"asian thin" vs. "american thin"?

joygong

I'm not sure if it is cultural or if it is physiological, but lately i've been having the conflict between what "thin" means in america vs. asia.

According to my non-asian friends, I am thin, and should be happy with my weight. however, when I compare to my naturally thin asian relatives and friends, I definitely need to lose weight. Especially when I visit asia, I feel huge over there!

I am all for being happy with who you are no matter what and just choosing to better yourself, but it doesn't help my motivation when I live in the US and am surrounded by people who make me feel thin, when in all actuality, I am 9 lbs above a healthy bmi and even when I was in the healthy bmi range a few months ago, I still was too heavy.

does anyone else identify with this?

rosieg1979

You don't look massively thin to me (sorry!)

I think perceptions are skewed by context. Many, many Americans are grossly overweight, in comparison to the average American you are thin.

Asians (I think) currently have less of an obesity issue, and average a more normal healthy weight.

Mokey41

I work with a lot of asians and I feel huge beside them while my friends all call me skinny. My BMI is right at 21 and my BF is 19% so I know I don't need to lose any weight but it sure feels like it beside those girls!

Chief_Rocka

I can't speak to General Tso's military prowess, but he damn sure made some good chicken.

What were we talking about?

cmriverside

You have to listen to your own voice. People here aren't going to tell you if they think you need to lose weight. It's considered rude. However some Asian cultures will let you know - and they don't consider it rude to comment on your weight.

Do what you feel is right.

SoDamnHungry

What's your BMI? It isn't a perfect system, but it's a good indicator. 153 pounds at 5'9'' is a healthy weight. 153 at 5'2'' is overweight.

Gentyl

You know, you have a point. I was watching figure skating the other day, and there was a big difference between the Asian Americans and the other Asians. The Asian Americans were definitely much heavier. It must be their diet, somehow.

swisswife

are you looking at asian weight charts or US/western ones ??

I know when I lived in Hong Kong and went to the doctor they had 2 different charts for calculating BMI .... All the Asian girls I ever met were TINY. I'm 5' 3" and was about 160 pounds when we were there and I felt like and elephant. I was regularly stopped from going in clothes shops by assistants who would tell me they didn't sell 'fat sizes'.......

DanaDark

Americans tend to be over weight while many asian countries tend to be under weight. Being around certain groups for prolonged periods will make people think certain weights are normal.

You should base your weight on a combination of factors: BMI, body composition, health.

emmuci

I think you have to see what weight you find the best for you and also try out calculating your bmi, with that you could approximately know if you have to or not lose weight

MoreBean13

I think it would be a good idea to find out your body fat % and work towards a healthy body composition, regardless of the perception of "thin" is to those around you. Everyone's viewpoints are skewed by cultural influences as well as ego. Best to ignore the noise and get healthy for YOU.

swisswife

http://www.hk-doctor.com/tool/html/BMI_Calculator.htm

from a doctor search / health website in HK

Zangpakto

I'd like to disagree on that last one... LOL!

BinaryPulsar

By American standards I am considered small. I find that most of the clothing companies I shop from and blogs I follow for fashion were started by Asian women that had trouble finding a good fit in clothing. I appreciate that because it helps me find nice clothing and to feel confident with myself. I am naturally small and very active as a dancer. I could never be big. I've had two children. My weight has always ranged between 100 and 110. My doctor says I am very healthy and not underweight.

snowgrrl83

Your BMI is saying that you are 9 pounds overweight.
That should be an indication to you.
Aim for a healthy BMI (although it is not a perfect system, it works for 90% of people......)

Most women are happy and feel as though they "look good" between a BMI of 20-22. (according to halls.md BMI calculator)

DavPul

I think it would be a good idea to find out your body fat % and work towards a healthy body composition, regardless of the perception of "thin" is to those around you. Everyone's viewpoints are skewed by cultural influences as well as ego. Best to ignore the noise and get healthy for YOU.

Do NOT listen to this person. Always follow the wisdom of crowds. ALWAYS.

Before going to visit family in Asia, go on a cleanse to lose those 9 pounds to fit in. Then before you fly back to the States, eat a bunch of lasagna. This is only reasonable solution.

DavPul

I was going to disagree but he's right. The stuff you and I are thinking of is American. It just stars Asian "actresses". The Asian stuff is awful. DO NOT WATCH.

You have been warned

DanaDark

Do NOT listen to this person. Always follow the wisdom of crowds. ALWAYS.

Before going to visit family in Asia, go on a cleanse to lose those 9 pounds to fit in. Then before you fly back to the States, eat a bunch of lasagna. This is only reasonable solution.

And while in Asia, definitely keep muttering how poor they are that they can't afford food... definitely bound to get you attention.

AnaVerasGettingFit

Try not to listen too much to what some of the Asians may say. Many of them can be a bit..... Tactless? Lacking in diplomacy? And then again, many just may not know what they're talking about, especially fobbers who are just basing it on how you look (no offense fobbers - i love you!) I only speak from experience with relatives and friends. They may be thin, but many are just skinny fat. Unless they're working out, of course --- which I know the majority of my tiny relatives are not. But on the opposite end of that, many Americans can sometimes be too proper or politically correct and would never dream of telling you you're overweight, even if you are. So basically you gotta figure it out. Easy peasy, right?

supertracylynn

asians do everything better.... except for porn

and lap dances
*shudder*

swisswife

OP - just saw your diary and you are aiming for 800 calories a day ....... is that right ??