Why Women Size Each Other Up Based on Weight

Do you ever notice that when you meet a new woman she immediately looks you up and down? You would think it would be men giving you the once over. But no, women are checking each other out to see who weighs more! That's according to a recent study that says women form opinions about each other within seconds of meeting, based on pounds, not personality.

I think weight has become somewhat of an obsession for women; with good reason. This country keeps getting fatter by the day. And the quest for slimness is fueled by skinny models and muscular pop stars inundating TV screens and magazine covers. So it's no wonder we are slaves to the scale.

Say you meet a skinny woman at an office party, and you immediately go into jealous mode. You think to yourself, "Why can't I look like that?" But when you meet a slightly plump woman who happens to be your same age, you suddenly feel better about yourself. You think, "I don't look so bad after all."

And the clothing manufacturers have caught wind of this trend and are creating clothes to make us feel better. Size inflation has gotten completely out of control. I walked into a store the other day and realized I now wear a size zero. And believe me, I am no size zero. I'm not heavy, but I think 10 years, ago, I probably would have been a size four or six. It seems like being slightly over weight has suddenly become the new "normal." And if you are a healthy weight, people think you're skinny!

So, instead of luring ourselves into a false sense of what I'll call "weight security," and sneering at the skinny girls who so effortlessly look great, try to get tips from them instead of judging them.

Ask Thin Women How they Stay That Way

People love to give others advice. So the next time you meet someone you just want to hate, sit down and have a conversation with her. Get her advice about eating, exercising, and how she combats those hunger cravings. And you might find you have more in common then an obsession with the scale.

Form a Weight Loss Group at Your Office or in Your Neighborhood

The people that lose weight and keep it off, do it with others. You can form your own support group. It doesn't have to be anything formal. Just call each other when you have cravings, or meet once a week to walk around the neighborhood. And you might really get to know people you never thought would become your friends.

Stop Sizing Each Other Up!

I remember meeting a friend at a restaurant, and I looked down at her purse. And I think she thought I was looking at her stomach because she had gained a little weight. I immediately noticed a distinct shift in her mood. I didn't make a big deal about it. But from that point on, I make sure I never look at anything other than someone's face.

Another time, someone who is a little heavy gave me the once over and then sneered at me. And I know why. Over the past two years, I have lost about 25 pounds. But instead of congratulating me, she felt somewhat abandoned by me. I wasn't like her anymore.

I know we are all a little obsessed about our weight, but let's talk about it, and help each other, instead of begrudging those poor skinny girls who seem to have it all, but no friends!


More from this contributor:

What Men Say about the Women in Their Lives

Signs You Need to Ditch Your Date and Leave Early

Could Women Live Longer if Their Husbands are Nearly the Same Age?