Search Results: fat in society

Just curious what you all think. The other day I was at my new job, and this cute male coworker and I were talking and he offered me some of his food and I declined. He asked me if I was super healthy about food and I said not really, but that I have been on a weight loss journey for a few months now. Immediately - and I mean IMMEDIATELY, like cutting me off - he said "you don't need to lose weight!" I appreciated the gesture, as I have worked semi-hard to get to a healthy weight lately, and I told him thanks. But I have a little more to lose before I reach my goal.

Anyway, it wasn't a big deal but the exchange got me thinking. It seems like any time I mention wanting to lose weight to anyone (particularly men) their first reaction is to tell me I don't need to, or to reassure me that I'm not fat. Like they think I'm hating on myself by suggesting I should drop pounds, when in my mind I'm just stating a fact. Even when I was in a long term relationship, and I mentioned that I'd gained weight and should start being healthy, my boyfriend (now ex) lovingly reassured me that I didn't need to lose anything (at the time, I was in the "overweight" range for my height). Which, again, I appreciate the sentiment behind it.

It just seems like there's a distinct fear of acknowledging that a girl is not totally skinny. Do you think that's the case? And if so, why do you think that is?

Note: I'm not talking about obese women in this question. More referring to chubby/average/overweight but not excessively.