Does this Woman Look Plus-Sized to You?

Janet Camilleri

5 years ago

When I look in the mirror, I see a middle aged woman carrying a bit of extra padding (especially around the tummy) – but I certainly don’t think of myself as “plus-sized”.

In this photo I’m also carrying one of the grandkitties – this is Delilah (or Lilah as she is affectionately known)

But apparently I am.

Yes dear reader, after putting on a little weight over the winter, it turns out I am now officially wearing plus-sizes.

There is both good and bad about this.

Front view – wearing Avella striped T shirt and denim shorts from Big W (both size 16)

In a break from tradition (such a rebel!), I’ll do the bad news first.

The Bad News

Gaining weight – especially around my middle – is not ideal, considering my problems with high blood pressure and the increased potential for cardiac and other health issues. (Mind you, my grandma always had a decent pot belly and she lived to just a few weeks’ shy of her 101st birthday!)

The Good News

But you know me, always looking on the bright side. So here’s the good news: it has really increased my options when shopping for clothes!

For so long, I’ve been an “in betweenie” – falling somewhere between the largest in “normal” sizings, yet the “plus-sizes” were too big.

Back view – wearing size 18 Crossroads top
and Target Belle Curve pants (size 16)

I’ve been forced (LOL) to go clothes shopping and have discovered that the plus-sizes are perfect for my new shape. Although it’s dented my ego just a tad, that I am now wearing plus-sizes – so far I’m discovering the clothes aren’t half bad! I’m now wearing a size 18 in Kmart and Crossroads standard sizes, and a 16 (or occasional 18) in the plus-size ranges “Belle Curve” (Target) and Avella (Big W).

Wearing Kmart top (size 18) and pants from Vivid International (size 16)

And to think that I used to be so thin that people thought I was anorexic, and I despaired of ever putting on weight! At our wedding nearly 30 years ago, I was a good 30+ kilograms lighter.

The rising numbers on my bathroom scales could be related to medication I’m taking, or good old middle age. Or it could be the usual boring reasons – eating too much of the “wrong” food, and not exercising enough.

Kmart top (size 18) and Target Belle Curve pants (size 16)

Anyway, I digress, this was not meant to be a whinge about my weight. Instead, it’s merely an observation that I am now wearing plus-sizes – and yet I don’t think I look plus-sized at all.

I am Officially Obese

I’ve long thought the whole Body Mass Index thing is not really accurate – for starters, I think it needs to take our age into consideration. I thought I was doing pretty okay but my BMI (find your BMI here) has put me in the “overweight” category for years. And now? I’ve officially crossed the threshold from “overweight” into “obese” territory!

Seriously?!

I might be considered “obese” and I might be wearing plus-sizes – but I don’t feel fat. I don’t think I look particularly fat either.

Am I suffering from a severe case of body dysmorphia, or just plain in denial? Or maybe I just manage to dress well for my size?

Or should I blame it on society: despite the prevalence of skinny fashion models and actors, “our perception of what’s normal has changed, from the size of people’s bodies to the volume of people’s meal portions” (full article at the Daily Telegraph).

What are your thoughts on plus-sized fashion and the whole BMI calculation?