nicely said NW.... I think perhaps because the topic became about body image that it pushed everyone's buttons.

Like you said 'body image does matter.' So much of our self esteem is wrapped up in body image. I've had to recently adjust to being 'petite' instead of being the 'husky' girl I was accustom to being most of my life. It changes a lot about how I see myself and how others see me. I miss my chubby body yet when I was younger I cried about being too fat and wishing I was thinner.

The original poster did make a point about fitness that is important. I may look like I am fit but I'm not. I'm thin right now because I'm sick. When I was overweight by 20/30 pounds and was being nagged to drop them I was much fitter than I am now. Others would view it differently.

My point is we all need to care about our fitness levels. Our body image should not centre so much around weight but rather fitness and health. Adequate exercise and proper diet are critical to wellness. I neglect both and have the appropriate level of wellness because of it.