Interesting... I never even thought of being judged differently for LOSING weight! But I can see where it can happen- I think for me I continue to judge myself negatively after I've lost weight- and feel happy for other people who are successfully losing weight! Maybe it's because we are part of a community where you just want to congradulate them- who knows!
This is really interesting to me because I am the one who still carries around the stigma for myself! As I am struggling to find my natural weight now that I have gained back 10 pound from my lowest weight, I find that I am judging myself very harshly, still comparing myself to all the people I know who are a steady weight ("naturally thin"), and of course I lose that little mental fight every time. So sad, and I still hope to one day fix my perception, but thanks for this info -- it makes some things make sense.
I read that too. It's sad to think people judge others like that. It's easy for people who are naturally thin to stay thin, while others have to work so hard to fit in, yet they still get treated differently.
I have also read the article and think that people need to judge you on your personality and your accomplishments (such as losing weight) I know I have ben there when I lost the weight but then gained it all back after my mom got sick again. Some people just think that I sat on the couch and I let it get this far. Yes, I know I am part of the blame for letting my weight catch back up plus some, but its not that I am not active it is partly genetic. My mom was heavy and there are also some other health reasons. If people would just stop juding other people! But we know that will never stop!
I read that article too. I found it depressing as h'll. Also, reminded of this while at a family reunion over the weekend- everybody will say, Oh you lost weight! when you have, but no one says Oh you got fat! when you have. Its such a strong social stigma. A little kid will say, 'That man is fat' and adults will say 'Dont say that'- kids just see what is, we tell them its wrong to say anything.
Wow, this just re-affirms what I was already thinking! It's kind of shameful to tell people I used to be 40 pounds heavier (or when they see old pictures of me 40 lbs heavier)...and I always felt like they would judge me for that, turns out some do. It sucks, but it's life, and at least we know who our real friends are!
I am sad to say this doesn't surprise me at all. People made lots of comments to me about "when you regain the weight". Thank you for sharing the article.
I have seen it myself personally... I am overweight now and working on it, but I lost weight before my first son was born and I was still treated differently and not part of the "skinny girl" social groups... not invited to things. It is sad, but a very real problem.
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