5 Positive Truths Only Plus-Sized People Can Understand and Appreciate

As someone who has experienced both sides of the weight spectrum – being plus-sized for 25 years and then losing over 125 pounds – I have discovered a lot of things from living on both ends. While there are undoubtedly negative aspects to being heavier than the average person, there are also positive truths that only a plus-sized person would truly understand and appreciate.

Here are five of those positive truths:

1. They don’t notice and aren’t generally bothered by a 5 pound weight loss or gain.

One of the most significant advantages of being plus-sized is that an unexpected 5 pound loss or gain does not usually physically register on their body. Since they do not focus on their weight constantly, a minor fluctuation does not bother them. Unlike people who are obsessed with their body image, plus-sized individuals do not worry about minor changes in their weight. They look in the mirror, see the same person daily, and five pounds is not a big deal for them to freak out over.

2. They use their minds and hard work to earn the respect of others.

It’s a common misconception that plus-sized individuals are lazy, but that is not the case. They have to work twice as hard as their slimmer counterparts to achieve success. As a result, they are some of the most diligent and passionate individuals you will ever encounter. While good looks may come with certain advantages, plus-sized individuals understand the importance of using their minds and hard work to achieve their goals. This determination and sense of responsibility help shape them into stronger individuals, building character that many average-sized folks probably lack.

3. They have a thick skin.

Being bullied and picked on is an unfortunate reality that many plus-sized individuals face when growing up. This early exposure to name-calling and ridicule can toughen them up and make them more resilient. They learn early on that not everyone is going to like them, and they accept it. Insults and negative comments do not hurt them as much as an average-sized person. Although it’s not expected, it is not a surprise that shocks or hurts them as much as it does to others.

4. They have a great sense of humor.

For many plus-sized individuals, being the funny guy or gal is the only way to get positive attention and make others happy. As a result, they tend to be the funniest people you’ll ever meet – they know how to make others laugh until it hurts. Their talent for humor is so impressive that they should have their own prime-time comedy sitcom. Everyone loves someone who can make them laugh until they cry or pee their pants, and plus-sized individuals excel at this skill better than most.

5. They aren’t bothered by going out to eat in public.

Plus-sized individuals can eat whatever they want without worrying about what others think. They are accustomed to receiving judgmental looks from people anyway. If they try to eat healthily, they are still looked at with suspicion; if they eat poorly, it only confirms people’s beliefs that they are slowly killing themselves. Damned if they do and damned if they don’t, they may as well enjoy that all-you-can-eat buffet. They also do not bother themselves with calorie counts on menus or stressing about the effects of their meal on their weight; they simply do not care.

In conclusion, while there are many negative aspects to being plus-sized, such as increased health risks, discrimination, and prejudice, there are still some positives. The plus-sized population is filled with remarkable individuals who inspire and motivate others with their determination, sense of humor, thick skin, and their work ethic. These individuals use their mind and hard work to achieve their goals because they understand that true success comes from within. They appreciate the advantages that come with being plus-sized and turn them into strengths, making them admirable and inspirational individuals.