Obese, fat, overweight, voluptuous, Kirstie, Rosie, or big boned – whatever is the term used, Western society does not look kindly towards women with weight issues. In an ethos ruled by silicone implants and tiny waist sizes, the only acceptable reason to be fat is to be pregnant.
In this week’s episode of Fat Actress, Kirstie Alley was mistaken to be pregnant with Kid Rock’s love child, thanks to her ample love handles. Although in the end, she used it to her advantage the underlying message was clear – fat actresses and Hollywood do not go together.
For that matter, the current trend in society is to be pregnant the Julia Roberts way. To be all belly without the corresponding increase in butt or breasts. And amongst the soon-to-be-mommy circles it is a matter of envy when there is a skinny mom with a tiny belly sticking out of her petite sized maternity clothes. The not so skinny moms in their plus-size bras and extra large clothes are made to feel fat even when they are pregnant.
I, too, haven’t been immune to the current trend and find myself comparing my increasing girth with other to be moms’ at the OB-GYN waiting rooms and feeling a little happy that I’m not as big in overall size as they are. Knowing it to be wrong, I’ve caught myself wondering whether those big sized women could actually have normal delivery or why in the name of heaven did they let themselves become so big before pregnancy that they look like mini-tents now.
Don’t get me wrong – I understand the hypocrisy involved here. I seem to feel a tinge of envy towards skinny pregnant women who merely get a belly and after delivery are back shopping in the petite section and feel a little better around plus-sized pregnant women who will probably have a tougher time shedding weight than I once the infants are delivered.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
In Dallas, there is an interesting bar called 'Spankees' dedicated to, as the sign outside reads 'Big Phat Fun'!
Kirstie Alley is one gorgeous mama:)
2 - Eric Olsen
great post SW, filled with your usual trenchant obervations and realistic ambivalence. I shant comment on the pregnancy/weight issue - too close to home. Thanks and best wishes on the pregnancy and arrival!
3 - Eric Olsen
oh, and I think Kirstie is hot also, but not at that weight
4 - Beth
Great post! And Congratulations on your pregnancy.
I can't comment on pregnancy weight but I know what it's like to be the fat girl that everyone wants to help lose weight. I know people are trying to be helpful but sometimes it just makes me feel worse. My roommate and I have been on the South Beach Diet for almost a year and I have had some success with it but it is still a struggle.
I think it's cool that Kirstie Alley is comfortable enough with herself to poke fun at her weight. I'll have to watch her show sometime. Again, Great post!
5 - swingingpuss
Thanks Eric and while I agree that Kirstie needs to lose tons weight she can take heart in the saying the more the cushion the more the pushin ;-)
6 - swingingpuss
Thanks for reading Beth and I'm in total agreement with you with regards to the 'well-intentioned' advise. It just makes matters worse and there have been times when I'd feel like telling my well wishers to f*** off but then reminded myself that words spoken in anger cannot be taken back.
And as far as the diet is concerned I guess it will get easier to follow once you see the pounds melting off. Best of luck.