Senior Writer/Editor
Everyone has fat days. And whether you actually are "fat" or not, just feeling that way can wreck your entire day. But did you know that feeling fat can actually be worse than being it?
Researchers in Germany say that adolescents who merely think they are too fat tend to have a worse quality of life than people who really are obese. In other words, thinking that you are fat can be more psychologically damaging than actually being overweight. These findings come from the Germany Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents, a survey of 7,000 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17.
Even with the rise in childhood obesity, researchers say the number of adolescents who think they are overweight is increasing more rapidly than those who really are. In the study, 55 percent of the girls and 36 percent of the boys thought that they were "far too fat."
But in reality, only 18 percent of actually qualified as overweight.
If someone thinks they are "far too fat," the researchers say they sacrifice quality of life -- even if they aren't really overweight. Perhaps even more interestingly, researchers found that the quality of life for teens that were indeed overweight, but felt their weight was "just right" was nearly the same as that for those who were truly within their ideal weight range.
The bottom line is that following a healthy meal plan and exercising regularly is one of the best things you can ever do for yourself. If you are overweight, losing weight and getting in shape can help lower your risk for disease and improve your overall quality of life.
But simply loving YOU -- regardless of your weight -- can improve your life immensely. Whether you need to lose a few pounds or not, you can choose to accept yourself how you are right now. Self-acceptance can only come from within, so dig in and let your inner fabulous shine!
Do you think there's actually something to this study? Do you agree? Is feeling fat is worse than being it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Like this post? We suggest:
-- 3 Small Changes for Big Weight Loss
-- Double Your Weight Loss: The Write Idea
-- Overcoming Diet Excuses & Lose Weight: Part 1
Comment: Thursday, July 17, 2008 4:55:00 AM - 
said...
I absolutely agree and Live this every day! I am 24 years old and 122lbs. Perfect right!? No matter what people tell me, I can't keep from feeling FAT!! Growing up I was overweight and I have not grown out of that mindset. It doesn't matter how beautiful you are if you don't believe it. It's ALL about Self Confidence.
Comment: Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:21:00 AM - said...
I am one of those adolescents who thinks they are fat but are a healthy weight and I agree with this study. My weight is in the 'ideal' catagory for my height and age, I am a dancer and also work out a lot so I know a lot of it comes from muscle rather than fat and people constantly tell me that I am 'thin' or 'skinny' but I can't help but believe I am too fat. On a good day I will consider myself 'average' or (on a very good day) 'slim', but I can't help but think the people who tell me I look great are lying or have low expectations. Two years ago, at the age of 14, I went through a three month phase of starving myself and my body issues still affect my quality of life now - I eat very little, go to the gym every day and calories are always on my mind. I think the Media is to blame. Images of stick-thin models and underweight celebrities have brainwashed teenagers into thinking that our own bodies are far too heavy. I don't wish to look like those celebrities but I do believe that they have influenced the way I see myself.
Sorry about the really long comment, I just feel strongly on this subject and rarely get to talk about it.
Comment: Thursday, July 17, 2008 9:27:00 AM - said...
I completely agree with this article. When I feel ugly and fat my whole day is clouded! But days when I go for a run and just burn some stress and energy, I may not look any different than the day before, but on these days I will feel sexy and happy in my skin- and overall content with my weight!
Comment: Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:36:00 AM - said...
I totally agree because I'm 4'10'' and 89LBS. at the age of 48 but when I look in the mirror I still see an obese person. After my second baby I let myself get to 197LBS. The doctor told me I had all these illnesses due to my weight so right then and there I decided to lose the weight. I've kept it off for over 6 yrs but I can't change the way I see myself. People have told me I'm beautiful so I just thank them and think to myself they need glasses. I have low self esteem, depression, and no self confidence.
Comment: Thursday, July 17, 2008 1:43:00 PM - 
D said...
Yes, I agree Stop letting the world control you...Learn to love yourself and bring out the best in you. Let yourself be loved...Don't look to be loved...Look to your Creator for strength.
Comment: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:56:00 AM - said...
I am overweight for my height. I just turned 23 on Saturday. Some days I feel fat, and other days I feel fabulous! It is all in your perception of the day. If you can look in the mirror and say "I am beautiful in my own skin. I am overweight, but what matters is that I am healthy." Then you can improve your day! Each day is a new day with new chances to eat right, meet people who are willing to accept you the way you are, and accept yourself for the person you are. If you embrace the day and do your best to eat healthy and exercise, that is what matters most.
Comment: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:34:00 AM - said...
I am 59 and 5'1". As a young woman I was a size 2 or 3 yet all through university, I agonized over feeling fat. Four married children later, I am overweight and struggle to get the weight off.I feel so sad that I never saw what I had back then. There is a weird mindset that makes us see feel we aren't slim enough. It's a sad commentary on our society especially when we see all the obesity here and the starvation that occurs in other parts of the world.I agree with sammy about what media has done to our image...how sad that so many are affected!
Comment: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 10:45:00 AM - said...
How do you think eating disorders start? By thinking that you are fat when, in fact, you are not. As someone who overcame a severe 5 year eating disorder, I doubt the the occasional "fat feeling" will ever go away for me. However, as that person, this article sounded so, "DUH" to me. Yes, it's correct, but what are we doing to change/improve the number of of-weight adolescents and adults who feel this way?!
Comment: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:44:00 AM - said...
Everyone should watch Lifetime's "How to Look Good Naked". The only thing you have control over is your own perception of yourself and I hope each and everyone of us that is unhappy can learn the lessons taught on this show.
Comment: Sunday, September 07, 2008 2:18:00 PM - said...
I agree. I have always hated my weight and size. When I was young I was overweight (until I was 14) and then I was anorexic until I was 20 and then I was bulimic. At 14 I was 5'1.5 (same height as I am now at 24) and almost 140lbs, and I feel the same way about my body at 87lbs. All I see in the mirror is fat saggy boobs, chubby jiggly thighs... you get the picture. My quality of life is pretty much gone down the toilet; I'm very unhappy. I just sometimes want to try and warn people before their thoughts are too far gone, noone should have to live like this.
Comment: Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:11:00 PM - said...
I agree about the media causing this idea that everyone should be super thin. It's like "Lose 10 pounds now!" on nearly every magazine. As an avid runner, I developed female athlete triad from running a lot and not eating enough on accident. I was forced to stop running for awhile and gain weight. Now I am healthier, but I'm running slower than before so I feel fat because of that and also because my clothes are tighter. It seems like everyone around me is so much thinner!
RSS/XML
