Uneducated guess--time might be a factor; there's been plenty of posts over the years of folks saying that a few months after a fast gain, their fat softened up a lot, though their weight remained the same.

I don't know if that phenomenon is supported by any literature, but it seems intuitive, if we conceptualize VAT as "fast access" fat and SAT as "slow access/backup/reserve"--if you spend a long time with VAT that doesn't get burnt off, maybe your body comes to understand that it won't be needing that energy any time soon, so moves it to more permanent storage.

Again, just a guess. I don't have evidence for that.

Pretty sure this is fairly common (ofc, I have no real data). I wonder if it has something to do with oneself being the most available possible feedee/gainer (like a surrogate, for lack of a feedee), until it becomes a genuine interest.

I think I really started noticing once my weight was in the “overweight” BMI range... but that might have been a result of the number.

Another phenomenon that people note is “becoming softer”—which I’m pretty sure is fat redistribution. You might gain an initial amount of obvious visceral fat that then redistributes to subcutaneous fat around your body over time. My gut was actually larger when I was lighter.

I have no idea if it is good, but I know plusmingle is a thing. They even have a PSA about feedees/feeders on their main website.

I'll second the suggestion for rice, beans, lentils, oats, etc., specifically in *bulk*. Even at the expensive food co op near me, these items are very affordable.

I don't remember the exact price, but I remember doing the math on a Costco sized box of rice Krispy treats, but IIRC the calories per dollar ratio is favorable. Could be misremembering.

Additionally, depending on where your college is, you might be able to take advantage of some discounts or free food. For example, if you're in an urban area, there might be plenty of places that toss food. I used to be in walking distance of a Panera, a bagel shop, and a cupcake shop, and all 3 regularly threw stuff in the dumpster, but would either give it to you if you made arrangements, or placed it in bags *near* the dumpster for people to take.

Wait I haven’t seen that one. What’s the title and platform?

You “might” be getting chubby if you are wider than you are tall.

I'd just like to raise a little skepticism. For a number of reasons, this story seems hugely (pun intended) improbable. I guess I'm on high alert about feedees/gainers possibly getting taken advantage of, especially given that they’re typically in more vulnerable positions/roles than feeders, f/fas, etc.

Wait... *eatingz* shea butter? Is that a thing? That’s what my soap is made from.

Thought I eat olive oil and used to use castile soap....

Thanks for the suggestions, folks!

Fun fact, on the topic of stretch pants, I have a pair of stretch joggers that look like jeans, but I totally forgot about them. They have an elastic waistband and draw string. Wore them for the first time in like two years yesterday. I’ve not been so comfortable in... well... I guess the last two years.