I agree with those who say it's more about body shape than BMI. I am 5'3, and only once in my adult life, I dipped below 200. My BMI would have been 33.7 at my smallest, but I definitely didn't feel fat, just chubby. Around 250, I start to have a very round look, and at 350, I look fatter than most people the average person sees. That's exaggerated by my fat distribution, which is mostly concentrated in my midsection.

I like all kinds of bellies... Round, double, hanging, visceral, soft, fluffy, etc. They're all beautiful. I'm pretty sure so many different factors play into body/belly shape, and most of them aren't in our control.

I was around 370 pounds with a big chest and hips, bubble butt, soft jiggly round belly, and pillow arms. I have always been obese, but at that time, 370 was my fattest. Then, I lost weight through diet and exercise. I briefly dropped below 200, and I would describe my body type as chubby with a wide waist. When I started regaining, I did so through power stuffing. My appetite was bigger than ever, and for quite a while, I was eating no less than 10,000 calories a day. I'm now 420-430, and most of my fat accumulated in my mid section. I have a large bulging single belly that I would describe as more firm than someone would expect one this big to be. I do have a lot of side rolls and back fat, but my tummy is definitely round in a way it wasn't before. I rather enjoy this body shape, but I have no idea why I am less jiggly instead of more, like a lot of people who regain are.

This was the route I ended up taking! I found a custom retailer and ordered a heavy fleecelined maternity jacket in 6XL I also got a couple of heavy ponchos. Fortunately, I don't feel super cold most of the time, so where some people might need a parka, I'll probably do fine with the jacket!

I'll have to try this. I don't need assistance either, but I have a lot of trouble with Ubers. I'm 5'3" and between 420 and 430 pounds. Because of my height, I have difficulty getting up into bigger SUVs. Because of my body shape, I also usually have to open car doors all the way to get in and out. Fat girl problems, for sure, but it would be nice to have some options.

It's been weeks since I've been truly stuffed, but I went all out last night, and it felt amazing to have completely engorged gut.

1 large buffalo bleu cheese pizza
1 large spinach and cheese calzone
4 garlic knots dipped in marinara and ranch
8 boneless wings
2 cans of Mt. Dew

Felt incredible going to sleep with a packed, heavy belly!

Only briefly have I ever fit in a booth, when I was under 200 pounds for a bit. I've been over 300 most of my teen years and adulthood, and I'm currently over 400.

When I was regaining weight, my partner and I went to a pub with friends. The people on the other side of our booth were graciously willing to slide the table closer to them as far as possible, but my belly still touched it. When I reached over to grab my handbag at one point, my gut shook the table and knocked beer into our friend's laps. That was my last attempt at a booth.

I'm also cautious with chairs. I know I have to sit carefully instead of dropping 420 lb onto some seating, depending on how sturdy it looks. I also try to be respectful with the seat I choose at a table, so I'm not blocking an entire walkway.

Fat girl problems, for sure.

I'm rather young as far as 400+ people go, and I've been fat my whole life. There are no pictures from my childhood in which I wasn't pudgy, and by elementary school, I was too fat for the tiny one-piece desks in my classrooms. My parents are both relatively fit, and they tried to watch my food intake and encourage me to get outside. It just didn't stick, because I liked food, and I didn't mind being the fat kid or even being teased for it. In high school, I hit 300 and never looked back, even when my parents promised me a car and whole new wardrobe if I agreed to go to a summer "Active Camp". As I approach 30, my family has given up their hopes there is a thin person inside of me, hoping to get out.

Growing up, most of my mom's friends were relatively fit too. However, I had one friend whose mom was massive-- fatter than I am now-- and I can see on social media she hasn't lost a pound (though her daughter is now super fit). As a kid, I enjoyed going to their house so much. It wasn't because there was necessarily an overabundance of food or snacks around, and she certainly never pushed food, but she also never batted an eye when I ate as much as I wanted. And her hugs were so warm and welcoming. I also remember she had a very hearty, genuine laugh, and her belly shook thunderously when she was amused.

I'll also add, in my experience, instead of seeing a lot of people get bigger as they get older, I've known a lot of people older than me who got into fitness at some point and have made it their lifestyle. That's wonderful as a personal choice of course, but I love that my friend's mom is just a fat as ever, if not bigger. I guess well over 550 lb. She is also still mobile, though I have seen some pictures of her using a scooter.

Do any of you feedees or gainers remember obese people in your community who you enjoyed being around, even if they didn't directly influence you? Are they still fat?

I was a consistent overeater, But when I decided to regain some lost weight, my daily intake got bigger and bigger. First, I was stuffing maybe three times a week to absolute capacity. I would find, week after week, I needed more food to feel full. Eventually, what once was a stuffing for me became a regular meal. Even though I've backed off dramatically, i find I'm still getting between 5,000 and 6,000 calories a day much of the time, without any effort. And I do plan to go all out at Thanksgiving and eat as much as I can hold. Holiday food is my favorite.

Same! I love cream cheese, wontons and sweet and sour chicken, but other than that, I will take pizzas, burgers, or Italian anytime!