I’ve been fat all my life. Ironically, I was the smallest of all my siblings at birth, but after I turned around eight that all changed. I have my Dad’s genes, a childhood incident behind me and a lifetime of food issues, all which I’ve spent years, tears and energy trying to change.
As child I didn’t know plus-size models {or fashion} existed. I just knew that sometimes I had to shop in the women section to get things to fit. I was both tall and chubby, not a great combination when looking for clothes as a pre-teen. As a teen and into my twenties I managed to make do with the fashion available in normal sizes, managing to squeeze into some items and adjusting my wardrobe with the limited options available. Even at my skinniest I was still limited in what I could wear, or find in stores.
It has only been since having a baby that I’ve stumbled across plus-size options, and even when I first discovered them I felt almost taboo to be shopping at ‘big girl’ shops. Having plus-size options secretly excited me, because after a lifetime of not having any real choices I began to feel like I could piece together outfits that I actually liked. For me, seeing plus-size models wearing plus-size clothes made my happy, and more accepting of who I was and the body I had.
Two doctors, Dr Davide Dragone and Dr Luca Savorelli, from the University of Bologna in Italy believe that plus-size models are detrimental to our health. They believe that curvy models lower the incentive for overweight women to lose weight and make healthy eating habits.
Whilst seeing plus-size models made me happy and more accepting of myself, it didn’t ever stop me from wanting to be healthier and get to a size that was better for my well-being. I don’t believe, personally, that plus-size models are detrimental to my health. In fact, most of the plus-size models I’ve seen are only a size 18 at most, so they’re not bordering on morbidly obese by any means.
I believe there will always be a place for plus-size models and fashion in the world. I hope one day I don’t need it {and I’m actively working towards that}, but for now it allows me to choose clothing that fits and brings joy to my life. I wouldn’t shy away from sharing all body shapes and sizes with Lacey. I want her to know that every body is beautiful, but in the end health, and being healthy, really matters.
I just think back to that chubby not-so-little girl that I once was, struggling to feel like I actually fit anywhere, and then that sigh-of-relief-feeling I got when I stumbled across plus-size fashion. I don’t believe plus-size models are making us fat. I think they’re giving us hope, helping us find self-acceptance and bringing joy as well. At least to me anyways.
Do you believe plus-size models are making women fat? Or are at least lowering women’s incentives to lose weight?
I stumbled across your blog about a week ago and I love it! This post is awesome. The doctors in Italy are both men in a country that does not have as high of an obesity rate as the US does. Like you, I was always bigger than my friends. I have been the big girl in the group my whole life. After having my second child I have had a tremendous struggle losing any weight at all! I have been going to a councilor for some time now and he has told me that I no longer have permission to put myself down. It is all about being comfortable in your own skin and embracing the fact that I will never be a skinny mini in my lifetime. So when I see those Plus-Sized models, it is empowering to me. I see them looking so stunning and flaunting their beauty, which is much more normal than the anorexic models you see in other ads. I think seeing the plus-sized models will help girls to have more realistic goals for their bodies than resorting to eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. That might need to be their next study. Seeing if younger girls are more comfortable knowing that they don't have to be stick thin to be beautiful. Thank you for this post!
Such a tricky issue.
I'll be honest Chantelle, having been in the market for plus size all my adult life until recently – the options DID made me fatter. I crept up to a size 26.
It was when I hit this size (with nowhere left to go from here in most stores) that I was shocked into doing something.
So if the largest available size was an 18, would I have been shocked into doing something earlier?
I don't know.
But I do know the relief I now feel at being able to disregard the plus size section for the first time ever. It is a peaceful feeling.
Brilliant post…xx
I don't think so. I think these “plus sized models” are just curvier. I have read a few articles that the models have been interviewed in and they will tell you about their healthy lifestyle, their favourite drink is water, etc etc…but they have just always been “bigger”. Infact I'm slightly jealous, these models not only have curves in all the right places but are gorgeous too!
I saw this article too and was quite taken aback by it. These women have curves in all the right places and are voluptuous, not obese. If they're suggesting that parading rail-thin women, as the fashion industry usually does, leads to a thinner or healthier society, that's sad when you think of how many women suffer eating disorders in their attempts to reach this non-achievable body shape. I think women are meant to be curvy and an hourglass shape is a stunning vision. It's disappointing that they are trying to suggest that models with womanly bodies are bad for society. I think it's quite the opposite; it's a reminder of how we should embrace our body shape and be proud of our curves. I'd love to see this much more than the ultra-thin models.
I would have to say that since their are very very few plus sized models and in fact what passes for plus sized models are generally more like “real women” , I would have to say no. what is making us fat is trying to diet to get to the size of models we see everywhere. Most of them are now pre pubescent young girls and live on nothing!!! or drugs, or are anorexic.
My step daughter was a model for awhile until they wanted her to lose weight. Now this girl was already very thin and the only way she could meet their requiremnts was surgery!!! So lets have more “noraml” models and less skeletons please!!!!
Such a considered post Chantelle. I've always struggled with my weight for many similar reasons. My issue though has always been with regular models and how inadequate their rail thin bodies made me feel. Going into therapy last year has helped me accept my body for what it is and does. I guess there is a wide spectrum and I thought those models allowed for everyone to have a place on it.
I'm going to spend the rest of the day musing on this now!
You would have to assume then that these two doctors would also believe that using only extremely thin models on catwalks and in advertising is detrimental to the health of women and girls; causing them to suffer emotional and physical pain via low self esteem, eating disorders and the like trying to achieve the unattainable.
Or do they dispute that because their findings are only based on what they personally want to see? 😉
Great post. -xxx-
I wish she wasn't wearing that. Not because of her size, because I don't want people wearing that.
Love you/love your blog. Pretty sure it's the ice cream making me fat, not the model.
I think that is such a ridiculous comment. As you mentioned most polus size models are really not so plus sized in the scheme of things.YOu dont often see models in a size 22 or bigger. I have always been a big girl as well. I went though a teeenage life of bulimia and eating disorders. I am managing my weight better now, but am still a size 16 (got up to 22-24 at one stage!). Does seeing a plus sized model make me want to throw away my salad and chow down on a big mac? Not at all. But does seeing a plus sized model make me feel a little more at ease with my curves, and feel that curves can be beautiful? definately. When I shopped in the plus sized section I used to feel ashamed and scared someone I knew would see me. I would cut off tags so people wouldnt know what size I was wearing. Had plus sized models been more prominent my shame may have been less. In end to my rambling, these guys are tools!
Most plus size models could barely be considered fat – they're certainly 'plus' compared with a size 6, but few would go over a 14/16, certainly not obese. The fact is larger women need options, and need to be able to see themselves in clothes by having an example available. This hardly balances the scales (no pun intended) with all the images of emaciated girls we have around us.
great post!
I don't think plus size models are making us fat and I don't think smaller sized models are making us skinny (or anorexic or whatever people are suggesting)… there are so many factors that come into being overweight and underweight.
I certainly think that having models and clothing that caters for all sizes, will help to make us feel that we belong. It will also help us feel more comfortable in our skin and in our clothes. 🙂
There is nothing like feeling alienated because of your size.
x
Plus sized models aren't making us fat- food is making us..well me…fat!
I have always been a fat girl and at 185cm tall clothes have always been my nightmare. I am currently a size 20-22 but am working on losing weight and getting fit through a healthy diet and exercise (Michelle Bridges rocks!!)
The plus size models, who I believe are probably a size 14-16 are something that I am aiming to be…curvy, fit and drop dead gorgeous!! And I think many obese and morbidly obese woman would be wishing for the same look and love for their body!
Thanks for a fabulous post! x
Ours is the same story Chantelle. I have never seen a plus-size (hate that tag btw, why aren't other models call minus-size?) model with much tummy fat. Scientific research shows it is the fat we carry on our bellies that is detrimental to our health. All plus-size models carry their weight on their bums, boobs and legs! That is perfectly healthy! I am a 14-16 but I wouldn't be offered a job as a plus-size model because of my tummy fat- I qualify otherwise (height and bone structure). And I am fully aware that it is the tummy fat that is a health issue, not my lovely big thighs! Thanks for this post! <3 Fiona
I dont' know if it is because I'm not a twig, but I honestly think Plus Size Models are completely gorgeous. I will always make a comment on their beauty, but a “normal” sized body never makes me stop for a 2nd look.
I think it's bonkers to think that plus-size models are making us fat.
Women come in all shapes and sizes, and that's the beauty of us. There's no one-size-fits-all model – so why should we just have to look at skinny models all the time. I always feel excited to see curvy, beautiful women in magazines, look at Rubens paintings, those curves are kicking baby!
WHY WHY WHY do they have to make such a big issue about bodyshape. Yes it is unhealthy to be really big or really skinny – I get that. But there is a huge range in-between really big and really skinny and I wish our culture reflected that more happily. Size 18 can be healthy and totally suitable. How do they expect to have mentally healthy women in the world when they try to squeeze us into such a narrow view of healthy. Grrrrr – makes me cross. Okay – rant over.
Love this post Chantelle…and love the model in the picture…how gorgeous is she. There is no way my plus size compares to hers. If that was me in that lace outfit there is no way they would be calling it curves! I don't believe these models are making us fat. I think they are beautiful and it makes me happy when I see them in fashion magazines…it reminds me that I too can manage a bit of style even with my wobbly bits.
I don't feel motivated to lose weight when I see models in magazines that are slim. If anything, it makes me feel worse about myself because I don't look that way and probably never will. I don't think plus size models make us fat. I think they allow us to feel normal and accepted in a world that often marginalises overweight people, especially women. Great post!
Do these researchers believe that the messages sent by 'regular' models, ones that look as though they'd snap in a strong breeze, are better than plus-size models? Give me a plus-size model any day.
Considering one of my best friends is a plus size model, and she's only plus size because she's a size 12-14, I strongly disagree that plus sized models are making us fat!! A poor lifestlye is making us fat. End of story. I saw that image on your post and thought how unbelievably sexy and gorgeous that girl is! She's a real woman x
Awesome post Chantelle (as always!)
Absolutely not! I do not believe plus size models are making anybody do anything. In fact, I don't believe twiggy models are making anybody do anything either. It is sad and disappointing that so many girls, women, hell even men out there, do not have enough confidence instilled in them to realise that everyone is born differently.
I won't lie, there are days when I hate my body, particular parts more than others, but I never look at models of any size and try to be that way or blame them for my insecurities.
I honestly believe it is more about health and keeping fit for your mind.
I have more of an issue with fast food giants, than models. I actually do believe that they are disgraceful and should not be allowed to advertise near as much as they do. BUT, back to my original point, nobody can make anyone else do or feel anything. Every individual needs to be accountable for themselves only.
Sorry for the rant Chantelle, it's a passionate topic of mine ;o)
P.S. Just quietly, you are beautiful the way you are!
Great comments on this post and quite rightly… these plus size models usually look pretty normal size to me. I remember being so delighted to find the puls size section at Myer and bought several items which were really good to wear.
So definitely not the models making us food… it's eating the food… but that sounds much more simple than it really is!
I'd be very happy to look like those “plus size” models.
Not at all!
I feel there is such a stupid importance placed on size (I used to be so obsessed by it), and considering we have no standard sizing across all stores in Australia it's even mire ridiculous!
I read an article in a health mag recently showing 3 different girls of size 8, 12 and 16. They all did lots of health and fitness tests and the size 16 came out much fitter. So it doesn't matter what size you are, as long as you're healthy. 🙂
its not the models or plus-size clothing that makes me fat, its the lack of exercise & night time chocolate binges!
I think I need to know where you've been shopping!
FFS, I think that's just about as ridiculous notion as skinny-models making me skinny… didn't happen. x
what plus sized model? the one at the top of this post certainly isn't, shes a size 12/14 at the most. plus sized models aren't plus sized, 18 is not plus sized, it's just above “normal” which is 14/16.
i'd LOVE to actually see some real plus sized models, say around 20 to 24 modelling clothes made for plus sized people. even places like city chic, they sell plus sized clothes and yet their models look no bigger than a 18/20 [at the MOST] and yet their sizes go up to 26/26?
models aren't making me fat, my desire to hide my emotions and fill the void in my life with chocolate is making me fat.
great post.
~x~
Elizabeth Saxe Coburg-Gotha is an evil woman, why do we slave away at work our whole lives for money with her face on
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