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Original poster

Going to be fat in France

44 replies

doroda · 22/07/2023 10:36

Going on holiday next week to the Charente-Maritime in France. Feeling worried that everybody there is going to be slim and fabulous and that I'll stick out like an overweight English lump.

We haven't been abroad since before the pandemic. I put on a lot of weight over covid and although I've managed to lose a bit this year, I'm still firmly in the overweight BMI category and have never gone on holiday before like this. My stomach is the worst bit.

I've bought a lot of new dresses as they feel like the easiest thing to wear now...a mix mainly of midi and maxis, in a neutral palette that I'm hoping errs on the French side of simplicity. No patterns other than stripes or polka dots.

I think I just want some reassurance from people who've been to France that I won't be the only overweight person! I'm imagining the area being full of gorgeous Parisiens on their vacances and feeling dreadful in comparison.

OP posts:
SwedishEdith · 22/07/2023 10:40

Why does everyone think all of the French are uber stylish? Some are but most just look the same as holiday makers everywhere. People are definitely getting fatter in France, sadly. You won't stand out so just hold your head high and enjoy your holiday.

Skinnermarink · 22/07/2023 10:42

It’s just going to be a normal demographic of people. Some fat, some thin, and lots in between. France is not Mecca for thin snappily dressed women.

Plicovic · 22/07/2023 10:42

I'd get myself a good spray tan, nails and hair done, you'll feel much better I think and yes not all French will be super slim!

Tillyteacup · 22/07/2023 10:46

When I went to France people were a variety of sizes. Enjoy your holiday!

NatashaDancing · 22/07/2023 10:53

Skinnermarink · 22/07/2023 10:42

It’s just going to be a normal demographic of people. Some fat, some thin, and lots in between. France is not Mecca for thin snappily dressed women.

I don't recall any of the times I've been in France, including Paris, where I've ever noticed these ultra stylish French women MN admire so much.

The city which did stand out was Copenhagen.

Spinet · 22/07/2023 10:55

I was fat in France last week and it was fine. I was hot, but fine. There were a variety of people around and many of them were frumpy and many fat. I was in Nice.

Spinet · 22/07/2023 10:56

Spinet · 22/07/2023 10:55

I was fat in France last week and it was fine. I was hot, but fine. There were a variety of people around and many of them were frumpy and many fat. I was in Nice.

Ps I am properly fat not just a bit overweight like you sound. Honestly I didn't really stand out.

Tillyteacup · 22/07/2023 11:02

I agree about Copenhagen everyone was slim and fit (and tall)when I went there ! It was about 15 years ago now though. Think it’s all the healthy eating and riding of bikes 😁

Mercurial123 · 22/07/2023 11:18

The mythical French woman doesn't exist. Enjoy your holiday, wear what is comfortable and makes you feel good.

IrritableVowel · 22/07/2023 11:38

OP your appearance and size don't matter a bit. If you want to dress in a certain way or get your hair done or nails, do it because you want to. Nobody else cares or matters.

You're going on a lovely holiday, I am sure you worked hard to pay for it, going away with people who love you. Don't waste any of it by feeling lesser because of your appearance. Enjoy every second of it.

I am fat too, it has taken me a long time to get my head to see things this way... wish I has figured it out in my 30s. People who see me on holiday are too busy worrying about their own shit to care about the cut of my shorts.

lavenderlou · 22/07/2023 11:45

I go to France regularly (was in Charente Maritime last summer) and there are plenty of overweight people on the beaches there. Older people (60+) still seem to be stick thin and very, very tanned but apart from that the stereotype no longer seems to exist.

Original poster
doroda · 22/07/2023 11:52

Thanks for the replies, you've made me feel more positive.

I know I sound ridiculous but the last time we went on holiday I was closer to 40 and a healthy weight, now I'm closer to 50 and not...I really lost my mojo during covid and basically comfort ate for 3 years solid.

I had my hair done recently and I'm going to wear my new dresses and try to remember that nobody will care what I look like.

OP posts:
MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 22/07/2023 12:09

I'm part Frog. Do not fall for the myth of the French woman, as pushed on Instagram and MN. In as much as she exists at all, she is confined to the posh bits of Paris - and even there, fashion is far more casual and similar to the UK than MN would have you believe.

In posh Paris and posh/wealthy bits of France (e.g. around Nice) , I'd say it's true that people tend to be slim. But that's a tiny bit of the country as a whole. In most of the country, you will see loads of people of all shapes, sizes and styles.

LMNT · 22/07/2023 12:23

I live in France. The French are getting fatter. You won’t stick out I promise.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 22/07/2023 12:27

Parents have a holiday home in this area and a lot of the locals certainly aren’t slim nor fashionable!

I always do manicures and pedicures in France as I think they’re much better than in UK. If there’s a therme (spa) go there for a bit.

Just have fun and enjoy yourself. That’s what the French do who holiday there.

Keykat · 22/07/2023 12:29

Others are far too busy looking at, and admiring themselves to care about how YOU look.

It's a confidence thing I think, hold your head high, don't slouch, be yourself. Have a brilliant holiday and enjoy yourself.

RitaFromThePitCanteen · 22/07/2023 12:32

The myth of all French women being slim and stylish is used by certain Brits to beat overweight, "frumpy" and poor British women into believing they are inferior. Mainly in order to try to sell things to them. What they are selling may be ideological ("British women are ugly/trashy/inherently lacking compared to other nationalities") or commercial ("buy this product, outfit or weight loss program to be more like the superior French!")

Just as we shouldn't stereotype entire countries negatively, we shouldn't stereotype them as being inherently superior either. All countries have a variety of people in all shapes and sizes. You'll be fine. Ignore the salespeople and the snobs.

Tillypet · 22/07/2023 12:40

I'm in the same position and wiuld be very grateful if you could link to any of your new dresses...

happyclam · 22/07/2023 12:55

I lived in Charente Maritime for a year, and I have to say there very few stereotypical skinny stylish Parisian women and a lot more normal rural folk!

The memory that sticks out the most to me is the site of washing lines hung out in every front garden with the most enormous knickers hung out for the world to see! I wouldn't worry; just relax and enjoy your holiday x

samthebordercollie · 22/07/2023 13:04

In the provinces there are plenty of overweight and even obese French people, don't worry! The change over the last 20 years or so is quite shocking, especially with the younger women in particular: You'll be fine!

pinkhousesarebest · 22/07/2023 13:11

Charente Maritime is just full of ordinary people enjoying their holidays. No-one cares what you look like, no-one knows you. It’s such a liberating thing - just enjoy yourself!

BlueKaftan · 22/07/2023 13:24

I was fat in Italy last summer but took a mid length kimono style throw over in an attempt to style it out. I hope you have a great time!

GingerFoxInAT0phat · 22/07/2023 13:40

I’m going to France next month for the first time and have been worrying about what to wear.

Ive just ordered a few dresses from Shein (no idea what they’ll look like in the flesh)

I had visions of beautiful, slim and elegant women everywhere but this thread has made me feel better!

Spinet · 22/07/2023 13:42

doroda · 22/07/2023 11:52

Thanks for the replies, you've made me feel more positive.

I know I sound ridiculous but the last time we went on holiday I was closer to 40 and a healthy weight, now I'm closer to 50 and not...I really lost my mojo during covid and basically comfort ate for 3 years solid.

I had my hair done recently and I'm going to wear my new dresses and try to remember that nobody will care what I look like.

Not just that nobody will care what you look like op. You will look nice. Looking fat and looking nice are not mutually exclusive. Shocking eh.

Mirabai · 22/07/2023 13:53

While it’s true that French women have a significantly lower average BMI than British women, France has an obesity crisis just like everywhere else. So you’ll be somewhere in the middle.

Anyway - you’re going on holiday to please yourself not the French!