Hiya Foxy. Well see my jeans go from 10 to 12 to size 14 – and I go up and down over two years and the Dr wants me smaller. Wonder if it makes a difference that he’s really small? No way am I going to stay an 8 (if I get there that is), I’d look scrawny and I would feel umm... well less.

Kids slow you down, you have to walk slow, you have to be around the house a lot. Most I do is playing catch where they are at one end of the street kicking them all over the place and I run and get them since their aim is mostly crap. Housework can wear you out though if you’re in a frenzy or something.

I like walking, I reckon my weight changes with the kid’s ages and stages – get a few fast walkers and a pram and I’m off! You have any advice for stationary type exercises? Hey I bought a stepper, it’s under the kitchen counter where I sit at the computer.[smile]

I have worked out over the years that small kids are much happier with small amounts of food through the day. Literally happier and more active children. A snack about two hours apart. Four of them during the day between breakfast and diner and no big dinners.

And the best place to let them eat some chocolate – halfway through a splash in the pool. Doesn’t melt and they swallow enough water after to clean their teeth. Don’t try it with popsicles, some kid always drops their one and it’s always the kid that chose lemonade and you can’t find it.

Food as a non-event is the best thing, not associated with whether someone likes you or not or if you are upset or hurt. It is just an interruption.

Good topic,

For work, I would pick the best candidate, regardless of weight.

For partners and friends I tend to socialise with fitter more active people because that's what I enjoy doing in my leisure time. Active people tend to be thinner, so I would probably be more likely to befriend thinner people.

Being a reformed fatty, I have little sympathy for the obese. If someone genuinely wants to be a healthy weight, they'll get to it.

I do, though, detest the Australian habit of mocking the overweight for exercising. Anyone who's tried to get unfat by exercising in public (cycling, jogging, gymming) will know the jeers and insults earned for actually showing a will to get fit. It simply reinforces an acceptance of being overweight and the impossibility of changing.

Dear Piper,

As long as you're active and feel healthy, I think that's all
that matters. Who cares what size clothes you wear...
That doctor should be careful with what he
prescribes.

Kids will definitely keep you fit - as for what
exercises to do whilst stationary? I could name
at least one - but I'd get banned...
I'm sure you'll be able to guess though (giggle).

I love food and cooking - however, I can't eat big
portions - maybe that helps...

Dear burbs and Sancho,

Some people are put off by fat people.
Others by skinny ones. I guess it's a matter
of choice. My friends come in all shapes and
sizes - although my closest friends do tend
to be slim. I don't know why. Maybe it's because
they're more active - and we have more in common -
rather then their actual weight.

I don't know how hard it is to lose weight - I don't
have a weight problem - but I think as long as a
person is active - they shouldn't worry too much.
If they eat a lot - but aren't active - then they
have, not only a weight problem, but a health problem
as well.

I am in shape , round is a shape
Thanks have a good life from Dave

Dear Dave,

Round is definitely a shape - and a lovely one
at that.

Some of my favourite things are round -
the moon, the stars, the planets, rainbows,
snowmen, lollipops, yo-yos, basketballs,
my favourite hats, and best of all, smiley faces ...