Does size still matter?
According to the 2007 ‘Obesity in US Adults’ report from the Center of Disease Control more and more Americans are tipping the scales with 25.6% of US citizens indicating obesity as a significant public health problem. In Michigan we tip the scales at 27.7% according to the same report by the CDC. Among American women the average dress size is not the size 0 you see on most runways, but a size 14 is in most women’s closets. This is also the same dress size that most plus size clothing lines begin at. Which is causing clothing industry retailers to see a surge in a demand for beautiful and bold clothing options for today’s women. According to Packaged Facts retailers can expect $100 billion in sales by 2012 in the plus size women girls and men’s big tall clothing division. This demand is also causing growth even during a recession for retailers catering to the younger, hipper plus size market. For example plus size retailer Torrid started out as a mall based store and website in 2001 as an offshoot of the mall-popular store Hot Topic. Today Torrid has over 170 stores in operation across 36 states in the United States and its sales and popularity are continuing to soar. So it would appear that society is becoming more accepting of people of all sizes.
The weight of the matter?
However consider the following; in 2008 Time Magazine discovered a team of researchers from Yale University who polled 1,100 subjects over a span of a decade with an age range of 35 to 74 who saw an increase of discrimination from 7% to 12%. When applying to colleges for a scholarship, renting or buying a home in a neighborhood they desired, applying for a bank loan, or even when dealing with the police. Locally a Michigan State University study found overweight women are 16 times more likely to experience discrimination than men in the workplace. “What this research indicates is that we have different standards for men and women. We are less accepting of overweight women.” says Researcher Shaun Pichler.
The good news is because of Plus Size revolutionaries like Emme, Mia Tyler, and most notably plus size model Velvet D’Amour who made history in 2007 on the runway of French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier more opportunities and acceptance of bigger bodies is occurring. This spring Fox Network launched the first ever dating show for single plus size women with “More to Love”. Even today’s men are expanding their image of beauty with more and more plus size dating sites and parties emerging all over the world.
In Michigan there is a surge of plus size organizations like Full Fabulous who is entering their 26th year. The founder and president Sharon DuMas-Pugh “Started Full Fabulous to create a vehicle where plus size women and girls could express their feelings about how plus size people are treated. We provide a safe haven so that they can heal and offer solutions to build their self-esteem.” One of the solutions this organization is providing to the community is annual events that focus on self empowerment, body image, and making healthier choices. Their annual Expo formerly entitled The Health, Beauty Self-Esteem Expo will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Art Van Showroom in Southfield at 22555 Southfield Rd, from 8:30am – 3:00pm. In the year of change inspired by President Obama this year’s event is entitled ‘Get Fit for Change Healthy Lifestyle Expo’.
Highlights of this year’s Expo include:
>Walk for Childhood and Senior Obesity led by Former Miss USA Carol Gist
> Free massages, Dance workshops, and Health Screenings
>Healthy Lifestyle Workshops Cooking Demonstrations
> Detroit Lions former Linebacker Ernie Clark will demonstrate exercises for Senior Citizens age 50 up
> Shop with various Vendors and view a Fashion show sponsored by Ashley Stewart
> Meet last year’s ‘Biggest Loser’ Winner Helen Phillips get her tips and advice for building a better You
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. All tickets purchased are tax deductible and proceeds will go to the Get Fit for Change childhood obesity prevention program. Plus all adult ticket holders will be entered into a drawing for a Free 4 day, 3 night cruise to Nassau Bahamas!
With fun, food, fashion, and exercise for all ages and sizes this is a not to be missed event. “Our Expo is different from others because everything we do is to inspire and uplift plus size girls ages 8–17 yrs old. The statistics are staggering Young girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of nuclear war, cancer, or losing their parents. 50% of 9-year-old girls and 80% of 10-year-old girls have dieted. 90% of high school junior and senior women diet regularly, even though only between 10% and 15% are actually over the weight recommended by the standard height-weight charts. Girls develop eating and self-image problems before drug or alcohol problems; there are drug and alcohol programs in almost every school, but no eating disorder programs” says Full and Fabulous President. “When the girls walk on stage with other Fabulous plus size women they are able to realize that it all starts with the first step, loving thy self unconditionally and no matter what size you are you can still be Full Fabulous!” says Mrs. DuMas-Pugh. Indeed more powerful than beauty or brains is a confident and courageous woman who is comfortable in her own body.
For more info: For tickets, sponsorships, vendor tables, and more information on the ‘Get Fit for Change Healthy Lifestyle Expo’ log onto www.FullandFabulous.org/Events.