Let’s Talk About Weight (limits)
Weight limits are restrictive but you don’t have to let it limit you
As someone who has struggled with weight my entire life, talking about weight is not a comfortable topic for me. For anyone who has ever struggled with their own weight, I’m sure you know exactly what I mean.
When you travel — especially when you are overweight — your weight and size are brought up constantly, even from the most well-meaning people. When you are already self-conscious about that weight or size, every time it is brought up is a reminder and another point for your embarrassment or shame.
You may wonder why, if I am so embarrassed or ashamed of myself, why I don’t just lose the weight. Well, if you have ever struggled with your weight, you know exactly why. If you haven’t, you need to know that it certainly isn’t for lack of trying — but that’s a topic for another time. I may be ashamed of my excessive weight, but I will never let it hold me back.
And neither should you.
Even the very beginning of your international travels can bring up your weight as you get your luggage weighed — and silently thank your lucky stars that you don’t have to step on a scale too. Somehow your bag is always on the heavy side; that’s what happens when your clothes are larger and you have to over-prepare to even be remotely spontaneous later (there is no way you can just go pick up a swimsuit or a jacket at your destination — wouldn’t that be nice?!).
Actually on the airplane, the struggle of size continues; even when I was slim, my shoulders were always wider the seat. I remember the first time I couldn’t buckle my seatbelt on the airplane — I could ‘suck it in’ as much as wanted, the belt was too short to go around me.
I was so embarrassed.
I genuinely didn’t know what to do. I knew I needed to be strapped in, but I literally couldn’t accomplish that. That’s when I learned about seat-belt extenders. All airplanes have them and the stewards/stewardesses are usually very discreet about getting them for you — just ask.
At Your Destination
When you arrive at your destination, your size and weight can make you stick out, especially when the country you are heading to doesn’t get a lot of tourists that look like you. In Vietnam, I was head and shoulders taller than even most Vietnamese men. That was not such a big deal, but it did make finding transportation difficult — hopping in the back of a rickshaw wasn’t going to work very well if I actually wanted to go anywhere.
I remember Vietnam as a wonderful country where I learned so much from my guides and hosts, saw incredible things like a floating market on the Mekong Delta, and had the absolute best cup of coffee in the world. But I also distinctly remember it as a place where I experienced on of my biggest embarrassments ever.
While walking around town, two ladies asked me to take a picture with them. This happens fairly frequently in places where I look so foreign with my height, blonde hair, and blue eyes, so I said yes. As they came in for the picture they cheered, “You are the fattest person we’ve ever seen!”
Beyond embarrassed and stunned, the ladies poked at my tummy and pinched my arms — even taking their photo while pointing at my fat.
Taking pictures as the big blonde girl isn’t new to me, but this encounter was particularly brutal. The last thing I wanted while enjoying my walk was for all my perceived flaws to be pointed out and put on display. All I wanted to do was hide, but where could I go? And what good would that do me, or anybody else?
No, hiding will never help. It may be uncomfortable, but even I can’t deny that those ladies left truly happy. I won’t forget that moment, but looking back, I know I learned from it. I’ve learned to smile and enjoy the moments — even the ones that aren’t enjoyable at the time.
So, I suggest smiling and just take the damn photo.
Weight Limits for Adventures
It makes sense that adventures of certain types — flying in small aircraft, bungee jumping, or horseback riding — have weight limits so they can operate safely. But, why that weight? Why is 200 or 250 pounds the limit?
Am I to assume that no large man is allowed to go on this particular adventure? My 6'4" husband will likely never weigh under 200lbs. — and even at a normal weight, he shouldn’t be under that limit. Is everyone over that weight simply unable to ever have certain adventures or try certain things?
I know I cannot be the only large — and yes, overweight — person who has ever wanted to go on (insert ANY adventure here). I certainly don’t want to risk mine or anyone else’s safety, but I don’t understand why adventures have to end after a certain weight and size.
That’s why I always look for other options.
Ok, so I can’t zipline in New Zealand — what can I do? Canyon swing? Let’s do this!
I had thought for years that I couldn’t go parasailing because I was outside the weight limit stated on the websites. A friend of mine encouraged me to call the tour operator while we were in Hilo, and just ask. Guess what? If I was willing to go alone (they typically do tandem flights), I could parasail! So, we went! And it was magnificent.
On a recent trip to Peru, my size and weight was once again thrust front and center. We were hiking in the edge of the Amazon near Aguas Calientes when I stepped on a rotten board and fell through the platform I had been standing on. By the saving grace of my chubby thigh, I didn’t fall to my death below. The fall through the wood scraped up my shin, my knee was swollen and painful, but I was otherwise unscathed.
As if the pain wasn’t enough, a local man started berating me and saying that it was my fault I fell. If I wasn’t so fat, I wouldn’t have fallen through.
True or not, the mental barrage did nothing to help me on my hike back.
With my swollen knee and new-found fear of wooden planks, I made it back safely. And still made it up to Macchu Picchu for sunrise.
Just Go
Wherever I have gone, I have been restricted by my size or weight in some way. But, I still went. And I will continue to go and push my limits. I always find a way to experience the world and see its wonders.
And you can too.
You are not alone. You are not “too big,” no matter what anyone else says. If you want to travel or try something new, go for it! You’re not too fat to fly. You’re not too fat to fall. You’re not too fat live life on your own terms. And don’t you ever let anyone’s comments stop you.
Leana’s an avid world traveler who has been to over 40 countries and will be venturing to her 7th continent in 2022. She believes in ubuntu and that adventures make life worth living. To follow her journey as a plus-sized woman with unquenchable wanderlust as she continues to seek out all that the world has to offer, you can check out The Overweight Adventurer.
