To tell you that if you're overweight and worried about going on holiday, don't be!

[SpeedbirdSquawker]

I'm almost 24 stone and a size 24. I'm lucky enough to be able to get away a few times a year, but my weight has always held me back doing things. I know other overweight people have similar fears, so I was hoping to alleviate those with this post.

Firstly I worry about the flight and if i'm going to fit into the seat. I always need a seatbelt extender (with Ryanair, not so much with other airlines), but I fit in the seat absolutely fine! I use the toilet onboard and have room to manoeuvre.

When I have been away, the beach is always full of the people with perfect bodies, as is the complex pool and i've always avoided the beach (for fear of looking like a beached whale) and i've only used the pool when it's empty, first thing or just before sunset.

I don't eat out at restaurants because I thought people might judge me scoffing my face.

Well, this holiday, I thought to fuck with it all. I ate out in restaurants. I went to the beach and even stripped off to my swimwear and went in the sea. It was liberating! I sunbathed on the beach. I went in the pool at busy times. You know what, people didn't bat an eyelid? I got friendly hellos and people were more busy with themselves and the people they were with to even look at me and if they did, to give me a second glance.

I know that being overweight can put some people off living life to the full, but please just do it.

I'm on holiday at the moment...it's surprising how unjudgemental it is on beaches and by pools. I feel like an idiot in my one piece...wish I had a bikini on...might buy one while here

@TomaytoORTomahto well done! I'd absolutely love to go to a water park but haven't the confidence to yet but your post inspired me to take the plunge (ha!).

Brilliant post. I am delighted for you and it's kind of you to encourage the rest of us to just enjoy life and not worry about not being perfect (whatever that is)

It is surprising!

When I was on the beach in my swimsuit, each time anyone walked past, I was waiting for their comments or looks to each other but there was absolutely none of that. I got a few smiles, in fact from the friendly locals.

@SpeedbirdSquawker I'm so glad you're still here and you haven't let the cunts from the cunt farm on this thread get to you. Don't let the bastards grind you down.

Good for you

Have fun and try not to get sunburned xxx
i myself am small and am more concerned about getting burnt and hiding my lovely varicose veins than with what others are doing / wearing

I've been trying to convince my sis & DD of this for years.. we all have bodies, few of them are perfect (& the perfect ones will change over the years..) just go for it! :-)

This is so true about bodies changing- I used to have the perfect size 8 figure and work out etc- then something happened and I’m disabled and use a wheelchair. Between that and the medication I’ve gained 7 stone… all these slim people who go on about it as if somehow it’s a moral failing to be fat don’t seem to realise that life happens to us all and it’s a very lucky person who never has circumstances changing!

@SpeedbirdSquawker just got back from a little holiday and wanted to thank you, I had some new swim suits which fit me nicely which helped me feel better walking about but I did more stuff more confidently because of this thread.

That’s so nice to read! I’m off on my hols tomorrow and for once I have not packed loads of wraps to cover my arms, long trousers and long shirts. I’m going to let it all hang out (including my unshaven legs 🤣) I hope everyone else has a wonderful holiday and is able to relax and enjoy themselves.