The average American woman's...

Ann003

(courtesy of Consumer Reports)

• shoe size:  8-8.5 (no wonder my size is always out of stock!)
• pants size:  12
• ring size:  7
• bra size:  36C
• dress size:  12

At the GTG we thought the average height was 5'4".  I think it's time there were more "average" women in ads/entertainment!  I watch ANTM and The Hills (supposed reality) and I just want to give these girls a burger.  

JeniLovesNeil

Yay!!  I'm average!  Well, except for my big boobs and tiny feet. 

Jeff & Em

Awww man!  I'm all below average.  : (  At least I can find shoes in my size!

kat_hi

Interesting. I guess I'm on the small side, but I'm also only 5'2, so that makes sense.

Newbie33

Obesity in America is at epidemic proportions and affects healthcare costs, quality of life and more -- not just for the person who is overweight but for society. Rather than promote "average" through media, I'd rather see our country focus on healthy lifestyles involving healthy eating and exercise. We can blame the media and vanity for self-esteem issues all we want but diabetes and heart disease are increasing at alarming rates, particularly in women, as are high blood pressure and high cholesterol -- and none of those have anything to do with the media and vanity.

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html 

When I was on the pregnancy boards, I was shocked at how many women claimed their fetus "craved Taco Bell" and gave in everyday (or something similar) and yet would freak out if another women had a half glass of wine or *gasp* a tuna sandwich. Because somehow Taco Bell and fried food offers nutrients for the fetus? Our taste buds develop in-utero and shoveling fast food down your gullet only serves to put your child at risk for future weight problems and like crap for food. And then they claim it's tough to take off pregnancy pounds -- since when did pounds put on by eating Taco Bell and extra dessert constitute pregnancy-related? If you're cutting out foods (deli meat, tuna, alcohol, sushi, etc) to be healthy for the fetus, then why would you add pure crap that offers nothing beneficial at all? 

Children, today, drink more soda than water & milk and when they drink milk, a lot of kids will only drink flavored milk. The average kids' menu at a restaurant features mac & cheese, chicken fingers and fries. On top of that, lots of parents *regularly* serve that to their kids at home. 

It's a whole lot easier to tell someone else to "eat a burger" and complain that media doesn't use "average-sized" women than it is to address our own health issues and start eating right and exercising regularly. 

Ann003

This information was posted in reference to a conversation we had at a recent GTG.  I wasn't sitting and telling all the women on this board to eat a burger.  I was talking about certain "celebrities" who quite obviously do not have a healthy body type.  And also, Audrina Patridge was a spokesperson for Carl's Jr. - that's where the "burger" part came from.  

Also, I have worked hard to open my students' eyes about their health and nutrition by having them use the USDA pyramid tracker tool to assess their daily nutritional intake.  I have encouraged students to increase their physical activity and to take charge of their diets (meaning their nutrient intake, not a weight loss plan).  While it may be on a small scale, I have helped at least a few people address their health issues.  

Jeff & Em

Ann003:

While it may be on a small scale, I have helped at least a few people address their health issues.  

And sex issues!