Is a size 14 big?

[fattytoadboy]

Just that really. Been somewhere between a size 12-14 for the past 20 years. Even when I lost two stone I still fit into my size 12 clothes. Now I’m about 12 stone at 5,7 and a solid 14.

I definitely feel better around the 10.5 stone mark. I’m really struggling to lose weight. Sometimes I look at myself and can see a roll around my belly or feel like my face looks bloated and neither of these things make me happy or confident.

Equally when I’m dressed well I think I look ok. I know it’s totally subjective but in your opinion is a size 14 what you’d consider large? I don’t think I look obscenely overweight but I definitely would look and feel better with a few stone off.

Plus people weren't as obsessed with food as they are now.

Let’s face it, the multinational food industry combined with our society’s lifestyles has made it really easy to overeat. It’s hard to work FT, parent, have hobbies and interests and also cook from scratch every night.

It’s REALLY hard to know what to think constitutes a good diet- as an example, in my lifetime I can remember hearing or reading the following messages at home, school, in the media:

fat is the enemy, eat cottage cheese and celery;
sugar is the enemy now;
eat more protein;
western societies eat too much protein;
eat more calcium;
eat more fish;
eat less fish;
carbs should be at the bottom of your food pyramid;
carbs should be nowhere near your plate;
fruit is full of sugar, don’t eat it.
Fruit’s great, fill up on it.
Tea counts as a drink.
Tea doesn’t count as a drink.
Diet Coke is ok- no calories.
Diet Coke is full of nasty chemicals.

Even the things we can probably all agree on, like ‘eat more leafy greens’ rarely account for the cost of those things. Is it any wonder that people eat more pasta and rice than they do salad and vegetables- you need much less and it’s far cheaper to fill up on. Broccoli was over £2/kg today in the shop while a kilo of pasta was just £1.25.

Yep I think you’re right then with that estimate.

In truth, I think its too early to tell the impact of our increasing weight on our longevity. The people who are living into their 80s and beyond now will not have spent their middle years, on average as fat as we are now. In the 70s the average weight for a UK woman was 9 stone 10lb.
I think its fairly well known that being overweight is linked to all sorts of unpleasant conditions, which even if they don't significantly reduce your life span, will likely make things more challenging in your later years.
Being a healthy weight as an elderly person can make the difference between independent or not, being mobile, able to get up from your chair etc. The OP is concerned about how she looks at a size 14 and I don't think anyone should be worrying about that. But the health impacts do matter I think.

There is no way that UK sizes 8-12 are average any more, but they are healthier. We seem to have lost sight of that as the average size has increased. I also notice people’s reluctance to deny themselves; if I didn’t deny myself sometimes I’d be massive! Doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy my food. 14 is hardly huge, but only you know how you feel. I’m quite short, so even a 12 feels quite big to me (I’m really chesty and small hipped so i’m all boobs and belly!)

Ultimately if you feel a bit rubbish then do something about it. We all know it’s not easy, but just start making small lifestyle changes and you will feel better in yourself. Happiness comes from being comfortable in your own skin and that’s about more than just weight.

Also completely agree with this. Life expectancy has peaked. Today’s middle aged (and younger) are much fatter, and will likely live less long, than their parents’ generation. We all eat way too much processed rubbish.

Why are you questioning her on this? Jesus fucking Christ.

I think this is 100 percent subjective.
I am similar to you in that I’m currently a size 14 (the biggest I’ve ever been in my life) Sometimes I think I look ok and sometimes I think I look massive (usually if I see photos of myself!)
I'm much happier smaller but I don’t look at other size 14 people and think they look big.
It comes down to if you’re happy in your own skin.

Some real female self loathing on show today. You could always base your opinion of yourself on your talents, your kindness, your ability to fix a leaking toilet or anything else you’ve got going for you. Instead you angst about your weight, men don’t do this, why do we?

Bigger than 12, not as big as 16.

HTH.

Yes. It used to not exist in the normal clothes range. Now it’s probably average, but it’s still large.

What are you on about? Size 14 has always been in the normal clothes ranges. I know because I was a size 16 in the Kate Moss nineties and could shop in every high-street shop.

OP, I’m the same height and weight as you. I’m a 14 at the moment and definitely feel big. A couple of years ago I was 9st 7 and a size 8-10. I want to get back to 10st 7 too. My WW diet starts on Tuesday.

Maybe try Mounjaro if you aren’t happy?
I reckon you will look absolutely fine but it’s really about how you feel

I am a 14 and I feel fucking massive.

Which makes zero sense, as 5 years ago, I was a size 28 and actually fucking massive.

It's sizes 6 and 8 that didn't exist. When Next started in the late 70s or very early 80s I was a teenager. It was the first time 8 was a size available on the high street. 6 came in much later.

14 is a totally normal size and you don't have to be 'big' to wear it. Big busted ladies are often a 14 on top

Yes I would say size 14 is big, definitely

I can't remember if its 14 or 16 that's seen as plus size.

16 is plus size lowest size usually

size 10 was a lot smaller though, people have posted sizing charts from 70s on this thread. I also have a vintage H&M suit in size 14 that is smaller than their current size 10s..

Yes it is fat and the UK would be healthier if more people recognised this

I’m 5ft 5 and 10st 11lbs and a size 12-14.
my body shape denotes that I have a smallish 10-12 top and a large size 14 butt and thighs. But according to my BMI I’m still ‘overweight…’
in fact when I was a tiny, weight lifting gym bunny and a size 8-10…but still well over 10 stone, I was still classed as ‘overweight!’

So it’s all comparative.

No one’s business what size you are unless you specifically tell them. If you feel happy and healthy, it’s a big middle finger up to anyone else!!!

Yes except we all have to fund your healthcare

And how pray tell … oh enlightened one, or should I say ‘fragmented brain’ … very apt… by the way….are you funding my health care ???

I’d rather you send me money for a night out, or maybe a puppy… a new rug for my front room… if you do insist on funding anything for me !!!

🙄

You’re a bit of a tit are you !!!

Fatness is expensive in terms of healthcare.