LoraDayton:

2. Numbers don't really mean anything in the imagination when describing body changes or food volume. Unless there is a plot element specific to it, you don't need numbers. It will free you, I promise.


Letters And Numbers:
I agree with this completely, but I will also say that numbers are *extremely* popular. I get more positive feedback from weighing segments than from almost anything else.

So while I don’t just write to please the reader (anyone who has read my current story can attest to that), sometimes it’s nice to give people what they want, too! But all things in proper moderation.

Munchies:
My take on the numbers is that they can be used effectively, but most people in the community do not know how. To be clear, this issue isn't FF-specific. I see it in a lot of fetish spaces.

It's essentially a case of "show, don't tell." It's the difference between saying, "It's 32 F/0 C outside," versus "The biting cold froze the puddle of water." One tells you what's happening, while the other immerses you in the experience.

That said, I believe there is a time and place for numbers. For example, maybe you're writing a fit-to-fat story where the protagonist is coming to terms with their weight. Since her weight is integral to the plot, you could include that when it moves the plot forward.

Letters And Numbers:
I agree completely! 100%. But I think in this particular community, some readers *really* like numbers. It doesn’t make the story stronger as a story, but as fan service people like it. So it’s a choice the author has to make. I’m trying to take numbers out of my current story because that’s not the story I want to tell, but I can’t deny that it’s popular.

Letters And Numbers:
This is a wonderful thread. Thank you to @Munchies for making it! And for all the great contributions!

LoraDayton:

2. Numbers don't really mean anything in the imagination when describing body changes or food volume. Unless there is a plot element specific to it, you don't need numbers. It will free you, I promise.


Letters And Numbers:
I agree with this completely, but I will also say that numbers are *extremely* popular. I get more positive feedback from weighing segments than from almost anything else.

So while I don’t just write to please the reader (anyone who has read my current story can attest to that), sometimes it’s nice to give people what they want, too! But all things in proper moderation.

Morbidly A Beast:
I don’t really see the point unless you’re not actively gaining or fat, could be useful for feeders? It’s pretty obvious you can tell us by our bellies… but obviously not all fat people are in on our thing.

SnM4BDSMinFL:
Something tells me it was never widespread. I've been on (admittedly mostly lurking) around a number of feedism-related sites since the early/mid 2000s and I can't recall ever seeing that.

Sadly, I think these days adopting such a symbol for the community would merely serve to act as a target for oppression. At least in some parts of the world, anyways.

MickRidem:
Oh! 🤣🤣🤣 I was so distraught and looking for info, I just threw out a search and raised a zombie?? 🧟‍♀️ My mistake! Jeez what a week I've had... LOL!

AskDrFeeder:
I have imagined being in a relationship with two slender women who find out I'm a feeder who compete for my affections, each one trying to gain more weight than the other. Maybe if one falls too far behind we tie her up and force feed her or whatever--there are many variations.

Munchies:
Could have sworn you were married. Oh well. Maybe you and your wife are poly.

AskDrFeeder:
Ha! I'm divorced. But it's just a fantasy anyway. Even when I was married I had those.

Bigfatjeebus:
Thank you so much for this information!!!!! Honestly this is what I have been looking for for so long.

In regards to your question, losing weight puts me into a deep depressive spiral and completely shuts off any sexual desire and really messes with how my body generally feels (it feels...gross ) when I lose weight.

I essentially have the opposite reaction as to when a civilian feels when they gain weight.

I've talked with numerous therapists over the years about this and it really isn't meeting criteria at all for BDD or any other mental health disorder. While I do have mental health issues, they are the typical ones most people experience (anxiety and ADHD).

So it puts me in a very tough spot if I had to lose for physical well being. So I'm trying to maximize how I can stay or gain at this weight. Don't get me wrong...I absolutely love the size I am now...and if I had to cash out and remain this size I'd be totally happy. But gaining to my goal weight has always been a dream of mine before I die.

MickRidem:
Like you, and for my own many reasons, weight loss puts me in a depressive spiral as well. I recently got the "high blood sugar" alert and I'm trying to cope.

Munchies:
I get you. I'm happy with my body (stacked and jacked baby), so if I had to lose a whole bunch of weight, I'd be devastated.

But look at it this way - you're just stabilizing yourself. Improving the foundation as it were. Once you get yourself to where you need to be, you can better achieve your goals

I know it sucks, but you are going to be okay.

MickRidem:
I assume you're answering Bigfatjeebus, but I appreciate your comment and understanding as well.