I'm the opposite of you Kim, tall - 5'10" to be exact, so it's a little easier for me to "hide" a lot of extra weight. Most people are amazed when I tell them what I weigh because I don't look it becuase it's spread out so much.

I've struggled with my weight ever since I was a teenager, but now that I've gotten older I feel comfortable even when I've gained a few pounds. I find that it's not necessarily how much one weighs, but the attitude and self-confidence they portray that makes the difference in how people react to them.

In our society so much emphasis is put on being thin and having the "perfect" body. Most women think if they gain a few pounds men will think they're "fat" and unattractive. Again, that's not the case - it's the attitude and self-confidence that men find attractive and the poor self-confidence they find a turn off. I just wish more young girls would realize this sooner.....

ALTHOUGH it does appear that being overweight is becoming more and more acceptable in our society and that is not a good thing just because of the health implications of it. But I know losing and maintaining a healthy weight is a very difficult thing, and sometimes you just feel like saying to hell with it all and not have food run your life all the time - at least that's the way I feel sometimes.