*deep sigh*

WHAT!! Thats horrible! Can you talk to the instructor after class and tell them how uncomfortable they're making you feel? And maybe throw in a "I'm working on it, not that its any of your business..."

I agree!

If she's saying these things directly to you in front of the class that's definitely not right. You should either talk to her before or after class and let her know that she's making you uncomfortable enough to want to skip or drop the class. If she persists, it's time to talk to your adviser or someone higher up in her department.

I'd get there early and try to talk to the teacher before hand. Try to explain that you're working on losing weight - I don't think that singling you out is particularly helpful of her and it would make me feel awful. On the other hand, if she's that passionate about it then maybe she has some tips! No teacher wants to upset their students so much that they don't come to class - perhaps you can get her to back off a little.

If that doesn't work and she still makes you feel singled out then I would talk to her supervisor.

One thing I do know is that she can't make you get on that scale if you don't want to. You might decide it would be more embarrassing to be the only one not to - but it's your choice. You are in control. Just like you're taking control by being on this site and trying to lose weight.

As a shy person myself, I know this is all easier said than done. Good luck tomorrow!

I'm so sorry you have such a horrible situation! You could try emailing your teacher to let her know your situation- that way she would know without you having to say in front of the whole class. You should let her know how uncomfortable you feel and tell her that you're taking steps to become healthier, but the climate of her classroom is hurting your self-esteem.

Feeling bad about yourself doesn't burn any calories. Realize that no matter what happens with your physical health, you'll always be a worthwhile person. You deserve to be confident, feel good, and enjoy a healthy life.

This site is a great start! If you're feeling overwhelmed or confused, just focus on counting calories using the tools on this site. In addition to eating less calories than you burn, try to eat breakfast every day, even if it's just a small one. It's easier to eat less when you eat nutrient-dense foods that are high in fiber- like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.

To answer your questions about what to do- it's up to you.! You can eat less, exercise more, or both. Eat foods you enjoy and practice activities you like. Remember, it's about changing your lifestyle. Reward yourself with a nice walk instead of something sweet; take the stairs; only eat half of what you're served at a restaurant and bag up the rest.

You're beautiful the way you are, and with a little discipline you will feel better both physically and emotionally

OMG she sounds absolutley awful, no wonder you're feeling apprehensive, who wouldn't?! Speak to her in private and tell her how bad she's making you feel...she probably doesn't realise as she's too busy shouting on her soap box.

OOOOH, and one MORE thing: You are BEAUTIFUL! I can see the happy light in your eyes in that pic and ya know what...don't let your pride get in the way. Sometimes if you swallow that pride, get PASSIONATE and MOTIVATED and INSPIRED and jump right up there and say "I wanna be FIRST because this is THE LAST time the world is gonna see my BMI this high, so jot down your notes for underneath my BEFORE PICTURE because this time next week I'm gonna be lighter...healthier..happier...AND THE NEXT WEEK..... AND THE NEXT WEEK...... AND THE NEXT.........."

You'd be surprised. The whole entire class might just rally behind you, start encouraging you and PUMP YOU UP!!!

Whos in the class? You are! You are my hero for the day!

I wrote a whole inspirational note to you just now and then accidentally lost it all. What I wanted to tell you was how there are very few people that are brave enough, strong enough, and persistant enough, to do what it takes to change. You are. Stick with MFP and get some friends here. They understand and you will have support and the tools to do this.

A room full of has beens is what you might find when you are done with the class and flash forward 15 years. But, here you are going to learn how to do this the right way. The permanent change to healthy habits that last. Those people are flashes in the pan, but you are going to do this.

There are people's blogs I have read where they were afraid to go to the gym and be that one really big person in the room huffing and puffing. Or the big one in the exercise class, or the big one that didn't fit in the booth to go eat out. My Mother-In-Law was afraid to come visit us because she might not fit in the airplane seat. Just by being in that class you have already been braver than anyone in that class. And that kind of fortitude is going to make you successful. Hold you head up high, because you deserve to feel good inside. You will because you can. The small people that would be the one to look at you sideways are truely that, small. There are others out there cheering you on.

One more thing. I was in a summer class car pooling with some really bratty girls with a rotten teacher. None of them ever amounted to anything, btw. People that have to put others down are not very big inside in the first place.

Unprofessional is stating it lightly. Talk to her. I am having flashbacks of the mean girls in high school! Be gentle with yourself and keep moving forward. I know it can be really hard at times, but I also know that YOU CAN DO IT!

PS: Schwiggity-unhelpful and inappropriate comment, dude!

I can't believe your teacher would do that. When I was in high school our gym teacher made us take our body fat percentage and do fitness assessments in front of the entire class. If you didn't do it, you failed. It was so embarrassing and traumatizing. I also had a health teacher who showed the movie "Super Size Me" and after the movie she said to a morbidly obese girl, "I hope this isn't uncomfortable for you" and the girl looked at her like, "what?! did you really just single me out?" I felt really bad for her. That's so wrong of her. I would talk to her before class and be like, "Look, I'm not getting up there. I'm trying to lose weight but it shouldn't be the business of the entire class." I have no problem confronting people like that.

I don't think her problem is that she is a 'fitness freak', it is an insensitivity that is inherent in her.

I wonder if you can turn up early and ask to have yours taken before everyone gets there? You know you may not be the only one uncomfortable with having your BMI taken in front of the class. I know I wouldn't want to either, so you are certainly not alone.

Other than that, congratulations on your taking control of your life, and I hope you end up getting something out of the class, and then move onto bigger and better challenges.

GG