WIN Wyoming

Thought Bullets
for
May 2001

Over the last 3 years, several WIN Wyoming members have sent me articles, sayings, quotes from clients, and personal insights relating to the WIN Wyoming principles and mission statement. For May and the renewal of the spring season in Wyoming, I share some of my favorites with you.

• Society does little to give children the message that their bodies are wonderful and valuable simply because they live within them. We must do a better job of telling children (and ourselves) that everyone is welcomed at any size.
• When it comes to body image and children, adult passivity may be one of our worse enemies. Adults should let children know when they don’t agree with the narrowly defined acceptable body images portrayed in the media. Adults must be willing to take a stand against harmful teasing.
• The popular "before" and "after" photo shots promoting the newest miracle weight loss diet are about a lot more than body weight. The after pictures usually include fashionable clothes, a stylish hairdo, improved posture, professional make-up, and a great smile. Weight loss may actually be less significant than the change in attitude portrayed in the photo. You don’t need to lose weight to change your attitude.
• Fatphobia (the fear of being fat) now occurs in children at very early ages. Instead of eating for enjoyment, satisfaction and nourishment, more and more children are eating with feelings of guilt, fear and restraint. We must forward the message of food being a nourishing friend, not a fattening enemy.
• The social stigma against obesity is extraordinary in its magnitude and pervasiveness. Currently, only the state of Michigan includes weight as a protected class under the state’s Civil Rights law.
• The definition of ideal body size differs greatly from one culture to another. Most North American cultures consider slim figures attractive. Many Samoans admire the obese. Over time, the definition of ideal body type changes within a culture (compare the flapper look of the 1920's, to the voluptuous Marilyn Monroe body types of the 1950's, to the thin but muscular bodies idolized today).

Compiled by Betty Holmes, MS, RD

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