ABSTRACT
Much of the ‘joy’ of slimming must surely lie in a successful outcome, when it occurs. If feeling fat turns people inward, lowers self-esteem, and prevents people from holding their heads up high when they venture out, then successful slimming has the opposite effect. Successful slimmers describe themselves as altogether happier, more self-confident, more able to take part in group and physical activities than previously. Because of the unfortunate tendency of fashion designers to make acceptable-looking clothes in nothing larger than a size 12 (US 10), the women are able, perhaps for the first time in many years, to buy fashionable clothes which make them feel ‘normal’. Successful losers as a group take a new pride in their appearance, are more satisfied with the way their bodies look, and are less determined to avoid looking in every shop window they pass for fear of seeing a chance reflection of themselves. Many people are able with their new-found confidence to give up unsatisfactory jobs or spouses to seek out new ones; and people who are happy with their lot seem to become more contented, basking in the heightened attention from friends and loved ones, and enjoying a more active social life.
