https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:25:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602312 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 06:01:25 +0000 MsMary 1602312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, too, have been fascinated over the years by Oprah's trials with her weight. I had weight-loss surgery almost 6 years ago and it was truly life-changing for me. Honestly, I can't for the life of me understand why Oprah hasn't done the same thing. She is obviously a very motivated and disciplined person and I think she would be very successful. I can only imagine that she has bought into the whole "surgery is the easy way out" myth. But my philosophy has always been "high five for the easy way!"</p> <p>Edited to add I think Oprah looks great at every size, and I think beauty comes in all sizes. But since her weight is obviously a tender spot for her, I'm puzzled why she hasn't looked into all of her options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602287 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 04:33:37 +0000 shiny 1602287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm an Oprah fan myself, though I haven't followed her for ages as I gave up the t.v. 10 years ago and magazines even longer ago, so I may be out of touch. I love that she has all this money and personal chefs and all of that, yet still struggles in some areas -- just like any other human.</p> <p>More and more research seems to be suggesting that weight whether high or low is driven by our gut micro biome, more than anything else. This is fascinating to me. I've gained weight since I switched jobs and I can't help wondering if it's because the frequent travel has changed my micro biome.&nbsp;</p> <p>This concept has very much led me to self acceptance as I don't think I'm in control here (who is this "I" anyway??). Microorganisms in my gut are in control -- dictating what I crave, when and what I eat, how much, how it's processed, and also maybe even how much I feel like moving and exercising, as well as moods and sleep.</p> <p>It's interesting how we are constructed -- there's this whole battle between what "I" want, and what the biome wants.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's really awesome being over 50, as every day is my peak and no matter what that's something to rejoice. I'm never going to be better than right NOW. Even if I was razor thin and exercising for peak fitness, time marches on and I can't stop the aging. I'm finding this freeing. I worry less and less that I'm being judged for how I look, but rather, what I &nbsp;can do and contribute.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602226 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 01:55:21 +0000 Gaylene 1602226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the six or so years I've been on the forum, I don't think I've ever read a cruel or rude comment intentionally directed at a another forum member. But I have seen members offended by comments that they interpreted as being directed at them or viewed as critical of their choices. </p> <p>I think it's important to keep in mind, since most of us only know each superficially through our on-line persona, it is impossible to know each others' sensitive spots. Most forum members are very careful to indicate that their opinions are just that--their opinions--and others, as adult women, are free to disagree or ignore opinions. </p> <p>Caro, you are one of the most tactful and sensitive commenters on this forum. Your views and opinions are always worth reading, so please continue to open threads like this one. </p> <p>CocoC--I hope you stay on the forum. You are not alone in disliking seeing women being criticized and judged for their choices. That said, though, I think it's healthy to discuss WHY we make the choices we do. I've learned, during my time on the forum, to question many of my attitudes and judgements because of the generosity of members like Caro who pose questions which make me rethink my instinctive responses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602196 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:57:51 +0000 Caro in Oz 1602196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CocoC - I showed you an article highlighting cultural norms in parts of Asia - it is a fairly superficial article but I thought it got a different viewpoint across. I NEVER even entertained the thought you may be taken for a prostitute. Sorry you have taken one sentence from the article personally.</p> <p>One of the things I love about YLF is that we can speak honestly &amp; it is (mostly) done with respect for the feelings of others.</p> <p>FYI - my point was not to criticise other women.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602194 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:43:19 +0000 Aida 1602194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coco I've never thought you looked uncomfortable in your shorter skirts, you've got great gams so show 'em off if you want to! I hope your sister's health improves, and I also hope you'll stay on the forum I don't think it really it matters <i>to us</i><i> as individuals</i> WHY anyone else (especially someone we don't know) decides they want to lose weight, does it? Such a personal decision; if it's important to the person in question it's fine with me, sure doesn't affect <i>my own</i> health and well being.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602187 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:30:15 +0000 Cococat 1602187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No offence to Angie, but I think it's very much a generalisation. The chase to be slimmer for my sister is about her health. Do we really know why Oprah has chosen to lose weight again?</p> <p>I hate to see women criticised and judged for their choices and will speak my mind about it, whether it's a popular opinion or not.</p> <p>So far on this forum I've been told I look uncomfortable for wearing something too short, and that I might have been mistaken for a prostitute for something I wore.</p> <p>Perhaps I simply don't belong here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602184 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:20:33 +0000 kerry 1602184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My guess is she did the deal not for more personal wealth but rather to keep funding her philanthropic work and her OWN network. I don't watch much on her network but find her SuperSoul Sundays and the like inspiring. I think she's a well-intentioned individual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602176 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:53:58 +0000 Caro in Oz 1602176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too bettycrocker :)</p> <p>CocoC. I agree it's always an individual choice. I think Angie said it best though:</p> <p><i>"The constant chase to look younger, slimmer, fitter and unblemished is a death spiral for the soul." </i></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602174 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:39:00 +0000 Cococat 1602174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I confess, this is the first I've heard of it. I don't really follow Oprah and I rarely watch TV apart from SBS and the ABC. </p> <p>It's interesting that Oprah has decided to lose weight again. It sounds like a deal too good to refuse and I also think that Oprah is very motivated by challenges and success. WW also have a good maintenance plan IF you continue to engage. I don't think it's easy and it can become tiresome. Maintenance is the hardest part IMO. </p> <p>I'm all for body acceptance IF you can genuinely accept. My sister struggles with her weight and it goes way beyond physical appearance. It impacts her knees, blood pressure, and skin. She is constantly on the diet roller coaster and I know it makes her unhappy.</p> <p>I have no problems with women who choose breast implants, face lifts, Botox, whatever. If they want to look a certain way, that's their choice and I think it's unfair to judge and make assumptions about it. I see celebs get trashed in magazines because they've apparently done something to their face or body or they're not ageing well, or they have cellulite or whatever and it really sickens me that women are constantly criticised (including by other women) about appearance.....we're damned if we age naturally/accept our weight etc. and damned if we don't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1602033 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:24:32 +0000 Anonymous 1602033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yoga is the best thing I have ever done for my body. I wish I had known about it and practiced it years ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601913 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 03:23:34 +0000 Caro in Oz 1601913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>shevia - I agree. I like to focus on what my body can do too. Yoga is fabulous for body acceptance &amp; for understanding there are good days &amp; bad ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601910 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 03:12:50 +0000 Caro in Oz 1601910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - so glad you are enjoying your holiday &amp; thanks for sharing the story of the unhappy looking woman It reminds me of some of the comments about the Tilda Swinton character in Trainwreck, lots of people thought she looked "better" in that role than she does in real life - all I could see was some conventional idea of what mid-life women "should" look like. I much prefer Tilda the way she is :)&nbsp;</p> <p>DonnaF - menopause can be tricky weight-wise for many of us. I'm glad you are doing what feels right for you :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Echo - I wonder if she will ever have "enough". I have no objection to people making money but I do think there comes a point when to keep wanting more becomes irrational - imo there is something else going on.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601909 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 03:09:47 +0000 Jaime 1601909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of affirming thoughts here. The weight issue is so loaded for women especially I don't even know where to begin. For me, nothing has been more freeing than weight training and yoga. For one thing, after you do it, you cannot "ruin" it later in the day. It is a positive way to relate to my body rather than a punishment or deprivation. Regarding Oprah's motivations, I don't really think it matters.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601895 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 02:07:58 +0000 Echo 1601895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I don't doubt that Oprah wants to lose weight again, we really need to keep in mind that she isn't stupidly wealthy for no reason. And the financial gain she is getting from this makes all the facebook commenting and articles written about her well worth the while. I refuse to believe that anyone her age with her business savvy doesn't know how she appears to the public, but as she ages (much like Kirsty Ally), I would wager a guess that her image is less important than her bank account. This is something that makes business sense, and I applaud her for taking the deal, whether she keeps the weight off (or even whether she even really wants to) or not. I cannot say that I wouldn't do the same in her shoes.</p> <p>Like so many other things in so many people's lives, it is the money. Now that can be just as sad as the weight being the motivator, especially because she has plenty of money, too, but I am not sold on the idea that the weight loss is more alluring to her than the money here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601885 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 01:08:27 +0000 Anonymous 1601885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my DDs exercises a lot to relieve stress, and to improve her stamina. I admire that. Exercise has never been a stress reliever for me, except yoga. But I need more than yoga to stay active &amp; relieve joint pain. There's certainly nothing wrong with wanting to look one's best, but exercising and/or dieting solely for that reason would make me awfully miserable. I see a toned body as a nice side benefit. For me &amp; my family, it's about functional fitness.</p> <p>More likely than not, Oprah may just have the body type that makes weight loss very difficult &amp; unsustainable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601880 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:55:34 +0000 DonnaF 1601880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder how Oprah's parents, grandparents, and other relatives/ancestors were built?&nbsp; Perhaps she has a genetic predisposition to being heavy.&nbsp; My dad's family was pretty thin; my mom's family not so much.&nbsp; The older I get, the more I want to eat like my dad.&nbsp; I used to think he was crazy for eating two pieces of fruit at lunch; now I absolutely demand that for myself!&nbsp; I also want to eat at particular set times just as he did.</p> <p>I hope for her sake that Oprah eventually comes to peace with her weight.&nbsp; I found that after menopause, my hormonal cravings ended.&nbsp; I still weigh a few pounds more than I'd prefer, but my weight is generally stable and the pain and sacrifice of getting it down is not worth the pleasure I get from eating.&nbsp; I decided I need to make my upper body more functional through more upper body strength, plus I'd like to have Michelle Obama arms, so to me, lifting free weights a couple times a week is FUN and an adventure to see what my upper arms will look like come summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601878 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:50:17 +0000 Janet 1601878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion. I think it's worth remembering that Oprah is an extremely ambitious and marketing-minded celebrity, above all else. In some ways, as has been pointed out in this thread, she has changed her message to match the prevailing marketing/sponsorship opportunities. Pardon me if that sounds cynical, but I know from way back that she's had her eyes on the prize of remaining influential and relevant, and this WW partnership is one more step along the way. I like many of her messages of self-acceptance and the strength of women and minorities, but I'm sure all of these things are carefully molded to her public persona and Oprah as a brand and tastemaker.</p> <p>Ok, on to the topic of weight loss and image enhancement as the primary goal of "self-improvement"... absolutely I agree that hyper-focusing on these things is a sure way to be unhappy. </p> <p>Example. There is a woman in the resort where I am currently staying. Very slim, very tan. Posture is impeccable. Obvious but clearly quality boob job. Long, carefully styled and very expensively colored blonde hair. Perfect white resort wardrobe. At first glance, you think this woman is in her 30s, until you see her face. Again, immaculate makeup but it becomes quite obvious up close that she is likely in her 60s. Ok, I've got no problem with any of this, right? It's clearly her prerogative to "take care of herself" in whatever ways she sees fit. The thing that strikes me, however, is that she looks miserable. She doesn't strip down to her swimsuit and jump in the water. I haven't seen her smile or laugh with her husband. She is in a beautiful place, is an attractive woman, presumably with the love of her life, and presumably with enough money to be vacationing in quite a nice place and in high style, but she just looks so unhappy. I can't help but wonder what her pursuit of physical perfection has gotten her. </p> <p>Meanwhile, my pasty white, cellulite-thighs and I are having a blast. Yes, I've been working out walking or running for at least 45 minutes each day, but I've also been going without makeup and eating guacamole and drinking margaritas every day too. I'd rather be physically imperfect and enjoy myself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image/page/2#post-1601862 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:51:56 +0000 Caro in Oz 1601862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>"The constant chase to look younger, slimmer, fitter and unblemished is a death spiral for the soul." <br /></i>Angie<i>&nbsp;</i>I couldn't agree more :)<i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601842 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:12:34 +0000 Angie 1601842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, I agree with your concerns. The flip side to that is that we are living in a world that is actually a lot more accepting of just about anything than say it was when my 83 year old Papa was my age. As much as I lament the lack of diversity in the media - it is SOOOO much better than it used to be.&nbsp;</p> <p>There was a time when mediocrity was bliss. Now that's frowned upon. As weird as this may sound, part of me feels that we need to strive more for what is medicore because it might make us more happy. The constant chase to look younger, slimmer, fitter and unblemished is a death spiral for the soul. At some point you have rise above the chase and <i>just be</i>. I also think that we are responsible for cultivating that way of thinking in our families and social circles. Never make others feel bad about the way they look. Always encourage and find the positive. Set the example and don't be negative about your own body. Like it, appreciate it, and get on with it!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601833 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:58:26 +0000 Caro in Oz 1601833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene - great to "see" you Yes imagine the changes if health became the focus. &nbsp;We could really appreciate the variety of body shapes &amp; sizes without judging them to be unlike some mythical ideal.<br />&nbsp;<br />Sally - I agree with everything Una said too &amp; it's good to be skeptical imo :)</p> <p>Angie - you are right we do tend to complicate things sometimes. <br />I do worry about the lack of diversity in the media/advertising &amp; visual images on TV &amp; film though. They are very powerful, in some ways they have taken over from storytelling as the source of society's values. xoxo</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601817 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:28:03 +0000 Caro in Oz 1601817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Firecracker &amp; Bijou :)</p> <p>Style Fan - I feel sorry for her on a personal level too.</p> <p>Lara - I agree being "the best version" of ourselves is a great goal but for a lot of people their "best version" still wouldn't match societal standards of health or beauty or fitness or age or you name it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Diana.</p> <p>Dana - You make some great points. I think some of us have "softer" body types no matter how slim we are, yet fitness = flat &amp; firm in our heads.</p> <p>bettycrocker - I think it is hard for anyone who doesn't have long-term pain/illness to understand what it is like on a day to day basis Staying as healthy as possible is an admirable goal imo.</p> <p>EXACTLY Una - we can't win unless we opt out :)</p> <p><i>"Imagine a world where these images were not so pervasive, and we could focus on the things bettycrocker mentions, like health and well-being and how we feel good when we take care of ourselves by exercising and eating right. I'm not saying there is no place for wanting to look our best - we are all on this forum for a reason - but how that is defined should not be solely in the hands of those who stand to make money by promoting and profiting from fear (of looking too old/not old enough, too pale/too dark, too thin/too heavy, too frumpy/trying too hard) and insecurity. <b>We can't win unless we opt out of this way of thinking."</b></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601800 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:00:20 +0000 Lyn D. 1601800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic read and post Caro!<br />And 'Namaste' to you and all the other wonderful ladies on this forum </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601799 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:55:56 +0000 Angie 1601799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I finally had a moment to read the article. It was interesting! A little long and drawn out - but it did hold my attention right through to the end.&nbsp;</p> <p>What Sally said. 100%.&nbsp;</p> <p>Caro, your reference to acceptance is key. You have to keep on turning inward to be happy. Ask yourself<b> <i>what</i></b><i> </i>makes you happy and listen to those feelings. We do tend to complicate the answer to that question, when it's actually dead simple.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601776 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:16:12 +0000 Sal 1601776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not an Oprah expert - I won't say I have never seen her shows, but I cannot remember sitting down to watch one. &nbsp;I don't buy her magazine, but I have read some of her Book Club Recommendations. &nbsp;She did visit NZ recently and spoke to huge crowds - several of my facebook friends attended and loved it.</p> <p>Such a fascinating thread and I enjoyed the link Caro. &nbsp;Weight/health/body image/dieting/"clean eating"/being the best you can be/acceptance of ourselves. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am not sure I can put my thoughts into words any better than Una did - I totally agree with everything she says. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am a total skeptic and have a big dose of cynicism about people and companies promoting weight loss/healthy living/clean eating because in so many cases it is about them making money. &nbsp;And that is okay too because we all need to earn a living, and if their support or advice helps people to be more healthy that is a good thing. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601764 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:47:36 +0000 Anonymous 1601764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems like such a huge life lesson that one of the (if not THE) most powerful women in the world has a body that has a mind of its own.&nbsp; This, to me, should spell the collapse of the entire weight loss industry.&nbsp; If Oprah can't do it, how are ordinary mortals supposed to achieve these ideal bodies we're all hoping for.&nbsp; But there's always that tiny grain of hope that if we just try ONE MORE TIME...&nbsp; </p> <p>Here's to happy and healthy bodies!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601763 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:38:24 +0000 Anonymous 1601763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do need to fix myself, but am not sure I can. I hate this osteoarthritis that makes daily living so painful, and I hate having to sit at a desk for 40 hours/week. Well-meaning people have given me unsolicited advice about my pain and how to manage it. It's all bunk because they aren't medical doctors and they aren't familiar with my condition. These individuals think there's a way to get off pain medication. They don't realize that I'm in extreme pain and can't sleep, walk, etc. if I don't take my meds. One of the ones who was preaching to me about diet is now visiting doctors to find out what type of arthritis she has because she's in so much pain. Hmmmm.... </p> <p>I don't believe that what works for one person will work for everyone. We're all different. That said, I still have to try my best, within the confines of what I can and can't do.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601739 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 19:33:27 +0000 rachylou 1601739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dead on, Gaylene.</p> <p>Btw, I do agree with the writer that there are too many nut cases out there with their nutritional theories. I really hate that one commercial where they talk about curing cancer with a leaf of kale. People have told me to eat lettuce for my diabetes, that maybe I can get off shots. Supremely bad advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601736 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 19:25:35 +0000 Gaylene 1601736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said, Una! </p> <p>To me, there is a world of difference between eating and exercising to keep our bodies functioning well and the coded "healthy-living" talk that sends the same old message "you need to fix yourself". Exercising to keep one's body functional is not about toned abs and the number of reps one can do in the gym, nor is healthy eating about cleanses, de-toxifying, and restrictive dieting. These are activities are directed towards achieving a specific body shape. </p> <p>I'm not saying a woman shouldn't go for a lean, gym-toned body if that is what she desires--it's her body, after all. And, if Oprah decides to publicize her need to go on another diet to re-shed pounds, that's up to her. But let's see both for what they are--woman who want to reshape their bodies. Health is a side story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601731 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 19:17:31 +0000 rachylou 1601731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The WW commercials caught my attention, I have to say. I thought they were really different, thoughtful, moving even, and a brilliant advertising effort. </p> <p>That said, Oprah never seems to maintain and that troubles me.</p> <p>I don't know about WW, I did eDiets. I liked it. But there were several things I brought to the table as a professional patient. One is the idea that diets don't work. You need a permanent, comprehensive way of life. The human body evolved for walking at a moderate pace all day - not sessions of excercise once a day. You need a regular, habitual schedule. You need to know how much of what to put on your plate - you need a real eye for that. You need to know how your activities affect you and for how long. You need personal food amount targets calculated for height, weight, gender, ethnicity (!) and activity level. You need to know 5 shrimp can have 2000 calories and how that can be so. BMI is just one of several numbers to look at. Stuff like that I think made a difference as to how eDiets worked for me and on the maintenance front.</p> <p>That's a long-winded way of saying that I don't think that anyone is trained to utilize these plans properly, where they fit in the scheme of things. You get taught the diets like you get taught to do math... just do these little operations without any context. And yes that affects the answer you get, if you subtract when you should have added.</p> <p>I also think - and big gold star to Angie and YLF - there is a big problem with body dysmorphia. I used to watch Big Rich Texas because I was morbidly fascinated with the standard of beauty. All that surgery. Everyone was grotesque and a parody of human, if you ask me. I know women like this personally, with 20 year surgical plans. They want to LOOK LIKE they've had surgery. Other people come along and think they want to look good and this is the standard - but they don't. They want to look hacked up. I give Oprah props in this respect. She's not on that bandwagon... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/oprah-weight-body-image#post-1601711 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 18:17:08 +0000 catgirl 1601711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oprah sends the most conflicted messages.&nbsp; Love yourself!&nbsp; Be body-positive!&nbsp; But here's how to lose weight!&nbsp; That's what I find hard to swallow, yet it certainly resonates with me and millions of others.&nbsp; Because we ARE conflicted, aren't we?</p> <p>Part of the problem is that body-image issues are so deeply promoted and ingrained in this culture that we are unable to think outside of a binary paradigm: either we buy in to the Oprah school of cyclical weight loss or we face the criticism that often&nbsp;comes with self-acceptance of weight and aging.&nbsp; All the "fat-shaming" and "thin-shaming" and body positivity -&nbsp;the entire language built up around our body issues (curvy, fluffy, etc.) - stems from that constant bombardment of women to improve themselves, NOW!&nbsp; </p> <p>Imagine a world where these images were not so pervasive, and we could focus on the things bettycrocker mentions, like health and well-being and how we feel good when we take care of ourselves by exercising and eating right.&nbsp; I'm not saying there is no place for wanting to look our best - we are all on this forum for a reason - but how that is defined should not be solely in the hands of those who stand to make money by promoting and profiting from fear (of looking&nbsp;too old/not old enough, too pale/too dark, too thin/too heavy, too frumpy/trying too hard) &nbsp;and insecurity.&nbsp; We can't win unless we opt out of this way of thinking.&nbsp; </p> <p>And that is the beauty of YLF and Angie's focus on looking our individual best.&nbsp; She has that rare ability to find and draw out all the different members here - all ages, body types, and styles. </p>