I'm Fat - So What!

Last week on Tyra Banks' talk show, she discussed her latest interview with People Magazine. Ever since Tyra was recently made a target regarding her weight by the paparazzi and fashion industry, she has been fighting back hard and heavy. Tyra has repeatedly said on her talk and on her CW hit series, America's Next Top Model that the fashion industry has put too much emphasis on super thin models and she has a problem with this. On every season of America's Next Top Model Tyra has had at least one full-figured woman on the show. On the new season that just aired last week, Tyra had included two full-figured women to compete for the title.

Tyra proudly admitted to People Magazine and on her talk show that she weighs in at 161 pounds and she does not have a problem with her weight. Tyra admits to having gained 25 pounds over the past 10 years as she has aged. At first I thought if Tyra was not concerned with what other people thought about her weight then why is she making such a big deal about it? Ever since the alleged fake paparazzi picture of her weighing in at almost 200 pounds surfaced, she has had multiple shows on self-image, weight issues and eating disorders. But then I realized that she is speaking out and fighting back because of the message she is trying to spread to women - especially young, impressionable girls. You do not have to be super thin and starve yourself to be important. Her message is to like yourself for who you are - size and all. She is telling the world "So What!" and she wants us to do the same.

I have caught Tyra's spirit and I am also saying "So What!" I'm fat and so what! I am a beautiful, giving, caring wife and mother. My husband loves me the way I am and he finds me very attractive. So to anyone out there who thinks I should look better - so what! I weigh in 80-pounds heavier than when my husband and I married, but so what. After multiple health issues, childbirth, and thyroid problems I am lucky it is only 80 pounds and not more. I am tired of beating myself up over not being able to take off the extra weight regardless of trying everything under the sun to lose it. I'm tired and it's just not worth it anymore - so what. I dress well, my clothes all fit appropriately and even us plus-size women can wear attractive clothes. My thighs rub together when I walk and I have cellulite on my butt and thighs - so what! I can no longer go without wearing a bra as I was able to when my husband and I first got together but so what!

I'm tired of the fashion industry and society deciding for everyone what they feel is attractive and what isn't. I'm tired of people trying to run my life thinking that I would only be happy if I didn't carry the burden around of extra pounds. Losing weight and being thin does not equate to happiness. If you don't look yourself when you are overweight, you won't like yourself thin either.

Tyra Banks' message is clear. It's not worth dying and jeopardizing your health to look what the fashion industry considers "acceptable". Have you ever really looked at these super thin models? Why is that considered acceptable and attractive? Most of them have no shape and no curves to even distinguish them as women, and I have this huge desire to feed them. I'll take my extra curves any day over starving myself so that I can fit into the newest fashion size of 00.

Maybe with just one "so what" at a time, we can all change what is considered acceptable in America in regards to weight and learn to love ourselves just the way we are, inch for inch, pound for pound.