Why is it acceptable for men to be overweight and not women?
It seems as if women have to go the extra mile to stay in shape. It appears as if men can eat what they want when they want. Society does not hassle men over their weight. I haven't seen I rarely see men in Jenny Craig commercials singing about their weight loss, because it appears that men are allowed to be overweight. The women have babies go though Menopause and on top of it all, we have to watch our weight.
I think it's because of our socioeconomic trends. It seems that more products are produced for women because of their consumption rate and the stigma of being fit and beautiful adds to promotion of some of those products. Men's product do not normally associate themselves with this technique, except for maybe Axe Spray. However, there is becoming more and more negative feedback on women who are healthy and fit. For example the mother who posted a selfie after 3 days of giving birth, showing off her already fit physique. It was meant to be inspirational, not demeaning toward overweight or less than fit women. We need to realize that being healthy is more important no matter the gender.
To help in promotion of millions of product associated with slim bodies of women, men do not care for such promotional advertisements because they know very well that these PA are made by men for that purpose.
I am six feet tall and I am about twenty pounds over weight. Which is really just about 10%. My wife and children constantly mention it. On the other hand they constantly cook for me and expect me to eat.
If I run around with out a shirt on they cry "eye pollution!". No I do not have abs or buns of steel and at around 55 man boobies happened.
But I am in very good health and do exercise regularly. My youngest son however loves my "Buddha Belly". My elder son is a model with the Ford Agency so go figure.
And so it seems to me that if the pressure is from the outside in, then everyone has issues with weight. If the feelings are from the inside out, then only the morbidly obese and un healthy have issues. Self esteem needs to be an inside job.
You also don't see men watching "The Red Carpet" at pre-award shows. Neither do they comment on suits that men wear. Women are a lot more competitive with one another about appearance. It's not uncommon to hear one woman say to another; "Did you see what (she) had on?" or "She is too fat to be wearing that?"
Traditionally women have focused on beauty in order to attract men. Historically men were the financial providers and women were in competition to get a man who had a great career. Today many women have better job opportunities and earn more money than women of previous generations.
However men have not changed with respect to approaching women whom they find attractive. The male mindset has always been: "If I'm successful enough I can have (any) woman I want." We can see this still in action today. Hugh Hefner founder of Playboy Magazine at age 86, thinning hair, wearing false teeth got married to a 26 year old beautiful former Playboy Centerfold. Can you imagine this happening in reverse? Not many 26 year old handsome guys would rush to marry an 86 year old woman no matter how rich she was!
It's unlikely that men are going to change with regard to wanting whatever they consider to be a beautiful woman as a mate. If there is going to be a change it will have to come from women. I see overweight women slam thin women as well. The slogan "Real Women Have Curves" is a knock against women who don't have curves or who were born naturally thin. Whether a woman is overweight or thin/fit she is a "real woman"!
Self-esteem is something you give yourself! It's a slippery slope once you begin (comparing yourself) to other people. Again this seems to be something women (enjoy) doing when looking at other women. As a man I could care less what another man looks like. We're NOT "competing" for attention.
Last but not least as long as women buy all the magazines, products, and get the surgeries there will be businesses fulfilling their "needs". Until then People Magazine will continue to write articles titled "Who wore it best?" when comparing women that wore similar dresses. If it sells they'll keep putting it out there.
This is a good point dashingscorpio. Men don't want fat old women with no teeth money is not a factor. But women are different they chase after strange men with money. Men have know problem embracing the way they look, women need to do the same.
Well, since you have already accepted this, then you will know post some reflection, why you feel a need to slim or stay in shape. I suspect that the answer may be very similar to what we can give you.
It's all caught up in the senses and the world of desire. Some of us need to be there. When you feel the aspiration to move on, your question may not be important anymore. God speed!
Manatita44 you have very wise insight. I loved your comment on seeking His Grace. Your responses reflect your gift of patience through the Holy Spirit. Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks, SWilliams.
I have answered you elsewhere also. Your answers show insight, too . Pursue this diligently, as you will find the mundane a little dry. Loving thoughts
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