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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what you think when you see a young, fat person?

591 replies

AugustSlippedAwayIntoAMoment · 09/09/2024 07:09

I'm very, very aware that this thread will probably get some nasty responses.

But I'm young (26), overweight and short. I try to dress nicely and I'm actively losing weight, but I'm just curious. What do you actually think when you see a fat person? I've never given it much thought before now as I've been fat my entire life, but what do you really think? Am I walking round oblivious to the fact I'm being judged all the time or do people just not care?

OP posts:
MySocksAreDotty · 09/09/2024 07:18

I don’t generally think about peoples’ body shapes. An exception would be when I see an overweight child struggling to play, then I feel bad for them.

Original poster
AugustSlippedAwayIntoAMoment · 09/09/2024 07:17

Holidayhell22 · 09/09/2024 07:15

I also worry about their future health too.
If you are a fat 20 something then I think you are going to really, really struggle when you get older and the good old menopause kicks in. Then it really is an uphill battle to shift excess weight.

Watching my mum struggle to lose weight as she's hit menopause is what's inspired me to lose the weight now to be honest

OP posts:
Lifestooshort71 · 09/09/2024 07:17

Honestly? If I thought anything at all it would be that they lack self respect and there's something unhappy going on in their life because getting overweight doesn't happen suddenly. Then I might think, oh, it could be a medical issue so stop being so judgey. Then I'd carry on walking and forget about it.

KateMiskin · 09/09/2024 07:17

Not much really. I have enough problems of my own and don't care too much about strangers.

velvetcoat · 09/09/2024 07:17

If you want a hugely honest opinion I either think nothing (as not that interested in others bodies)

This. I see people out and about but I dont think anything about them. I dont care what others look like, I'm too focused on myself and what I have to do today (most people are!)

KateMiskin · 09/09/2024 07:17

Not much really. I have enough problems of my own and don't care too much about strangers.

Mmmkaay · 09/09/2024 07:16

I would never ever let it show, but I do sometimes think, it's a shame that that person is in the middle of their prime years (freedom, fun of youth etc) and isnt able to enjoy it to the max because they're probably self conscious or less physically able.

Cherryana · 09/09/2024 07:16

I think there is something going very wrong with the way that we eat in this country and am very concerned about the situation.

So I am think more as a bigger picture than about the individual but the individual would trigger the thought.

Hardlyworking · 09/09/2024 07:16

A stranger, not much really unless they are drawing attention to themselves in some way. Someone I know a little like a work mate, I'd be worried about their health and future.

sonjadog · 09/09/2024 07:15

I would think nothing. I would register there is another person, and that’s it.

I wouldn’t worry about their future health etc. as I am not that emotionally involved with people I pass in the street. Also, I have no insight into random people’s lives, so I can’t comment on them.

Holidayhell22 · 09/09/2024 07:15

I also worry about their future health too.
If you are a fat 20 something then I think you are going to really, really struggle when you get older and the good old menopause kicks in. Then it really is an uphill battle to shift excess weight.

Doggymummar · 09/09/2024 07:14

I'm overweight myself, and I think poor thing. I hope they get a grip on it soon as it really holds me back.

MavisPennies · 09/09/2024 07:14

I don't think about their body 99% of the time. Sometimes if someone is really well dressed I'll think good for them and how things have changed since the 80s /90s

Ohthatsabitshit · 09/09/2024 07:14

Nothing really. I suppose if there was something particularly remarkable about there weight it might register but it’s about the same as eye colour to me.

GlassRat · 09/09/2024 07:13

I think, There's a person. Or actually, most of the time I wouldn't really register someone unless I have some interaction with you.
Your weight wouldn't mean anything to me. I might notice nice hair or a colourful scarf or something! And if you looked happy/sad/angry/nervous, I might clock that.

Moonshiners · 09/09/2024 07:11

If you want a hugely honest opinion I either think nothing (as not that interested in others bodies) but if I do think something I feel sorry for them and wonder if they blame their parents for letting them get fat. For the young people I know personally I worry about their future health.