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TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Apr 23, 2023, 21:00 IST

If you want to lose weight but are confused as to which approach to follow, check out your personality type based on your zodiac sign to determine which weight loss approach will benefit you the most.

For Aries, starting on a weight-loss journey is easy but continuing till the end is difficult. To master that bit, try starting your journey with a buddy, so encourage some accountability, support and healthy competition.

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Taurus love sweets and other rich foods which are usually calorie-dense. To lose weight, they need to be attracted towards their diet or workout plan. Sign up for a luxurious gym with lots of up-to-date amenities to motivate you.

For Cancers, the key to weight loss lies in their kitchen. Recreate a healthy diet plan for you and your family and try interesting new recipes that are nutritious and low on calories.

Virgos love routine so the best way for them to lose weight is to stick to daily healthy habits for weight loss and soon they'll shed kilos in no time.

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Libras need to take baby steps in their weight loss journey. Any drastic changes whether in diet or exercise and they will go back to square one.

Scorpio needs something intense to lose weight for real. Go for strength training or kickboxing, anything dramatic that gets you pumped up.

Sagittarius have to trick themselves into working out or they'll get bored and drop all their plans. Your key to weight loss is to do something you enjoy, which will also help you lose weight.

Capricorns can lose weight by charting out a practical diet plan and workout routine. They usually take a responsible approach. The best way to start off is by cutting out junk food and eating more organic food.

Aquarius cannot lose weight with only weight loss in their mind. They want to do something that is fun, challenging and intellectually stimulating as well. Joining dance classes can help you lose weight.

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Pisces focus more on the health of their mind than of their body. For weight loss, opt for hot yoga to keep both your body and soul healthy.

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How to lose weight according to your zodiac sign - Indiatimes.com

Whenever we feel like losing a few pounds, we immediately resort to skipping meal(s) in order to feel good about not consuming enough calories. However, it is doing you more harm than good since it is important for our bodies to be replenished with the required nutrients to be able to function properly without any hassle.

Most of us often think of skipping breakfast in order to have only two meals a day, i.e. lunch and dinner. But what we don't realize is that by skipping breakfast we tend to eat more than required to satisfy our growling stomachs. Doing so leads to consuming more calories, which comes in the way of losing weight.

Here are six protein-rich breakfast options to help you lose weight, according to the dietician:

Preparing these foods for breakfast can help boost your immune system and metabolism, which can then help you lose weight quicker. These foods are also rich in fibre aid in the digestion process and will suppress your appetite so that you won't feel the urge to reach out for a second or third helping, which can then lead to an increase in calorie consumption.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Skipping Breakfast To Lose Weight? Dietician Suggests 6 Breakfast Ideas To Aid Your Weight Loss Goals - Zoom TV

Dr Lim Su Lin, chief dietitian at the National University Hospital, held a press event recently to talk about how her Healthy Keto Diet is different from the traditional keto diet, and how it has benefitted many trial participants who are from the hospital.

She said the healthy keto diet is an effective diet for those who are overweight or have obesity and want to lose weight safely. She said it also does not lead to higher bad cholesterol levels. This diet is, however, not suitable for some groups of people, including those who are pregnant, underweight or have eating disorders.

STs senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Lim as they also discuss the type of cooking oils to use and examples of low-carbohydrate fruits.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:57 Is the healthy keto diet mainly about carb reduction and healthy eating?

6:38 What makes healthy keto diet different from the rest?

11:04 Examples of healthy fats, low carb foods,low carb fruits, with price consideration factored in too

15:23 Mistakes people make when going on a keto diet?

19:34 A 1-day sample menu of the Healthy Keto Diet

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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Health Check Podcast: Will I lose weight with the Healthy Keto Diet ... - The Straits Times

New Delhi: When it comes to weight loss , people try all sorts of things from eating less to dry fasting, exercising and whatnot. But for a wellness journalist, going on a 101-day detox for weight loss went horribly wrong when dieting too hard forced her body to start eating itself. Brigid Delaneys detox plan required her to not eat for two weeks and while it promised to reset the body backfired terribly. Instead of food, Brigid was asked to drink herbal drinks giving her 250 calories every day. The remaining 87 days, she was asked to restrict herself to 50 grams of chicken, half a cucumber or a boiled egg. The detox diet was so brutal that it left her light-headed at times and she even struggled to cross the street at times. It put her body in ketosis a process wherein the body starts to burn fat to produce energy. She even started to smell bad and suffered from insomnia, night sweats and bad dreams. After 70 days, she quit the diet when sharp chest pain started to occur that felt like a heart attack. The clinic that advised Brigit the diet told her to not worry. But after consulting with a doctor, she was told that the chest pain was likely to be her body eating heart muscle for fuel. And doctors also revealed that if at all this would have given any benefits beyond the pain, it would be short-lived. She ended up gaining the lost weight again and more pounds within six months.

According to experts, there are some simple and sustainable techniques for weight loss that help shed pounds slowly but in a way that prevents it from accumulating again.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

Continued here:
Woman Goes On Detox Diet To Lose Weight, Doctor Said Her Body Started To 'Eat Itself' Over Time - Times Now

Drinking water is often thought of as a means to avoid feeling parched on a hot spring or summer day. Although optimal hydration is key to a healthy lifestyle, does drinking water help you lose weight?

Including enough H2O in your healthy diet may be the missing link you are looking for if you are on a weight loss journey, especially if you are already limiting fried and sugary foods, engaging in physical activity, and adopting other good-for-you habits that support weight loss. Yes, the simple act of drinking enough water and keeping hydrated may be just what your body needs if you are trying to lose weight and you are not seeing the results you want to see. Why water, you ask?

Keep reading to learn exactly why drinking more water may help you lose weight, and how much water you should be drinking every day to support your weight management goals. And for more advice to help guide your healthy hydrating habits, be sure to read What Happens to Your Body When You Drink a Gallon of Water Every Day.

Believe it or not, sipping on some "high-quality H2O" (as Adam Sandler would call it in The Waterboy) may help you on your quest to drop a few pounds, especially if you combine this habit with other weight loss-supporting ones, like including physical activity in your day and eating a balanced and calorie-appropriate diet.

Unlike sugary sodas or fancy coffee drinks, water has zero calories, carbs, sugar, salt, and fat. So, drinking it won't contribute to your nutrient quota for the day whatsoevera great feature for those on a weight loss journey.

But water isn't just a calorie-free thirst quencher. Some data suggest that drinking water can increase the metabolic rate, so your body will burn more calories when it is in a state of rest. In fact, one study published inNutrition & Diabetes suggests that drinking approximately 16 ounces of water is linked to elevated resting energy expenditure, meaning that the body uses more calories when this amount of water is consumed versus those who do not drink this volume.

Not only can drinking water help you burn more calories when you are at rest, but it may also help you break down fat. According to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, enough fluid is needed to break down fat in the body. So, not providing your body with enough fluid may make it more challenging for your body to use fat as fuel.

The amount of water you need to drink in order to lose weight will vary based on a few factors, including your weight, how much you exercise, and how much you sweat.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Generally, healthy adult men should aim for around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluid every day, and healthy adult women should shoot for around a daily intake of 11.5 cups (2.7 liters), per the Institute of Medicine. This fluid volume includes water and other beverages, as well as the water you get from eating certain hydrating foods, like watermelon and cucumbers (which are made of mostly water).

However, it is important to be realistic about the results you will see when you drink more water. If you are bumping up your fluid intake, but you are not eating the right foods, participating in regular exercise, or getting quality sleep, it is unlikely that you will see the pounds melt off simply by sipping from your trendy Stanley cup. But if you are already doing "all the right things," ensuring that you are drinking enough water may be the missing link that your body needs to see the results you want it to see.

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Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

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Does Drinking More Water Help You Lose Weight? - Eat This, Not That

LOSING a significant amount of weight can change your life, often in unexpected ways.

One young mom lost 87 pounds in one year but was surprised when she didn't end up with a common side effect.

In March of 2020, Lauren Polinskey (@laurenpolinskey) weighed 230 pounds and was ready to make a change.

Over the course of the next year, she lost 87 pounds and now posts motivational content for fellow fitness-minded women.

Despite the change, the 143-pound influencer lacks the loose skin commonly associated with major weight loss.

In a video, she opened up about the main factor in her "snap back" to such a toned body.

Posing in a pair of fitted leggings, Polinskey smiled as a frequently-heard comment appeared on the screen in a caption.

"You lost 87 pounds and barely have loose skin because you're young," read the common gripe from critics.

"Okay. You got me there," Polinskey responded, mouthing along to a viral audio clip. "But that is not a crime."

In the video's description, she talked at length about her weight loss journey.

"I was so worried about loose skin and my mom said 'Lauren, that's just an excuse!'" she remembered.

When Polinskey started working out, her mom said, "'You're young, you'll snap back!'"

"I honestly didn't believe her, but she was right (duh, moms always are and she's a nurse)," Polinskey wrote.

"The younger we are, our bodies are still producing a good amount of collagen," she explained. "That's what keeps our skin tight and firm."

It's also why Polinskey encourages women in their twenties who want to lose weight to "start ASAP."

"You're going to snap back a lot better than you think," she advised.

She also said she was "lucky" not to have much loose skin.

"I have some on my lower tummy and I definitely need a boob job now," Polinskey wrote.

The most important thing, she added, is women don't allow the fear of loose skin to stop them from hitting their fitness goals.

"I'll probably get a tummy tuck when I'm done having babies one day," she admitted. "No shame if you do end up needing skin removal, babe!"

"I promise you're still going to be feeling WAY better healthy," she assured followers. "Loose skin is not a big deal!"

Read the rest here:
Im a gym girl who lost 87 pounds I was worried Id have loose skin but I snapped back, now I just nee... - The US Sun

Various forms of fasting are becoming more and more popular, leading some people to try the OMAD diet. OMAD stands for "one meal a day," and this style of eating appeals to those who don't want to restrict certain foods, count calories or fast for entire days at a time. The rules are simple: "Advocates suggest 4 ones: 1 meal, 1 plate, 1 beverage and 1 hour," says Lisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD, owner or Sound Bites Nutrition. In other words, eat one plate of food, drink one beverage and do it within one hour of the day.

Although the lack of food rules may make the OMAD diet sound appealing, the small amount of food you're allowed to eat on a daily basis may be cause for concern. Here, we'll discuss the foods you can eat on the OMAD diet, pros and cons of following this eating plan and whether or not you should try it.

"[The OMAD diet] is considered a form of intermittent fasting but is much more extreme," says Andrews. "A person has only a one (yes, ONE) hour eating window and 23 hours of fasting," she adds. Naturally, a person eats fewer calories with this style of eating and tends to lose weight. Proponents of the diet like that they don't have to count or track calories. Besides the one meal per day, there really aren't any other rules to follow. You can choose foods that you enjoy and combine them into one meal.

Although you can eat whatever you want on the OMAD diet, a well-balanced meal with healthy carbs, lean proteins and healthy fats will help keep you full and energized. In addition, "limiting alcohol and added sugar may reduce cravings during the time you are supposed to fast," says Andrews. She also notes that black coffee, unsweetened tea, seltzer water or other non-caloric beverages are allowed when you are fasting.

During the "eating" portion of the OMAD diet, build a balanced plate with:

Before diving headfirst into the OMAD diet, consider the pros and cons. There is some research on the benefits of fasting, but eating once per day is drastic and likely unsustainable (and potentially unsafe) for most people.

There is an abundance of research on the health outcomes of fasting, but the science on eating just one meal per day is very limited. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Physiology examined the effects of eating one meal per day on metabolism and physical performance in healthy individuals. The authors concluded that a single meal per day in the evening lowers body weight without affecting physical performance. However, the study was extremely small, with only 13 participants, and only lasted for 11 days. More research is definitely needed in this area before the results are conclusive.

Time-restricted fasting with a larger feeding window, such as 8 hours, has been extensively studied. A 2020 review in The Journal of Physiology observed the effects of time-restricted fasting on weight and cardiometabolic health. They discovered that time-restricted fasting may decrease calorie intake by 20% to 30% and induce weight loss of 1% to 4% of body weight. In addition, time-restricted fasting decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, regardless of weight loss.

The drawbacks of the OMAD diet may seem obviousextreme hunger, lack of energy, fatigue and uncontrollable cravings, to name a few. Andrews also adds that "fasting causes headaches and irritability due to being 'hangry.'"

Plus, eating one meal per day may not be sustainable if you like to exercise, dine out or travel. Lastly, eating only a few foods per day may put you at risk for nutrient deficiencies, since different foods have varying nutrients and it would be challenging to meet all of your nutritional needs in just one meal.

"As a registered dietitian, this seems like a punitive eating plan," says Andrews. "Personally, I couldn't do it or advise this to my clients," she adds. If a person does try it, they should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and invest in a daily high-potency multivitamin to help bridge nutrient gaps. This style of eating is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with diabetes, or anyone with a history of an eating disorder or who is at risk for an eating disorder.

The only rule on the OMAD diet is that you should eat one meal per day with one beverage within a one-hour time period. In addition, the meal should fit on one plate, without any second helpings.

Nutrition professionals do not advise trying the OMAD diet for any length of time. It's incredibly restrictive and unsustainable and can lead to extreme weight loss, nutrient deficiencies and binging.

Although there are metabolic and cardiovascular benefits to certain styles of fasting, the OMAD diet has not been thoroughly studied. It's a very confined style of eating that isn't sustainable for the long term and can lead to disordered eating patterns. Yet, some people may find it appealing due to its simple rules and omission of calorie restrictions. If you decide to try the OMAD diet, consult with a health care professional first.

Read more here:
What Is the OMAD Diet and Is it Safe? - EatingWell

For a gym-goer, a fitness space is inclusive when the environment is welcoming, nonjudgmental and supportive of someones freedom to be and feel like themselves, says Britt Behrns, a marketing associate in Brooklyn and client at The Ness, a trampoline fitness studio in New York.

I keep coming back because theres no worry or dread of going to the studio, she adds.

Inclusive fitness spaces are likely to display the following characteristics, according to industry professionals:

Personalized instruction or modifications. Fitness professionals can be inclusive of all individuals by customizing training sessions and modifying group fitness classes as much as possible. A transgender person who [recently] had surgery, a plus-size person and a mom who works 45 hours a week [each require] something very different based on their bodily needs, says Summers. That doesnt mean [individuals arent] doing the same exercises[the movements are] just adjusted personally.

In group fitness settings specifically, instructors should ask attendees about any injuries or other concerns and offer adjustments to accommodate different abilities, according to both Summers and Brandon Dawson, a certified personal trainer and manager of 9x Fitness in Malibu, California.

Affordable pricing. From boutique studios to large luxury fitness companies, high prices can be a barrier to entry for many people trying to exercise on a tighter budget. Summers points to Blink Fitness as an inclusive option with affordable membership and training fees.

Alternatively, some fitness spaces offer sliding scale payment plans, allowing some clients to pay a discounted fee based on their specific financial situation. Depending on the facility, sliding scale plans may have a minimum threshold, be limited to a certain number of clients or require proof of income or hardship for eligibility.

Personable staff. A warm introduction can make all the difference, says Dawson. For example, [a staff member] shaking [someones] hand, giving them a high five, saying, Hello, were happy to have you, smiling and being genuine [indicates a welcoming fitness environment], he adds.

Established relationships with clients. An important approach for helping people get the most out of their fitness facility experience is to understand the unique values underlying their motivations for joining the gym. The only way to do this is to have authentic and open communication with the members. Take the time to get to know your clients beyond their fitness experience, encourages Aly Giampolo, certified personal trainer and co-founder and instructor at The Ness. Doing so can give a trainer a deeper understanding of their clients physical space, which may affect their individual exercise program, she adds.

Kathleen, another Brooklyn-based FORM Fitness client, credits a communicative relationship with Summers for keeping her healthy in the early days of the pandemic and after undergoing extensive leg surgery. For the first time, I felt like somebody was actually looking at the way I moved and giving me really good cues about how to make my movements easier and better, she says.

Accessible facilities. Gyms can be inclusive to people of varying identities, abilities, needs and skill levels by providing accessible parking, entrances and restrooms, as well as equipment that is adaptable for people with disabilities, says Alyza Berman, LCSW, founder and clinical director of The Berman Center, a mental health treatment center in Atlanta. Inclusive facilities also include gender-neutral changing rooms and locker rooms, adds Bermans, providing a safe, physical space for people of all identities.

Set and enforced inclusive policies. An inclusive gym or fitness studio should have policies that support inclusion, such as a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment, says Berman. She adds that such policies should be on display in the facility, social media and new member contracts and staff contracts. She also recommends ongoing in-person training for staff in order to demonstrate the level of importance of inclusivity and acceptance.

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Fitness Is Growing More Inclusive Than Ever. Here's Why That Matters - Forbes

Tommy Johnson significantly improved his life after achieving a transformative weight loss on My 600-lb Life. The Louisiana resident was 38 when he debuted on the TLC show. At the time, he was 641 pounds and was in incredible pain because of his health. Apart from being unable to walk, the My 600-lb Life star couldn't stand still for a minute straight because of his size. He relied on help from his girlfriend, Amanda, who supported him daily. Tommy's obesity issues began at an early age, as he started to seek comfort and happiness in food.

Tommy lost his dad when he was eight years old. He was an alcoholic who played an indirect role in pushing him toward overeating. After Tommy's dad passed due to a heart attack, he faced physical abuse that worsened his life even more. At 18, he weighed 500 pounds. After years of struggling, the My 600-lb Life alum finally decided to start focusing on his health. He joined Dr. Now's low-calorie program and dropped 70 pounds in a few months. After getting approved for weight loss surgery, Tommy lost even more weight and got to 218 pounds in 12 months.

Besides his weight loss, the best thing that happened to the My 600-lb Life star was Amanda. From the start of the episode, it was clear that she cared about Tommy and would do anything for him. Apart from assisting him in daily activities, she would cook him delicious meals such as sandwiches. She also supported Tommy throughout his weight loss journey. Tommy and Amanda were a great couple and seemed like they would get married one day. Unfortunately, Tommy has posted no update on his future with Amanda, as he isn't active on social media.

Related: My 600-Lb Life: 8 Dramatic Weight Loss Transformations Ranked

Fortunately, Tommy did come out healthier and better after his stint on the reality TV show. Apart from being physically fit, Tommy overcame the tragedies that haunted him since childhood. Tommy was open about his struggles on My 600-lb Life, from his father's complex to his physical abuse. He has also been real about never sharing these psychological issues with his mom and fianc. Dr. Now suggested he consult and seek therapy from Lola Clay. Eventually, it all worked out when the My 600-lb Life alum shared his past with his family, which helped him achieve his goals.

It seems Tommy has left social media after showcasing his journey on the show. There's no major update on his whereabouts and weight loss. The former reality star has a profile on Facebook, which seems inactive. My 600-lb Life viewers are hopeful of Tommy as they have seen him overcome a lot of challenges. While Tommy appeared on the show in 2020, he's still talked about on social media.

A few weeks ago, Redditor Straight_Sentence_42 said, "I was really impressed with Tony's losing weight journey. He was generally well-disciplined." Another Redditor chimed in to say "I hope he gained back his voice and is able to stand up for what he believes in." Although it isn't known whether Tommy and Amanda got married, many My 600-lb Life viewers believe the couple shouldn't be together. Some have said Amanda is an "obese-fetish girl friend [sic]" and isn't good for Tommy.

My 600-lb Life has featured many cast members who failed to lose weight, but Tommy's journey has ended positively. Since appearing in My 600-lb Life season 8 in 2020, he hasn't made many public appearances. He could be filming an update episode to see how far he has come in the past three years. The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for everyone, so many are curious about how Tommy has dealt with the situation while making progress since his final episode. Hopefully, Tommy is working on improving his health and has a lucrative job after My 600-lb Life.

Sources: Tommy Johnson/Facebook, Straight_Sentence_42/Reddit

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What Happened To Tommy Johnson After My 600 Lb Life Season 8 - Screen Rant

This article was originally published in Cycling Weekly's print edition as part of the long-running MY FITNESS CHALLENGE series.

"Theres a lot of gatekeeping in cycling, a lot of If you dont look like a typical cyclist, youre not welcome on our group ride and If you cant keep up, theres no place for you, Marley Blonsky paints a damning picture of a cycling scene awash with judgement and petty rules. But it doesnt have to be that way. The 36-year-old knows that change is possible because for the past five years she has been blazing a trail for plus-sized riders.

Blonsky grew up in Dallas, Texas and has fond childhood memories of long, joy-filled days pedalling around her local neighbourhood. After college, she moved to Seattle, Washington for work, and cycling took a back seat. My life was fairly sedentary right through my 20s, she says, but after getting divorced [in 2013] I moved to a part of Seattle where driving a car just didnt make sense.

Blonsky bought a bike and within a few weeks had not only embraced the convenience of commuting but was also riding for fun at weekends and had even begun planning bike-packing adventures. It was at this point she began hitting barriers. I didnt have a rain jacket or cycling kit that fitted me. As I hit more and more of these frustration points, I was thinking, Im not the only fat person out here this must affect others too.

Five years ago, Blonsky attended a cycling inclusivity conference encompassing equality, racial justice and gender identity and noticed a striking omission. No one was talking about size inclusion, says Blonsky, but on the last day there was an opportunity to highlight what was missing from the conversation. She stood up and spelled it out. Size inclusion: there are bigger people who ride bikes. Were breaking bicycles, breaking spokes, we dont have the kit we need. It was a light bulb moment.

Increasingly alert to the plight of other larger riders, Blonsky stumbled upon an Instagram post by Kailey Kornhauser, who was touring Alaska and lamenting not having a rain jacket. I knew straight away, I needed to talk to this person, remembers Blonsky. She contacted Kornhauser and together they began making plans. We put together a workshop and started delivering it to bike shops and advocacy clubs. When Covid-19 hit, it meant the workshop had to go online, which proved fortuitous, as it was alighted on by film-maker Zeppelin Zeerip, who spotted an opportunity. He pitched a film to Shimano, telling our story, and they went for it! says Blonsky. The resulting film All Bodies on Bikes has been viewed more than 250k times on YouTube since going live last year.

For the industry, being more inclusive is not just ethical it makes good business sense too. The average clothing size of a woman in the US is 18, says Blonsky, so putting aside conversations about fitness or health or whatever, youre leaving billions of dollars on the table by not meeting this populations needs. There is still much work to do, and the campaigning duo continue to petition bike brands to expand their ranges, be transparent about weight limits and offer modifications for larger riders.

(Image credit: Marley Blonsky)

Blonsky is aware of the health and performance case for losing weight, but it is a discussion that she consciously avoids. We all have different size bodies for different reasons, she says. What we eat and how much we exercise is just one element of it. Nobody owes anybody else their health its a uniquely personal thing. Her position is that it ought not matter whether someone is riding to lose weight, to get fit or just to have fun, since were all equally deserving of the right to ride beginning with equal access to bikes and kit that are comfortable and safe.

Blonsky frequently uses the word fat, and I wonder whether this a deliberate attempt to reclaim the term. For me, its just a neutral descriptor, she says. Im fat, Im blonde, I wear glasses. When you take the power away from [the word fat], nobody can use it as an insult. When I call myself fat, Im saying: Im OK with it, Im not trying to change who I am.

The All Bodies on Bikes community is growing fast: its Facebook group has over 8,000 members and new chapters are being launched across the US. Blonskys self-confidence and evident comfort in her own skin as well as on her bike rightly challenges preconceptions about body image in cycling. No one really gets to pick their body, she reminds us. We get what we get and work within those constraints. What are the practical things all cyclists can do to make cycling that little bit more welcoming and inclusive? Just be kinder both to themselves and to people they encounter, says Blonsky. A friendly smile or wave on a ride can go a long way.

Clothing brand Fat Lad at the Back (FLAB) was founded by Lynn Bye and her husband Richard 10 years ago. Lynn reflects on a decade supplying kit to larger riders

In 2014 we appeared on Dragons Den and dragon Kelly Hoppen said our brand name was morally wrong. This confirmed something we had already suspected: that when people have an issue with our brand name, it says more about their attitude to fat. Fat Lad at the Back was [co-founder] Richards nickname, and for us it has never had negative connotations.

As a culture, we need to change our attitude towards weight and size, and focus more on health. Fat does not mean lazy. Fat people, many of whom are superfit, are treated incredibly badly by society. Fat-ism is the last bastion of the troll. We now export to over 80 countries, and we have 50,000 members on Facebook. Our brand is a conversation-starter; we call it sophisti-kitsch and dont take ourselves too seriously.

The FLAB sportive, in Yorkshire, takes place on 6 May.

The full version of this article was published in the 16 March 2023 print edition ofCycling Weeklymagazine.Subscribe online and get the magazine delivered to your door every week. (opens in new tab)

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'I'm fat and I'm OK with that': The size-inclusion campaigner ... - CyclingWeekly

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