Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Be honest, when you see fat people running?

352 replies

22O725 · 01/08/2025 13:27

When you see an overweight person out running what do you think? As a morbidly obese person I always used to admire their confidence and ability. I am now an overweight person (size 16) and I still feel like the size 24 I once was. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking ‘look at the state of her’.

Do you judge fat runners badly or do you think ‘well done’?

OP posts:
Dogsrbrill · 01/08/2025 14:40

Good for them. I started off as a fatty running and now I'm a medium running. Go for it.

foxychox · 01/08/2025 14:40

I think well done to be out there, physically and mentally it has to be much harder as an overweight person to be out running

thebluehour · 01/08/2025 14:41

I think, oh god, you are really fucking your knees. I don't get the fashion for or obsession with running, and I think it is a crazy thing to do if you are obese, because of the impacts on the knees especially.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Exercise & fitness Fitness
ThatLoudBear · 01/08/2025 14:41

Wilfrida1 · 01/08/2025 14:17

I immediately think of this :

Hey, Fat Girl.
Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.
You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.
If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.
You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.
You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.
You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.
I bow to you.”

🤮🤮🤮

NorthXNorthWest · 01/08/2025 14:41

I don't think anything in particular. They don't need my judgement or approval.

Trishthedish · 01/08/2025 14:41

I’m always impressed. I wish I could run, but can’t, knee problems. At least they are trying to keep fit ant sitting on the sidelines.

FreezeDriedStrawberries · 01/08/2025 14:43

22O725 · 01/08/2025 13:27

When you see an overweight person out running what do you think? As a morbidly obese person I always used to admire their confidence and ability. I am now an overweight person (size 16) and I still feel like the size 24 I once was. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking ‘look at the state of her’.

Do you judge fat runners badly or do you think ‘well done’?

If I thought anything (as in I wouldn't even usually notice or care, too busy in my own world 😁) I'd think "good on you."

RunsABit · 01/08/2025 14:43

I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for anyone getting out there and doing something about their weight. A mile is a mile whether it's sub-4 minutes or over 15 minutes and completely ignore any ignorant twunt who says anything derogatory, you'll lose weight but they'll always be stupid (and probably ugly!). And you have the satisfaction of achieving goals and the elation we get from the runner's high, it's a win-win.

Sugargliderwombat · 01/08/2025 14:43

Usually I don't think anything but when I used to run I used to notice more and I only ever felt a lot of genuine respect!

Sugargliderwombat · 01/08/2025 14:44

Fwiw, when I used to run I thought... If you're judging me then you must be an absolute dickhead so who cares?!

comfybeforeall · 01/08/2025 14:44

I think 'Well done' unless they are properly obese ( not just a bit overweight) in which case I think 'you are going to bugger your knees'.

All the properly obese runners I know have ended up with long term injuries. Running is very hard on your body and if you are running on concrete, and carrying substantial excess weight you are going to end up harming your body.

I think there are better forms of exercise for people who are very overweight than running.

MarieAndTwinette · 01/08/2025 14:45

I don’t give them a moments thought. Too busy getting on with my life.

The only time I noticed people out running was during the pandemic when local elderlies started jogging. One man in his eighties went running (very slowly) every day without fail. It must be doing him good because he’s still doing it. An elderly couple went out together too. Would I say they were overweight? That isn’t for me to decide?

BabyCatFace · 01/08/2025 14:46

I think they should stop running and get to the weights room. Cardio is great but running when obese is bad for your joints and not as effective for fitness and strength as weight training, especially for 40+ women.

Pipplestop · 01/08/2025 14:46

I'm going to add to my original response of 'well done you'. I would and do think that, but I'm starting to wonder if that might be a bit patronising?! I don't think that when I see a 'thinner' person running...

Ladyofthepond · 01/08/2025 14:47

It depends.

If it's hot and sunny I think, fair play, & I hope you're wearing sunscreen.

If it's pissing it down I think, fair play & I hope you've got some dry clothes to change into

If it's freezing cold I think, fair play, & I hope you've got a flask full of tea/coffee/hot chocolate for when you're done.

Couldn't care less about the size of your body. Runners come in all ages, shapes & sizes, but to anyone who puts on a pair of trainers and gets moving I always just think, fair play to them.

The only time I think differently is when I see someone visibly (to me) not enjoying a run, then I think I hope they aren't running to punish themselves, and I hope they know that there are many other ways to enjoy moving your body that aren't running - and I say that as a runner myself!

Velmy · 01/08/2025 14:47

22O725 · 01/08/2025 13:27

When you see an overweight person out running what do you think? As a morbidly obese person I always used to admire their confidence and ability. I am now an overweight person (size 16) and I still feel like the size 24 I once was. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking ‘look at the state of her’.

Do you judge fat runners badly or do you think ‘well done’?

No judgement here! My knees are in bits from years of grappling so I look an absolute state when I run, I'm in no position to look down on anyone 😅

And anyone making the effort to lose weight, especially someone with a long way to go, I have massive admiration for.

Libertysparkle · 01/08/2025 14:47

I always think well done for doing something. But I also hope that by looking at them I'm not putting them off (I have a resting b@tch face 🤦🏼‍♀️apparently)
I can't run because of arthritis but if i could I would run like Phoebe in friends cos it would just be fun!

Kafka999 · 01/08/2025 14:47

I think they are killing their joints/risking injuries and instead should be losing weight through nutrition and lifting instead. I always wonder what they want to achieve by running.

AlligatorTears · 01/08/2025 14:48

Honestly? Usually ‘go on love!’

I'm a size 10 and can’t run. I think anyone who’s out there working hard for their health is a legend regardless of their size.

SociableAtWork · 01/08/2025 14:48

I also think “good on ya” and admire the determination and commitment. I also envy the get up and go and feel inspired, far more so than if it’s someone more fit looking - although I realise some of the fit ones now were possibly unfit at some point.

Please don’t let thoughts of people being rude or judgmental put you off. They’re just wankers.

Account734 · 01/08/2025 14:48

Whenever I see someone overweight exercising I think 'good for you'. Only awful people would judge someone who is trying to get healthier, and who cares what awful people think, they are not worth anyone's time. OP just focus on doing what's best for you and don't let anyone get in your way.

Squirrelintree · 01/08/2025 14:48

22O725 · 01/08/2025 13:27

When you see an overweight person out running what do you think? As a morbidly obese person I always used to admire their confidence and ability. I am now an overweight person (size 16) and I still feel like the size 24 I once was. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking ‘look at the state of her’.

Do you judge fat runners badly or do you think ‘well done’?

Haven't read the whole thread, but my honest thoughts as a size 12 fairly regular swimmer and cyclist are "bloody well done, but I won't say anything because I don't want them to feel paranoid or judged". Don't worry about how fast/slow you are or what you look like OP, the hardest step if getting out the front door. We live in a world where addictive crap food is everywhere and keeping fit and healthy is downright hard work.

EverythingIsComputer · 01/08/2025 14:49

I give them a mental high five and think good on ‘em.

TeenLifeMum · 01/08/2025 14:49

I think good for them. It’s so good for mental health. I need to get back to it but slower so I don’t get injured again 🙄
while weights are good, 5k of cardio is such a good thing to get into for physical and mental health.

Sosickofarrogance · 01/08/2025 14:49

If anything, we'll done. I have run as a very fat person and later watched my partner do the same. I think it is courageous and sensible.