Americans might be getting fatter — almost 20 pounds across the board — but their positive self-perception of themselves is following closely behind.
All of this is compared to 1990, where people were about 20 pounds less. The thing is, though, we’ve shifted our “ideal weight” or “eh, I look pretty normal” weight by ten pounds as well.
Men said their ideal weight is 181, while their average is 196.
Women said their ideal weight is 138, while their average is 160.
Oddly enough with obesity rates the way that they are (about 1/3 of the population), only 39% viewed themselves as overweight, with 56% saying they were “about right.”
Researchers say that, obviously, it’s accounted for by Americans being reluctant to use any terms relating to being overweight in regards to themselves. We hope that wasn’t the main focus of the study, because it’s common sense that nobody wants to be called overweight, even if they’re the ones talking.
Either way, we’re glad that we’re less inclined to think rail thin is “average,” that’s for sure!
Now if only we could all just be healthy and happy!
[Image via AP Images.]
