Is a size 14 fat?

[bubblebutt88]

I know it's dependent on the individual and a lot of variables - height etc but generally speaking would you say it's 'fat?' I am a size 14, I don't think I'm huge but I have a big roll of fat around my belly (thanks c-section and pizza) and I do feel like my face looks a bit bloated at times.

I'm certainly not thin or toned but I wouldn't say I'm obese either. I know id look and feel better if I dropped a dress size but at this time in my life with young kids, a demanding job and lots going on I just can't find the energy to focus on weight loss.

What are your thoughts?

I'm 5'10 and naturally big build - wide shoulders, big hands and feet, big boobs and bum. I was absolutely fine at sizes 14 through to 18 and told that I looked too thin at size 12. (I have now left all of those sizes behind, mind you). I really don't think it's as simple as clothes size or even BMI. It's also about how fit you are, what you like doing, what you need to do and what you do to keep fit. If you're body-building you're going to be a very different shape and form to if you're cycling or running.

This is a very silly thing to say.

There will be plenty of overweight people at 5ft 1" or taller wearing a size 14 in real life.

I'm 5foot 7 and at a size 14 I'm overweight - I'm currently a 16 heading to a 14 and I'm definitely overweight. I need to be a 12 to be an OK weight.

I had a roll around my middle at size 6/8 though. I think it’s called skinny fat which is nice.

For me it depends on the height, how someone carries it and how they feel. I am rubbish at guessing clothing sizes though.

Does it matter? As long as you are healthy and happy it’s ok isn’t it?

I'm 5'8", size 14, healthy BMI, healthy waist to height ratio. I'm not skinny, but I'm definitely not fat. Some other size 14s might be.

the question was is a size 14 fat. I hate, hate, hate when we call ourselves or other people fat.

but when people say she looks fat - do they really just mean they look like their BMI is above 25? Lots of people who are in the overweight cateogory don’t look ‘fat’. Fat is a nasty, subjective term that someone people use for anyone who isn’t thin, some people use for only obese people, and some people reserve just for themselves🥲.

As I say every time this comes up. I do Iron Man. I am a size 12-14. I am definitely not fat. You literally cannot be to do what I do. I'd love to see most of the posters on mumsnet who claim a size 12-14 is fat even try and do half a marathon.

I find it quite repugnant that '14 is fat' is the go to on here. No critical thinking, or broader understanding of health. A size 14 who exercises like I do, and eats like I do, is likely fitter and healthier than 99% of the women on here that say 'size 14 is fat.'

That being said, if you have rolls on your belly and binge eat pizza...then yes, you are likely fat and unhealthy.

BUT it is possible to be fit and a size 12/14.

Navigating the minefield of honesty vs tact/kindness with my Dd when she was 2ish, I found it helped to reframe how I talk about fat, ie I “carry/have” fat not that I “am” fat. We all need fat to be healthy and in a better society the word would not be weaponised. So, at size 14 you may be carrying more fat than is good for your joints and internal organs, but I wouldn’t say you are fat.

As an aside, I’m always trying to fatten my DD up as she is top 1/4 for height and bottom 1/4 for weight so has no reserves to fall back on if ill. Developing a “lovely fat tummy” is a goal in our household 😄

I'm the same height as you. I'd look fat at a size 14. I'm curently a 12 trying to get back down to a 10.

Let me roll down the street with my 5’2 size 14 self

I used to be a size 14 and yes I was fat 🤷‍♀️ I’m 5”3

But it's not always the case?

Depends. But if I am a 14, that’s the beginning of looking fat for me. (I’m 173cm for reference).

Is it the go to though? Or is it relevant to the person? Talking about critical thinking or lack of is a bit rich.

I'm 5'1, petite, narrow shoulders etc. A size 14 would be fat to me.

Really depends on how tall you are.

I'm a 12 verging on a 14 and 5 ft 5 - I'm classed as slightly overweight. I wouldn't say I'm fat. I do eat a good diet but I am lazy eg re exercise so that doesn't help one iota.

When I mentioned this to peopleI first started working with last autumn they said I wasn't fat, I think I can carry my weight well. I look good at 10.5 stone or 10 stone which now I'm just over 11 stone means I need to lose obviously.

And I can run a half marathon. And I have at a size 14, and it was massively fucking harder than when I did it as a 10/12.

Yes I would think in the majority of cases it is. I’m a size 14 and I’m definitely a couple of stone heavier than I should be.

It depends on height. I'm 5'1 and a size 10. However, my BMI is at 24.5 (so slightly overweight). I have friends who are tall and are size 12-14 but don't look overweight.

Well yes, it is. Look at the posts on this thread 'yes a 14 is fat' is one of the first comments.

That shows no critical thinking...

I am 5'7 and overweight at 14. I need to be a size 10 to get rid of tummy flab. Currently a small 12.

I think it can depend on where you shop, how you like your clothes to fit, and your build, not just a simple 'this weight/BMI = this dress size'.

I would probably fit a size 14 in most places. I'm a bit 'curvy' and I'm breastfeeding (so cup size is bigger than it used to be... from a DD to a GG). My BMI is a bit over 25 so yes, I'm a bit overweight/fat. I can fit into size 12 trousers in some places, but there's no way a size 12 shirt is going to close. But, I like looser fits and need easy access on top, so in shops that tend towards a more fitted cut, I'll often try the 14 or the 14-16 rather than the 12-14 to get the fit I want. A loose top or dress can be belted/cinched in but a fitted one just gets stretched by a hungry DC.

Meanwhile, one of my friends who is also a size 14, is tall, toned and has a more muscular build. She looks phenomenally glam as a size 14 and isn't fat at all.

I know what the question was, I read it and then replied to the post saying in real life no-one over the height of 5ft, could be size 14 and fat.

And of course as many people have pointed out, only the OP will know whether she's fat or not, her dress size is irrelevant.

This is within your power!! Go spend a few days in IRL shops trying stuff on, get a capsule wardrobe together, just 4 outfits to rotate that look fabulous and will work for your everyday life. Then go to a makeup counter and get them to teach you a good every day face... As for the hair you could try hair extensions or spend an afternoon watching hairstyle tutorials for people with your length/colour/texture of hair. If you wear glasses go get some new beautiful ones. I think when you've gone through such a lifestyle change of having kids and your body changing loads, a massive self esteem boost is in order!!

Depends on height, and also where you gain weight

I gain weight on my face so look awful at a size 14

I don't actually care if I have a fat body, but I care if I have a fat face