Are the overweight / obese treated badly in Europe?
Dec 29th, 2012, 01:03 PM
#41
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Guenmai. you are a size 10 or 12, well sorry that not obese , not near obese really, and makes you abit unqualified to know what a person who is 100 lbls overweight may encounter or how they are treated.. you frankly fall into the "average " catergory( although perhaps years of living in LA make you think you are "big" ,, you are not)
OP. My real concern is if your mom can only walk a mile a day she needs to walk more before her trip, I walk at least 5-10 miles a day on my trip, admittedly I could walk a bit less( but I enjoy it) but she should really try to train for 2 miles a day at least. Also, in Paris, learn the BUS system , the metro will be a nightmare of stairs and some long connecting corridors. Buses are much easier .
I also think your sister and mom just have to ignore and turn a deaf ear to people who are rude enough to say anything, as you / they know, it can and does happen anywhere, there is always a butt head in the pot, ignore..
I think they will have a great time, but their weight will impact their trip somewhat, they must be careful booking hotels, I am a size 6-8 who has found some shower stalls VERY small, can't imagine if one was a larger person.. read reviews carefully for hotels, some will mention if shower stalls are upright coffins. I know a decent hotel in Paris with an open concept walk in shower,, but the room I had it in had only a double bed, you'd have to enquire if they have similar room with twin beds . Another thing, most rooms will be twin beds, or a double bed, almost impossible to find two queen beds unless you can pay $$$$$ for fancy hotels.
OP. My real concern is if your mom can only walk a mile a day she needs to walk more before her trip, I walk at least 5-10 miles a day on my trip, admittedly I could walk a bit less( but I enjoy it) but she should really try to train for 2 miles a day at least. Also, in Paris, learn the BUS system , the metro will be a nightmare of stairs and some long connecting corridors. Buses are much easier .
I also think your sister and mom just have to ignore and turn a deaf ear to people who are rude enough to say anything, as you / they know, it can and does happen anywhere, there is always a butt head in the pot, ignore..
I think they will have a great time, but their weight will impact their trip somewhat, they must be careful booking hotels, I am a size 6-8 who has found some shower stalls VERY small, can't imagine if one was a larger person.. read reviews carefully for hotels, some will mention if shower stalls are upright coffins. I know a decent hotel in Paris with an open concept walk in shower,, but the room I had it in had only a double bed, you'd have to enquire if they have similar room with twin beds . Another thing, most rooms will be twin beds, or a double bed, almost impossible to find two queen beds unless you can pay $$$$$ for fancy hotels.
Think Berlosconi.
Dec 29th, 2012, 02:21 PM
#43
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I'm 8th generation American and of 100% German decent...and I'm overweight. I'd much rather spend time in Europe on vacation then here in the US. Americans can be fools and have no sense of etiquette or professionalism. My biggest worry in Europe is the assumption I am German, which is still not all that popular. With over 50 years traveling back and forth behind me not once has my weight been even a slight concern for me... tell your family to enjoy civilization!
Dec 29th, 2012, 06:34 PM
#44
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"justineparis on Dec 29, 12 at 2:03pm
Guenmai. you are a size 10 or 12, well sorry that not obese , not near obese really, and makes you abit unqualified to know what a person who is 100 lbls overweight may encounter or how they are treated."
My siblings are in that category, nearly their whole life, as well as at least one very close friend and many whom I've worked with and they have not expressed having a problem with their size or weight except that doctors have suggested that they lose it. So, I'm speaking on their behalf and there are always discussions of weight among women. Plus, when I was a university student, I put on 45-50 pounds, during part of that 4-year education, but lost them all after graduation as I was then stress free, study free, and junk food free, and it didn't take a lot to lose the pounds. So, I can speak from experience during that period, back in the 70s and while still living here in L.A.
Happy Travels!
Guenmai. you are a size 10 or 12, well sorry that not obese , not near obese really, and makes you abit unqualified to know what a person who is 100 lbls overweight may encounter or how they are treated."
My siblings are in that category, nearly their whole life, as well as at least one very close friend and many whom I've worked with and they have not expressed having a problem with their size or weight except that doctors have suggested that they lose it. So, I'm speaking on their behalf and there are always discussions of weight among women. Plus, when I was a university student, I put on 45-50 pounds, during part of that 4-year education, but lost them all after graduation as I was then stress free, study free, and junk food free, and it didn't take a lot to lose the pounds. So, I can speak from experience during that period, back in the 70s and while still living here in L.A.
Happy Travels!
Dec 29th, 2012, 06:48 PM
#45
Traveling through France with my late husband, we had difficulty because he was 6"5" most beds were too short,
showers to narrow and short. I've only tried shopping for shoes in Paris and few carried my size 10.
showers to narrow and short. I've only tried shopping for shoes in Paris and few carried my size 10.
Dec 29th, 2012, 10:13 PM
#47
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Someone mentioned shoes, Paris sucks for big footed women( unless maybe you can afford the really nice ones) , I found all the cheaper shoes tended to be up to size 9 at most.. whats that , a 40 or so ..
And yes, being very tall sucks too, when I was with my ex we had to make sure to get beds without foot boards so his 6"4 body could hang off end, lol
And yes, being very tall sucks too, when I was with my ex we had to make sure to get beds without foot boards so his 6"4 body could hang off end, lol
Dec 29th, 2012, 10:20 PM
#48
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"cigalechanta on Dec 29, 12 at 7:48pm
Traveling through France with my late husband, we had difficulty because he was 6"5" most beds were too short,
showers to narrow and short. I've only tried shopping for shoes in Paris and few carried my size 10."
Buying shoes in Paris is a pain for me, so I just stick to buying handbags and wait to buy shoes when I get home where it's no problem at all.
Once my feet passed a size 39, I think it was, then I guess I was to wear shoe boxes. My feet passed a size 39 in the 1980s. And I'm aware that there are shoes larger than that in Paris, but I don't feel like running all over town looking for them. It would be nice to just be able to walk into Galleries Layfayette, Printemps, Au Bon Marche, or the cool shoe boutiques on the rue Grenelle and other close-by streets and just buy a darn pair of cool shoes or boots in my size.
I once asked a shoe salesperson at either Printemps or Galleries Layfayette where she bought her shoes, as she was the same size as I was, and her answer was "Italy". Also,once while at either Galleries Layfaette or Printemps, I couldn't find any shoes and asked a salesperson for my size and was referred to the men's department where the shoes started at size 40.
As for showers in Paris, it's about using liquid soap because if one uses bar soap and drops it, good luck at being able to have enough space to bend over and pick it up. LOL!
Happy Travels!
Traveling through France with my late husband, we had difficulty because he was 6"5" most beds were too short,
showers to narrow and short. I've only tried shopping for shoes in Paris and few carried my size 10."
Buying shoes in Paris is a pain for me, so I just stick to buying handbags and wait to buy shoes when I get home where it's no problem at all.
Once my feet passed a size 39, I think it was, then I guess I was to wear shoe boxes. My feet passed a size 39 in the 1980s. And I'm aware that there are shoes larger than that in Paris, but I don't feel like running all over town looking for them. It would be nice to just be able to walk into Galleries Layfayette, Printemps, Au Bon Marche, or the cool shoe boutiques on the rue Grenelle and other close-by streets and just buy a darn pair of cool shoes or boots in my size.
I once asked a shoe salesperson at either Printemps or Galleries Layfayette where she bought her shoes, as she was the same size as I was, and her answer was "Italy". Also,once while at either Galleries Layfaette or Printemps, I couldn't find any shoes and asked a salesperson for my size and was referred to the men's department where the shoes started at size 40.
As for showers in Paris, it's about using liquid soap because if one uses bar soap and drops it, good luck at being able to have enough space to bend over and pick it up. LOL!
Happy Travels!
Dec 30th, 2012, 01:11 PM
#49
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Of course they should go to Europe but they should also consider losing weight for their next trip. This is not because of what anyone might think or say about them but because they will have so much more energy and stamina and will enjoy the trip more. I used to be obese but have lost a considerable of weight. It made all the difference on my recent trip to NYC. I was able to walk for hours and after stopping to rest, could carry on walking again with no problems whatsoever. I just didn't get tired out like I used to do. Talk about feeling 10 years younger! Also, anyone who loses weight will look better, which is good too isn't it?
Dec 31st, 2012, 12:58 AM
#51
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It seems to me sis & mom are not very comfy with their own weight / size if they worry about what others think of them. Sounds as if they're overly sensitive to the subject. I bet no-one will do anything or say anything about it but sis & mom may feel otherwise.
Dec 31st, 2012, 04:39 AM
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Sorry if I came across as flippant, Annhig. I'd been trying to lose weight for many years without much success until I finally realised that the only way to do it was to cut out fat and sugars and to eat less food generally. I kept my calorie intake below the minimum so I guess I could not help but lose weight. I don't know if there are medical reasons for obesity, perhaps there are - I'm no doctor. I just wanted to say that there are tangible benefits to slimming down. It makes travelling easier and I would encourage everyone to give it a go.
Dec 31st, 2012, 05:56 AM
#53
I'm pretty svelt now, but I was beginning to walk up the fat levels leading to medical issues and I decided that I had to change. I did the following, each of which was a wrench
1) Stopped adding salt to any meal or any cooking
2) Started adding herbs to meals
3) Stopped all pure (known) sucrose consumption (so no cakes, cereals with added sugar, factory prepared food)
4) Ate loads more vegtables and fruit while cutting back on potatoes (halved them over night) and then after the riding a fructose high to help me through the sucrose high I cut them down
The weight just dropped off, it was tough and going to the gym 4 to 5 times a day helped convert fat into muscle. Now I've thrown out a bunch of the old trousers, dug my very old 20s toursers out of the back of the wardrobe and wear them
1) Stopped adding salt to any meal or any cooking
2) Started adding herbs to meals
3) Stopped all pure (known) sucrose consumption (so no cakes, cereals with added sugar, factory prepared food)
4) Ate loads more vegtables and fruit while cutting back on potatoes (halved them over night) and then after the riding a fructose high to help me through the sucrose high I cut them down
The weight just dropped off, it was tough and going to the gym 4 to 5 times a day helped convert fat into muscle. Now I've thrown out a bunch of the old trousers, dug my very old 20s toursers out of the back of the wardrobe and wear them
Dec 31st, 2012, 06:25 AM
#54
Sorry if I came across as flippant, Annhig>>
just a little, Maisie, but then i probably came across as a little harsh as well, so i apologise for that.
that's the trouble about threads like this - they start being about one thing, and morph into something else. I'm sure that the OP knows, as do I, that to lose weight we need to eat less, and exercise more. Bilbo, yours is very good advice, [and congrats on the weight loss BTW] but if it were that easy, we'd none of us be fat, would we?
it's just this sort of thing which puts the OP's relatives off!
just a little, Maisie, but then i probably came across as a little harsh as well, so i apologise for that.
that's the trouble about threads like this - they start being about one thing, and morph into something else. I'm sure that the OP knows, as do I, that to lose weight we need to eat less, and exercise more. Bilbo, yours is very good advice, [and congrats on the weight loss BTW] but if it were that easy, we'd none of us be fat, would we?
it's just this sort of thing which puts the OP's relatives off!
Dec 31st, 2012, 06:58 AM
#55
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Own what you are. That does not mean you have to be arrogant, extravagent, or overt but be comfortable with who you are. Unless it is a health issue the just go and enjoy yourself.
I am short, bald, overweight, and wear glasses and I used to that to my advantage when I played recreational sports
because it looked like I could not play.
I was once on a flight in Italy and there was a fellow who was so fat, even with the seat belt extension, it only fit around his legs.
I am short, bald, overweight, and wear glasses and I used to that to my advantage when I played recreational sports
because it looked like I could not play.
I was once on a flight in Italy and there was a fellow who was so fat, even with the seat belt extension, it only fit around his legs.
Dec 31st, 2012, 10:29 AM
#57
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The reason for the OP's family members being overweight is immaterial. We don't know what it is nor how much it is under their control.
But at the moment they weigh what they do.
the OP wanted to know if they would be treated badly. My initial response was no - they would not be - based on experience of traveling with friends or colleagues who were various degrees of overweight.
However, I have now read the later posts and think that was an overpromise. While I did not see any of my colleagues treated badly it seems that the OP may be talking about a random comment by a single individual. And no one can guarantee that won't happen. There are jerks everywhere - and it's perfectly possible that one of these women may hear an offensive comment when walking around their own block or going shopping in their own neighborhood.
There is certainly no culture of discrimination against larger people in europe - but it is perfectly possible for anyone to hear a negative comment about themselves anywhere. There is no way they should allow that to prevent them from traveling. If the remark isn't about weight, it might be about height, or hair color (bad dye job) or any one of a number of things. When my parents were doing a lot of road trips after their retirement they heard several very negative comments about people from New York - which they either ignored or called the person on - based on the circumstances.
There is no guarantee you will not run into a jerk anywhere.
But at the moment they weigh what they do.
the OP wanted to know if they would be treated badly. My initial response was no - they would not be - based on experience of traveling with friends or colleagues who were various degrees of overweight.
However, I have now read the later posts and think that was an overpromise. While I did not see any of my colleagues treated badly it seems that the OP may be talking about a random comment by a single individual. And no one can guarantee that won't happen. There are jerks everywhere - and it's perfectly possible that one of these women may hear an offensive comment when walking around their own block or going shopping in their own neighborhood.
There is certainly no culture of discrimination against larger people in europe - but it is perfectly possible for anyone to hear a negative comment about themselves anywhere. There is no way they should allow that to prevent them from traveling. If the remark isn't about weight, it might be about height, or hair color (bad dye job) or any one of a number of things. When my parents were doing a lot of road trips after their retirement they heard several very negative comments about people from New York - which they either ignored or called the person on - based on the circumstances.
There is no guarantee you will not run into a jerk anywhere.
Dec 31st, 2012, 11:26 AM
#58
The only scenario where I thing they may encounter negativity is on the flight if they are unable to fit in a seat with the arms down.
Another thought is if a trip is actually a motivation for waiting and losing 60 lbs AND she actually does it, that would be a win-win for her.
Another thought is if a trip is actually a motivation for waiting and losing 60 lbs AND she actually does it, that would be a win-win for her.
Dec 31st, 2012, 01:06 PM
#59
There is not a single overweight person who does not know that it would be healthier and more comfortable to be lighter. Doing things like travel makes it easier to lose weight than staying home does. Waiting to lose sixty pounds puts off that positive activity to a time that may never come. You can't wait to live your life; you have to do it now.
