Is it all right to be fat and nude.

[jbnetnudist]

I an what you call a "big guy". I am not ahsame of it. I injoy being a "big guy" I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude.

[jbnetnudist]

I an what you call a "big guy". I am not ahsame of it. I injoy being a "big guy" I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude.

[EricNY]

Absolutely!!

No one will judge you. you are what you are!!

[AlaskaRoy]

Naturists/nudists come in all body sizes, shapes, colors, and with assorted scars. We are the same as everyone else, but simply choose not to hide it. Just as the average American is overweight, the average American Naturist is overweight (me included!). <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jbnet:
I an what you call a "big guy". I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Rik]

I agree with the previous posts but what naturism offers you is not so much acceptance by other people but the ability to accept yourself as you are. That's not to say you are necessarily happy with your body shape or size - few of us are - but naturism has a way of helping you come to terms with who and what you are.

I urge you to give it a try - soon!!!!

Rik

[JonR]

I'd echo Rik's comment. Having been at a swim over the weekend, there were people of all shapes and sizes there - fat, thin, large, small, some with large 'bits', some with small 'bits', some with scars, some with tattoos, one guy with only one leg........

If naturism was restricted to the good-looking ones, there'd be hardly any naturists! It's about accepting both yourself and others for the shape, size and type of person you/they are. There's nothing wrong with being fat, thin, large, small etc - you are, quite simply, who you are, and that's it!

Jon /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

I've seen some HUGE people at the nudist resort. They appear to be quite comfortable with their size, and no one else seemed to pay any attention to their size. Go, get nude, enjoy yourself, and don't give your size a thought. I'm betting others won't. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jbnet:
I an what you call a "big guy". I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>You won't be judged for your size.....

you will be judged if you are single.

[florida-david]

actuslly, at a nudist venue, there is no better place to learn about body acceptance and rejecting the shame that our society has put on people for not having the "perfect" body (whatever the perfect body is). as long as you are healthy, who cares about the size of your body (including your member, which seems to be a renewed source of discussion lately).

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jbnet:
So can you be fat and nude. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Great gods, I hope so! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I suspect that hardly any of us is exactly what we aspire to be physically. Likewise, I suspect that hardly any of us is as far from that goal as we think.

Judging from what others say about their favorite haunts, I'd guess that you'll probably be the only one thinking about it when you get to an appropriate place and get out of the clothes.

Vin

[Cookie Monster]

First off, Welcome to our little home away from home.
Second off, Size doesnt matter (member or otherwise)
Third off, Take a look at the photo page on INA's webpage.
and finally fourth...CLOTHES OFF /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Ramon]

Humans are probably the only species that make fun of and insult each other when it comes to how we look. I get more insults on how I'm dressed and what my features may look like than I ever have being nude. Everone's body shape is different than the next and that goes for all the body parts.(I'm sure you have heard this before ). As long as you are nude and polite you will fit in at any nude event. Nudists are very accepting and cool people!

[nudist_in_Tn]

I myself was never considered "a sight to behold" but it never stopped me from enjoying the naturist lifestyle, I find for the most part people accept you for who you are( warts, freckles, scars and all) just relax and be yourself, enjoy being in your own skin and dont worry about what others may be thinking of you as most people are to preoccupied with theirselves. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[RIVERRAT]

Jonr and naked_n_Tn, you are absolutely right we are who we are, a line I like to quote is "Iam what Iam, I'm all what Iam", Popeye kekekekekekek

[fred950]

Riverrat, in the proper Popeye it should be "I YAM what I YAM..." In all regardness, there are many nudist that one could call "super-sized" and others whom resemble Twiggy. Don't worry about it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Jochanaan]

I wonder if anyone here has had the opposite experience? I saw an article a while back, written by a non-nudist I believe, that said that in the nudist area he or she visited there was just as much concern about externals as in the outside world; an even tan was prized highly, as was a fit body. Sure, this was just one, but it makes me wonder if there are more? I should say, however, that this was one of the nudist areas that staged lingerie shows for entertainment.

In one of her books Marion Zimmer Bradley had one of her characters say something very wise: "Accept an ignorant and logic-proof skeptic, breach his skepticism, and he turns into an equally ignorant and logic-proof True Believer." (The House Between the Worlds, chapter 15) Taking her cue from Heinlein, Ms. Bradley goes on to make the point that true freedom of thought is something humans have to work for. The subject in her book is paranormal psychology, but these words also apply to body-acceptance.

[RIVERRAT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by fred950:
Riverrat, in the proper Popeye it should be "I YAM what I YAM..." In all regardness, there are many nudist that one could call "super-sized" and others whom resemble Twiggy. Don't worry about it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Could I have possibly mis spocken POPEYE, I'm sure he said "thats all what I am", poor guy, he makes me look good and we can't even quote him, I think I should leave this forum, seems most people are down on me , feel like Stu. bye

[Kenny G]

I read a statistic somewhere that stated only 15% of the population look like the cast of Baywatch. I'm certain that most of that 15% WAS on Baywatch, ultimately though,we don't go to nudist places to look at naked people or to be looked at naked. We go to BE naked, as such we can be relaxed and comfortable with who we are. Amazingly enough, it'll be your personality that gets noticed. Go, get naked and enjoy......

[RIVERRAT]

ERK, what part of nortern NY

[theoldman]

NO!! It's not alright to be fat & nude & furthermore it"s not alright to be fat & clothed. The thing is it's not alright to be fat because it's no good for your health.

Having said that, I don't give a damn what a person looks like naked or clothed, that's there business. I've been to nude beaches and seen people who could grace any pinup type calendar & I've seen others (male & female) who look like beached whales. Doesn't matter as long as they're friendly. And in that regards, I think in general nudists (naked at the time) tend to be a lot more friendly than their clothed counterparts.

[Snoboy]

TheOldMan, I am dissappointed to read your comments about obesity. Many people are obese, some are even morbidly obese, but that does not mean its their fault for the condition. People do not elect to be obese. For most it is a health condition for which they have very little control. Your words are harmful and albeit, they try to be redeemed with the concern for health, it is wrong to form opinions about others. How about walking a few miles in their shoes before being so quick to make judgements that only do harm. I have supported your thoughts on many occasions, but this time I cannot, and I think an apology is due ALL members of the Forum for your "inappropriate" remarks. The Barbie's and the Ken's of the world are fortunate, but there are many naturists/nudists who are not so perfect, but in the eyes of God and good people they are perfect as well. Nudists come from all walks of life,i.e., races, belief systems, cultures and lifestyles. They also come in all shapes and sizes. Nudists are unique. When we are all naked together--there is no status among us that makes any one individual better than another. The very meaning of equality is realized in our choice to be nude with others. For my friends who suffer with obesity and love nudism, I felt a need to comment. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Snoboy:
People do not elect to be obese. For most it is a health condition for which they have very little control. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>No, I think you're wrong. Most people do elect to be overweight. Here is the opening paragraph of an article on obesity in America by Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D. who is a food, science and human nutrition specialist at Colorado State University:

"Despite the millions spent on obesity research and billions spent on quick weight loss diets, Americans are heavier than ever. In fact, 61 percent of American adults are now overweight, up from 45 percent some 20 years ago. What's more children are following in their parents' heavier footsteps. One out of eight school-aged kids is obese, twice the fraction of two decades ago. And, experts estimate that one in four is overweight."

[See http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnnn/nn010605.html for full aticle]

You might argue with the figures but it's a fact that an awful lot of people choose to be overweight by adopting a sedentary lifestyle and eating too much.

But that doesn't make them bad people, it doesn't make them unattractive people. It might make them unhealthy people but then so are the millions who choose to smoke or do untold damage to their kidneys through excessive drinking. But one of the great things about being human is having the right to treat your body as you wish and, for me, it is the diversity of the human form which makes it attractive.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Your words are harmful and albeit, they try to be redeemed with the concern for health, it is wrong to form opinions about others. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Humans have been blessed with an intellect which enables them to form opinions all the time. Surely you would not wish to live in a world where people cannot express an opinion for fear that someome may be "harmed".

Rik

[Snoboy]

Rik...Oh,Please! It is so good that you can dash to a quote (on the internet) from some doctor about people electing to be obese, but that is total hogwash. No one chooses to be obese. We are a product of our environment as you have, indirectly indicated, and for some people inactivity is their norm. Some cannot maintain a lot of activity for reasons other than a choice to be sedentary. You have the opinion that anyone can just drop the fat, but let me remind you that billions are spent annually on "diets" and for most people the weight returns. It is very difficult to alter eating habits and change lifestyles to include exercise for many people. It would be great if we all had the motivation to eat properly, not smoke, not drink, etc., but the reality is...life simply cannot be summed up into a nice little package and to assume that it is a choice is an insult to individuals young or old that struggle with weight every day of their lives. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif My point is made and I will not argue it any further. Have a good day and hopefully, you never find yourself in the position of having to EAT YOUR WORDS. Blessings. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Bob S.]

OK snoboy, realize that most of the obesity cases in the US are caused by the ignorance of one's own eating habits and the choice of food that one makes. Of course, all of this is also societal, but that does not mean that the individual has no control over their food intake.

Losing weight is a hard thing to do for most people who are overweight, but sometimes, changing one's eating habits and lifestyle must be done and is done everyday in this country. All diets should be banned. They are short-term and are impossible to keep up for the duration of one's life. Permanently changing one's way of thinking about food and exercise is a much more effective way to lose wiught and keep it off.

And one more thing snoboy, I am actually underweight and wish I could add about 15 more pounds to my frame. So don't assume all "Kens" feel fortunate to be as thin as they are. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told to "put some meat on them bones" (in the textile world).

That said, jbnet, no one is really going to judge you regarding your weight, but rather your behaviour and friendliness. And since you enjoy being a "big guy", that will just add to your personality. Those who are at home in their own bodies are more apt to be friendlier than those who are ashamed of some part of their body.

Bob S.

[EricNY]

Great post Bob S. well put.

Theoldman made a valid point, being overweight is not healthy. What is healthy is accepting yourself for who you are. Do what you can to maintain a healthy life. We are in charge of are future and have as much control as we allow ourselves to. We can not blame society for everything, we can be products of our environment, or we can elect to be products of our own choice. (sorry snoboy I disagree)

As far as socailizing with others I enjoy the company of others, that are happy and accepting of themselves.Content with who they are, reguardless of the size of the package.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Snoboy:
Rik...Oh,Please! It is so good that you can dash to a quote (on the internet) from some doctor about people electing to be obese, but that is total hogwash. No one chooses to be obese. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>So who do we believe? The weight of medical opinion or Snoboy?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>In this respect we are a product of our environment as you have, indirectly indicated, and for some people inactivity is their norm. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>We are a product of our culture, not our environment, and as nudists we choose to challenge cultural norms when it comes to dress. Some people also challenge cultural norms when it comes to health.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Some cannot maintain a lot of activity for reasons other than a choice to be sedentary. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree but these are a tiny minority of people who are overweight.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>It is very difficult to alter eating habits and change lifestyles to include exercise for many people. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree, so people choose not to face up to the challenge of living a healthy lifestyle. I have no problem with that - it's their choice.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>..life simply cannot be summed up into a nice little package and to assume that it is a choice is an insult to individuals young or old that struggle with weight every day of their lives. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>As one of those people who are overweight myself I do not feel insulted by the fact that I choose to sit here on my computer rather than go to the gym. It's my choice. Choice is a wonderful thing and should be celebrated.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>My point is made and I will not argue it any further. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Why not? Isn't the whole point of contributing to a forum such as this to argue for what you believe in?

Rik

[greensunshine]

Being be FAT is one thing, but electing to be FAT is another...and using myself as an example of someone who has put on a few pounds over this past winter...I must admit to electing to add those few pounds out of laziness...no one forced me to stay inside when it was IT was cold outside...and no one forced me to eat that extra whatever it was I popped into my mouth...This was all done on my own without help from anyone including the media.

Now for those who say they can't change their physical condition...excuse me, but some of the extra growth can be eliminated by making some lifestyle changes...such as getting off our butts instead of watching TV or sitting in Front of a Computer or whatever it is that we use for an excuse not to get more exercise in our daily lives...And while I am not fond of doing any of those things for one cop out or another...I am even less fond of the 10 extra pounds that seemed to have taken up residency around my middle...there are times I really do hate taking that daily walk...but after I am finished (usually takes me 10 - 15 minutes)...I find that I get a whole lot more accomplished in the end.

Lets see 10 minutes walking equals an extra hour of productivity in my own life...seems like a bargin if you ask me /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Greensunshine /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bob S.:
OK snoboy, realize that most of the obesity cases in the US are caused by the ignorance of one's own eating habits and the choice of food that one makes. Of course, all of this is also societal, but that does not mean that the individual has no control over their food intake. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I eat no fastfood, very little carbs and sugar, no sodas, all in all very healthy. I worked out at a gym several times a week, sometimes for several hours. I was still overweight. I know others that eat whatever they want and have never seen the inside of a gym and are quite thin. I do lose some with increased exercise but I will never be thin. Oprah Winfrey works out every single day and eats a very healthy diet and is still chubby. Some bodies are just much more efficient with the food that goes in. My only solution to be truly thin is to undergo gastric bypass surgery which is still considered pretty much dangerous.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Losing weight is a hard thing to do for most people who are overweight, but sometimes, changing one's eating habits and lifestyle must be done and is done everyday in this country. All diets should be banned. They are short-term and are impossible to keep up for the duration of one's life. Permanently changing one's way of thinking about food and exercise is a much more effective way to lose wiught and keep it off.

And one more thing snoboy, I am actually underweight and wish I could add about 15 more pounds to my frame. So don't assume all "Kens" feel fortunate to be as thin as they are. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told to "put some meat on them bones" (in the textile world). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>So you haven't tried your own advice and have no idea if it really would work....

Take my word for it, not all people can get thin that way. I know firsthand.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
That said, jbnet, no one is really going to judge you regarding your weight, but rather your behaviour and friendliness. And since you enjoy being a "big guy", that will just add to your personality. Those who are at home in their own bodies are more apt to be friendlier than those who are ashamed of some part of their body.

Bob S. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[theoldman]

HEY Snoboy & any others who might have been offended by me saying being fat (obese) isn't good. If I upset you I appologize, but I do stand by my statement. I think it has been adequately proven that being overweight is unhealthy. I'm somewhat overweight myself & my doctor gives me hell every time I see him, but I guess I'm in the same boat as far too many people (especially Americans, I've heard)

NO insults were intended, I was just stating what , medically proven, seems to be the truth. Further I judge people on their attitudes, friendliness etc, NOT on their body size, shape etc.

Hope I'm not on anyones S--t list because of my statements.

[Willbtan]

I find it facinating how fast people can jump to conclusions. I guess people are mor athletic than I guessed! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
When oldman wrote that it was not good for a person to be overweight, from a health standpoint, I had already been thinking the same as I read the thread. It is not healthy to be overweight. I realize that their are glandular reasons some people are overweight, but that acknowledgement does not make the situation healthy.
Oldman was not putting down anyone that I could detect.
From my experience I would say overweight people are treated according to their personalities rather than there body shape. Nudist are pretty accepting people.
I recently had open heart surgery and have a foot long scar down the center of my chest. I have not been able to go to a nudest resort since the operation, but look forward to a visit soon. I do not expect to have negative comments or stares because of my scar.
Also, I think textile compulsive people think they can hide the fact that they are over weight. They have fooled only themselves. Nudists, are freed from the deception.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Willbtan:
Nudists, are freed from the deception. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Exactamundo!

Rik

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by theoldman:
HEY Snoboy & any others who might have been offended by me saying being fat (obese) isn't good. If I upset you I appologize, but I do stand by my statement. I think it has been adequately proven that being overweight is unhealthy. I'm somewhat overweight myself & my doctor gives me hell every time I see him, but I guess I'm in the same boat as far too many people (especially Americans, I've heard)

NO insults were intended, I was just stating what , medically proven, seems to be the truth. Further I judge people on their attitudes, friendliness etc, NOT on their body size, shape etc.

Hope I'm not on anyones S--t list because of my statements. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yes overweight can be unhealthy.... but you can also be overweight and fit at the same time. That is how I was while I was going to the gym several times a week. I lost some weight but was still about 200 pounds. I could bench press about 170 and swam laps several times a week.

I dropped the gym for several reasons but now I am working on putting together a gym in my garage and I ride a bike about 7 miles a week.

I'm still fat.....

but I'm healthier than many thinner people.

Years ago when I was in my teens and twenties I used drugs to keep thin. Eventually I gave them all up and slowly gained over the years, gaining more when I quit smoking too. In other words I'm actually healthier now than I was when I was thin because I'm not abusing my body anymore.

I'm real tired of seeing people post how we can lose the weight if only we ate different or got more exercise and all I can say is the people saying that would probably consider fat people as lazy because we "allowed" this to happen to us.

[theoldman]

Good point Cindiann, you are right on when you say that sedentary lifestyle is no good. Healthy & overweight & exercising sounds like a good combination.

I try to be as active as my age (70+) & arthritis allow. Dr says I'm in pretty good shape but I should lose a few pounds. I agree that some people can eat great amounts of food and stay thin & others seem to just look at food & gain. Must be how efficient their metabolism is.

[Snoboy]

I lied. I will make another comment on this subject. A comment was made about "fat" people having great personalities. What in the heck is wrong with the rest of the person? I am not heavy nor have I ever been heavy; however, someone close to me is. She recently underwent gastric by pass surgery. She finally felt forced into the surgery by people who see large women and men and comment, "Oh, she has such a pretty face!" I find the attitude disgusting. And, men, "Oh, but he has such a great wit!" It is time people stopped and listened to their "well-intended" comments and realize how truly "dumb" and "harmful" many of the innocent remarks are. Cyndiann and many others have struggled with weight all their lives. People who fight the weight problems all the time know the difficulties and some are just tired of trying to please the thin world. You have to be happy "in the skin your in". Please, for heavens sakes stop all this pompous bull. Anyone with any intelligence knows that being overweight is not healthy, and it does not have to be rehashed over and over again. I went to the grocery store recently with a friend who is morbidly obese. She has trouble walking and has a handicap parking tag. She parked in the handicap space and we went into the mall. When we came out someone had left a horrible note on her car. It said, "Park your fat *** at the far end of the **** parking lot you Pig. You need the ******* exercise Slob!" She read the note. She said nothing and laid the note in the front seat. She started the car and before we got to the first street light, her tears were flooding her eyes and she could no longer see to drive. Let me tell you...I won't stand for people to make these judgements "casually" or "otherwise" because it is wrong. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Suntied]

Snoboy,
I got goose bumps when I read what you wrote. Obesity (sp?) is not healthy, and can cause a handicap (so to speak), but for other people to judge ones problems before they even have the slightest clue what has gone, or is going on, in that persons life and health is beyond the bounds of humanity. Society has directed us to think that a good person is thin, well dressed, and has allot of money... what a bunch of malarkey that is! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Therefore, the tears your friend cried were for not, as she was hurt by something that has become an in-humane molestation of what we, as humans should truly be! Loving, caring, forgiving, and understanding. Did I mention caring? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Nudity Rules, no matter your size!!!
/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Suntied /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Snoboy:
A comment was made about "fat" people having great personalities. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>As far as I can see, no-one on this thread has said that fat people have great personalities.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>People who fight the weight problems all the time know the difficulties and some are just tired of trying to please the thin world. You have to be happy "in the skin your in". Please, for heavens sakes stop all this pompous bull. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>No-one here has even hinted at the idea that overweight people should try to please the thin world. All that has been said is that for many people being overweight is a health issue and many (but obviously not all) live a lifestyle which encourages obesity. What is pompous about that? It's a plain fact.

From a naturist perspective body weight is just not an issue (well it shouldn't be!) and what many naturists discover is that, whether or not their fellow naturists judge them, it is they themselves who find that they can live more comfortably with their bodies. Being freed of the tyranny of trying to "please a thin world" some people then find that they have a much more positive attitude towards their own health.

Perhaps you should encourage your friends to become nudists - it will do them a world of good. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Rik

Right on Snoboy...People can be so cruel...My wife has had a weight problem for most of our almost 18 married years..She is an RN and is very knowledgable on every aspect of dealing with weight problems and keeps on trying.. suceeding in loosing maybe 50 lbs by Calorie counting and then falling off and gaining it back.A visit to weight watchers ysterday for the great american weigh in left her in tears.The t shirts they were handing out were only in x lg one size fits all.She needed 3x.Youd think a place that deals in weight loss would be prepared for women of substance as my wife likes to put it.Soooo people have some consideration for others...Until youve been there dont critisize... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[EricNY]

Has anyone else noticed that the person that started this thread has NOT re-posted.

Did anyone stop and consider the fact that the man probably took a look at the direction this went and figured, "these guys cant get along with themselves, why would they accept me"

Here is a guy that was concerned about his appearance, and instead of helping him out we took everything out of context and blew it out of proportion. We should be ashamed we are trying to promote a lifestyle, instead we are scaring them away........
..............Think about it!

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ercNY:
Did anyone stop and consider the fact that the man probably took a look at the direction this went and figured, "these guys cant get along with themselves, why would they accept me" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>1) This is a discussion board. It would be a pretty dull place if everyone agreed with everyone else.

2) Not a single person has so far said that it is unacceptable to be fat and nude (to quote the original question)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>We should be ashamed we are trying to promote a lifestyle, instead we are scaring them away........
..............Think about it! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>OK, I've thought about it. I think you're making assumptions. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Rik

[EricNY]

Originally posted by Rik
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> This is a discussion board. It would be a pretty dull place if everyone agreed with everyone else. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Rik, I absolutely agree with you, and I did not try to imply that we should all agree. I just think that the whole post went south on the person that started it.It started out good and then one comment was taken out of context.The next thing you know the gloves came off, which can also be healthy. I just feel that we all forgot about jbnetnudist.

Also by Rik
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Not a single person has so far said that it is unacceptable to be fat and nude (to quote the original question) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Right again Rik, however it was implied that it was said. The only thing negative that was said was that it is unhealthy, which is true.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> OK, I've thought about it. I think you're making assumptions. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Maybe I am and maybe I am right. I bet it happens though, to the extent that some people do not come back. Some people never post.

Do not get me wrong I do enjoy the debate, the differences and the like. I do feel that some are turned off by the coldness found in some(and I only mean some) posts and replies.

I wish you all a fine day /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I agree with you erc....

Messageboards in general can be quite mean places and perhaps that shows with the low number of women that participate.

Some people are intimidated by posting and won't come back if they feel the answers they got were not so nice.

We start out by telling the guy how nudists accept everyone as they are and then a few start telling him he's that way because he chooses to be and more or less feed the poor man's guilt over his size. We really don't accept everyone for themselves, do we?

[Jochanaan]

Amazing! A subject that causes as much passionate disagreement as nudism!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rik:
[qb]So who do we believe? The weight of medical opinion or Snoboy?
[qb] [QUOTE]

Medical opinions vary. A while back I found a book entitled "Women En Large: Images of Fat Nudes" by Laurie Toby Edison and Debbie Notkin (San Francisco: Books In Focus, 1994). The majority of the book was a series of beautiful B/W photographs of large women, but at the end there was a section of text about the difficulties fat people (I use that word on careful consideration, since the authors used it frequently and without shame) face. The authors quote a study, which I will also quote:

"One of the best-known and most revelatory studies about the real health risks of fat is a longitudinal (several generations) study of a small self-contained Italian-American mining community in Pennsylvania. (Bruhn, John, The Roseto Story, University of Oklahoma Press, 1969) The community came from a fairly limited genetic pool, and lots of people were fat. Throughout the period that the town was insular, when people who were born there usually died there, married each other, raised their children, and lived among people they knew, their longevity rates did not vary with their size. In the middle of the twentieth century when the mines were closing and the children were growing up and leaving home for big cities where they encountered fat oppression for the first time, their mortality statistics changed to match those of fat people in the larger population. Was it their weight or the way people treated them that changed?"

Another text section makes the point that the health problems for oversize people are very similar to those of other oppressed groups such as African-Americans or homosexuals. (I am not for homosexuality, but I recognize that they are persecuted and oppressed.) I have learned from my own reading and observation that fat simply does not respond to simple solutions. Sure, healthy eating habits and adequate exercise make bodies healthier, but don't necessarily change their shape. And diets just make the body think it's starving, so when they're over everything goes back to normal with a vengeance.

For the record, people also tell me I need to put meat on my bones. But I am passionately against any form of discrimination, for I know what it is to have a physical or mental characteristic that you can't change and don't feel you should, but that doesn't match others' expectations. We, of all people, should accept people even if we may not approve their actions or lifestyles.

[Bob S.]

Just a point I need to clear up cyndiann; when I said obesiity, I meant those who are extremely overweight and unfit. I am aware that someone can be overweight and fit. I'm sure that there are overweight people who are more fit than I am, probably healthier. I have never had a large appetite and am now a vegetarian (not for any moral reasons--I HATE PETA). I probably eat about 1000-1200 calories a day and therefore have a hard time gaining weight. And it seems that just as I am getting on a roll of gaining weight, I get sick, lose my appetite, and lose weight.

And keep in mind that I was trying to keep my message as short as I could. I was just responding to the lifestyle aspect of losing weight. I also now will acknowledge again that there are some people who are technically overweight, who do not have any reason to lose that weight as they are fit. We have 300+ pound football players who have a lot of fat on them. Sumo wrestlers are also known for their large size, yet they would not be considered unfit. I have nothing against people who are overweight and I do not care if they are losing their weight, happy with it, or gaining. If they are happy with it, who am I to judge and I feel that is the opinion of many other nudists as well. We care more about who you are, how welll you get along with others and behave, than what you look like.

But of course, there is the occasional idiot who slips through the cracks and will make rude comments. We're not all perfect now are we?

Bob S.

[MikeyBear1964]

Getting back to the original post. Been fat most of my life (when not yoyo dieting). I'm not going to debate why I'm fat, or the healthy vs, unhealthy thing.
I hated my body and myself. By embracing the naturist lifestyle I find that I'm more comfortable with myself - fat or thin. Nudism has allowed me that confidence level. From one big guy to another - Get naked, smile, enjoy some sun, and have a good time. No one is going to hold your weight against you.

[EricNY]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MikeyBear1964:
Getting back to the original post. Been fat most of my life (when not yoyo dieting). I'm not going to debate why I'm fat, or the healthy vs, unhealthy thing.
I hated my body and myself. By embracing the naturist lifestyle I find that I'm more comfortable with myself - fat or thin. Nudism has allowed me that confidence level. From one big guy to another - Get naked, smile, enjoy some sun, and have a good time. No one is going to hold your weight against you. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Thanks Mikeybear That is exactly the point I was trying to make and I am glad you said it. I agree with everyone that stated that that you would be accepted no matter your size. I also agree about the health issues.

It is what is inside that counts. Thanks mike

[dragon261]

Obesity is as function of our sedintary lifestyles as it is genetics....genetics may load the gun...but enviroment pulls the trigger.

[missouriboy]

So, what is the consensus here for jbnetnudist? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

I'd say it's OK to be fat and nude just as long as you don't hog more than your share of the sun! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

It's OK to be fat and nude to the exact same extent that it's also OK to be...

fat and clothed
fat and smart
fat and dumb
fat and pretty
fat and homely
fat and black
fat and white
fat and ...well, I think you get the idea... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by missouriboy:
So, what is the consensus here for jbnetnudist? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

I'd say it's OK to be fat and nude just as long as you don't hog more than your share of the sun! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

It's OK to be fat and nude to the exact same extent that it's also OK to be...

fat and clothed
fat and smart
fat and dumb
fat and pretty
fat and homely
fat and black
fat and white
fat and ...well, I think you get the idea... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>EXACLTY!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[BigTim]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Can you be fat and nude? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>One look at me would answer that as has been answered above many times: YES!

But after reading this roller coaster of a topic, I'd like to add my two cents from a newbie perspective. [Note: this post turned out to be longer than I expected and may have strayed off topic somewhat. I certainly hope I don't offend anyone. Please take my story as it is intended...a story of hope and love.]

I've struggled with my weight all my life. From the time my mother bought me clothes in the "husky" size (who else hated that word growing up?), I hated being fat. Why? Because, in my opinion, the only fat people I knew were me and my family members...everyone else was perfect (or so I thought). In the teenage years, I avoided gym class because of embarassment about being fat and naked in the presence of other boys. Of course missing gym class doesn't help because then you miss out on exercise. As I got older, I realized that being overweight was really unhealthy and that was compounded by needing two back surgeries, one at 18 and one at 20.

Long story short, over the past 13 years, I've tried a multitude of diets and eating programs, exercise programs. I always lose weight and then put on more...nothing motivated me, not even fear of paralyzation and/or death. Up until a couple of months ago, I weighed 306 at 6'1" and a BMI of 40 (morbidly obese diagnosis).

To catch me shirtless outside of home was a rarity...even when swimming. Two months ago on a wild hair I went to Haulover Beach and took off everything and laid down in the sun and relaxed. It was a liberating experience in more ways than I can count. No one looked at me funny, no one pointed at me, no one laughed or smirked at the fat guy...there were a lot of fat guys and ladies there. I finally felt at ease on the beach (a place I love to be).

The kicker? Ever since I started going to Haulover regularly (with my wife), we've totally changed our way of eating and exercising to something we can live with. I've lost twenty pounds in the last 6 weeks or so and am on my way to permanent physical fitness. I've never felt better about my future physical prospects, as my emotional and spiritual health are coming into balance with my whole being. All my life, I've been trying to hide my weight with clothes, trying to make myself feel better, by not looking at myself, my body. By "putting it all out there" I was motivated to do something about it...for myself, not for anyone else. And I'm happy about it.

Being obese is not healthy. If it is in your power, do something about it. Not because someone else tells you to and not because the media glamorizes thin. Do it for yourself, find your motivation and follow through.

BigTim...What a great testimony! Keep up the good work...And Best wishes for your new healhy lifestyle. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Oceanair]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cyndiann:

you will be judged if you are single.[/QB] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Come on !! This is a free country until you start your own nudist org. then you have to abide by the rules others have because they feel safer with those kind of rules.

Just like women trying to get into a mens Golf Club lets grow up and be adult here.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Oceanair:
Come on !! This is a free country until you start your own nudist org. then you have to abide by the rules others have because they feel safer with those kind of rules. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>The rules are there because the rule makers are pre-judging whether people are safe to have around based simply on their relationship status i.e. they are prejudiced against singles because they know nothing else about them.

Of course they are free to make up any rules they like but it doesn't alter the fact that, on the issue of singles, they are prejudiced.

Rik

[teeoff65]

the good part of being a nudist is all most all nudist people do not jude you.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Oceanair:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cyndiann:

you will be judged if you are single. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Come on !! This is a free country until you start your own nudist org. then you have to abide by the rules others have because they feel safer with those kind of rules.

Just like women trying to get into a mens Golf Club lets grow up and be adult here.[/QB] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>What does that have to do with what I said? No matter what the reason nudists do judge people... they do it on the basis of gender all the time. Sometimes they do it because you are gay or because you aren't married.

What matters is that nudists need to stop lying to the newbies about how we don't judge people when we do. That was the point.

[Oceanair]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cyndiann:
What does that have to do with what I said? No matter what the reason nudists do judge people... they do it on the basis of gender all the time. Sometimes they do it because you are gay or because you aren't married.

What matters is that nudists need to stop lying to the newbies about how we don't judge people when we do. That was the point.[/QB] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Sorry !! I didn't read that far. As you can tell I am upset with people that feel they should be allowd to change a group or organization just because they want to go there. Even if they do prejudge for whatever reason that is their right.

Just because people take off their clothes I don't believe that changes human nature. Prejudices are allot deeper than skin deep so I know it is very unrealistic to even think that people or even organizations do not judge people. At least if they are trying not to that means something at least to me.

And it may be experience more than prejudgement it only takes a few to spoil it for many. That is why we need to be vigilant and when we do see bad behavior we confront the perpetrator.

[Dario Western]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jbnet:
I an what you call a "big guy". I am not ahsame of it. I injoy being a "big guy" I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Well, the answer is yes. I mean, there are many nudists who are fat.

You'll generally find that women and younger adults tend to write very vitriolic rants against nudists being 'nicer' people.

Nudist clubs and resorts tend to get the more bold and beautiful people joining, because of the clubs rules and regulations that you don't get on some of the beaches.

Dario

[PaulC]

We come in all sizes, colors and shapes. And I have seen all sizes, colors and shapes on the nude beaches and clubs that I visit. It is not the way we look but the attitude toward ourselves and toward others. I have always been somewhat overweight and keep trying to lose some of those pounds. The only time that I really feel it doesn't matter what I look like is when I am nude among other nudists. I don't feel like I have to pull in my gut and stand up extra straight, etc. In the many years that I have been a nudist there has only been one instance where fellow non-clothed people made me feel ashamed of my body. I won't call them nudists as they were a group of snobbish naked people who thought that they wer the masters of the beach and everyone should bow down to them. The hundreds of other times I have always felt accepted by my fellow nudists.

Nuff preaching - Get nude, get smooth and Stay Nude whatever shape you are in.

http://clothesfree.com/personals/smoothchris3.jpg
Now you see what I mean.

[Dale B]

The only thing in my mind that would be bad about being overweight is the health issues. Sure enough we all have choices to make. Some people have a high enough metabolism that and so don't have to exercise to keep from gaining the extra weight, but it would be a good thing for cardiovascular health. For the others, it seems that maybe they don't care enough about themselves to either keep from gaining it or to do things to get the extra weight off (just a speculation). I do realize there are those that have other physical ailments that might prevent them from getting the needed exercise to have and maintain good health.

Over all, it is only a health issue to me. I do need to get some exercise myself to lose maybe 5 - 10 lbs. Anymore than that and I'd be a toothpick. Also, I do need to quit smoking. My main goal would be to improve on my cardiovascular system and lungs.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dale B:
The only thing in my mind that would be bad about being overweight is the health issues. Sure enough we all have choices to make. Some people have a high enough metabolism that and so don't have to exercise to keep from gaining the extra weight, but it would be a good thing for cardiovascular health. For the others, it seems that maybe they don't care enough about themselves to either keep from gaining it or to do things to get the extra weight off (just a speculation). I do realize there are those that have other physical ailments that might prevent them from getting the needed exercise to have and maintain good health.

Over all, it is only a health issue to me. I do need to get some exercise myself to lose maybe 5 - 10 lbs. Anymore than that and I'd be a toothpick. Also, I do need to quit smoking. My main goal would be to improve on my cardiovascular system and lungs. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Kinda one sided isn't it? If your metabolism is high you are thin naturally but if your metabolism is low we don't care about ourselves.....

Please stop speculating before you insult people even more.

[David77]

If a person's metabolism is low, making them overweight, they need to take a thyroid pill each morning to get their body "up to speed" and they would also find that they would surely feel a lot better. Of course, if the thyroid is overactive, there are remedies for that also.

A simple blood test can determined the question of overactive and underactive thyroid, which can affect weight.

Yes, I know that possibly some people are simply predisposed to being a "toothpick" (this term was just used) and some being "heavy". I am not trying to be judgemental. I know from personal experience how difficult it is.

Not all people are fat because of thyroid problems.

Some are just naturally more economical with incoming calories than others and as of today there is no medical cure for that.

That's the nice thing about not wearing clothes. You don't have to worry about getting too big for them. Personally, I LOVE to eat, and my growing girth shows it. I've given up all hope of ever being thin again. That would mean giving up all the wonderful fattening foods I love to eat. We're only here once, and we might as well enjoy it. I get great enjoyment from food.

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cyndiann:
Kinda one sided isn't it? If your metabolism is high you are thin naturally but if your metabolism is low we don't care about ourselves.....

Please stop speculating before you insult people even more. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think Dale's post was one-sided. He was saying that extra pounds may be unhealthy (and believe me, I make that statement from inside a glass house /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif ). For those who have a naturally higher metabolic rate, it isn't usually an issue. For the rest of us, it takes a bit more dedication and work to maintain what the insurance industry currently considers "healthy weight." The motivation to put in the extra effort may be some sort of self-caring.

I'm as sensitive as anyone to weight issues (having gained 50 pounds or so over the past 15 years). But I wasn't insulted by Dale's post. I don't think most people were.

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jon-Marc:
That's the nice thing about not wearing clothes. You don't have to worry about getting too big for them. Personally, I LOVE to eat, and my growing girth shows it. I've given up all hope of ever being thin again. That would mean giving up all the wonderful fattening foods I love to eat. We're only here once, and we might as well enjoy it. I get great enjoyment from food. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Great point. I came to realize -- finally -- a few years ago that life is too short not to enjoy it. Whether we're only here once or several times over, life is for living. Don't waste it.

[David77]

Let us "Eat, drink and be merry" IN MODERATION, so that tomorrow we may not die of a heart attack, shortening our life unnecessarily.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Vin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cyndiann:
Kinda one sided isn't it? If your metabolism is high you are thin naturally but if your metabolism is low we don't care about ourselves.....

Please stop speculating before you insult people even more. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think Dale's post was one-sided. He was saying that extra pounds may be unhealthy (and believe me, I make that statement from inside a glass house /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif ). For those who have a naturally higher metabolic rate, it isn't usually an issue. For the rest of us, it takes a bit more dedication and work to maintain what the insurance industry currently considers "healthy weight." The motivation to put in the extra effort may be some sort of self-caring.

I'm as sensitive as anyone to weight issues (having gained 50 pounds or so over the past 15 years). But I wasn't insulted by Dale's post. I don't think most people were. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I think you are missing that it can unhealthy to be too thin as well sso it can be an issue. Anorexia and Bulimia kill people.

[Naturist Mark]

If you all will excuse me for addressing the original topic and not the drift...

Yes it is ok to be fat and nude.

It is also ok to be thin and nude, Jewish and nude, Mexican and nude or purple and nude. Whoever and whatever you are should have no bearing on whether it is 'OK' to be nude.

Your behavior should be the only thing that limits your acceptance in social nudism.

Cyndiann is quite correct that organized nudism often fails when it comes to singles (male singles anyhow) and I would add that tattooed and pierced people are often also pre-judged as 'unworthy'.

Back to fat; plus size people are usually much more physically comfortable nude than clothed. Clothes seldom hang comfortably on those of us who are not built like clothes hangers. Our bodies are covered by welts after a day of work. Fit people may find nudity to be refreshing, fat people find it to be a relief.

-Mark

[Bob S.]

I know I jumped in a while ago and debated the healthiness of being overweight, but let me state what I think I already stated and has been stated here by others.

To answer the topic question, you can always be naked. There is never a time when it is not OK to be naked in terms of body shape. Whether showering, relaxing at home, tannng at a nude beach, or attending a nudist park, it is always fine to be naked.

And as for what others think of you, that is their problem. Yes, there are some idiots out there who will make crude comments. I don't have to tell you that, but I think that in nudist environments, people will keep their comments to themselves.

So whether you are overwreight, underweight (me), tall, short, or have some sort of imperfection, enjoy the feelings that come from being naked. If you let someone else control your life, you will not be happy.

Bob S.

[eric731]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jbnet:
I an what you call a "big guy". I am not ahsame of it. I injoy being a "big guy" I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Of course they "Can"...anyone Can do anything they want. U "can" kill your brother. The better question is should you or is it right and in this case is it healthy? If a nudist is "fat", than they should strive to make themselves fit, so that they are healthy. If a guy is just naturally "big", such as big muscle mass, as long as their body fat percentage is not too much than that is cool.

I personally believe a nudist or non nudist shouldn't be fat. They "can", but they shouldn't for their own safety and welfare of the family and friends that care for them.

[Nude Guy]

BIG PEOPLE MAY HAVE INSULIN RESISTANCE WHICH PREVENTS THEM FROM LOSING WEIGHT.

I have two very good friends who eat like birds and they couldn't take off the pounds. Once they mentioned insulin resistance to their doctor, the doctor prescribed medication and now one of them has lost over 100 pounds in one year. The other person is a physical education teacher that works out five days a week. She too is insulin resistant.

NOT EVERYBODY HAS CONTROL OF THEIR WEIGHT SO LET's STOP JUDGING BASED ON LOOKS ALONE.

If you happen to be one of those who eats alot and doesn't exercise, I say to you it's your life and I love you just the same. Life's too short to be judgemental. Enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy.

[tami]

Nudists are all shapes! You might be fat, but you ARE all that!

You go, Girl!

;- ))

[Croydon]

I have to agree with Rik all the way. I think the nudist community has taken the whole "body acceptance" philosophy a bit too far. It is one thing to accept the body for what it is but a whole different story when it comes to obesity. I have come across many obese nudist who use the body acceptance philsophy as an excuse to NOT do something about their obesity and I find it quite disturbing. As someone who used to be an overweight child, I do understand how it is to be fat and how hard it is to lose the weight. I did it and it was the best thing I could have done for myself. These days I often come across many obese people who blame everyone and socity for their obesity but never care to take some blame.

I believe that the nudist community needs to stop jumping on the wagon of "body acceptance." Instead of telling people to accept their fatness, how about educating nudist on living healthy lifestyle. Body acceptance is NOT about accepting your obesity and not doing anything about it. Body accepting IS about accepting things about yourself you can not change For example, your race, or your big nose (assuming plastic surgery is not your thing), or your big breast.

We ALL should be alarmed at the statistics that 60% of Americans are overweight because this hurts children. I am shocked at the amount of kids who are obese these days, it is appalling and to some degree, I will say that it is a form of child abuse.

I am not saying that we all should go to gym and start looking likle models, that is far from my point. What I am saying is that many obese people need to start taking fault in their obesity and not blame society for it. Furthermore, the nudist community needs to clarify clearly what body acceptance means because it is NOT accepting your obesity but accepting thinsg about yourself you can not change.

[Vin]

I have become disturbed at some of the attitudes on this thread. It's been pointed out several times that not all of us can turn our weight up or down like a thermostat. Yet we still have posts essentially telling those of us a bit overweight that we need to assume some of the "fault" and try to conform to someone else's ideal of "healthy" (while ignoring the fact that this ideal changes annually). How arrogant can you get?

One thing nudism is about is accepting people. All people. As they are. The "body acceptance" philosophy is NOT carried too far. It is exactly where it needs to be. It's not your life to live, and you have no right to judge. If a person is overweight or underweight, for whatever reason, and it offends your sensibilities, go somewhere else.

Good grief! I really thought I had left this level of immaturity behind on the middle school playground.

[wannabenaked2001]

I'm not fat! I'm just short for my weight!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Vin:
One thing nudism is about is accepting people. All people. As they are. The "body acceptance" philosophy is NOT carried too far. It is exactly where it needs to be. It's not your life to live, and you have no right to judge. If a person is overweight or underweight, for whatever reason, and it offends your sensibilities, go somewhere else.

Good grief! I really thought I had left this level of immaturity behind on the middle school playground. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>You seem to place nudist on a different light than non nudist. You seem to be forgetting that nudist are no different than people who wear clothes. The only difference is that one group wears clothes often. Nudist still hold the same views, ideas and prejudices as their non nudist counterparts. That being said, your comment about nudist people accepting ALL is false.

Secondly, because people have certain ideas about obesity and the acceptance of fault doesn't make the immature. I am sorry we do not all think like you Vin.

[Frank R]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nudeguy:
[QB]BIG PEOPLE MAY HAVE INSULIN RESISTANCE WHICH PREVENTS THEM FROM LOSING WEIGHT.

If they are insulin resistance, they are type II diabetics. There are a large number of drugs which can help. They work differently depending on which drug you use. Some increase the amount of insulin your body makes, others allow your body to use your insulin more efficently, and some do both. However, the insulin resistance is usually caused by being overweight. It doesn't cause you to be overweight. For information on diabetes, check out LifeStyle Center of America in Oklahoma. I learned more about diabetes there in a week than I had learned the previous 15 years.

[Bob S.]

Croydon, there is a major difference between accepting others for who they are and accepting how they live. If someone is overweight and they have no problem with it, then why should you? Who are you to judge how someone looks?

If the people who are extremely overweight are unhealthy, that is still their problem, not yours. You don't know what they are doing or have done to try to lose that weight.

And just for your information, body acceptance is about accepting yourself for who you are and what you look like. Realize that those with poor body acceptance want to either starve themselves or overeat or change some aspect of their body to something that is better, which doesn't always work. Sometimes, it is acceptance of how you look that is the catalyst for a more healthy change.

And what I see from your diatribe is your disgust from the McLawsuit that was thankfully thrown out of court alleging fast food made two teens fat. Not all overweight people are like that. Most are very nice people. (my first "girlfriend" was overweight--she gave me my first kiss under the classroom table in first grade) /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Only a handful would blame society.

Bob S.

[Snoboy]

Is it possible to put this topic to bed? I for one, am so sick of seeing it on the daily list. Everything that can be said, has been said. Please let this go the way of the delete button... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Snoboy:
Is it possible to put this topic to bed? I for one, am so sick of seeing it on the daily list. Everything that can be said, has been said. Please let this go the way of the delete button... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>This board isn't for your entertainment or your for your use only Sno. Many others like this topic and would like to hear what others have to say. If you do not wish to participate in this topic again, you have the option of not coming back to this particular thread.

[krcNY]

Hi, I have not been here for a while and went through alot of emotions reading this topic.

I can honestly say growing up I was always too skinny, my ribs always showed. I was very insecure with my looks.
I am now a mid thirtys mother of 3 and I no longer resemble that teenager. Since having my first child I did suffer from Hypometabolism (sp) I put on almost 75lbs while pregnant, and could not seem to get back to a reasonable (my interpretation) weight. I then went on a birthcontrol shot after my second child and that made things even worse. I went to the doctor, not only was I larger than I had ever been I was tired all the time. He prescribed something to help, but it did not seem to make a difference. I was working hard to not get bigger. I had a shock to my system 2 years ago, since then my metabolism is back down but not to where it was years ago. I am not hugely overweight but I am not skinny, I finally gave away all my small clothes. I will be happy to just maintain where I am, with my current eating and excercise habits. I have been on a weight and emotional rollercoaster and it has not been healhy for me to feel the way I did about myself. I respect everyone for who they are, not what they look like. (I was harder on myself than anyone else could ever be to me)
I think that is where the question comes in
"Is it ok to be fat and nude"
Yes as long as you are comfortable with yourself, then no other opinion matters!!!

ONE THING I KNOW FOR SURE, I FEEL GREAT NUDE and EVERY THING FITS PERFECTLY.

[Suntied]

When I put clothes on, with my shirt tucked in, my beerbelly is more noticable (kinda hangs over my belt)... so I think I look better without the clothes. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

If someone thinks they are too fat to be naked, I would say that they are too fat to be clothed. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Just a thought,
/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Suntied /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Jochanaan]

A brief word about acceptance. Acceptance does not mean you approve; it just means you face facts. Big Tim, in his magnificent testimony, said that he came to accept and like himself enough to make changes. I know, from another personal issue, the paralyzing effect of the "I must/I can't" syndrome: society or your own sense of right says you must do something, but you've tried and failed so many times you get depressed, paralyzing yourself further. Acceptance of nudity would seem to help break this cycle by promoting a new mindset: "I can, but it's all right if I don't."

As for judging, there's a difference between pre-judging without all facts, and observing the results of a person's actions and words. "Ye shall know them by their fruit."

Is a full-figured person healthy otherwise? Then there's no need for anyone to do anything about his/her size and shape.

[hw]

There is too much sorrow in the world. Let's not worry about sizes now. True beauty comes from within, not what you look like.

When I was growing up there was a little store near my house with a sign that read:
"LIVE AND LET LIVE".
The man who ran the store had a 3 legged dog. I guess that dog was something special to him.

We should all remember we are all special too!
hw /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Stuffed Tiger]

The May 23, 2002 New England Journal of Medicine reported that people who followed a 6-month diet program and lost a significant amount of weight showed greatly increased ghrelin concentrations in their blood. Ghrelin is the hormone secreted by the stomach that drives people to eat. Drug companies are now working on ghrelin suppression. People with gastric bypass surgery secrete far less ghrelin and have greatly reduced appetites. (Source: Science News 2002 June 8.) Surgery is a last resort.
Conclusions: we should relax and never beat ourselves or anyone else up about having difficulty loosing fat weight - there are too many potential impediments like excess ghrelin secretion; we should never give up trying to be as healthy as we can be - whatever that is for us - but rather use the mental energy of those who mean well to help motivate us to achieve our own goals of the moment - whatever those goals might be - not necessarily size related; and since (like every other health matter that is noncontagious) our bodies are really nobody else's business but ours and our doctor's, we are completely justified in lying around nude and ignoring any and every input, and should do so frequently, no matter how well intentioned.
In that spirit, my input is to eat a lot of lettice to fill up the stomach whenever one is hungry and has eaten the physician recommended calories. It may help if the need is to reduce hunger pains, but talk to your doctor about that.

[sailorman72]

I can't speak for other folks, but for me it is not alright to be fat. I don't feel as well physically or mentally. When I workout regularly, eat properly, get enough sleep I just feel better. Perhaps it's just my narcissistic tendencies, but the more opportunities I have to be nude, the more resolve I have to take care with my diet and exercise.

You only get issued one body, so it needs to last a lifetime.

[Ottergirl77]

Goodness...where to start?? This is the first time I've been to this website, and I have been reading this thread for about the past two hours...all four pages of it.

While I have been considering whether or not to bring the subject up to my husband of visiting a nudist club, I am discouraged and embittered by your discussions.

Admittedly, my weight is a problem for me. I am a 250lb woman with slumped shoulders and various other small flaws. While I originally started gaining weight out of rebellion, I've come to the point where I'm overwhelmed with the amount of changes I need to make to be thin again.

Though I used to enjoy all sorts of sports and loved to swim in the ocean, I am now ashamed to put on a swimsuit, go running/walking, or go to a gym for fear that I will be laughed or gawked at. I don't go dancing in public anymore, and I only have sex with my husband with all the lights off. In short, I'm pulling further and further into my shell, and gaining more weight along the way.

Yes, it was absolutely my choice (in my case) to gain weight, and YES, I am aware that it's unhealthy to be the way I am. I am lazy and sedentary, and every bit of it is my fault.

My biggest question to you, though, is why you care so much about whether or not someone else is fat? What do you hope to accomplish by telling me how unhealthy I am? Do you feel like you're presenting new information that I might have missed? Moreover, what does it matter to you if tomorrow I die of a heart attack?

If your HONEST intention is to be a group accepting of everyone for who and what they are, then there should be no need to reiterate the fact that it's unhealthy to be overweight. Anyone breathing and conscious in the U.S. knows this already. What people like me REALLY need is a place to go where we can feel secure regardless of the healthy or unhealthy choices we've made, and where we can do the things we enjoy in public without fear. If I could find a group which was TRULY this way, I might be able to start getting my life back.

-Ottergirl

[Nude in the North]

Ottergirl;

Thank you for your post!!!!

I think you have made your point very well.

Some of us choose to smoke. Some of us choose to drink. Some of us choose all sorts of things that will eventually shorten our lives.

But there is another thing we can all do that will make life easier for everyone.

Accept people and allow them to live their lives the way they choose!

Yes it's ok to be overweight! It's ok to be underweight too! And it's ok to be 7 feet tall or 4 ft 6in.

There doesn't have to be a "but" after every comment. And we don't need everyone telling everyone else how they should take care of themselves.

I propose that instead of trying to "teach" fat people how to be thin, we should teach the thin people how to mind their own business.
And while were at it how about some Manners too.

Please don't think I'm talking about anyone that has posted on this subject. I havn't even read most of the posts. I'm talking about people in general. The same people that think that after 25 years of hair loss, they think they are the first one's to notice that I'm bald. And they can't wait to point it out.

It's great to discuss the health bennefits of being the "proper" weight, height, physical shape, or whatever. But there's no need to make the other 6 billion of us feel ashamed of ourselves.

Live and let live.

Steve

[Naturist Mark]

Everyone should read Ottergirl's post and think about the message she has been given.

Now let me reiterate - It is OK to be fat and a nudist.

Sure it is healthier to be fit than fat. But that is no excuse to discriminate. You wouldn't tell an asthmatic it isn't OK to be a nudist. Or a diabetic. Sorry grampa, no arthritics are allowed to disrobe!

Physical appearance is unimportant to true nudists. Body acceptance means Acceptance not rejection. Not just of your own body, but of others.

I've stuggled with weight problems all my life. I have tremendous willpower, I've lost literal tons of weight. But nature has ways of changing my metabolism and appetite and brain chemistry to compensate. No one who hasn't struggled with severe weight problems appreciates just how intractable a problem it is. Those pinheads who say 'fat people just need to exercise a little willpower' need a severe beating. If it were that simple there wouldn't be a 100 billion dollar diet industry.

I've always wanted to be a nudist... but for decades I didn't feel I could because I wasn't perfect enough. What rubbish! I finally determined to embrace body acceptance. That doesn't mean I am satisfied with being fat instead of fit, it means that I allow myself to feel as good as I can each day, to do as much or as little as I like, and to enjoy my life regardless of physical imperfections. So now I get naked without caring what others think of my physique. I am more physically active, I worship the sun (with a healthy annointment of sunscreen), and spend as much outdoor active time as I can.

Result? I feel better, have more fun, less neurosis, and very slowly lost 22 inches off my waist and nearly 100 lbs. Don't get me wrong, nudism hasn't cured me, I'm still fat, I'm just a much happier and healthier fat guy.

[Ottergirl77]

Thank you to Nude in the North and NaturistMark for your comments - I feel much better after having read them.

I do wonder, though: is nudism a way to open up and enjoy life? Like Mark, losing the fat isn't really the issue (though I'd be kidding myself if I didn't admit I wish it gone) - I just want to be a happier, healthier person. What I really long for is the confidence to enjoy the things I like doing without fear of embarrassment.

I would like to think that somewhere down the line, I could be comfortable swimming or playing a game of tennis in public. All you, the public, would have to do is smile and say hi.

G'nite everyone!

-Ottergirl

[BigTim]

It's really hard to convey personal feelings on this topic, isn't it, Ottergirl77? I know, because I've been there and still am in many ways.

It's also very difficult to convey to you how much naturism has affected me in a positive way. I did post earlier in this discussion how it initially affected me. I'm still slowly losing weight, but my self-confidence is returning as well. I feel generally more confident everywhere and anywhere around a wider variety of people than ever before. The more I participate in nude recreation, the more confident I feel. And I see it now affecting my ever-loving wife in the same ways.

I can only tell you, Ottergirl77, the truth of what this has done for me. Others, too, will testify. You must decide for yourself if it is worth trying. If, in the end, it doesn't do anything for you, at least you will have the knowledge that you tried, and that may be the biggest confidence-booster for you.

[hw]

Ottergirl 77
It's too bad you didn't read some of the other posts on forums before coming to this one. There are a lot of nice people here. I am new here, but they have all welcomed me with open arms, so to speak. No one has ever asked for my physical description. (Except for the hair color thing). The thing is, nudist or not, everyone has issues. Some have more hang-ups than others, but we are all just people who share our thoughts on nudity.
I have been "big" all of my life, but within the last 3 years I have lost a lot of weight. Four sizes in dresses and pants! No, it was no special diet, just stress from life problems. That and my metabolism has changed, I just can't eat like I used to.
Lots of people who know me have taken notice too, sometimes good, sometimes not so good. My biggest critic is me. I can't see the changes and I still feel like me. I still feel big. Does that make any sense? No, but that is how I feel.
My advice, enjoy this web-site, be yourself and make yourself happy!
Good Day. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[smid]

Hi,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Jill and I am Smidly's wife /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif . When he came home from work today he told me about this www. He is a Naturist and I am not. I am not a Naturist because of my weight, he thought this would be a great place for me to look around. I am sure he meant well, but I don't think he read all of the posts. I have read all of the posts, still to no avail have I actually gotten an answer to the question I had. Are Nudists prejudice about weight? Some here say No, and some say yes.

I will also tell you about myself. I am 5ft 10 1/2, I have red hair and green eyes. If I would be in a chat right now, I would have men foaming at the mouth (joking), I am also 237Lbs. I have three children and at the age of 25 had a Hysterectomy, needless to say I have no muscle mass in my stomach. I am as healthy as a horse, my blood pressure is great, I have no cholesterol problems and I am running around constantly. I haven't gained any weight in 8 years and have stayed the same. I also have a heart condition not caused by weight, it's not a bad heart it's just does some funky things..LOL..

Anyway my point is this. I am very apprehensive about being naked in public, I came here to get a closer look at Nudists and how they felt. I come away from this without understanding, even after reading 5 pages of posts. Some say it doesn't matter, some say it does. What is the majority and why is it such a sore subject. We are all differant, weight or not, color, skin, fingerprints etc. I am trying so hard to embrace my husbands new way of life, I wan't to share this with him. I guess Im saying ,I didn't get a warm fuzzy about being over weight LOL . I do appreciate everyone's honesty and candidness. Thanks for having this here so I could read it all.
J

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Anyway my point is this. I am very apprehensive about being naked in public, I came here to get a closer look at Nudists and how they felt. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Hi Jill,

The only important thing is how you feel about your body. Body acceptance is mostly about your mental self image, and it benefits people whether they are nudists or textiles.

There has been a lot of tangential talk in this discussion about acceptance of fat people. Its mostly hogwash. Real nudists don't care if you are or aren't overweight. Prejudice against fat people is supposed to be the last safe form of bigotry, but you will find far less of it among nudists than textiles.

American nudist's bodies are exactly like the rest of America, most people are overweight to some degree. Should you try nudism you will soon see how little other nudists care about your weight.

[Jill]

NaturistMark1

I decided to get my own name /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif This is Jill and I thank you for replying to my post. I have talked to my husband alot tonight and I think Im just gonna hang around and read some more. Thanks!
Jill

[Nude in the North]

Jill;

In my experience I have found nudists to be much more accepting of peoples bodies. And what seems funny to me is the number of "good bodied" clothed people that feel they couldn't be nude because their bodies arn't good enough.
Even my 18 year old niece, who is Drop Dead gorgeous, thinks she is too fat to be seen nude.
I have found nudists are a pretty good bunch of people in general. You will definately find more acceptance on a nude beach then you will find on a clothed one.

I'm glad you are interested enough to join in the conversation.

Welcome,

Steve

[Ottergirl77]

Hi again everybody,

It's 1 a.m. and I SHOULD be going to bed, but again I find myself coming in here to check and see what people have written. As usual, other peoples' thoughts are addictive /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>It's too bad you didn't read some of the other posts on forums before coming to this one. There are a lot of nice people here. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>HW, to answer you on this, I definitely think there are a lot of nice people here, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered to join in the discussion. As for reading other posts...I guess I just came to this one first because it was the exact question that was echoing in my head as I started to read up on naturism.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>The only important thing is how you feel about your body. Body acceptance is mostly about your mental self image, and it benefits people whether they are nudists or textiles. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Mark, I believe you're 120% right...though confidence is something I have found hard to "cultivate." I can fake it when I have to, but the real thing is elusive *LOL*. It seems, though, that for some of you (like in Big Tim's post a little ways up), naturism is a good step along this path, and this is one of the main reasons I'm interested. To explain a bit what I mean:

All my life I have had long hair. I didn't always necessarily enjoy having it, but I thought (and parents repeatedly told me) that I wouldn't look good without it...because my posture wasn't good enough or my hips were too wide, or whatever. So, year after year I kept the hair, mainly because I was too chicken to change it. For whatever reason, I cut it all off a couple of months ago and have never been happier. My spiky "boy" hair is fun and much more "me," and for the first time I feel like I'm not hiding myself behind a curtain of hair.

Yeah, it's a stupid little thing, but it was such a confidence builder for me...and other peoples' support did a lot to build me up even more. I'm sure that if my friends and coworkers would have told me my new hair was ugly, I would be on the short road to longer hair again *LOL*

So, yes, a certain amount of confidence is necessary to be happy with myself...but on the other hand, it's hard to be an army of one. Like Jill, I do appreciate your honesty - I am glad to know that your acceptance is more than just words. So, thanks - I will continue to read and think on this /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Talk to you soon!

-Ottergirl

[missouriboy]

To Jill and Ottergirl... Welcome to our happy home! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I don't know where this is going here, but I wanted to say something about this particular thread. The original question was about NUDISM more than about being fat. But a large number of posts ignored the context of the question and concentrated instead on discussing a medical subject; a subject about which no question was even asked.

Now, if you'd review this thread and discount all the medical scolding, and just focus on the responses to the acceptance question, I think you'll get a more positive feeling that, YES, you'll be accepted at nude resorts just as everyone else is, no matter your body-type.

Then, my suggestion to you both would be to pursue a nude experience ASAP... I think you'll both be pleasantly surprised with the new dimension it opens in your life, especially if it's a positive one for both you and your spouse. It will bring you closer together, and create a new activity you can share together.

One of you mentioned how changing your hair bolstered your self-confidence after years of bondage. I can tell you from experience that's only a small sample of the boost you'll get when you shed the mask of clothing!

Again, welcome to the forum, ladies!

[Vin]

I'm echoing the sentiments of others here. I have the distinct sense that most real naturists, being normal and somewhat "overweight" themselves, couldn't care less about your size. It's far more important to know the person than the body.

That said, get out and try it. Even if you just find a nice remote trail and hike a few yards or a secluded spot in the woods and lay in the sun for a while, it's be best confidence builder you could find. Where I live, I never have the opportunity to get together with others, but just getting away by myself for a while has almost the same effect.

I read once when I was just getting into naturism that all you have to do is find a safe spot to leave your clothes and walk a hundred yards in any direction. You'll either be a convert or hate it, but you'll at least have tried it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Croydon]

It appears that for every person who "frowns" upon obesity/overweightness is automatically labeled bad, mean, or not a "real" naturist (whatever that means). Because someone doesn't think obesity is good doesn't make that person bad. He/she has an opinion that is differnt from yours. I don't like the color pink, does it make me bad b/c I don't and the majority may like pink?
Some people may have to admit their bias and hypocricy. Some here say being fat is irrelvant but I can swear that many of you who say that wouldn't want a fat/obese/overweight person as a partner/lover. One can not have one qualification for one thing and a different for another.
Personally, I don't think obesity is good health wise or appearance wise BUT there should be a common level of respect for people who are fat/obese. It may not be appealing to someone to be obese but there should be some respect and I believe that is the general belief of everyone here in terms of being fat and being a nudist. Many nudist may not like the obesity but "we" all give that person our respect, appreciation, and we do not treat that person any less.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Croydon:
It appears that for every person who "frowns" upon obesity/overweightness is automatically labeled bad, mean, or not a "real" naturist (whatever that means). Because someone doesn't think obesity is good doesn't make that person bad. He/she has an opinion that is differnt from yours. I don't like the color pink, does it make me bad b/c I don't and the majority may like pink?
Some people may have to admit their bias and hypocricy. Some here say being fat is irrelvant but I can swear that many of you who say that wouldn't want a fat/obese/overweight person as a partner/lover. One can not have one qualification for one thing and a different for another.
Personally, I don't think obesity is good health wise or appearance wise BUT there should be a common level of respect for people who are fat/obese. It may not be appealing to someone to be obese but there should be some respect and I believe that is the general belief of everyone here in terms of being fat and being a nudist. Many nudist may not like the obesity but "we" all give that person our respect, appreciation, and we do not treat that person any less. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I think you are misunderstanding the real issue here. I don't think being fat is a good thing but I do know that it isn't a choice in many cases. What pisses me (and other fat people ) is when people think we choose to be this way and that we are lazy, not clean and eat tons of fattening food all the time. This brings in the respect issue.... people who are clueless about how and why people gain weight and make ignorant comments are not deserving of respect.

As for wanting someone fat as a lover or partner that is an entirely different matter. Everyone has physical preferences on what they like on a personal level. Myself, I don't like real hairy or heavy or ultra-thin partners(and I am heavy). Some prefer real thin... some prefer heavy. That isn't prejudice.

[stevenf64]

I hope its alright because no one ever said I couldnt be a nudist

[Jill]

Thanks so much for your advice. I agree with lots of differant posts. I do believe that being healthy is very important, wether your big or slim. I call myself a big girl, I'm big boned and very tall so I don't actually say that I am fat. I think I am going to visit a recreation area at the end of the month in my hometown Pa, and it's only about an hour away so that's pretty cool.So thanks for the info.

Does anyone know anything about Pensylvan? I think that's the way you spell it..LOL...

Any information on Pennsylvania recreaton facilities would be much appreciated.
Jill

[wannabenaked2001]

where is Lancaster Co.? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jill:
Does anyone know anything about Pensylvan? I think that's the way you spell it..LOL...

Any information on Pennsylvania recreaton facilities would be much appreciated.
Jill <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Here ya go:

Pennsylvan (http://pennsylvan.net/)

NudistParksUSA click here & enter your Zip code (http://nudistparksusa.net/)

-Mark

[Bob S.]

"Some here say being fat is irrelvant but I can swear that many of you who say that wouldn't want a fat/obese/overweight person as a partner/lover. One can not have one qualification for one thing and a different for another."

Croydon, I have many male friends but would not want to date any of them. Acceptance of another's body is a totally different concept than choosing someone whom you would want to go out with. We all have our own personal preferences for what we consider as beauty. We also have our own personal preferences for who we would want to be friends with.

In terms of being able to go to nudist parks/beaches and being accepted, height, weight, and all other natural attributes/disfigurements are acceped. It is the inner attributes such as behavior and personality that determine the ultimate judgements of others.

Bob S.

[Angel]

Many posts in this thread have addressed the general "body acceptance" issue. Here's my 2 cents worth:

A lot of people criticize Barbie for giving young girls (and boys!) unreal body expectations. Here's what I learned from playing with Barbie and her friends:

Barbie has friends from all kinds of different races and cultures - but they all look pretty much the same when you take their clothes off.

It's hard to make clothes for Barbie because her body is disproportionate.

Barbie can't ride Dusty's Palimino because her joints don't work the same, but she has fun laying by the pool with Malibu Barbie.

Barbie and Ken didn't have any children of their own, but they could and did adopt.

Magic Curl Barbie had a *lot* of "bad hair" days.

Barbie was always smiling, even when wearing ugly clothes or with unsightly (ink) marks drawn on her, or even when her leg got broken off.

And *that's* what I think of when I think of looking like Barbie - of *smiling*, no matter what.

Barbie lived in a world where it didn't matter what color your skin, hair, or eyes were. And you couldn't always find things that fit well. And you couldn't do some things because your body just wouldn't cooperate - but you could do other fun things. And even if you got hurt or didn't look your best, you could still smile.

Like Barbie, I have friends of many cultures. And I have a disproportionate body that's sometimes hard to fit. And I can't do some things, but can do others. And I have scars and bad hair days. And I can find ways to compensate for physical or clinical limitations.

By Barbie's standards, I have a pretty good life!

And when I take my clothes off, and my friends take their clothes off, we're all pretty much the same underneath. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[harmony]

I just happened across this message board and I find all this really interesting..and somewhat amusing!

I am not a naturist (not by title anyway) but I am comfy with my body because I am comfy with ME. I wouldn't mind exploring the nude aspects of that comfort but I'm not sure that's what makes a naturist or not. As far as I can tell, being a naturist has nothing to do with accepting other people in whatever state THEY are in, but with just being who you are and accepting yourself. If you can do that, then whatever other people think or say is really of no importance.

As to the obesity and weight issue: Being morbidly overweight is inherently unhealthy. I belive we can all agree on that. Medically and in regards to common sense that is just a no-brainer. But, as soon as we decide that we want to make a healthy lifestyle as our goal and we start to do something about it, whether it be starting to eat in a healthy manner or getting out (or in) and doing an activity that we love to do, then we have already acheived that goal. If weight loss is what you want for yourself, then it's your choice to do whatever it takes to get to that point in your life. If being healthy and active is your choice..then again, it's all up to you to go for those changes and make them a part of your life.

While we are all different body shapes and sizes, it has has pretty well been proven that obesity is not pre-determined or inherited. However,the behaviors that make that happen are learned. They can be changed, if that is what we want for ourselves. Unless one has a medical problem that will keep them from attaining the goal they have set for themselves, anything you want to acheive for yourself can be possible. From my own standpoint, I have lost 100 pounds in the last 2 years. I also have been involved with another group of people who have lost anywhere from 10 to 250 pounds. These people are not special, just people who wish to live a healthy life so, for whatever reason, they can be around for a long time. None of them said they "were predisposed to being heavy". They all said they want to do what's best for their health and then found the best way to do it for themselves. For them, the weight loss just follwed the healthy choices they made for themselves. By the way, I have 2 artificial knee joints..I bike about 75 miles a week. That was my goal. So not all medical things can be blamed for keeping you from what you really want.

The other thing I have found with each and every one of the other group, is a calmness and control..happiness with who they are and where they are going. People who seem to "fit" in their own skin, whether it's a little looser or tauter than others, are enjoying the trip of life and don't really care what the other's say or think aout them. Would you all accept me because I have long scars on my knees or some looser skin on my body? To be honest, I wouldn't care. I'm very grateful that I can walk and that I can do so many of the things I could not do before. I just would expect that you all could accept me because of what's inside and I hope that my experiences would add to what happening in your lives.

I'm so amused by the bantering back and forth here! Just like a family! I sure hope that first poster in this thread has had his question answered!

Have a great day!

harmony

Harmony...Great philosophy...thanks for sharing...Hope you can get into naturism...It feels so goooood! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by harmony:

While we are all different body shapes and sizes, it has has pretty well been proven that obesity is not pre-determined or inherited. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>John Stossel on a recent edition of 20/20 did indeed make this statement in his report, supported by a pair of researchers. However, like most things taught by the media it is far from conclusive.

There have been numerous studies suggesting just the opposite.

A recent avenue of inquiry (http://www.cbass.com/Ghrelin.htm) has identified a hormone produced by the stomach, GHRELIN (http://www.pwsa-nz.co.nz/ghrelin.html), which may the primary reason almost all diets ultimately fail. A severe inherited defect in ghrelin regulation occurs in Prader Willi Syndrome (http://www.pwsausa.org/syndrome/basicfac.htm) , a congenital condition that includes uncontrollable appetite among its symptoms. A lesser defect may be inherited in families with a history of obesity.

[harmony]

There are alot of reasons we can find for not taking care of ourselves. And there are ALOT of studies both to show that weight gain or loss is predetermined or learned. But..since it's my body, I chose that I can change the behaviors rather than just sit back and let myself be unhealthy.

Thanks /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

harmony

[Stuffed Tiger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jill:
Does anyone know anything about Pensylvan? I think that's the way you spell it..LOL...
Jill <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Not affiliated with PennSylvan in any way but have visited several times. Was comfortable as a newbie.

Open year round. Family oriented. Nice and clean and in good repair.

For winter or summer: nice wood indoor sauna; tanning bed, indoor hot tub with gas fireplace perfect for a cold or snowy day. Indoor swimming pool heated just right - not cold, not too hot; has a large net that can be strung across for water sports. Nice area around pool. Can bring pool chairs or use benches provided to sit and talk. Very nice people.

Sauna, hot tub, indoor pool, showers and rec area conveniently located with shower and nice rest room (good place to blow dry hair - leave the door open just in case someone needs to use it).

For summer: Outdoor swimming pool and deck. Tennis, etc. Additional showers and other facilities for summer.

Other: Rec area being upgraded - looking good. Snack bar upgraded - looking good.

Hope you have/had a wonderful visit.

[StanO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jbnet:
I an what you call a "big guy". I am not ahsame of it. I injoy being a "big guy" I want to try nudism but am worred about how others would treat a fat nudist. So can you be fat and nude. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I understand exactly what you mean because I'm the exact opposite, I'm 130 lbs, 5' 10.5". The thing I worry about is how others would treat a skinny nudist.

[Ottergirl77]

StanO,

Thanks for posting. Being unhappily overweight myself, it's sometimes hard for me to believe that ANYONE could think they were too thin...and it's a good reminder to me to know that everyone has things they don't like about themselves. I remember a friend of mine in college saying how much she hated it when people told her she was too thin. I admit that my jealosy got the better of me and I had a hard time being a friend to her on that issue. Hopefully I've grown up a little since then.

As for how you would be treated, I'm probably not the best person to answer this, as I'm also new here and have never been to any naturist activities. However, I will say that I've met a lot of genuinely nice people on this message board, and I think that if they can accept an unsightly flabby woman like me, they would probably have no problem with a thin guy /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

At any rate, welcome!!

-Ottergirl /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Huntingtom]

Whatever anyone says, it is a general trend in our society to hate an obese person, girls wont go to him, everyone will notice him, everyone will pass remarks, it then gets worst.

[MaxNik]

I don't think anyone will even notice you...so overcome your self-conciesness and just be open to meeting many new friendly people.