Mexico has recently reached number one in obesity in the world - which I thought would be good for me (since I like bears) but, as it turns out, chubby and bearish are NOT the same thing.
Anyway, along with this I have heard people discussing the health issues which come from being overweight; now, there are limits to everything and, of course, people who are way beyond their ideal weight DO tend to develop many issues... But is this always the case?
I have first-hand experience on this since almost all my ex-boyfriends have had some kind of chronic problem - it, of course, has worried me to no end since some of them didn't really take care of it properly...
One of my friends, who is a physician by the way, started a blog in which he included some interesting information about this... Now, I find this worth looking at, not only because he is my friend and I trust him, but also because he includes many references which justify what he says. Check it out: http://pawl-articles.blogspot.com/search/label/Βιος In my opinion, the most important factor is exercise, not size!
Currently, my bear has lost like 20 kilos and 7 inches around the waist (not because of exercise or diet, but because of Moctezuma's revenge) which makes me happy since he is healthier, happier and perkier! I must admit I sometimes miss his furry tummy (despite still having a wee one) but I sleep better at night knowing that he will have fewer problems with his blood pressure from now on.
But does this mean that the social process concerning appearance and health is reversing? - while in the regular world people want to get thinner and are willing to risk their health to achieve it; some people in the bear community will only date you if you are big enough, encouraging some to actually pack on the weight (which is just as bad, considering neither of those cases is consistent with a healthy lifestyle).
Now, I am not the kind of person who is obsessed with eating healthy and stuff, and although I try to lead a sensible lifestyle, I do have my indulgences... Constantly... (Thank God I was blessed with a kickass metabolism which, hopefully, will last forever). But it does make me wonder how far people could go to stay in the bearish stereotype... I must confess I have often thought about finding ways to gain weight to become a bear and, therefore, be more accepted in the bear community (which, again, has been impossible for me).
Does this mean that we, fellow bears, are acting in the same exclusive manner as the so-called glamorous stereotype-based rest of the gay community?
There are many points of view regarding this matter... What's yours?
I think no matter who you are, you should live a healthy, happy life. Everyone has a different body type and shape, but it's how you take care of yourself that makes the difference.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I am currently trying to lose weight and now down 15 kilos. I feel much better health wise and also look better in my opinion. I will never be slim but I prefer being this way.
ReplyDelete@Marie: True! I think a lot of people end up sacrificing their healthy body to 'look good', getting a more stereotypical body that doesn't work half as well.
ReplyDelete@Steve: As long as you feel better, you end up looking better. Happier people are always a lot more attractive anyway!
I do think that we as Bears are behaving very much like the rest of the Gay community when it comes to images and body image. I personally made myself very ill several years back forcing myself to gain weight to stay within the concept of what a 'Bear' should look like.
ReplyDeleteHaving lost back to my natural body weight (down to 175lbs from 350), I feel much better physically, but definitely 'out' of the bear crowd.
The Bear image is mostly false however, so the disparity in body image is to be expected as well. San Francisco at least is full of doctors and computer professionals walking around in work boots, hunting clothes, work pants and attempting their best to look like construction workers and plumbers. The clothing, like the big belly and burly beard is just another fashion accessory to fit within the norms of the fetish.
Only difference between a 'Bear' and a 'Twink' is the style.
Right, well it's good to know this stuff does not just happen in Mexico! I have never been to San Francisco, what is the bear community like there?
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