Perceptions of 'healthy' or 'overweight' are really skewed by the area you live in?

[alwaysdream]

I'm sure I'll get roasted for this, but here goes anyway...

I live in an area of London where pretty much nobody is 'overweight.' Particularly young people.

Last night, in Wembley Stadium (Harry Styles concert), the ONLY food available was chicken and chips or doughnuts. That's it. And - I know this will sound very judgemental - but I'd say about 7 / 10 people were quite 'overweight,' but all walking around in tiny shorts and cropped tops, etc (I know this is the vibe at this kind of event). It made me wonder if this is 'normal' for young people, on a national level? I know it sounds judgemental, but AIBU? Are most teens overweight where you live?

I'm in a funny area as It's a village that has many different socio-economic areas all very close together. E.g most people on my street are older and quite affluent, but you walk 5-10 mins up the road and there's an estate where It's a different story altogether, and then in the village centre there's both and all in between.

On the streets surrounding mine, young people look slim and fit, I don't think I have seen a single overweight person under the 30/40 bracket. Some of the older ones are a bit out of shape but nothing remarkable.

Not just weight, but people on the estate look unhealthier generally and it is always littered with processed food and takeaway wrappers etc. I do notice that the people from that side of the village tend to be fatter and their appearance makes it known that they do not look after their teeth or health generally. Definite well-known correlation though.

True lol.

@Sartrei totally agree and am surprised more people aren't making the connection. Children are shut inside except for times they are in a controlled environment and heavily supervised. Unless you have a FT nanny with no other responsibilities it isn't realistic for a parent to stand around for more than an hour watching a child play outside. Somewhere along the way we chose as a society to put safety above wellbeing. We attempt to eliminate risk entirely, even if the existing risk is minimal already. And so the health and well being of a generation is damaged because they are literally locked up most of the day. It's not just free play outside that's denied either, it's simple things like walking from one place to another. Even when they are with parents they aren't allowed develop risk assessment skills with adults constantly telling them something is too high or too slippery. It's not just the physical stuff, they don't learn to negotiate play, to lead or follow, to come up with imaginative plans or to get a thrilling sense of adventure. They are bored, frustrated and under stimulated and like many adults they think they are hungry all the time as a result.

Well said! 👏

Not a single child overweight in my youngest dc child school but there’s only 20 kids total.
very rural, rare to see young people anything but thin or muscley

I was at Twickenham Stadium this weekend. Didn't see many overweight people at all. Food was shit and unhealthy. Lots of alcohol consumption. I'm guessing that most people in attendance don't live like that every day of the week.

I think people are more inclined these days to mistake being over weight and unhealthily with having positive body image. I think the assumption is that when you dare to mention that someone is overweight or fat, you’re immediately body shaming. The fact is is grossly unhealthy to be so big. At an event at the weekend I actually got a bit sick of having to move for fatter people because they couldn’t pass in a corridor two at a time, that I understand is unreasonable and my own problem, but it’s still not healthy for them to be so big.

I hope somebody has contacted the local MP for Wembley Stadium to complain that there isn’t a salad bar. Wait until the OP here’s about the sort of stuff you can buy on Uber Eats.

Pop over to Croydon and you'll see people of varied ethnicities and a rate lower than the national average.

nomas · Yesterday 19:19
What on earth are you on about, OP?
Here are the dining options, including Thai, Greek, Indian, Sushi and many others.
www.boxpark.co.uk/venues/wembley/food-and-drink
This is basically a thread to smirk and sneer at overweight girls daring to wear cool clothes in this heat. At least own it.

No, we walked the entire circle around the arena (once inside) and the food was what I said. There may have been some falafel mentioned at one or two of the chicken and chips places, but that's it.

Of course the wider area of Wembley itself has amazing food of all types everywhere. But inside the stadium is dire.

Also, I don't buy that tight denim bum revealing shorts or skirts and lycra crop tops etc are the go-to way to 'stay cool.' Come on. It's the most uncomfortable clothing going and sad that they all feel obliged to conform to buying it. Maybe some of them didn't realise their bums were literally visible walking home through Wembley at 11pm but regardless. I can't see any need for this, just because the weather is warm. It's not 'body confidence', sorry.

I can't see any need for this, just because the weather is warm.

I guess if we're restricting human activity to things there's a 'need' for, or that you consider there to be a 'need' for, anyway, we're looking at a different playing field. Please do make sure the new PM distributes the rule book.

It's not 'body confidence', sorry.

And you know this, how, exactly?

If you think the food at a concert is bad, wait until you see the shit they sell in hospitals or even serve to poor sick people.

Ahahahahah

Interested to know which geographical areas you have visited OP in order to make this informed decision.
There has been a few sweeping statements at ‘the north’ (as there always is on this type of thing, it must help people feel less inferior),
but the lovely residential area I live in just outside of Newcastle has access to farmers markets, two tennis clubs on the door step, emphasis on sports in the high achieving schools we have around us.
When I visit my sister in London, I feel there is less pressure…huge breadth of presentations and priorities, it’s easy to not really be too bothered about weight/appearances.