Dear Fractelle,

I've always been conscious of what my family eats
and I've always tried to maintain healthy eating
habits, that's why I buy fresh - on a daily
basis, and like you - I frequent the green grocers
and butchers - in preference to supermarket chains
for my meat and vegs.

I can identify with your airplane experience. I was
seated next to a rather large woman on a plane
once - but it wasn't her size so much but the
strength of her perfume that left me with a
raging headache. The plane was packed, so I couldn't
move or change seats with anyone. The other plane
experience was with a really big man (looked like a
sumo wrestler) who kept falling asleep and putting
his head on my shoulder. I kept nudging him - but
finally gave up. It was a long, long flight!

Dear Piper,

Don't use up all your posts on the one thread.
Otherwise you will have to wait before posting
again. It happens to me all the time.

I can't imagine you ever being overweight - the constant
array of kids will keep you young and gorgeous!
(As well as a vigorous, husband :-)...)

*An old confusius saying he who die with fat belly dies with smile on face.
With all this aids my fat gut will be a sex symbol soon as everyone will say he's a fat one he hasn't got it.*

ROFL Dave, I do love your sense of humour :)

I quite enjoy going to the supermarket and having a look what is
in peoples trollies, comparing their age and shape. There is
definately a pattern there. There will be those in their 20s and
30s, with trollies of American packet foods, most with a weight
problem. The Yanks sure know how to value add salt, sugar and lard!

Then there are those in their 40-50s, with mostly fresh produce,
which commonly are in pretty good shape.

I really enjoy cooking (its cleaning up the mess that is the problem)
so its not so much food that is a problem for me, as its all
pretty healthy.

But I'm now in my mid 50s, the old life of high stress is gone,
working for money is no longer an issue, and I really enjoy
the great red wines produced in Australia. I say that with some
knowledge,for whilst living in France for a couple of years, I got
to taste plenty of theirs and I think Australian wines are outstanding
value for money.

All things in moderation sounds great, but with such great wines,
it is easier said then done!

Ah well, in our 50s we are allowed to have a bit of a middle
aged spread, at least that is my excuse :)

Some people say there is a correlation between a person's pets weight and their own. My observations observe this is mostly true except for large ladies and little yappy dogs. At the end of the day we all grow old and wrinkly so carrying a little extra says little either way about a person's character. I think being skinny like many models today can be just as off putting as being overweight.

Dear Yabby,

Next time I go to the supermarket I'll have
to do a survey of people's trolleys (quietly -
of course). It will be interesting to check
their products with what age group I think
they belong. Great idea of yours.

I agree with you about Australian wines - I
think we can all be proud of what this country
produces. Our recent visit to Rutherglen
proved that to me.

Dear runner,

I fully agree. Being grossly overweight or too thin -
can't be good for anyone.
But I guess, keeping a balance
is not that easy for some people.
I've got to keep working at it.

I have found a few things interesting.
The view that fat people may not be good employees.
Well yes for some it is true, but country fat blokes are often as strong as an oxe.
And one poster spoke of the impacts on health costs to us all of over weight people.
It is also true but why is it healthy food costs so very much more?
And finally we tip toe around the threads subject, it does matter very much so, remember I have spent half me life as very much over weight, we do judge on appearance.
I do too, as I get back on track with my weight loss, not much to go, I use obese people to power me.
Aware of the many reasons people are fat, mainly the self indulgent lie, but other reasons too, I remind myself I am in control.
And that they are not.
Truth is health is the benefit looking better is second to being better.

Dear Belly,

You've hit the nail right on the head.
It's how you feel that's important.
If you feel well - it doesn't matter
if you weigh more that the average for
a certain height. As long as you stay
physically fit and healthy.

However, people can be made to feel
awful because of their weight.
We know that fat people are
often treated unkindly by others, including
their work colleagues, and classmates at
school. Fat people generally have less
social success than other people - and
they do find it harder to find jobs.
I don't know why that is - possibly
because most people associate fatness with
laziness, and inactivity.

Physical inactivity can lead to obesity
among all age groups. It does so especially
among children and teenagers, who are the most
active groups. Most obese young people don't eat
any more than those of normal weight. In fact,
many of them eat less. But because they are so
inactive that even with a moderate appetite,
they eat more than they need - and accumulate excess
fat.

However, if a person has been teased and made to feel
guilty, hopeless, or worthless - it's no use telling
them, "as long as you're healthy, that's all that
matters." They won't buy it - because they have to
live with the taunts. In their case - weight
does matter. They need to either seek professional
help to remove their fears about their body image,
or try to lose some of the weight.