I'm fat??? what???

[iamsmilin]

Originally Posted by TopGirl

And I don;t think it's fair to assume that all of the smaller girls back home are unhealthy. Lifestyle is different to that of the US (well for my country it is) and many girls are a size 2 w/o even trying. People walk EVERYWHERE and processed food is considered a luxury. That plus a young girls metabolism could explain why many are underweight.

I can see what you mean but when I look at full grown women with no curves I don't think it's too attractive (sorry if I offend anyone). Again it goes back to a cultural perception but I grew up in the US and I think having some curves makes you look more feminine. I have to say I am one of the few asian girls I know with booty and it has taken me a long time to like it.

[ami kio]

Originally Posted by iamsmilin

I can see what you mean but when I look at full grown women with no curves I don't think it's too attractive (sorry if I offend anyone).

I think that it's fine -- albeit some may find it hurtful -- to think that women with no curves aren't attractive since everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, IMO it's important to note that having no curves isn't necessarily unhealthy. Anyone who has traveled in Asia can attest that Asians are on average smaller than the average Caucasian-American. It's a combination of genetics (e.g. smaller bone structure) & environment (e.g. more walking & less processed foods), not b/c everyone has an eating disorder or health issues.

[ami kio]

Originally Posted by GhstDreamer

^That is true - unfortunately most Asian parents/relatives/strangers/friends don't consider muscle mass or a toned body very attractive. It just has to be skinny. When I was younger I used to work out at the gym like mad and weighed my heaviest at 117 lbs due to muscle mass. I got a lot of comments on how big I was and how "unhealthy" it is to be that big but I was thinking how odd since I might be heavier and look heavier but I certainly felt healthier.

Several years ago, I read an article in the WSJ about the troubles that Western fitness clubs had when trying to expand into Asia. At first, the businesses tried their standard advertising, not realizing that many Asians find the Western ideal of a toned physique unattractive. They had to completely revamp the class offerings to emphasize overall weight loss instead of muscle definition.

[juneping]

^^i also read about a HK star who is a year older than me - 39. she still keeping her weight as in her younger days.
her secret was diet...beat the temptation. she didn't suggest going to gym bc of the muscle tone from the exercise...she likes her feminine curves. i guess it's different strokes different folks...??

[xlana]

Originally Posted by ami kio

Several years ago, I read an article in the WSJ about the troubles that Western fitness clubs had when trying to expand into Asia. At first, the businesses tried their standard advertising, not realizing that many Asians find the Western ideal of a toned physique unattractive. They had to completely revamp the class offerings to emphasize overall weight loss instead of muscle definition.

This is SO TRUE. When I went to Taiwan last summer, I wondered where were all the gyms?? And then all the native Taiwan residents said that there was no point, because 90% of the time the gym would close down within a year. Reason being nobody would go. I think the "toned" look isn't the most attractive look there.

[ami kio]

Originally Posted by xlana

This is SO TRUE. When I went to Taiwan last summer, I wondered where were all the gyms?? And then all the native Taiwan residents said that there was no point, because 90% of the time the gym would close down within a year. Reason being nobody would go.

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. IME, most people go to the gym to lose weight or get muscle definition. If the general population is slim due to genetics/environment & toned muscles are considered unattractive, there isn't much reason to go to the gym at all.

[iamsmilin]

Originally Posted by ami kio

I think that it's fine -- albeit some may find it hurtful -- to think that women with no curves aren't attractive since everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, IMO it's important to note that having no curves isn't necessarily unhealthy. Anyone who has traveled in Asia can attest that Asians are on average smaller than the average Caucasian-American. It's a combination of genetics (e.g. smaller bone structure) & environment (e.g. more walking & less processed foods), not b/c everyone has an eating disorder or health issues.

I'm sorry I didn't mean to be hurtful. I think I said it wrong. I don't think it's unattractive (nice double negative huh?) I just think having some meat and curves look better.

I'm not even really thinking about the the girls in Asia, I'm thinking of the Asian girls in the US that I know personally. A lot of the ones I know really take "being thin" too far. I don't think they have eating disorders but a lot I know skate a really thin line.

[juneping]

i just want to add my $.02 here.
i think in terms of body type, asian and westerners are very different.
most asian for example 5'-4" and shorter weight say 160-180lb...generally we don't look that nice...we won't have a waist line or anything. but many westerners say same height and weight...they have waist, boobs and butts. they look much better. may be a lot of asian are not going to agree with me but that's how i see. but i do see more and more american asian are heavier built just like the westerners...they are thick (very big boobs) but not fat.

[LemonDrop]

Are some Asian cultures more blunt than what we would expect in the west? Recently I worked with a very very very very nice Chinese lady. She had only lived in the USA for a few years. She was so sweet and kind and endearing. On our very last day working together she asked me out of blue, "Is that your real hair color?" When I said yes she said no more. Which was odd. Then a minute later she says, "Your eyes are light brown but not dark brown." Then she is quiet for a bit and then says, "you are very white." I just laughed. But I was feeling a bit akward. Then after about 30 seconds of silence she says, "Your shirt is too big. You are too tiny to wear it like that and should wear it tight like the other girls." My mouth dropped open. All i could think was it was a cultural difference as she seemed to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOO nice the prior 2 days we had spent together. If she had been American I would have told her to stfu!

[helpchow]

Originally Posted by LemonDrop

Are some Asian cultures more blunt than what we would expect in the west? Recently I worked with a very very very very nice Chinese lady. She had only lived in the USA for a few years. She was so sweet and kind and endearing. On our very last day working together she asked me out of blue, "Is that your real hair color?" When I said yes she said no more. Which was odd. Then a minute later she says, "Your eyes are light brown but not dark brown." Then she is quiet for a bit and then says, "you are very white." I just laughed. But I was feeling a bit akward. Then after about 30 seconds of silence she says, "Your shirt is too big. You are too tiny to wear it like that and should wear it tight like the other girls." My mouth dropped open. All i could think was it was a cultural difference as she seemed to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOO nice the prior 2 days we had spent together. If she had been American I would have told her to stfu!

To answer your question, I think some asian cultures are more blunt than in the west. I am of asian descent and can tell you that the older asian women at my work sometimes treat me like their daughters and I don't mean this in a positive way. Some will note if I am too thin or have gained weight, will ask me how much my purses or clothes costs and gasped if I tell them and they will note if an outfit doesn't look nice on me. All very intrusive questions and comments that I do find wholly inappropriate considering that I am an attorney working in a large firm. But I try not to get upset at these women as they were not raised in western culture or schooled in the US.

[GhstDreamer]

I don't find the bluntness to be limited to only older asian women. Sometimes, I find the ones of my generation and younger do the exact same thing as well. I had asian acquaintances (Japanese and Chinese) who are around my age and won't hesitate to comment about someone's weight in front of her but often times, in a more indirect way.

Originally Posted by ami kio

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. IME, most people go to the gym to lose weight or get muscle definition. If the general population is slim due to genetics/environment & toned muscles are considered unattractive, there isn't much reason to go to the gym at all.

I never thought about that way but it makes complete sense!!!

[dell]

Gee... 105 lbs, you fattie!!!!! OMG, get a grip! I don't care what ethnicity you are, 105lbs is tiny!

I haven't weighed that little since my freshman year of high school!

[chanelbaby]

Originally Posted by claireZk

I agree. The first thing I was thinking when I started reading the OP's post was "is she Asian?" because that's just how it is... I don't think anyone who's 105 is fat btw. But for people who don't understand the culture, older Asian women tend to be VERY blunt. It's not meant to be hurtful or rude.

I disagree with the comment its not meant to be hurtful or rude, they know exactly what they are saying and the impact, they know they are being mean and bitchy.

I'm oriental myself and they bitch nearly all the time about clothes, money, trying to get rich husband ....thats why I don't have many oriental friends.

[luckygirl83]

Originally Posted by chanelbaby

I'm oriental myself and they bitch nearly all the time about clothes, money, trying to get rich husband ....thats why I don't have many oriental friends.

Same here. Not that I am not proud of my Asian heritage but for the same reasons above (plus the whole "fat" conversations that pop up from time to time), I have very few Asian friends. I find that Asian friends who grew up out of Asia has a bit more tact although it also depends on the way they were raised as well the friends they tend to hang out with.

[9thlady]

u are not fat at all .
I am almost 58KG after gave birth to a baby.
see the benefit .it can save my lots of money on
purchasing clothes lal... but i still try to lose weight.