I am planning to visit a friend who has recently moved to LA - I have been to the States many times but never there.

Unfortunately everything I watch/read about LA emphasises a quite surreal obsession with body shape and, whilst not enormous (I could do with losing about 14lbs), I'm worried that this could ruin my holiday.

I'm NOT suggesting for a minute that I believe that everyone in LA looks like Pamela Anderson! - but is there an ATTITUDE that less-than-ideal equals second-class-citizen?

Please no abusive responses!

I think you'll be fine. Don't worry! While it's true that many Californians try to stay in shape, you certainly won't be the only person that could lose a few! You may notice that certain areas (the beach, West Hollywood, etc.) tend to be more fitness-conscious than the rest, too.

TROLL ALERT

Funny. But mostly unnecessary.

Wait a minute!!! Every single girl I know, has a buff bod!!!! Get with the program.

It's been my observation that LA is the Boob-Job Capital of the World -- you can hang a 10-gallon hat on the breasts of many women there.

However, have no fear about how your looks compare to theirs. Fact is, most of those people are spending too much time looking at themselves to ever notice what you look like.

Who do YOU think YOU are?

Hey, Elle, I'll be walking on the beach at Malibu, and down at Venice, starting the 28th, I'm happy to report back on the "body" situation. But what's 14# ... not the end of the world by any means. Pamela Anderson ... not to be unkind, but it's good she's in relief (and we're not talking baseball here) ... the knees are knobby. It's just my style ... but I much prefer women with good legs (just the way connoisseurs might ask if a classified Bordeaux has good legs) and a lot up top, up where they don their chapeaux. Anyway, you'll be welcome in the USA, and with a moniker like Elle, you're sure to be a hit, on or off the beach. Ciao