What Is Fat?

Hello there lovelies,

I just read a rather interesting post, by the lovely Corrine of Frock & Roll, and it really got me thinking. In fact, I thought so much that I couldn't just leave a comment on her beautiful post, I had to write my own. This is the question Corrine asked that really got me thinking: "Size is a difficult subject to discuss, but honestly, I'm INTRIGUED. What is ''fat'' to you, and when does a person become ''fat''?"

I find this a rather difficult question to answer. I don't think that there is one exact point where we can say that a person becomes "fat" - or overweight, or underweight for that matter (over and under what weight exactly?) One person can be very different to another person of the exact same weight. "Fat" to me seems to be a perception rather than a particular size, or number. There isn't a strict limit, where on one side you are "skinny", but gain one pound and you're "fat". It is a notoriously hard topic to discuss though, because the word fat has become synonymous with calling someone ugly, lazy and unhealthy - none of which are necessarily true.

I have to wonder if it really matters. We as a society spend a lot of time fussing over whether we are "fat" or "skinny", and a lot of time fussing over whether other people are "fat" or "skinny". We have whole industries devoted to making us feel bad about "fatness", and bad about "skinniness" - usually so that we will then buy whatever product they are marketing to smooth us out, or curve us up. People seem to take other peoples' "fatness" as some kind of personal insult. Firstly, I don't believe we have any reason to be fussing over what anyone else is or isn't, because that is first and foremost their business. But beyond that, I don't understand why we are so worried about whether or not we are "fat". If we are happy & healthy, does it really matter if we are also "fat"?

My body works the way that it should. I fill it with enough good, nutritious food that I don't feel hungry. I run, and lift weights most days. I do yoga, I dance, I play with my dog, I go hiking, I ride my bike. My body fat percentage is higher than the "ideal", and I have a BMI of 26.4, putting me a little into the overweight category. I wear an Australian size 12-14, when I could once wear an 8-10. Now, I could let that ruin my life and spend all my waking hours trying to fix it - which I have done in the past - or I can accept it, and go on living fabulously, having fun, and loving the life (and body) that I have.

I've posted this video before, but it really says how I feel far more articulately that I ever could.

No matter what your size, I believe you are worthy of respect. I also believe that you are beautiful. But now, what is your take on this issue lovelies? What is "fat" to you?

Until next time, xo.