THE WEIGHT DEBATE

Hi Everyone!
I have been seeking an opportunity to bring up this topic and I am so glad that I have one now.
The issue of weight and weight loss is a big talking point (and big business!) in Nigeria. There are so many ‘weight loss centres’, most of which are uncertified and often advocate really unhealthy weight loss methods.
I know for a fact that many young (and older) Nigerian girls and women have eating disorders most especially bulimia.
The Nigerian environment really does put a lot of pressure on women in terms of their weight. I don’t think that the Nigerian ideal of beauty is a ‘stick-thin’ image but people (especially women) tend to comment very openly (without invitation) on other women’s weight. Voluptuous girls get the ‘you should lose weight’ comments while skinny girls often get the ‘you should gain weight’ comments.
How many times has someone that isn’t even a good friend or close relative said something along the lines of ‘Long time! Ah you have gained/lost weight….try to lose it/you should be eating more’….
Did I ask you for a weight assessment?
I was reading the new TW magazine (It’s a fab mag by the way, its geared towards a late thirties/forties audience though) and I saw this article on weight loss. I am proud of the lady featured for pursuing a healthier lifestyle but I am even prouder of her for discussing her eating disorder.