Top 7 myths about body weight
Many of us struggle with feeling good about our weight. There’s nothing wrong with what we are blessed with. Love Matters debunks some most common myths around body weight…
Beauty depends on your weight
Of course not! Your beauty does not depend on the figure on the weighing scale. Beauty is so much more than that. It depends on how much you love yourself. So please don’t just focus on your size. Being a beautiful person starts on the inside, with your actions and passions, and not on the outside.
You can’t be overweight and healthy
Big myth! Many people believe that you can’t carry some extra weight and be healthy. But that’s absolutely not true. Studies prove that people who are slightly overweight actually have a higher life expectancy than slim people. In general, people who are bigger can be fitter and healthier than their smaller peers. So don’t judge health by someone’s weight. Of course there are exceptions, and people who are morbidly obese or dangerously skinny are likely to be unhealthy
Only fat people get shamed
Fat shaming is bad. But what is often forgotten is that there is ‘skinny shaming’ too. Shaming anyone, small or big, isn’t good habit, so please don’t do it at all. It can seriously affect someone’s self-esteem and even mental health. If you are concerned about someone and their health, have a friendly chat with them. But avoid comments that are hurtful or reducing someone to their weight.
Only women obsess about their weight
No! All people regardless of gender can struggle with their weight, or what they think they should weigh. In fact, over the past decade, more and more men have started suffering from eating disorders, conditions previously thought to be affecting women almost exclusively.
People with normal weight don’t face health issues
Everyone, regardless of their weight, should try to live a healthy life. That includes a healthy diet that avoids processed foods as much as possible, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, limiting your alcohol intake and so on.
You have to go to extremes if you want to lose/gain weight
Treating your body to extreme conditions can never work. If you want to change your body in any way, you need to set realistic goals. Nothing is more frustrating than failure, but with small, achievable goals, you have a much better chance of succeeding. It will also keep you motivated. Before you make any changes to your lifestyle, get some advice from your doctor.
Losing/gaining weight should impress everyone
If you want to change they way you are, the only person you should be doing it for is yourself. You are being too harsh on yourself if you do it for anyone else. If your partner has been mean about your weight, you might need to have a closer look at your relationship. Your partner should love you just the way you are.
Is there anything about your body or your weight that bothers you? Share it with us via comments or on Facebook. If you have a specific question, visit our discussion forum.
Tell us what you think
Recent Comments (22)
can fat people really enjoy…
can fat people really enjoy sex?
Yes Tish, you can enjoy sex…
Yes Tish, you can enjoy sex even with those extra kilos. First you need to be comfortable in your skin, appreciate yourself then you will get someone who appreciates who you are. Also understanding what makes you go nuts…can help you in enjoying sex. Check out this inspiring story on how you can still enjoy sex while you are fat: https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/im-fat-so-what
Am 35 years of age but still…
Am 35 years of age but still weight 50kg. I think it’s not normal, if so how do I add or gain more weight
Hi Tuface, the more…
Hi Tuface, the more important question is whether you are healthy and whether you are within your ideal weight. I suggest you consider speaking to a nutritionist who maybe able to advice you based on a few other unique considerations. You maybe able to find one at your local health government facility. In the mean time eat healthy including exercising regularly.
I’m 15 but my weight is 72kg…
I’m 15 but my weight is 72kg I get insult because of it. please what do I do?
Hello Kelly, thank you for…
Hello Kelly, thank you for reaching out to us. You are a little over weight for your age. That is fine and normal. The averages are calculated based on what is common but does not cover everyone. We are so sorry to hear people are making fun of you. You are still growing and this is not a reflection on who you are or who you will become. Do not try and push yourself to lose weight, everything will fall in place. Just try and concentrate on your studies and being the best version of yourself that you can be.
1year plus babyboy took an…
1year plus babyboy took an injection which affected his nerves and was lepping one of his legs,now we noticed the particular leg has also reduced in size and also reduced in weight…pls what could have been the cause…and what are the likely solutions, thanks
Hello Amaka, thank you for…
Hello Amaka, thank you for reaching out to us. Was this injection administered by a doctor? What was the injection for?
is it factual that fat men…
is it factual that fat men have small dicks or rather is weight associated with the size of the penis
Hello Maura Simon, thank you…
Hello Maura Simon, thank you for reaching out to us and we hope you and your family are keeping safe during this Easter period. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that fatter men have smaller penises. The more obvious reason could be that because larger men have more body weight on them, it can create the illusion that an average sized penis looks small. Why do you ask?
Am 22years old I weight 60kg…
Am 22years old I weight 60kg and I feel am over weight its affecting my self esteem
Am 34 mother of 3 weighing…
Am 34 mother of 3 weighing 94 pls is it ok or much
Hello Mirabel, thank you for…
Hello Mirabel, thank you for reaching out to us. The best way to know your ideal weight is to visit a medical practitioner who will also advise on how to get to your ideal weight.
Am 19 years and am fat i…
Am 19 years and am fat i weigh 80kg some people said am 26 year with this i will feel like crying and i like to reduce weight a lot of people make fun on me saying am a married woman
Hello Gloria, thank you for…
Hello Gloria, thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry to hear that you have been going through such a hard time. Getting to a healthy weight for your age and height needs you to watch your diet and get a little more active. The best thing to do is to go to a medical practitioner who could direct you to a nutritionist who will help you design a diet that will work for you.
Don’t be too hard on yourself! Just do the best you can do and that will be enough.
How do i lose weight
How do i lose weight
Hi Bose, thank you for…
Hi Bose, thank you for asking a great question. Before losing weight, first consult a nutritionist to identify what the cause for your weight may be and to help you come up with a meal plan that is suited to your body. Thereafter you can consult a fitness trainer who would be able to come up with a fitness regimen that is tailored to your meal plan and fitness goals. Finally, hit the gym and follow the plans set out and keep at it! Remember to always keep hydrated and do not push yourself too hard.
Hello, how do I lose weight…
Hello, how do I lose weight fast please, I’m very insecure about it and I definitely want to lose weight
Hello Zara, thank you for…
Hello Zara, thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry to hear that you have been feeling insecure. It is inspiring that you feel you want to lose weight and we hope that you are doing this for your own health. Getting to a healthy weight for your age and height needs you to watch your diet and get a little more active. The best thing to do is to go to a medical practitioner who could direct you to a nutritionist who will help you design a diet that will work for you.
Don’t be too hard on yourself! Just do the best you can do and that will be enough.
Hi Nancy, thank you so much…
Hi Nancy, thank you so much for reaching out to us. Having a low self-esteem happens to everyone at some point of their life or another but don’t worry, we are here to help. If the route cause of your self esteem issues is your weight, there are simple ways to help you increase your self-esteem and build confidence in yourself. Firstly, challenge bad thoughts about yourself and take care of yourself. Hit the gym and eat healthy. Be sure to relax and set realistic goals for yourself and try helping somebody else out, it will make you feel rewarded which is a big confidence booster! Take a different perspective, try new things and always remember to surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Most importantly, accept yourself and keep visual reminders of things that make you feel good and you will be just fine 🙂 Happy Easter!
I’m 37 yrs and my weight is…
I’m 37 yrs and my weight is 95kg, please I want to slim down to 80kg. What can I do
Hi Chinwa, thank you for…
Hi Chinwa, thank you for reaching out to us. different bodies respond to different things. However, the best thing is to engage in more exercise and get on a healthy diet. If you can, go see a nutritionist to get proper advice on the right diet for body.