To ask what you think when you see a young, fat person?

[AugustSlippedAwayIntoAMoment]

I'm very, very aware that this thread will probably get some nasty responses.

But I'm young (26), overweight and short. I try to dress nicely and I'm actively losing weight, but I'm just curious. What do you actually think when you see a fat person? I've never given it much thought before now as I've been fat my entire life, but what do you really think? Am I walking round oblivious to the fact I'm being judged all the time or do people just not care?

If you want a hugely honest opinion I either think nothing (as not that interested in others bodies) but if I do think something I feel sorry for them and wonder if they blame their parents for letting them get fat. For the young people I know personally I worry about their future health.

I think, There's a person. Or actually, most of the time I wouldn't really register someone unless I have some interaction with you.
Your weight wouldn't mean anything to me. I might notice nice hair or a colourful scarf or something! And if you looked happy/sad/angry/nervous, I might clock that.

Nothing really. I suppose if there was something particularly remarkable about there weight it might register but it’s about the same as eye colour to me.

I don't think about their body 99% of the time. Sometimes if someone is really well dressed I'll think good for them and how things have changed since the 80s /90s

I'm overweight myself, and I think poor thing. I hope they get a grip on it soon as it really holds me back.

I also worry about their future health too.
If you are a fat 20 something then I think you are going to really, really struggle when you get older and the good old menopause kicks in. Then it really is an uphill battle to shift excess weight.

I would think nothing. I would register there is another person, and that’s it.

I wouldn’t worry about their future health etc. as I am not that emotionally involved with people I pass in the street. Also, I have no insight into random people’s lives, so I can’t comment on them.

A stranger, not much really unless they are drawing attention to themselves in some way. Someone I know a little like a work mate, I'd be worried about their health and future.

I think there is something going very wrong with the way that we eat in this country and am very concerned about the situation.

So I am think more as a bigger picture than about the individual but the individual would trigger the thought.

I would never ever let it show, but I do sometimes think, it's a shame that that person is in the middle of their prime years (freedom, fun of youth etc) and isnt able to enjoy it to the max because they're probably self conscious or less physically able.

Not much really. I have enough problems of my own and don't care too much about strangers.

If you want a hugely honest opinion I either think nothing (as not that interested in others bodies)

This. I see people out and about but I dont think anything about them. I dont care what others look like, I'm too focused on myself and what I have to do today (most people are!)

Not much really. I have enough problems of my own and don't care too much about strangers.

Honestly? If I thought anything at all it would be that they lack self respect and there's something unhappy going on in their life because getting overweight doesn't happen suddenly. Then I might think, oh, it could be a medical issue so stop being so judgey. Then I'd carry on walking and forget about it.

Watching my mum struggle to lose weight as she's hit menopause is what's inspired me to lose the weight now to be honest

I don’t generally think about peoples’ body shapes. An exception would be when I see an overweight child struggling to play, then I feel bad for them.

Honestly yes, I do judge. I wonder if they know or care how fat and probably unhealthy they are and how they got there.

Honestly I don't think people even notice or think anything about overweight or obesity in adults it's so common.

I do notice it in primary school kids and think surely their parents should help, change the kids diet.
But inevitably the parents obese too.

It depends - if the person is so clearly overweight that they're struggling with a day to day task (e.g walking in a supermarket or one flight of stairs at work) then it might draw my attention to it.

Most of the time however I don't really pay attention, it's not really top of my list to notice about people and it doesn't really register, unless we're talking about someone who's on the extreme side of overweight eg. 30 stone at 5ft.

I'm very overweight, have been since childhood and am 45 now. I look at other overweight women and wonder what their story is, how their life is impacted, with intrigue to compare to my own story. Nothing negative at all

I don't think 26 is that young. I'd feel sorry for an actual young person (under 17, and blame the parents). I was very skinny until around 25!

I think I'd only really notice if you were extremely obese. I'm not sure I'd think much apart from noticing it just as I would if someone was outside the bell curve in some way like super tall, or amazing hair, or a unique dressing style etv

I'd notice your dress and maybe wonder if it would suit me.

If you looked really well dressed I might feel a bit dowdy in comparison.

I don’t think much at all but it depends largely on the context.

When I see fat people in my gym I have a little inward cheer for them. I know how intimidated I felt by the gym when I joined and what a step that is so I’m always pleased to see others have felt able to take that step and even if not for weight loss it’s positive for mental health and health more generally (admittedly I’m projecting).

When I see fat primary school children I feel very sad for them as their parents have set them up for a difficult life.

I also sometimes wonder if they’re unhappy (projecting again) as I know when my weight fluctuates it’s because I’m struggling with my mental health.

If I see people in the street, in passing, I give it little thought.

I don't think anything.

What you look like is of no concern of mine.

I* don't think 26 is that young
*
I really need to let go of the "early 20's" label don't I 🤣