How to Feel Good When You Are Fat

Overweight people are criticized and ridiculed to the degree that some campaigners have argued they deserve the same legal protection as those who are discriminated against on the grounds of race, age, sexuality or religion. Unfortunately, we do live in a "fatist" society. But having a few extra inches around your waistline shouldn't necessarily impact the quality of your life. Some studies even suggest that larger people can live just as healthy a life as those at an ideal weight.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn to love your body. If everybody was the same size and shape the world would be a very boring place. Besides, there are some men and women who prefer a larger frame. There are even dating clubs for people looking to find a sturdier partner.

• 2

  Take at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. Larger people can lead healthy lives and are not automatically condemned to shorter lifespans or chronic illness if they look after themselves. If you're genetically prone to weight gain or have a slow metabolism, you can do your bit by staying as fit as possible. Exercise can also reduce stress levels and increase self-esteem in and of itself.

• 3

  Stick to a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid fatty foods and empty carbohydrates. While it's important to allow yourself a little of what you fancy, it's best to cut out as much over-processed food as you can. Even if you're eating the same volume of food, a healthier diet will be much kinder to your body.

• 4

  Ignore the body image sold to you by the media. Magazines, television and the fashion industry portray an unobtainable, and often unhealthy, idealized image of both the male and female body. Look around you. You may be a little overweight, but very few people look like the images you see in newsprint and on the movie screen. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average man and woman over the age of 20 had a waist circumference of 39.7 inches and 37 inches respectively in 2009.

• 5

  Wear clothing that flatters your figure and makes you feel comfortable. Go for designs that boost your confidence and make you feel good. Think about the cut of the clothes you buy and choose patterns that make you appear taller and slimmer. Vertical pinstripes can be very flattering if you have a larger frame. Avoid bright or light colors as these can emphasise girth. Consider visiting stores that cater exclusively for bigger people rather than buying extra-large items from regular clothes stores. Specialist outlets sell clothing specifically designed to flatter the fuller figure.

• 6

  Join fat support and acceptance groups. Non-profit organizations like the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) and the International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) work to reduce discrimination based on body size and provide resources aimed at empowering fat people. The NAAFA says that 12 percent of U.S. adults experienced weight discrimination in 2006, up from 7 percent in 1995-96.

• 7

  Take up a hobby that won't be affected by your size. If you feel excluded from certain sports or other activities, start playing an instrument or perhaps join a book club. Focus on finding a pass time you enjoy where you have the chance to meet people and your weight won't be an issue.