By SHARON McMAHON
Be Well
Readers: I received a lot of comments when this column ran previously a couple of years ago and I believe it is important to remind everyone, especially females, that you can be stylish and attractive regardless of your weight – show pride in your appearance and you will feel proud and confident!
“It’s not about what size you wear; it’s about how you wear your size.” – Unknown
I sure wish that I could insert “Sharon McMahon” in the “Unknown” line of this quote, but alas, I cannot do so, although I firmly believe this quote to be true. And this week I will endeavor to tackle a “weighty” issue without going down any political avenues – difficult to do given the interest posed by our current candidates and the press. I will admit that the candidates’ recently “weighing in” has brought this topic to mind and I do feel that it is important to address.
Currently over 8 million people, primarily women, in the USA suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Fifteen percent of women 17 to 24 suffer from eating disorders, 40 percent of female college students suffer from eating disorders, and 91 percent of female college students attempt to control their weight through strict dieting measures.1
Whether you are male or female, concerned about your own weight or not, I venture to guess that you all have a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or someone within your sphere of influence who has (or believe that they have) an issue with weight. Obesity is a critical health issue, affecting our hearts, blood pressure, susceptibility to diabetes and overall longevity; there is no doubt about that. However, most of us are aware that there is a preponderance of attention to the subject of a woman’s weight and her acceptance in society. While obesity is certainly a health issue which should be addressed by the individual and her physician, no woman should feel intimidated by not being a size2 or ready to walk the runway.
In working with women of different ages, weights, and concerns relating to both appearance and health, I find that those primarily concerned about the health aspects usually are more successful at losing weight and maintaining it.
Keep in mind that a healthy weight is not necessarily the same as a body size considered “appropriate” by many in industries related to physical appearance, i.e., beauty pageants, modeling, acting, etc. Frankly, expectation relating to a woman’s size is apparent in almost every industry and profession. A person who does make a practice of eating nutritional foods, getting aerobic exercise via walking, dancing, etc., who stretches for flexibility and strength trains to tone muscles and follows these practices regularly will maintain a healthy and normal weight in almost every case. There are some exceptions to this that would be identified through a licensed health practitioner and will not be addressed in this particular column. Additionally, anyone suffering from eating disorders will wish to receive treatment designated by their health professional.2
I would like to take this opportunity to remind ALL the women and girls reading this that you have so much control over your appearance by your posture, your choices in apparel, your quest to be healthy, and most of all your confidence! I will suggest that anyone can be stylish and attractive no matter your weight or size. It is up to you to show the “world” that you will be the best YOU regardless of your clothing size. Take care of yourself, get healthy, and enjoy life on your terms!
1Walden Center for Education and Research
2Eating disorder complications can be serious, contact your physician for a complete diagnosis.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.