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Hala's Blog

by Hala from Webster, TX

Last Post 2 days, 2 hours Ago


SparkPage Sparks Body Dismorphia.
May 10, 2007 | 7:10 AM
Category: News
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After all the buzz about a website featured on MyTechGuy's "Website of the Day" I decided to check it out.   Being 31 weeks pregnant (9 more weeks to go), I am not worried about losing weight, since I have not gained much so far.

 But still, my curiosity sparked me to delve into this website.  The things that people say about their weight loss goals range from realistic to outrageous to JUST PLAIN SCARY.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for healthy living, even though people try to give me the excuse to "Eat for to" I keep my calorie intake and activities at the right pace. 

 However, many people on this site are delivering the wrong message to the rest of the members, let's look at an example.  A 30 something year old woman writes

"I am getting so huge, I can't wait to get back to 93 pounds" Now this woman is a mother of three kids, and currently weighs 135.

The sad part is, people encourage her!  "You are on fire! Congrats on your weight loss so far. :), another member writes.  

So what do you think? Should these websites be regulated by counselor's?


 

13 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 13
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TezzyDarling read my blog
May 10, 2007 | 7:29 AM

93lbs??? O.O
I hope she is 4'2"!

Here is a good chart on an average weight for your height.
Check this out,
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/heightweightchart.htm
skeasling read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 11:46 AM

one out of how many???? If she is a small girl than i can see why she wants to be back. Now you sign up they let you know if you have a healthy BMI or not. I find this site very useful. Their are several differnt counselors on the site just too help members.
MyTechGuy read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 11:47 AM

You bring up a very good point, Hala.

It's unfortunate that some people have a distorted view of their own body.

According to my BMI... I am a few pounds overweight, but I'm not in a hurry to lose it.

That person who wants to go to 93 lbs... I hope they are an extreme on SparkPeople. I would think the spark website would offer advice/warnings to people somewhere in their literature.
skeasling read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 12:42 PM

There is.... I have read it...
skeasling read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 12:44 PM

http://www.sparkpeople.com/community/residentexperts.as
p
skeasling read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 12:45 PM

http://www.sparkpeople.com/terms.asp
Hala read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 12:52 PM

Skeasling, I am not disputing Sparks' intentions for the site. However, their terms and agreements, etc etc are a way of 'covering their behinds' to steer clear of any legal problems that they might undergo.

This is not the fault of sparks, however I think its important to make aware of SOME of the people that are participating...sometimes the illusion of being thin gets in the way of reality and good health.

This woman was 5'5 (my height) a weight of 93 is dangerously thin.
skeasling read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 1:35 PM

Well that would be a part of society as a whole and not sparks though. As models get thinner and thinner the illusion that men prefer thin women is not all facts. Most of the sparks community is like myself is wanting to lose the extra weight for better health. People say I look fine but i am not happy with my body and my health. In high school i was 125-130 and that is where I would like to be again.. I am sure someone has sent this lady a message stating to be at that size would be dangerous, and not do it publicly... If I saw that that is what I would do...She should have seen where she needs to be to have a healthy bmi it is not the responsibilty of sparkpeople to say no you cant be on our site becuase you will be too thin. hope i am not sounding too rude on this but i am a big believer of personal responsibilty..
Hala read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 2:09 PM

No skeasling, you are not rude at all...

My point is that her profile should not even be posted...similar to the censorship that is provided on these blogs.
skeasling read my blog view my photos
May 10, 2007 | 2:32 PM

Her being taken off will only hide the problem. I am sure someone has mentioned it to her. Her being on the site isnt going to affect my goals or others.
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Member Since: 3/13/2007


 

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