Published on March 14, 2023
(c) antart Fotosearch_k12303163
Friends spend a lot of time together. They tend to eat similar foods and engage in similar activities. Thus, what you consider to be a normal and appropriate body size for yourself is oftentimes based on the weight of those around you.
As those in one’s circle gain weight or become more overweight or obese, they come to think it’s OK to be bigger since those around them are bigger. This rising tide of “fat blindness” changes your perception of what is a normal weight in general, but specifically in a circle of friends and family (this is why so many parents refuse to see their kids are fat).
It’s easy to eat dessert when there are four forks and everyone’s gorging and exclaiming how delicious it is.
It’s hard to be the person making a healthy change in a group of heavy people who like to eat.
As Ghandi said, however, you must be the change you want to see in the world. Ultimately, you have to feel confident about saying no. In so doing, perhaps you can be a role model; perhaps you can “slimfluence” friends to make the same healthy choices next time. At the very least, give your friends a strong message not to wave cookies in your face or pressure you to be one of the four fork holders sharing dessert next time you get together.
