Another Fat Celebrity?!?

I know that this topic seems cliche at the moment. Its a topic that has been talked about ad nauseum. But I had a few thoughts as I was reading the latest issue of People magazine while taking a hot bath. Obesity rates in this country are consistently on the rise. Its estimated that 86% of Americans will be overweight or obese within the next fifteen years.

The average size of the typical woman is increasing. Yet, our definition of what is considered a fat female celebrity is totally out of sync with what the country currently looks like. The average size for women is currently a size twelve. If a female celebrity is above a size four its considered a crime against nature. I almost dropped my magazine when I read that Jessica Simpson was put in the same category as Ruben Studdard. I didn't think that SImpson's womanly curves matched Studdard's obvious girth! Oh the things I learn thanks to the media!

I think that this trend sends a very unhealthy message. Females every where will see the scrutiny on these celebrities who are a far cry from overweight. It will make them wonder, "If they are considered fat, what am I considered? At a size eight? Twelve? Twenty-two?" There's too much focus and emphasis on fat versus thin. There should be more focus on getting in shape and eating right.

There's also this sense that women in the media are either too thin or too fat. Once they get the label of "too fat" they work their hardest (publicly) to lose the "extra" weight. I am very suspicious of the celebrities who lose 20-30 pounds in less than two months. I question how they did it and what message they are giving the public. There needs to be a realistic discussion of both size and getting into shape. I hope to start that here!