/2024 09:10

Just because someones fat doesnt mean they usually eat or can manage massive portions.

What a strange post!

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