...to think that it might not really be true that the UK average clothes size for women is UK size 16?

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I just can't help but think that that's not true. That this is the average has been floating around for years I know.

But whilst I do see some people who are size 16 or above, I do not think I see so many as to tip the scales to the extent that 16 becomes the average.

I would say that the average is a UK12.

(I'm not talking about on Mumsnet as the vast majority here are pretty slim and around size 8 average from all the threads that I see either about clothes sizes or posters who mention in passing on a related topic.)

I'm not surprised that the average size is 16, but also agree that your view will be skewed by where you live. Just going a mile or so down the road where I live means you will see a very big difference in the number of "slim" v overweight people.
I'm 5'4", just at the top of the healthy BMI, and am bigger than I should be. I take 12-14 clothes. It makes me laugh when I occasionally go into a fashion shop where clothes are S M L and I'm a large. I'm not slim, but half the size of a lot of people I see. How am I a "large"?!

Also, up to a quarter of eating disorder sufferers are male.

That's kind of the point isn't it? There are a lot of people on this thread with messed up ideas about weight and eating.

These days the pressure is on men to look fit toned with muscles.
The young guys today weren't made like that in my day unfortunately I'm 39, they strive to be buff these days.