The Challenges Faced by Plus Size People

Everything is getting smaller in a world where everyone is getting bigger. Some things are great small – microchips, computers, and the like.

But other things I’ve noticed getting smaller are not cool! For instance, plane seats, bathroom stalls, dressing rooms, even cubicles at some people work places!

Let me caveat this by saying I am not advocating poor health, obesity, or taking light some of the issues people have with weight. However, from the perspective of a girl who’s a size 16 (working on this as I type with my protein shake in hand! LOL), I find it a real challenge to do regular, normal things sometimes.

We’re not even gonna get into the definition of plus size because depending on the industry, plus size could be a size 8! SMH

Challenges Faced by Plus Size People

Many people who are plus sized are not lazy and as unhealthy as people often think. Also, know that not all plus size people are overweight; some are and just need to do something about it – like I’ve decided to do. However, often some places/facilities/items simply do not cater to larger people.

Let’s look at some examples:

• Traveling can be a huge problem as public transportation, especially airplanes, are not built and designed for plus sized people to use easily. Unfortunately the need for the airline to squash as many people as possible onto the flight has made the seats much, much smaller. I remember one flight I took recently on one of the smaller aircrafts where the seat belt barely fastened. I thought it was just me but even a smaller person complained! Whew, it wasn’t just me and I was NOT going to ask for the extender; it’s against my religion!
• Even café and restaurant chairs are often too small for larger people to sit comfortable in.
• Bathroom stall doorways are smaller in public places to enable more space to be maximized. I just hate having to open the door, squeeze in sideways, and only have enough space to stand because the toilet is poking me in the knee. That is extremely too small! Ugh!
• Hotels are another place where everything is designed as space saving, meaning that it is all smaller and compact.
• Shop doorways and aisles in stores are narrow making even a simple trip to the shop a daunting experience when you are plus sized.
• Clothing is often designed badly for larger people with less choice and more expense to buy the clothing to beat (which I understand since more fabric is being used but at least make it quality).

I know that companies want to make more  money and squeeze more out of their dollar, but really?! Everything is not supposed to be smaller. LOL

My 2 cents…what’s yours?

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