Why Being Fat Is Not Okay | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why Being Fat Is Not Okay

An unpopular but necessary opinion.

2175
Why Being Fat Is Not Okay
Return of Kings

Let me preface the following article with this: a person’s worth or value should never be founded on a superficial basis. It does not matter what brands someone wears, where they live and most importantly—what they look like. Regardless of the size you are, what matters is your health.

The Positive Body Image Movement has good intentions. Rampant social media criticism and critique is at an all-time high. Cyber bullying is undoubtedly a problem, and no one should ever have to succumb to feeling less than anyone else because of their size. You can be beautiful as a size 0 or a size 24. However, we have a problem. As a society, we’re glorifying obesity. Being fat is not OK.

With that said, being dangerously skinny is not OK either. Our primary goal as a society should be health, not fitting into the mold of what we think is a perfect image. Let’s focus on gaining pounds of muscle rather than losing pounds of fat. Let’s think about our family—they want to see you live a long, healthy life; not a life that is cut short by an early heart attack due to obesity. Think about the nurse who might be straining her back day in and day out when you’re older because you’ve let yourself go. We have a responsibility to all of these people in our lives to live a healthy life.

Being overweight is not a cosmetic problem, it’s a health problem. The National Institute of Health denotes multiple health problems associated with being overweight or obese. Some issues include heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes and even cancer. Four of these health complications are among the top seven leading causes of death in the United States! Listen guys, I’m not talking about the chub that just about every single female in this world has, or the men without a six-pack, I’m talking about obesity. I'm also not talking about the people who are obese due to a serious health issue; I’m talking about someone’s weight seriously affecting their life and degrading their health to the point that it is cutting years off of their life.

There comes a point when we need to take responsibility for our choices. You wake up every day and choose what you are going to eat and if you’re going to work out. So, just do it. Yeah, it takes motivation, energy and sometimes, it totally sucks. Sure, you’ll have days where all you want to eat is pizza and be lazy, and that’s totally normal! It is OK! But it is a choice not to make it a habit.

Let’s not glorify a lack of drive to live a healthier lifestyle. Get out there and find something that you love that’s active: go for a hike, dance with your friends (or by yourself), go for a run. You don’t need to be a health guru, but you do need to be healthy. We owe that much to the people who care for us. We strive to see past what is on the outside and I wholeheartedly agree that it is what’s on the inside that matters. Who cares about the number on the scale or how you look as long as you’re happy and healthy.

So let me end with this: we have a fat-shaming problem that we are consistently trying to move away from; however I see a problem with that. The problem we should be moving away from as a society is support of unhealthy lifestyles. I constantly see the praise of egregiously obese models, but they are no worse of role models than the dangerously skinny women in the magazines. Let’s set the example for our future children, our siblings, our peers and every person we love in this world, that being fat is not OK.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

12601
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5563
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4118
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3614
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments