quote:

ORIGINAL: Galacia

Why do you think it is a stupid question?

quote:

ORIGINAL: avox
I keep seeing the term "bear" in the ads, and, I guess it means BBW for men?
But does it mean more?
Why not just say fat?

quote:

ORIGINAL: OvidInDallas

Hello Avox,

Bear is a term used in the gay community to describe a man who is hairy and generally larger/husky. This doesn't necessarily mean fat. It could be someone who is more built like a typical construction worker (for example) which is an individual who tends to be larger and in shape but not muscular like a bodybuilder.

I am sure you aren't being intentionally offensive, but when you say "it means BBW for men" and then ask "Why not just say fat?" you are promoting a body image shaming attitude. The reason people describe themselves as BBW or as a bear is first, because they are describing a physical trait they are proud of and that other people are attracted to (even if you might not be personally) and second, because it is far more body positive than describing themselves as fat which may not even be true and is a term loaded with negative connotations and shaming.

Hopefully that answers your questions.

Regards,
Ovid

quote:

ORIGINAL: sexyred1

The original OP was about a term, not a fat thread, but you helped turn it into one, along with another poster who said obesity causes cancer

So I guess I caused my own cancer, which I will mention at the chemo center on Monday.

Sorry you had to personally suffer sitting next to a larger person on a plane, that is really tough.

It is not up to you or anyone else to decide how someone views themselves or how body acceptance is promoted. Whomever wants to do that is far more helpful than assholes who are cruel.

Finally, not one fat man or woman on the planet needs any education from strangers on their size or their health. That is between them and their health professionals.

And all the recent big is beautiful social media campaigns never ONCE say being fat is always healthy. They are here because body acceptance goes a long way towards making people help themselves, if possible, rather than body shaming.

quote:

ORIGINAL: RedMagic1



This is one of the most highly cited articles indicating the obesity -> cancer link. 100% guarantee your oncologist has read it.

http://www.nature.com/nrc/journal/v4/n8/abs/nrc1408.html

Whether you in any way "caused your own cancer" may be impossible to determine. It depends on the type of tumor, as well as many other factors. It might be easier to eliminate your weight as a contributing factor than to state that yes your weight was a contributing factor. That's a matter for discussion with your own medical team, if you decide you want to bring it up. Speculation about that on the internet is counterproductive, at best.

Regarding your comment about social media campaigns, I won't link to any of the ones I was referring to, because I find them abhorrent. However, the This Is Thin Privilege blog does provide a gateway into that world, if you're interested in seeing what I'm referring to. Fair warning: those people are the moral equivalent of faith-healing parents who pray for their children instead of taking them to the hospital, and then accept no responsibility when the children die.

Best wishes in your fight.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kalikshama

Apparently not, however. (St = stone, a unit of weight used in the UK. 60 stone = 840 pounds.)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sexyred1

That is true. I am going to one of the best cancer centers in the world and my oncologist is brilliant and a scientist.

I actually asked asked him about nutritional advice to fight cancer and he said, "just eat healthy and don't focus on weight right now. Focus on positive attitude. I have heavy, thin, and average cancer patients, because everyone on earth has cancer cells, which is why even kids get cancer."

You can do everything right with eating and exercise, and it's out of your control.

To the nasty posters, god help you if cancer chooses you or a family member as it's next victim. I just hope they aren't fat.