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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Fat shaming my husband

293 replies

fatshamer · 14/10/2021 13:37

Ok so I know this is unreasonable, I'm here for help on how to approach the subject - or if I should.

My husband is overweight, clothes don't fit him, he's not that huge people would stare at him in the street but he can't see over his belly, clothes don't fit him properly and he has a big gap under his tshirt where his belly sticks out so much. He's unfit and unhealthy and is not setting a good example for our children.

I buy healthy food, encourage him to eat healthy snacks. Plan healthy meals for the family and cook healthily for us all.

He just refuses to eat it. Will allow food to go out of date and say he doesn't want it then bin it and instead take the 4 year old to McDs on a weeknight - we always go on a Saturday for a treat so this ends up being two/three times a week the child is going.

We work from home and he has a flexible working pattern. He used to go out running but just can't be bothered now so never does exercise. We have a spin bike, weights and have invested money in these things that he uses for a week then gives up on. He has a gym membership he never uses.

He's not depressed or having any concerns about anything. He just hates healthy food and is lazy.

I am fed up gently encouraging him and cracked up the other day when he started frying burgers at 11.30am to eat for his lunch. This was after pastries for breakfast. He ate 2 giant burgers that were meant for our dinner on Saturday night - this pissed me off more than anything that hes just raised the fridge and ate a dinner instead of having something half decent or 'lunch like'!!

I told him he's going to send himself to an early grave and his diet is very unhealthy, he eats like a pig and can't dress properly as his clothes don't fit him due to the giant hard belly he has.

I'm genuinely worried for his health and the fact he doesn't take care of himself is making me not be attracted to him. He doesn't care how he looks and will often not shower, wear the same clothes for a few days - or shower then put the same clothes back on!! He doesn't shave and is always in need of a haircut. Doesn't cut his nails unless I mention it then it still doesn't happen so I need to just tell him to do it. I'm so sick of it all and he's not setting a good example to our son who idolises him.

He is 100% not depressed he is a lazy man child and my moaning, coaxing, encouragement does not seem to work. I don't know what to do.

He said recently he was disappointed in himself he wasted his furlough time off by eating rubbish every day and not using the time to exercise. I was cooking healthy meals and was on a calorie controlled diet in furlough to lose weight. I also exercised every day and lost a stone. He put a stone on as he slobbed about all day.

It gets to the point where I crack up and say something rude to him (I'm pregnant and hormones are making me speak my mind a lot) and he is hurt by it but goes back to his normal routine within a week. If I gently encourage or just cook healthy meals and say nothing he will pick at them, go for takeaway and insists on drinking at least 4 cans of Coke a day.

How can I help him? Should I be helping him? Is this my business?

OP posts:
fatshamer · 14/10/2021 17:56

@LuaDipa

At first I thought you were being quite unkind and unsympathetic but I think actually you must have have a lot of patience.

My dh is overweight and does tend to eat unhealthily. There are other issues with him and food in that he can’t necessarily always choose the healthiest option, but he does tend to eat a lot of ‘easy’ food. I want him to lose weight but I still adore him so I can live with how he is now.

The difference is that he doesn’t sabotage our children and try and drag them down with him. He makes sure he is clean always and models good habits in other ways. He can manage to put together a meal that isn’t frozen. And he would be worried sick if I was poorly in bed, pregnant or not.

I don’t agree with you fat shaming him, and it absolutely doesn’t work. But I think it comes from a place of anger and frustration. Are you sure you actually want to be with him?

Yes I think I do and I think that's why I'm here as I want advice on how to deal with this - or a Magic wand.

Leaving him coz he is currently annoying me just isn't an option for many reasons. I love him and don't want to split up with him for one. I just want him to evolve to the next level of our relationship which is now being parents to a newborn again as well as a 4 year old. He really does need to grow up in many ways and as I'm exhausted it bothers me not being able to do everything I usually do

OP posts:
fatshamer · 14/10/2021 17:57

@Katela18

How do you know he isn't depressed? If he was, would he tell you? Because honestly if my partner acted this way towards me I wouldn't feel able to open up to them.

For some people, unhealthy and binge eating habits are very hard to break and have huge ties to mental health issues. I was recently diagnosed with Binge eating disorder and am now in therapy and have a specialised dietician. People talking about size, weight loss etc was a huge trigger for me.

I think you should stop going on at him about losing weight and perhaps encourage a chat with a Dr. The weight is likely not the main issue but a symptom of another issue

I didn't know this was a thing. Hope you're doing ok.

I don't know if he's depressed or not it's not for me to diagnose him I can only go with my instincts and what he says and it points to no. He could well be though. I'm no doctor

OP posts:
fatshamer · 14/10/2021 17:59

[quote CrystalBird]@fatshamer there's literally loads of threads about this. Always from a name changer or first time poster, always laid out in this way. [/quote]
Genuinely isn't me but you'll have to take my word for it. Kind of glad though as I don't want this to reach the daily Mail and iv been freaking out about it lol

OP posts:
WakeMeUpin22 · 14/10/2021 18:02

@fatshamer My best friends do not fat shame me. So I'm pretty certain I don't know you in real life. I just know people like you.

I think you understood what I said. You wouldn't have sex with someone who you didn't find attractive would you? Or would you??

fatshamer · 14/10/2021 18:12

[quote WakeMeUpin22]@fatshamer My best friends do not fat shame me. So I'm pretty certain I don't know you in real life. I just know people like you.

I think you understood what I said. You wouldn't have sex with someone who you didn't find attractive would you? Or would you??[/quote]
Well it's not an immaculate conception of that's what you're implying!!

I suppose you're right though, no one has ever shagged anyone they aren't attracted to and my posts clearly state that I have never ever ever been attracted to my husband sure they have..... Hmm

OP posts:
Polkadots2021 · 14/10/2021 18:21

@TirednWorried

I think your dh is depressed, and i wonder how much of that is down to you
Oh for the love of God.

OP it isn't anything to do with you, your DH is being a slob and sounds like you've bent over backwards for a long, long time trying to stop him being a slob.

And because you're a good parent you've worked out pretty fast that he's eating himself into an early grave and passing his terrible eating habits on to his kids and not being a role model. Which isn't okay. If his son ends up overweight because his dad takes him to McDs every other day then it's his dad's fault and that could really negatively your kids life.

Just wanted to say you have my sympathy and you've already showed a crapload of patience.

fatshamer · 14/10/2021 18:25

@Polkadots2021 thank you I really appreciate that.

I find it amazing that some people are happy to blame me for someone else's mental health and don't see the irony in that.

Thankfully I do know dee down that Iv tried and whilst my husband doesn't want to hear the things I'm saying he needs some sort of help. I wouldn't like it myself but I'd also like to think that I would take on board any encouragement and help he had tried to give me for years on end before it got to this stage

OP posts:
PheonixGlitterRepublic · 14/10/2021 18:26

This is interesting. How did he take it when you said that? Do have a relationship as such now?

He isn’t blind so he knows. I said if I had got fat and showed no enthusiasm to lose weight he would certainly have some thoughts about that. I did get fat when I was pregnant but worked hard to lose weight again. It’s basic respect for your partner to make an effort IMO. It’s early days but he understands the point and I hope he will do something about it. It’s hard though as if he doesn’t change I can’t very well split up with him for growing a belly. Of course I love him but I don’t fancy him as much.

toocold54 · 14/10/2021 18:33

He doesn't care how he looks and will often not shower, wear the same clothes for a few days - or shower then put the same clothes back on!! He doesn't shave and is always in need of a haircut. Doesn't cut his nails unless I mention it then it still doesn't happen so I need to just tell him to do it.

Sorry not RTFT.

It very much sounds to me like he is depressed or extremely down and heading for depression.
Stoping taking care of your appearance/cleanliness is a massive sign of depression.

Could you encourage him to go back to the office?

I feel that WFH can be damaging to peoples MH. I know if I spend too long at home without interacting with different people I start getting really down.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 14/10/2021 18:39

Id tell him you just don't fancy him any more and refuse to have sex with him. I cant respect a man who won't even cut his own nails. Do you have to clean his teeth for him too? Yuck.

Mymapuddlington · 14/10/2021 18:44

Id tell him you just don't fancy him any more and refuse to have sex with him.

He won’t believe that when she’s pregnant with his baby will he?

sar302 · 14/10/2021 18:46

To be honest, it seems like you're picking on the weight thing, because it's the one thing you think you might be able to fix. This man:

Has accused you of having mental health issues.
Has suggested counselling to fix you, and then refused to go.
Refuses to cook, clean or tidy.
Is greedy and messy, and puts his own needs ahead of his family.
Doesn't look after you when you're ill.
Has said derogatory things about your sex life and body while you're pregnant.
Doesn't maintain a basic level of hygiene.
Isn't a good role model to your child.
Doesn't have a particularly nice temper.

Being fat is not the crime of the century in a relationship, but the rest of the stuff going on is pretty shit.

fatshamer · 14/10/2021 18:52

@Mymapuddlington

Id tell him you just don't fancy him any more and refuse to have sex with him.

He won’t believe that when she’s pregnant with his baby will he?

A rides a ride if you're in the mood 🤣🤣 women have needs too and it's also been a long time since I got pregnant.

Did you know I lost 1 stone in 4 months last year. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. Time is also an amazing thing as it covers quite an expanse of weeks/months

OP posts:
fatshamer · 14/10/2021 18:54

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

Id tell him you just don't fancy him any more and refuse to have sex with him. I cant respect a man who won't even cut his own nails. Do you have to clean his teeth for him too? Yuck.
No but I did have to 'nag' him daily for months until he could remember to brush the child's teeth 🤦🏻‍♀️
OP posts:
Ragruggers · 14/10/2021 19:01

Do you feel there is anything you can do to change his mindset or is it too far gone for this.He needs professional help but how to convince him to make an appointment you can’t it has to be his decision.You are in an awful situation and are not to blame for his eating habits.Certainly his very poor hygiene,dirty clothes his terrible appearance must be so distressing and embarrassing.Your son is little but will notice and hear comments in the future.At the end of the day you must decide whether this situation can continue.

Glitterybug · 14/10/2021 19:02

Sounds like your relationship has been shit from when your son was a baby and you were looking at counseling. And yet you say that he only got fat and repulsive recently ...sooooo... you decided to have a baby. Nope, sorry doesnt make any sense to me why you think this would be a great time to have a baby.

Don't blame the pregnancy for you being a control freak. He can choose what he wants to eat. You can choose whether you get pregnant and have a second child with someone you think is a fat pig (Your words, not mine) when your relationship is shit and has been for a long time. You owe it to your child/ren to not make them live in this toxic atmosphere where their parents freely insult each other.

godmum56 · 14/10/2021 19:06

@lazylinguist

*fatshamer

@godmum56 it's either leave him or shut up then - nothing in between such as asking for advice??*

not really

Is that what you'd suggest for all relationship problems then? No discussion, no counselling, no compromise, just shut up or leave?

not all, but definitely this one :)
fatshamer · 14/10/2021 19:08

@Glitterybug

Sounds like your relationship has been shit from when your son was a baby and you were looking at counseling. And yet you say that he only got fat and repulsive recently ...sooooo... you decided to have a baby. Nope, sorry doesnt make any sense to me why you think this would be a great time to have a baby.

Don't blame the pregnancy for you being a control freak. He can choose what he wants to eat. You can choose whether you get pregnant and have a second child with someone you think is a fat pig (Your words, not mine) when your relationship is shit and has been for a long time. You owe it to your child/ren to not make them live in this toxic atmosphere where their parents freely insult each other.

If I was a control freak he wouldn't be eating these things. He chooses to eat what he wants as I don't control him. I am trying to help him see how unhealthy he is being and what a poor example to our child he is.

If he was a junkie or alcoholic would you say I was being controlling? He has a compulsion which will send him to an early grave. He doesn't feed our child healthy food and isn't teaching him good habits.

These things were under control until a few months ago. They have got seriously worse in recent months and he's lost all motivation and any willpower he once had.

Having another child was always something we planned to do. If things do turn toxic I will happily bring up my two children alone. There's no need to get your knickers in a twist about our reasons or decision to have another baby. That's not what I was here to discuss today.

OP posts:
vickyp0llard · 14/10/2021 19:11

TBF going to McDonald's once a week isn't teaching him good habits either. As a kid I had it maybe twice a year if I was lucky....

CuteGirlsWatchMeEatEther · 14/10/2021 19:12

I’m not a horrible person. Iv highlighted one incident that's happened where Iv lost my shit

I never said you were a horrible person.
It comes across that you and your husband don’t like each other and you’re not very nice to each other.
That was shit of him to not look in on you when you were ill. I’d have flipped out over that.
Why are you still together? What do you get out of the relationship?

DameFanny · 14/10/2021 19:17

@sar302

To be honest, it seems like you're picking on the weight thing, because it's the one thing you think you might be able to fix. This man:

Has accused you of having mental health issues.
Has suggested counselling to fix you, and then refused to go.
Refuses to cook, clean or tidy.
Is greedy and messy, and puts his own needs ahead of his family.
Doesn't look after you when you're ill.
Has said derogatory things about your sex life and body while you're pregnant.
Doesn't maintain a basic level of hygiene.
Isn't a good role model to your child.
Doesn't have a particularly nice temper.

Being fat is not the crime of the century in a relationship, but the rest of the stuff going on is pretty shit.

Excellent summary, shitty picture
fatshamer · 14/10/2021 19:17

@CuteGirlsWatchMeEatEther

I’m not a horrible person. Iv highlighted one incident that's happened where Iv lost my shit

I never said you were a horrible person.
It comes across that you and your husband don’t like each other and you’re not very nice to each other.
That was shit of him to not look in on you when you were ill. I’d have flipped out over that.
Why are you still together? What do you get out of the relationship?

Sorry I know you didn't. I was answering other comments in your reply without realising.

At the minute I don't feel like I'm getting anything out of it. I feel walked over, like everyone's skivvy. Just here to serve everyone and no one seems to give a shit about my feelings, needs or wants.

OP posts:
CuteGirlsWatchMeEatEther · 14/10/2021 19:25

Are you the poster who pops up monthly with a 'fat husband' thread? You're always posting about him. Always

Is there only one fat husband in the whole country?

AnneLovesGilbert · 14/10/2021 19:26

He won’t brush his young child’s teeth.

Fucking hell.

I was sympathetic on many fronts but you’ve knowingly saddled two children with a useless, lazy, selfish dad who feeds one of them junk, won’t engage in the most basic of parenting and doesn’t seem to care about you or your pregnancy.

You despise him! He’s horrible to you. It’s a bloody awful marriage.

Why, why, why do people do this?

Put up with a load of crap on your own behalf but bringing multiple children into it who have no choice is really awful.

Glitterybug · 14/10/2021 19:34

Having another child was always something we planned to do. If things do turn toxic I will happily bring up my two children alone. There's no need to get your knickers in a twist about our reasons or decision to have another baby. That's not what I was here to discuss today.

My knickers aren't in a twist. I just think it's a pretty shitty thing to do to a child to bring it into a angry, snipy household where it's parents have no respect for each other.