Honestly... what do you think when you see fat people running?

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I am overweight, really overweight! And I have huge issues about my body and health. I need to do something about this, more for my own health and confidence than anything else. I used to be very fit and run a lot, and I love running. So as well as eating healthly etc I have been trying to take up running (well walking and running in intervals) again. But even when I try to choose quiet times and quiet places I am always so embarrassed when someone sees me, I just think they are laughing as this overweight, almost 40 yr old puffing and panting away.... so that's my question really, in absolute honesty what do you think when you see larger/ overweight people running?

Good on them.

I actually think ‘we’ll done you!’. I feel more positive about seeing overweight people exercise than the whippet thin and super fit.

I think “another person like me”

I would suggest walking and cycling at first for anybody seriously overweight, as you want to reduce impact and the chance of injury. But good on you. Exercise is fantastic and relatively free.

Must not stop people to explain about sports bras.
And me.

I love running, I love doing it, love other people doing, love talking about it.
If I’m looking at you I’m checking out your trainers!

I think 'Good for you. I really admire your stamina and resolve. I must become more like you.'
As a fat ex-runner, I used to get loads of shouts from white van men and they were always lovely - never sexist or inappropriate. Stuff like: Good for you, keep it up. You can do it.

I think if they can do it perhaps I could too. Genuinely nothing but admiration!

I think good for them!!

A question id like to ask is what do you think very you see a very slim/ boardering on underweight person running? I'm slightly underweight but would like to go running to improve my fitness but get so worried in case people look at me and think I'm strange for running lol.

This made me laugh! I’m very skinny: I look like I was born to run long distances. Which I love to do, but sadly I’m also very slow at it! I think the only thing people think when they look at me is, gosh I’m surprised she’s not a lot faster.

And OP it’s true, there are some people (in my experience, entirely men) who just can’t resist making a comment. It doesn’t matter whether your old, young, slim, fat, slow, fast, big busted or flat chested, or whatever. They just have to make a snarky comment. You just have to ignore them for the twats they are. I know my young, lithe and FAST running friend gets the odd snarky comment, so even she’s not immune to it.

All the decent, normal people will either ignore you or give you a little cheer as evidenced by the comments here. Don’t let anyone hold you back.

I think that they are braver than me and good luck to them.

I think "there's one of my people", particular if they look like they're not especially loving it. I am a regular, slow, fat runner. I loathe it, but do 5k a couple of times a week for my health. IMO those of us who hate it but plod on regardless are superstars.

In fact I wonder if I might be Wishihadanalgorithm's neighbour?

I think "good on you" and "you go for it!"

Anybody who has anything negative to say about somebody exercising is just horrible

Don't let it discourage you xx

I think ‘good for you’.

I think it is inspiring - we all start somewhere and it makes me think I might be able to manage it.

I think “Good for you!” and admire them for doing something not easy (running)

Nothing really, in extreme cases I might fleetingly wonder if their knees hurt while running - but apart from that, none of my business.

I think ‘Respect.’ I think that for most runners/ cyclists I see, or I’d feel bad that someone’s weight provokes any reaction in me, good or bad.

You might want to try different exercise though - walking or weights. Running requires you to metabolise very quickly and your body depletes muscle over fat for quick glucose release, meaning the one thing that’s increasing your overall metabolism (muscle) is reducing. You are also very likely to crave sugary food at the end. Anyone can damage knees/ hips by running, but excess weight makes it far more likely.

Yoga with a cardio bent, kettlebells or any kind of resistance weight training will help you to burn fat and increase muscle mass, so helping metabolism in the ‘down times’.

Yes I also think good on you for taking charge of your health.

"Good for them." I'm overweight myself and I am a shit runner, always have been - even when I was thin - but not gonna lie, I can't wait for my local gym to open again. And I like seeing other fat/overweight people there because it makes me feel like I'm not alone.

I hate it when fat people get abused while jogging. Better they should just not exercise at all? You can't have it both ways, you can't get angry at fat people for not exercising and then mock them when they do.

I think it is great.

I am also overweight. I'd think I should do that. And then I wouldn't.

Don't think anything as non issue

I wish I could run!!

I would think ; "Good for you!" And then make myself a promise to get fit but never do it.

When I see any runner/cyclist/anyone doing any form of exercise I think good for them! I don't do enough due to lack of time, and sometimes mostly inclination, and I'm quite envious of those who have the clout to get up and move!
Go for it and enjoy!