Weight, Weight Do Tell Me: Janet Jackson

Hey Farai! Keep up with the workouts! Exercise works. My most successful and long-term weight loss - 75lbs kept off for more than 2 years - was the result of regularly working out. I found that exercising everyday (even if only for a short time) boosted my metabolism enough to take the weight off and keep it off. Also, regular workouts changed the way I felt and changed the foods I craved so I was able to lose the weight without dieting - or the sense of deprivation that comes with going on any kind of diet.

In my opinion diets don't work. In fact, I think diets contribute to weight gain. Sure, you might lose in the short-term, but in the long run it all comes back - plus a little extra. I swear if I'd never dieted in my life I would weight about 40lbs less than I do right now.

So, you might ask, if I had a successful weight loss and managed to keep it off for two years - why am I fat now? Well, a back injury that had me laid up for 3 months got the weight back on. Still since I know HOW to get rid of it, I should be able to do it, right?

Well, I'm inclined to agree with your theories. I am definitely caught in the throes of "Post Traumatic Superwoman Disorder." As a work at home mother of two with little childcare help, I get caught up in doing for everyone else all day - and somehow my treat for taking care of so much for so many always seems to be something sweet to eat late at night.

And there seems to be a protective element to staying fat. Some emotional thing that I know I need to work out. Though I will disagree with you about being fat making me non-threatening to others. I mean, certainly it does that, but it goes further than that. I find that I'm not threatening to people when I'm fat because they tend to completely disregard me. Particularly in professional situations, I am treated as though I am less intelligent and less competent when I'm heavy than when I'm thin. And though, it is rumored that Black people have less issues with weight than white people, I find that it's more often Black folks who are more discriminatory when I'm fat. Go figure.

I find that all the issues around weight are so pervasive and complex that I could think about it day and night and still not figure out all the answers. Still I'm trying, I do a lot of the work on the blog I created just for dealing with my weight issues - thefatladiesing.blogspot.com -

But I know my weight isn't all about me. For instance, this summer I read an article that said that 82% of Black women in this country over 40 are obese. 82%!!! Now that can't just be attributed to individual lack of willpower. Still, I have to fight my individual battle with weight - knowing that there might just be larger issues that just what's going on with me, personally, that effect my weight.

Sometimes, thinking about it gets to be too much. I guess that's when it's a good time to go out for a walk - and boost that metabolism.

Sent by Julie | 12:27 PM | 10-13-2007

Farai,

I wish you the best of luck with you weight loss endeavor. I respect you for trying to change on the inside first.

Also, I would love to hear more about your "Post Traumatic Superwoman Disorder" theory. It sounds very interesting. Any way that I can get a better understanding to try to help the women in my family I am all for it.

Once again, good luck!

Sent by TR | 10:54 PM | 10-13-2007

One issue about overweight that really bothers me is the stigma attached to it by many people. I've always happened to be one of those people who can eat anything but don't gain weight. It isn't self control. It isn't moral virtue. It's my body.

My sister, on the other hand, has had to struggle with it all her life.

People should not assume that as a group people who are overweight are lazy, self indulgent overeaters. They should assume that overall they're like any other random group of humans but have more of a biological predisposition to weight gain.

Paul - originalfaith.com

Sent by Paul Maurice Martin | 10:48 AM | 10-15-2007

Ferai, you are an outstanding young woman, and I enjoy listening to you every evening. I'm so happy to hear about your lifestyle changes, but do realize that you have a rather high-stress job, even if fun and exciting. Stress management is probably as much a factor in weight loss as exercise and food. So I'd say focus on those three, and you'll reach the weight that is good and healthy for you. We're all pulling for ya!

Sent by Gigi Jones | 9:11 PM | 10-18-2007

Sistah-work it out. It is not just good for the body-it is a mind regulator. I will be 54 in a couple of weeks. I do a jab workout twice a week. I find putting on a pair of hot pink glove and punching a bag does wonders for my psyche as well as my body. I found that as I started seeing the difference in my physical self the food regime started to alter. I still love chocolate and I am a firm believer in self indulgence. Moderation is the key in my opinon. Good luck and hang in there! And if you need support-say so-that's just as important as the workout routines.

Sent by D.L.White | 1:15 PM | 10-27-2007