Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be surprised and disappointed at some of the attitudes to food and weight I have seen here?

127 replies

SigourneyBeaver · 02/04/2009 19:30

I have a high opinion of Mners.
On the whole, I think Mn is populated by intelligent and often extremely witty people.

However, I have read many posts from women who want to achieve or maintain an unrealistic weight.

I am SO disappointed by this I can't tell you. I was kind of in denial of how obsessed women are by their appearance. This has really got to me. If intelligent women feel this way, is there any hope for our daughters?

OP posts:
MrsMattie · 02/04/2009 20:07

Challenge each other?@moondog.

The constant slagging off of other women for how they look that I see here tonight is not about 'challenge', is it? It's about sitting behind your computer screen - where we can't see what you look like - while calling other women fat and ugly. That's what it boils down to.

Go right ahead. But I think it's pretty bloody piss poor.

chequersmate · 02/04/2009 20:09

Is this about that Sarah Brown thread, or is it apropos of nothing?

moondog · 02/04/2009 20:09

lol @ Fattie
In same vein Mum I could ask why it is your business to challenge or criticise me.
But i won't as to do so negates whole point of y'know chatting.

HotCrossGoober · 02/04/2009 20:10

Have lost 26lbs now, almost 2 stone. Am smug as hell!

FAQinglovely · 02/04/2009 20:11

and of course some of you never sit in a cafe or on a bus, or simply walk down the street and inwardly think "ooooo - not a good choice of clothes" do you???

I'll be the first to admit my sense of style it crap and I usually look rather sh*te - but that doesn't mean I'm incapable of looking at someone and inwardl thnking "hmm - that looks good, or hmmm that looks badaaaaaaaad" does it??

Mumcentreplus · 02/04/2009 20:12

am I Moondog?...I thought I asked a question...

morningpaper · 02/04/2009 20:12

Jeez do you have a knife?

Mumcentreplus · 02/04/2009 20:13

Oh dear...lol

MrsMattie · 02/04/2009 20:13

It's not the same thing@FAQ. I can't even be bothered to argue the point. It's so glaringly obvious.

Nasty.

AliGrylls · 02/04/2009 20:14

I can't say I have seen any of those threads relating to weight. However, if I did I would avoid them as I would have a strong view. I think it is really sad to see women obsess about such things in this day and age when we are supposed to be so liberated. Maybe subconsciously we do it to some extent please our partners (I know my dh admires my body more when I am looking slim).

FAQinglovely · 02/04/2009 20:15

but they you know what - I think the clothes are but she does have good legs (IMO)

moondog · 02/04/2009 20:15

why is your business to challenge or criticise anyone about their appearance??@Moondog

Mum, it is just a ridiculous question.
You might as well ask the woman on the no.10 bus what business she has commenting on the weather.

Original poster
SigourneyBeaver · 02/04/2009 20:15

Sorry, had to go for a while there.

To clarify, I am surprised because I expect intelligent women to be, well, frankly, above the dieting crap. Of course, being a healthy weight for your height and build is important, but that goes both in terms of not being too thin as well as not being too fat.

I think it is sad that so many people in society are an unhealthy weight and of course they should be given help to do something about that if they wish to do so, in terms of diet and excercise.

I should perhaps explain that I used to work with women with eating disorders so I am a bit sensitive about this. I hate seeing fantastic women beating themselves up about being a few pounds above their so called 'ideal' weight, usually one at the bottom end of the acceptable range.

OP posts:
morningpaper · 02/04/2009 20:16

tee hee! People are always telling me that I remind them of Su Pollard

top bird

FAQinglovely · 02/04/2009 20:16

what do you mean it's not the same thing? So you've never been out with a friend and then gone "omg" after someone has walked past far enough to be out of ear shot?????

MrsMattie · 02/04/2009 20:17

Not since I was about 16, no@FAQ

moondog · 02/04/2009 20:17

Sue Pollard looks great and has indeed got terrific legs.

Doodle2U · 02/04/2009 20:17

Goober - that's bloody brilliant. Proud of ya!

Not sure about your Easter name, mind! -'hot' 'cross'....you sound proper arsey!

oregonianabroad · 02/04/2009 20:18

The Beauty Myth

morningpaper · 02/04/2009 20:19

they are great legs

if I had those legs I would whip them out, even if I was 80

FAQinglovely · 02/04/2009 20:19

blimey you mustn't get out much then - as I still occasionally have a giggle when out with my best friend for coffee at Morrisons - she's 42 and I'm 30

moondog · 02/04/2009 20:19

I don't and never have believed in diets, detoxing, beauty therapists, spas or crap like that.

Another way to get cash out of women and mkae them believe losing weight, being fit and looking nice is something that only 'professionals' can mange for you.

HotCrossGoober · 02/04/2009 20:20

My DD has an eating disorder.
My household is ultra clued up on food and nutrition.

morningpaper · 02/04/2009 20:21

If you have your own limbs and teeth you are doing well in Morrisons

I must say I have never raised an eyebrow at a laydee on the street, would not occur to me, that does seem one step away from shouting at old ladies who are driving slowly

MrsMattie · 02/04/2009 20:22

I do get out, thanks. I just don't get my 'giggles' from tearing other women to shreds based on their looks. I have several friends who have had serious eating disorders, and practically every woman I know has some sort of body issue. I try not to fuel that.