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Maybe I'm just restating the obvious-- but it seems to me that societal definitions of beauty/handsomeness are based more on shape, and less on weight. But most people see weight gain or loss as a solution to the attractiveness problem, and certain media (perhaps basing their judgments on unflattering portraiture) reinforces that point.
Pot Belly? Lose the weight!
Bony Shoulders, Ribs showing? Gain some Weight!
But it doesn't work that way. I lost a good deal of weight, perhaps encouraged by the thought of minimizing my pot belly. Well, guess what-- it's still there in vestigial form, and I now have bony shoulders, a defined rib cage, and waist hip ratio that looks less than masculine. Clothes that ft my peculiarly slender shape are hard to find. I suppose I could gain some weight, in hopes of returning to normality, but I'm done with obsession.
Eat well, get plenty of exercise, and let the chips fall where they may.
