Now this subject should cause some debate!
Bashar Brown, a British hair stylist, has opened Hair By Bashar, a salon that caters to plus size clients who feel uncomfortable in mainstream salons.
"Increasingly, larger women were telling me how they hate going to the salon because they are filled with slim, glamorous women," Brown explained to the Daily Mail. "For them, it feels the same as walking into a gym full of ultra-fit people. They feel like everyone is staring at them."
So Brown has created a salon where larger women and men can feel comfortable getting their hair styled. This means extra large seats, gowns and hair-washing basins.
Brown says he sympathises with curvier clients because he used to be overweight. Now he wants to make those who feel uncomfortable with their bodies glamorous when it comes to beauty.
I find myself with mixed opinions on this one. Being pampered at the hair salon is one of the lovely luxury rituals that most women look forward to. I think its admirable that Bashar is attempting to create this environment for people who may not have enjoyed the process in the past. BUT... why should the more voluptuous of us feel uncomfortable in the same salon as our slimmer counterparts? Doesn't this go against everything that we are fighting for, ie, to not be judged by size, shape, age etc?
Heres hoping for a world where we can all share a salon/gym or any other public place without judgement or discomfort.
What do you think?
Showing posts with label overweight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label overweight. Show all posts
Friday, 7 October 2011
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Gastric Band is it the Answer?
It seems to me that there is an increase in the use of gastric bands in the UK, following a trend of the operation in the US.
My question is - is it the answer?
There is no question that there are overweight people in the UK who are significantly unhappy with their weight, or suffer from medical conditions which make weight loss a necessity. In these cases it is of course important to address the issue and try to slim. In my opinion this is usually due to an unhealthy diet, lack of execise and an unhealthy relationship with food - will a drastic operation solve these problems? In some cases maybe, but I feel that it is now becoming common place and seen as a quick fix by the medical profession where other measures should be taken first.
Will this put further pressure on the public to conform and feel they have to reach the "accepted" size?
Curvy women shouldn't feel pressured to conform and lose weight if they are healthy, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet and are confident with their curves. One size certainly doesn't fit all!
There is also a growing trend in the US for the operation to be performed on young teens, bodies which aren't yet fully developed & minds which are young enough to be re trained towards a healthier relationship with food. I think it would be a terrible shame for the UK to follow suit.
My question is - is it the answer?
There is no question that there are overweight people in the UK who are significantly unhappy with their weight, or suffer from medical conditions which make weight loss a necessity. In these cases it is of course important to address the issue and try to slim. In my opinion this is usually due to an unhealthy diet, lack of execise and an unhealthy relationship with food - will a drastic operation solve these problems? In some cases maybe, but I feel that it is now becoming common place and seen as a quick fix by the medical profession where other measures should be taken first.
Will this put further pressure on the public to conform and feel they have to reach the "accepted" size?
Curvy women shouldn't feel pressured to conform and lose weight if they are healthy, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet and are confident with their curves. One size certainly doesn't fit all!
There is also a growing trend in the US for the operation to be performed on young teens, bodies which aren't yet fully developed & minds which are young enough to be re trained towards a healthier relationship with food. I think it would be a terrible shame for the UK to follow suit.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Heart Disease and Obesity not Linked
Finally, research to back it up, being overweight does not mean you are doomed to be unhealthy!
A survey by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US has confirmed that more than half of overweight people and almost a third of obese Americans do not have a higher risk of cardiac disease. These results defy conventional belief on the subject of obesity - that fat is the root of all evil!
'We kind of got it into our heads that obesity is automatically bad for you,' said Rachel Wildman, a principal co-author of the report. 'But this study shows that there is a subset of obese individuals who don't develop adverse effects.'
Government data was taken from 5,440 people who filled out questionnaires and whose levels of risk factors were measured between 1999 and 2004. They discovered that 51% of overweight adults, translating to 36 million people nationwide, have mostly normal levels of heart disease indicators. Almost 32% of obese individuals, or nearly 20 million people, were likewise found to be 'metabolically healthy.'
Obviously this research ONLY looks at cardiovascular disease and doesn't imply that there are no health risks with being overweight. As a plus size woman, my belief is as long as you eat a healthy and balanced diet and take regular exercise you're on the path to a healthy life whatever your weight.
A survey by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US has confirmed that more than half of overweight people and almost a third of obese Americans do not have a higher risk of cardiac disease. These results defy conventional belief on the subject of obesity - that fat is the root of all evil!
'We kind of got it into our heads that obesity is automatically bad for you,' said Rachel Wildman, a principal co-author of the report. 'But this study shows that there is a subset of obese individuals who don't develop adverse effects.'
Government data was taken from 5,440 people who filled out questionnaires and whose levels of risk factors were measured between 1999 and 2004. They discovered that 51% of overweight adults, translating to 36 million people nationwide, have mostly normal levels of heart disease indicators. Almost 32% of obese individuals, or nearly 20 million people, were likewise found to be 'metabolically healthy.'
Obviously this research ONLY looks at cardiovascular disease and doesn't imply that there are no health risks with being overweight. As a plus size woman, my belief is as long as you eat a healthy and balanced diet and take regular exercise you're on the path to a healthy life whatever your weight.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Another Attack on the Overweight
Breaking news - Your weight no longer has anything to do with what you eat, your exercise levels, or even possibly illness. It has now been 'proven' that if you have fat friends you will gain weight.
Researchers from Warwick, Dartmouth and Leuven universities analysed data on 27,000 people and came to the conclusion that weight gain is the result of social influence. Did you get that? Fat is contagious!
The study found that people who forge close relationships with more rotund friends are more likely to develop a weight problem than those who purposely exclude the plus-sized from their circle. We are apparently influenced by the appearance of those around us and prone to imitative behaviour.
I don't know whether to laugh at the fact that such research was even devised, let alone carried out, or to be angry at yet another excuse to publically degrade the overweight. Is it really possible to completely ignore more likely factors in weight gain? The increase in fast and convenience foods, the drop in exercise levels and modern day aids which take some of the strain out of day to day chores?
Will there ever be a time when it can be accepted that not everyone is built to look the same? That different builds, shapes and sizes is just the way it is and should be celebrated?
Researchers from Warwick, Dartmouth and Leuven universities analysed data on 27,000 people and came to the conclusion that weight gain is the result of social influence. Did you get that? Fat is contagious!
The study found that people who forge close relationships with more rotund friends are more likely to develop a weight problem than those who purposely exclude the plus-sized from their circle. We are apparently influenced by the appearance of those around us and prone to imitative behaviour.
I don't know whether to laugh at the fact that such research was even devised, let alone carried out, or to be angry at yet another excuse to publically degrade the overweight. Is it really possible to completely ignore more likely factors in weight gain? The increase in fast and convenience foods, the drop in exercise levels and modern day aids which take some of the strain out of day to day chores?
Will there ever be a time when it can be accepted that not everyone is built to look the same? That different builds, shapes and sizes is just the way it is and should be celebrated?
Monday, 2 June 2008
Nintendo Fitness Game Calls Kids Fat
Obesity experts today slammed Nintendo after its Wii Fit game told a 10-year-old girl she was fat. They fear the game could damage children's body image and called on the company to warn parents it is not suitable for their offspring.
A father spoke of the embarrassment his stepdaughter faced when she played the fitness game and was labelled fat.
'She is a perfectly healthy, 4ft 9in tall 10-year-old who swims, dances and weighs only six stone,' said the father, who did not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the girl further.'
She is solidly built but not fat. She was devastated to be called fat and we had to work hard to convince her she isn't.'
The game costs £69 and sold out very quickly when it recently went on sale. The player enters their height & the game uses BMI to calculate their level of obesity, placing them in categories such as 'underweight' and 'fat'.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum called for children to be banned from playing the game, claiming the BMI measurement was misleading.'I'm absolutely aghast that children are being told they are fat,' he said. 'BMI is far from perfect but with children it simply should not be used. A child's BMI can change every month and it is perfectly possible for a child to be stocky, yet still very fit. I would be very concerned if children were using this game and I believe it should carry a warning for parents.'
Nintendo said it would not be placing a warning on the game.
I was a larger child myself and although I am now content to be a plus size woman that was not always the case. Many of my self esteem issues were caused by the way my weight was dealt with as a child - constant diets, comments from family members etc. The poor youngsters of today face a future of self doubt if everyone is to be judged purely by their BMI.
A father spoke of the embarrassment his stepdaughter faced when she played the fitness game and was labelled fat.
'She is a perfectly healthy, 4ft 9in tall 10-year-old who swims, dances and weighs only six stone,' said the father, who did not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the girl further.'
She is solidly built but not fat. She was devastated to be called fat and we had to work hard to convince her she isn't.'
The game costs £69 and sold out very quickly when it recently went on sale. The player enters their height & the game uses BMI to calculate their level of obesity, placing them in categories such as 'underweight' and 'fat'.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum called for children to be banned from playing the game, claiming the BMI measurement was misleading.'I'm absolutely aghast that children are being told they are fat,' he said. 'BMI is far from perfect but with children it simply should not be used. A child's BMI can change every month and it is perfectly possible for a child to be stocky, yet still very fit. I would be very concerned if children were using this game and I believe it should carry a warning for parents.'
Nintendo said it would not be placing a warning on the game.
I was a larger child myself and although I am now content to be a plus size woman that was not always the case. Many of my self esteem issues were caused by the way my weight was dealt with as a child - constant diets, comments from family members etc. The poor youngsters of today face a future of self doubt if everyone is to be judged purely by their BMI.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Fight Chloe Marshalls Backlash
As much as I was hoping it wouldn't happen, there was always the possibility that Chloe would receive a certain amount of bad press for her success in what has always been a closed and unaccepting industry.This morning I was alerted to an article on the 'Daily Mail' website, written by a rather charming (not) Monica Grenfell. The heading sums up her views - 'A role model for ordinary women? No, Miss England finalist is fat, lazy and a poster girl for ill health'.
As a published author of well known & informative titles such as:
Crash Diet - Lose 7lbs in 7 Days
The New 5 Days to a Flatter Stomach
Revenge Diet: Lose 15lbs in a month!: Make Him Sorry He Dumped You!
Fabulous in a Fortnight: The Day-by-day Programme - Shape Up and Lose Weight
The Beat Your Body Chaos Diet: Turn the Clock Back in 28 Days
(Thanks Bob at Sizenet for this info)
I'm sure you will agree than Monica is quite clearly an ambassador for what is healthy - like extreme dieting for short term weight loss - something we all know is SOO good for you!
Monica is very keen to point out that portraying a size 16 with a BMI which is supposedly in the overweight category (but doesn't take into account muscle tone so is absolute nonsense) is unhealthy, and a bad message to give out - unlike her own message - being thin is essential for happiness and health.
Chloe has said on numerous occasions that she eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly - a lifestyle that will put you on the right track to a long and healthy life. I would be keen to point out that I know plenty of 'thin' women who eat a diet of absolute junk and who NEVER exercise. Yes, they're thin, but probably far from healthy, and much more likely to incur health risks.
At the moment the link between health and weight is unbreakable in the eyes of many - this is just not true. The sooner these people realise that you can be a little overweight and healthy, just as easily as being thin and unhealty - the better! Well Chloe, the staff at Curvety are behind you all the way. Don't lose heart - for every nasty cynic like Monica, there are a handful of supporters wishing you all the luck in the world!
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Plus Size & Fighting Fit
As an active & healthy person who exercises daily despite being overweight, I am a firm believer that how fit you are is more important than your weight. Until now popular belief would say otherwise, but now research is coming to light that proves weight & health are not necessarily linked.
A US study that followed 2,603 people over 60 years old for an average of 12 years found that those who were very unfit were most likely to die - regardless of whether they were overweight. The participants all received an initial medical check, underwent fitness tests and had their fat levels measured. They found that while the degree of fatness was not associated with an increased risk of mortality, being unfit was. Those in the fittest 20% of the sample suffered an annual death rate of 8.1 per thousand people, while those in the least fit 20% experienced an annual death rate of 32.6 per thousand. The results are reported in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
'It is possible to be fat and fit - and if you are, your risk of dying is substantially reduced. It is cut in half,' said Blair.
So, stop worrying about your weight and make sure you include at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day to ensure a longer, healthier life. If you don't already include this in your routene you will definitely notice the difference in your fitness levels in just a few weeks and you'll be brimming with energy. Why not treat yourself to a new outfit in celebration of your fit & curvy figure from Curvety.com
A US study that followed 2,603 people over 60 years old for an average of 12 years found that those who were very unfit were most likely to die - regardless of whether they were overweight. The participants all received an initial medical check, underwent fitness tests and had their fat levels measured. They found that while the degree of fatness was not associated with an increased risk of mortality, being unfit was. Those in the fittest 20% of the sample suffered an annual death rate of 8.1 per thousand people, while those in the least fit 20% experienced an annual death rate of 32.6 per thousand. The results are reported in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
'It is possible to be fat and fit - and if you are, your risk of dying is substantially reduced. It is cut in half,' said Blair.
So, stop worrying about your weight and make sure you include at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day to ensure a longer, healthier life. If you don't already include this in your routene you will definitely notice the difference in your fitness levels in just a few weeks and you'll be brimming with energy. Why not treat yourself to a new outfit in celebration of your fit & curvy figure from Curvety.com
Friday, 23 November 2007
New Zealand Bans the Obese
Doctors in New Zealand recently campaigned to ban fat people from entering the Country. How, I hear you say, can this not be discriminatory. Well it has been successful and has now happened.
35 year old Rowan Trezise has been rejected from entering New Zealand when her husband applied for a work visa. He chose to lose weight to get admitted himself. His employer backed skills visa was initially rejected by immigration officials when they discovered his BMI was 42, making him morbidly obese under New Zealand regulations.
Mr Trezise, a submarine cable specialist and a former soldier, said: 'My doctor laughed at me. He said he’d never seen anything more ridiculous in his whole life. Not every overweight person is unhealthy or unfit.'
But Robyn Toomath, a spokesman for Fight the Obesity Epidemic and an endocrinologist, said the BMI limit was valid in the vast majority of people. She said she was opposed to obese people being stigmatised. 'However, the immigration department’s focus is different,' she said. 'It cannot afford to import people into the country who are going to be a significant drain on our health resources.
So what I can gather from this is that discrimination is fine as long as it is justified by preventing possible additional use of public services, regardless of the ACTUAL health of the individual, which can be ascertained fairly easily. I am sick of discrimination being allowed in certain circumstances. Why is it publically thought of as ok to judge someone by their weight but not their race, religion or sex?
Well, I'm not planning a move to New Zealand so the urgency to lose a few pounds has definitely wained until the new year. I'm enjoying plus size shopping at places like Curvety.com far too much this season.
35 year old Rowan Trezise has been rejected from entering New Zealand when her husband applied for a work visa. He chose to lose weight to get admitted himself. His employer backed skills visa was initially rejected by immigration officials when they discovered his BMI was 42, making him morbidly obese under New Zealand regulations.
Mr Trezise, a submarine cable specialist and a former soldier, said: 'My doctor laughed at me. He said he’d never seen anything more ridiculous in his whole life. Not every overweight person is unhealthy or unfit.'
But Robyn Toomath, a spokesman for Fight the Obesity Epidemic and an endocrinologist, said the BMI limit was valid in the vast majority of people. She said she was opposed to obese people being stigmatised. 'However, the immigration department’s focus is different,' she said. 'It cannot afford to import people into the country who are going to be a significant drain on our health resources.
So what I can gather from this is that discrimination is fine as long as it is justified by preventing possible additional use of public services, regardless of the ACTUAL health of the individual, which can be ascertained fairly easily. I am sick of discrimination being allowed in certain circumstances. Why is it publically thought of as ok to judge someone by their weight but not their race, religion or sex?
Well, I'm not planning a move to New Zealand so the urgency to lose a few pounds has definitely wained until the new year. I'm enjoying plus size shopping at places like Curvety.com far too much this season.
Monday, 19 November 2007
Keep Fit at Work
I am one of the many people in the UK who spend an unhealthy 8 hours or more per day desk bound at my PC. As necessary as this is for me, I often feel that it has a large part to play in my weight issues. I try to exercise daily and spend a minimum of 1 hour a day walking, but in comparison to my partner who spends all day on his feet I am just not burning enough calories because of long periods of physical inactivity.
It was only a matter of time until someone latched onto this and Gamercize have been the ones to do it. They have launched an exercise stepper which sits discreetly under your desk and is linked to your keyboard or mouse. Stop stepping and they stop working!
Equivalent to a brisk walking pace, the GZ Power Stepper, which is height adjustable and fits neatly under a desk, can help people burn up to 400 calories an hour. Keeping moving also helps circulation, reducing the risk of DVT for the desk bound, as well as improving general fitness and muscle tone. 'The beauty of keeping fit in this way is that the computer helps to take the minds of reluctant exercisers off the physical effort they're making because they can choose an activity that they enjoy while stepping - whether that is emailing friends, writing blogs or shopping online.'
What a great time to try this out. Christmas brings tonnes of over indulgence so is a great motivation to try to add a little more activity to your day. It may even help trim down for that fab christmas party event outfit.
It was only a matter of time until someone latched onto this and Gamercize have been the ones to do it. They have launched an exercise stepper which sits discreetly under your desk and is linked to your keyboard or mouse. Stop stepping and they stop working!
Equivalent to a brisk walking pace, the GZ Power Stepper, which is height adjustable and fits neatly under a desk, can help people burn up to 400 calories an hour. Keeping moving also helps circulation, reducing the risk of DVT for the desk bound, as well as improving general fitness and muscle tone. 'The beauty of keeping fit in this way is that the computer helps to take the minds of reluctant exercisers off the physical effort they're making because they can choose an activity that they enjoy while stepping - whether that is emailing friends, writing blogs or shopping online.'
What a great time to try this out. Christmas brings tonnes of over indulgence so is a great motivation to try to add a little more activity to your day. It may even help trim down for that fab christmas party event outfit.
Friday, 16 November 2007
No IVF for the Obese
Are you fed up with hearing that every health problem is related to your weight? You go to the doctors with a bad leg, it's because you're overweight, you've got flu, it's because you're too heavy!
The newest health advice from experts is to deny anyone with a BMI of over 35 fertility treatment until they lose weight. Both privately and on the NHS! With about 25% of women in the UK falling into to overweight category is this fair?
'Obesity reduces the chances that a woman will conceive naturally and decreases the possibility that fertility treatment will be successful,' said Mr Tony Rutherford, the chair of the BFS's policy committee. 'It also increases the risk of complications during fertility treatment and pregnancy and endangers the health and welfare of both mother and child.'
The complications listed include the difficulty of providing safe anaesthesia for obese women during procedures, as well as problems with viewing ovaries on an ultrasound scan.
The BFS guidelines have no legal weight, but they are referred to by many professionals working in the field.
The chairman of the National Obesity Forum, Dr Colin Waine, said he found the new guidelines 'troubling'. 'Weight loss may improve the success of treatment, and women should be made aware of that, but to deny treatment outright is discriminatory,' he said. 'We are getting ourselves onto an increasingly slippery slope of rationing on the basis of weight, even when overweight people may benefit immensely from treatment.'
Happy with your weight as it is - or recently gained or lost a lot of weight and need a new wardrobe in your new size? Try Curvety.com.
The newest health advice from experts is to deny anyone with a BMI of over 35 fertility treatment until they lose weight. Both privately and on the NHS! With about 25% of women in the UK falling into to overweight category is this fair?
'Obesity reduces the chances that a woman will conceive naturally and decreases the possibility that fertility treatment will be successful,' said Mr Tony Rutherford, the chair of the BFS's policy committee. 'It also increases the risk of complications during fertility treatment and pregnancy and endangers the health and welfare of both mother and child.'
The complications listed include the difficulty of providing safe anaesthesia for obese women during procedures, as well as problems with viewing ovaries on an ultrasound scan.
The BFS guidelines have no legal weight, but they are referred to by many professionals working in the field.
The chairman of the National Obesity Forum, Dr Colin Waine, said he found the new guidelines 'troubling'. 'Weight loss may improve the success of treatment, and women should be made aware of that, but to deny treatment outright is discriminatory,' he said. 'We are getting ourselves onto an increasingly slippery slope of rationing on the basis of weight, even when overweight people may benefit immensely from treatment.'
Happy with your weight as it is - or recently gained or lost a lot of weight and need a new wardrobe in your new size? Try Curvety.com.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
UK Obesity Epidemic
Recently there has been much media speculation about the supposed obesity epidemic plaguing the UK. Jane Feinmann of the Independent interviewed Professor Patrick Basham to get to the fact in this argument. He says there is no real evidence to back up the claims.The claim, which states that half of the British population will be obese in 25 years time, makes many assumptions which have yet to be confirmed as fact. For example every overweight child will have to become an overweight adult and every overweight adult will have to progress to obesity for the figures to be true. There has been no research to prove this is the case.
So what about the adults that will all become obese? In 1997 the BMI classification of being overweight was changed from 27 to 25. Overnight millions of people previously classed as normal suddenly sat in the overweight category, and based on the epidemic claim they will all become obese. So although it is true that Body Mass Index statistics show a significant increase in overweight adults over the past decade this is an extraordinary case of moving the goalposts.
Although I am under no illusion that being severely obese can cause certain health problems, there is a common misconception that being overweight means you are automatically unhealthy. At a size 20 I exercise daily and eat a balanced and healthy diet which involves very little junk food. I am overweight and fighting fit. I purchase my clothes mainly online from the growing number of quality plus size clothing specialists like Curvety.com and take pride in looking great - and turning heads!
So what about the adults that will all become obese? In 1997 the BMI classification of being overweight was changed from 27 to 25. Overnight millions of people previously classed as normal suddenly sat in the overweight category, and based on the epidemic claim they will all become obese. So although it is true that Body Mass Index statistics show a significant increase in overweight adults over the past decade this is an extraordinary case of moving the goalposts.
Although I am under no illusion that being severely obese can cause certain health problems, there is a common misconception that being overweight means you are automatically unhealthy. At a size 20 I exercise daily and eat a balanced and healthy diet which involves very little junk food. I am overweight and fighting fit. I purchase my clothes mainly online from the growing number of quality plus size clothing specialists like Curvety.com and take pride in looking great - and turning heads!
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Big is Beautiful Reality Show
T4 are currently looking for plus size ladies to take part in a new reality show. The show is currently in production and seeks to challenge the notions of what is perceived as attractive by the general public.
They are interested in speaking to young, trendy, body-confident girls between the ages of 18-25 - think Beth Ditto!There is a prize of £10,000 up for grabs so if you fancy the chance to win it, or just want to prove to the world that big can most definitely be beautiful then apply now by emailing beautifulpeople@tigeraspect.co.uk.
Need a new outfit for the ocassion? Check out my favourite plus size clothing store, which sells trendy and sexy plus size clothes in sizes 16 to 36 - Curvety.com. I'm sure they will have an outfit to make you stand out from the crowd!
They are interested in speaking to young, trendy, body-confident girls between the ages of 18-25 - think Beth Ditto!There is a prize of £10,000 up for grabs so if you fancy the chance to win it, or just want to prove to the world that big can most definitely be beautiful then apply now by emailing beautifulpeople@tigeraspect.co.uk.
Need a new outfit for the ocassion? Check out my favourite plus size clothing store, which sells trendy and sexy plus size clothes in sizes 16 to 36 - Curvety.com. I'm sure they will have an outfit to make you stand out from the crowd!
Thursday, 13 September 2007
To be or not to be Body Conscious
From a young age I have been a plus size and at times I have been extremely unhappy with my body, blaming it for failings in other areas of my life.
All of my friends were thin and seemingly happy. It was not until recently I realised that many of them were much more unhappy with their lot than I. A few members of my extended group of girl friends have now opted for surgery, a fourth, one of my best friends has real issues with the size of her breasts and there is no doubt that at some point she will follow suit. Are they happier? Maybe, maybe not - the reasons behind their feelings of inadequacy are there's to come to terms with but it goes to show that insecurities, justified or not, are part of everyone's lives, regardless of how good they actually look.
Now I know this happens daily throughout the world, but for me it was a huge eye opener. To see women that I have compared myself to over the years, and mostly found myself lacking, are so conscious of their flaws that they are willing to do something I would never do empowered me.
With age I am learning to love my larger frame and not blame everything bad that happens to me on my weight. There are things I would like changed but not so desperately that I would spend a fortune on potentially harmful cosmetic surgery. With the increasing choice of plus size clothes on the market I have come to love shopping for the right outfit and have become much more adventurous with what I wear. You can diet, or change your look in other more drastic ways, but if you can't accept who you are then you will never be truly happy.
All of my friends were thin and seemingly happy. It was not until recently I realised that many of them were much more unhappy with their lot than I. A few members of my extended group of girl friends have now opted for surgery, a fourth, one of my best friends has real issues with the size of her breasts and there is no doubt that at some point she will follow suit. Are they happier? Maybe, maybe not - the reasons behind their feelings of inadequacy are there's to come to terms with but it goes to show that insecurities, justified or not, are part of everyone's lives, regardless of how good they actually look.
Now I know this happens daily throughout the world, but for me it was a huge eye opener. To see women that I have compared myself to over the years, and mostly found myself lacking, are so conscious of their flaws that they are willing to do something I would never do empowered me.
With age I am learning to love my larger frame and not blame everything bad that happens to me on my weight. There are things I would like changed but not so desperately that I would spend a fortune on potentially harmful cosmetic surgery. With the increasing choice of plus size clothes on the market I have come to love shopping for the right outfit and have become much more adventurous with what I wear. You can diet, or change your look in other more drastic ways, but if you can't accept who you are then you will never be truly happy.
Monday, 10 September 2007
Do you want to be in Wife Swap?
Have you ever watched Wife swap and thought that larger families are not fairly represented? Would you like to show that fuller figured families can be life loving, healthy and happy? Well, here's your chance to prove it.
The makers of this BAFTA award-winning documentary series are on the hunt to find fantastic larger size families who enjoy living life to the full.In the series two families swap mums for a week to experience life in another house and to teach this house something new.
The guys at RDF Television say: 'We are very keen to feature a big and beautiful family on Wife Swap. We want a family who are proud of their size and keen to share their life style with others. If you are fed up of the current Size Zero craze, think that children are healthier with a bit of meat on them and are proud of your curves, then we want to hear from you'.
If you want to find out more about applying then please contact Kerry Plant at RDF Television: kerry.plant@rdfmedia.com or telephone 020 7013 4497.Fancy a new outfit for the occasion - check out plus size clothing specialist Curvety.com.
The makers of this BAFTA award-winning documentary series are on the hunt to find fantastic larger size families who enjoy living life to the full.In the series two families swap mums for a week to experience life in another house and to teach this house something new.
The guys at RDF Television say: 'We are very keen to feature a big and beautiful family on Wife Swap. We want a family who are proud of their size and keen to share their life style with others. If you are fed up of the current Size Zero craze, think that children are healthier with a bit of meat on them and are proud of your curves, then we want to hear from you'.
If you want to find out more about applying then please contact Kerry Plant at RDF Television: kerry.plant@rdfmedia.com or telephone 020 7013 4497.Fancy a new outfit for the occasion - check out plus size clothing specialist Curvety.com.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Curvy Fern Britton turns 50
As tomorrow is the her 50th birthday I wanted to pay homage to Fern Britton, one of my favourite UK plus size celebrities.
Fern is a wonderful role model for women throughout the UK as she truly comes across as someone comfortable in her own skin. She always looks fabulous because she dresses well & looks content with who she is, weight included.
She is a beautiful woman who has a large male fan base, plus a scrummy celebrity chef husband. Fern is well liked and admired by colleagues, friends and the general UK public, both for personality and presenting ability. Isn't that a more healthy role model than the super slim icons who encourage eating disorders in young women?
Fern has typically been criticised in celebrity magazines and newspaper columns about her weight and body image after photographs of her emerged on holiday in a swimming costume. Fern hit back at the abuse she received saying 'I would rather be big and happy than on a diet and miserable'.
Fern also seems to love an opportunity to dress up and has been seen in some of the sexiest plus size eveningwear I have seen. You can get a similar look at Curvety.com.
Keep it up Fern, you look fab at fifty!
Fern is a wonderful role model for women throughout the UK as she truly comes across as someone comfortable in her own skin. She always looks fabulous because she dresses well & looks content with who she is, weight included.
She is a beautiful woman who has a large male fan base, plus a scrummy celebrity chef husband. Fern is well liked and admired by colleagues, friends and the general UK public, both for personality and presenting ability. Isn't that a more healthy role model than the super slim icons who encourage eating disorders in young women?
Fern has typically been criticised in celebrity magazines and newspaper columns about her weight and body image after photographs of her emerged on holiday in a swimming costume. Fern hit back at the abuse she received saying 'I would rather be big and happy than on a diet and miserable'.
Fern also seems to love an opportunity to dress up and has been seen in some of the sexiest plus size eveningwear I have seen. You can get a similar look at Curvety.com.
Keep it up Fern, you look fab at fifty!
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Black is Back
Through every season and trend, there is always the appearance of black as the colour of the moment. It has been a wardrobe staple for many years and has a way of making you feel sexy and womanly, whilst being very flattering.
Well this season is no different and this summer has seen a new rise of our favourite colour mainly due to the bad weather. However, it IS still summer so try to use the colour in some fab summer materials like this lovely black linen skirt.
Make the most of prom season with this fab black ruched dress. This dress is in chiffon which is lovely and lightweight for this time of year but has the added benefit of being lined. Take this seasons top trend - the tunic top, and make it black. This is the perfect top as, whatever the weather you will be able to pair it with something to suit your mood.
Well this season is no different and this summer has seen a new rise of our favourite colour mainly due to the bad weather. However, it IS still summer so try to use the colour in some fab summer materials like this lovely black linen skirt.
Make the most of prom season with this fab black ruched dress. This dress is in chiffon which is lovely and lightweight for this time of year but has the added benefit of being lined. Take this seasons top trend - the tunic top, and make it black. This is the perfect top as, whatever the weather you will be able to pair it with something to suit your mood.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
The Amazing Diet Plate
A British made tool named the diet plate has recently been put to test in the US with amazing weight loss results.
A group of overweight people who also suffer from diabetes used the plate for 6 months and were able to lose weight and reduce the need for diabetes medication. The plate is designed to make portion measurement much easier - by showing portion sizes of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables etc.
Of those who used the plate for six months, 17 percent lost 5 percent or more of their weight, an amount considered clinically important because it cuts risks of obesity-related conditions like heart disease and cancer. In the group that didn’t use the plate, fewer than one person in 20 lost a clinically important amount.
There are different plates for men and women and I think it is a great idea to give some transparency to what you are eating. Rather than rely on weight loss gimmicks, this will teach you long term habits which you need to eat a healthy balanced diet. this has many health benefits other than weight loss.
To the many women out there who would like to lose a few pounds it may be worth a try, and if you drop a dress size you can celebrate with a brand new wardrobe from Curvety.com
A group of overweight people who also suffer from diabetes used the plate for 6 months and were able to lose weight and reduce the need for diabetes medication. The plate is designed to make portion measurement much easier - by showing portion sizes of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables etc.
Of those who used the plate for six months, 17 percent lost 5 percent or more of their weight, an amount considered clinically important because it cuts risks of obesity-related conditions like heart disease and cancer. In the group that didn’t use the plate, fewer than one person in 20 lost a clinically important amount.
There are different plates for men and women and I think it is a great idea to give some transparency to what you are eating. Rather than rely on weight loss gimmicks, this will teach you long term habits which you need to eat a healthy balanced diet. this has many health benefits other than weight loss.
To the many women out there who would like to lose a few pounds it may be worth a try, and if you drop a dress size you can celebrate with a brand new wardrobe from Curvety.com
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Dove Evolution Ad wins award
You may or may not have seen Dove's viral marketing video titled 'evolution' where a normal attractive woman is made up and then digitally enhanced to perfection in order to be shown on a bill board. The final tag line being - 'No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted'.
In what is described as ground breaking for web marketing, the viral advertisement won the Grand Prix at the 54th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival this weekend.
The 74 second video has caused a stir online and can be viewed at Utube and similar sites. Dove have always been advocates of using normal, healthy looking women in their advertising - to include older women, plus sizes, and women of all shapes and sizes, and deserve high praise for this. Hopefully their recognition will drive other companies to follow suit and project a healthier body image to the general public.
In what is described as ground breaking for web marketing, the viral advertisement won the Grand Prix at the 54th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival this weekend.
The 74 second video has caused a stir online and can be viewed at Utube and similar sites. Dove have always been advocates of using normal, healthy looking women in their advertising - to include older women, plus sizes, and women of all shapes and sizes, and deserve high praise for this. Hopefully their recognition will drive other companies to follow suit and project a healthier body image to the general public.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Overweight Teens Wanted for new Endemol reality show
Endemol UK are making a new reality show for overweight teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19. They will be given the opportunity to live with an aboriginal tribe to learn the hunter gatherer lifestyle in Australia's outback.
The show will be aired on BBC 3 and they promise the participants an 'adventure of a lifetime'.
The show is designed to help young people lose weight by teaching the value of food and where it comes from. Opening their eyes to the food chain, showing that food doesn't all come pre packed and processed. For one month, the teens will only eat and drink what they have picked, dug, trapped, killed and finally cooked.
Endemol UK are responsible for world wide hit - Big Brother, the new series of which is currently being aired on channel 4.
To register your interested then contact Sarah Mann (sarah.mann@endemoluk.com) with your name, age, contact telephone number and a quick reason for wanting to lose weight. Dead line is 30th June.
Losing weight to look good is now only one of the options available to you. To dress to impress in fabulous plus sizes which flatter not cover check out Curvety.com
Friday, 22 June 2007
Skorch magazine For hot plus sizes
I have just discovered an excellent resource for plus size women - an online magazine called Skorch.
Skorch is produced monthly and gives excellent advice and ideas on plus size fashion, styling tips, celebrity looks and much more. The shops featured are all US based but the information is very useful and can help you when looking at UK alternatives. This month Skorch show some fab tops they have picked up in this seasons favourite colour - green. You can try this Green Scoop Neck Topfrom Curvety.com, a UK based plus size clothing store.
Skorch is produced monthly and gives excellent advice and ideas on plus size fashion, styling tips, celebrity looks and much more. The shops featured are all US based but the information is very useful and can help you when looking at UK alternatives. This month Skorch show some fab tops they have picked up in this seasons favourite colour - green. You can try this Green Scoop Neck Topfrom Curvety.com, a UK based plus size clothing store.
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