Proof.......The Yowie does exist!

[katiebell]

I do not know anyone who wants to be fat or obese. Whilst it is true that being obese is a consequences of calories in exceeding calories out by a significant amount, losing weight is a complex and difficult thing for the obese. Being criticised and ridiculed for being fat only makes it harder as it further damages the self esteem and ability to resist resorting to the comfort of eating +/- drinking.

As one of the fortunate few who has never had to diet I say this from observing others who really do struggle.

This crux of this post is about people being inconsiderate of others and not fattie-bashing.

 

[medhead]

Why do you assume the 'fat person' is unhealthy?

I didn't. I was just copying the theme presented in the posts I quoted. The extensive description of fitness. Personally running is the worst thing eva! The army taught me to hate running and I was only doing it on Saturdays and Sundays.

Besides a number of my uncles do hard physical work and would be fit, but they also enjoy the good things in life.

 

[Old Dynamite]

I still have nightmares about a horror flight from LA to Miami. American airlines have (had?) a policy that smaller planes have only First and Coach. When the original plane was changed to a smaller one, there was NO Business Class, and I was downgraded to a Coach Seat on the aisle which was half invaded by a blubber being hanging over the armrest (I kid you not). Protests went unheeded(we can't discriminate), and I spent 4 hours leaning to port and being thwacked by the trolley every time it went past. WARNING - Always insist on First Class ticketing for US domestic flight sectors! It costs little more on an International ticket.

 

[JohnK]

No, not everyone can.
You forget that no two fatties are alike , per se. I know it's chicken and egg stuff. But consider chronic depression, PTSD, and other mental illness's. Often the "retreat" into food and alcohol can mean excess weight, which they should have control over, but don't.

Some people have a very limited understanding of weight issues but still chime in with their "expert" opinions of the solution to the problem.

Take hormones for 10-15 years and see if you can keep the weight down. And don't get me started with insulin intolerance and chronic depression. Nightmare. It's scary that you could simply look at food and put on weight.

The problem is seats are too narrow and getting narrower. But even though I am obese I still fit in an exit row seat. Shoulders are wide so I lean into aisle to ensure the person next to me does not suffer. I wish the chronic recliner showed me the same consideration.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The problem is seats are too narrow and getting narrower. But even though I am obese I still fit in an exit row seat. Shoulders are wide so I lean into aisle to ensure the person next to me does not suffer. I wish the chronic recliner showed me the same consideration.

Aside from the 10 abreast on the 777 (easily avoided), I'm not sure seats are getting narrower... not since airlines went form 5 abreast to the now standard 6 abreast on narrow body aircraft such as the 727 and 737 way back when (must be 40 years ago?)

But people are getting larger.

Yes there are some people for whom putting on weight is a medical condition... there was a heart-wrenching story on television about a young girl who is missing the gene (I think it was a gene) that tells her when she is full. She can't stop eating, constantly feeling hungry. Her parents have to lock the fridge and cupboards. If she finds something... anything... she eats it. The only time she has 'relief' is the few hours she manages to sleep.

But those cases are few and far between.

I get that eating satisfies the 'comfort' factor. Whether you're bored, or need comfort for other reasons. I 'get' that it's easy to reach for the bag of crisps. Or the magnum in the freezer.

I get that dieting is hard. But if I can diet - and I love my food - then there aren't many people that can't (as opposed to 'won't). But it takes willpower. But are the people who find it 'hard' to diet in the same category as the poor girl above?

Could airlines be more accommodating? Possibly. Maybe airlines could seat passengers down the back with a spare seat if one is available. Or passengers could pay for an extra seat up front (refunded if the plane isn't full). Maybe this service can be provided once full medical documentation is completed.

 

[Muriel]

Oversize passengers should be treated like oversize luggage…pay extra and have specially allocated seats for them that do not encroach on the comfort or space of other passengers. I notice in the picture that the oversize passenger has his seat back while the passenger behind is eating…this is NOT allowed. You must raise your seat back while meals are being served. I would certainly ask to be moved or upgraded. Another point that really gets me is people who cough, sneeze and splutter over other passengers without covering their nose and mouth. I think there should be a compulsory video and an announcement advising all passengers that they should cover their nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing etc. I am tire of starting a trip perfectly healthy and arriving at my destination with someone else's germs. I know that the aircon has a lot to do with it BUT making it mandatory - for health reasons, for all passengers to cover up while doing any of the aforesaid.

 

[get me outta here]

When in NYC in May, there was a push to stop man-spread on the subway as being inconsiderate and taking up sitting space. Men were outed on TV, even Tom Hanks, who was not impressed.

I really have to tip my hat to someone who can casually bring "manspread" into polite conversation! I was going to suggest my "manspread" is kept in check until after the wife and I check into the Hilton, but decided better of it!

 

[Muzfly]

Perhaps you could tell us what your preferred cabin temperature is as well. Also your favourite labels and colours so that we don't wear clothes that offend you as well. Do you like long or short hair?
So following on from your opening statement undersized people should go where? The overhead bins? Get over yourself my friend.......