I'm not sure what to call it- fad? trend? phenomena?
The weightage given to weight. Thats what I'm talking about. I didnt have to think much about this topic at all. Almost everyone around me is concerned about their (and some my) weight.
Yes yes I can hear my own big brother's guffaw considering i almost constantly nag him to go and lose some weight.
The top reasons I have heard about are as follows:
- To look good 
boost one's own morale
- some to capture/hold attention of someone they like
- To take care of their health
Of the above, the first and last reasons I felt are sensible and are the reasons i repeatedly bug my brother to go get the flab off; i guess the fact that he looked much better when slimmer does influence or the fact that there just might be an element of the second reason)
My mom is permanently concerned about my weight, which at least in my opinion does not succumb to any of the stated reasons. Sadly she isn't the only one.
I dont quite get why people think I've lost weight when the weighing scales say the same weight they have been for over 2 years now! Nor do I understand how its to affect them. I do nothing to alter my weight. I still hog on chocolates and ice-creams,my monthly quota of junk remains constant, no difference in activity levels/food intake. Then how?! Worse still they dont accept it when I tell them so!
On a more general positive note, I guess this "thing" (for lack of a better word) has benefited mankind in general. Health drink companies making money out of their "keeps you full and is equivalent to the nutrition of a meal" * Note the weasel word:meal not a proper nutritious meal. Gym business going great guns. The media has an instant topic to hype when all else fails. Nutritionists back in demand. People taking an interest in their looks is resulting in most people looking good which lifts up anyone's mood. Perhaps people are indeed becoming healthier too.
On the other hand, this fancy for being super slim or "zero-size" is taking a toll on people, creating a prejudice against those on the heavier side which affects people in all spheres-personal and professional in particular which consequently leads to rise in depression which kick starts another cycle of negativity.
This would bring it to the grey area again. With the right approach its good and with the wrong one its having an adverse effect.
Whats the right approach you ask? My opinion, decide what motivates you. Keep that as the treat. More importantly dont look at it as a burden or compulsion. The negativity would counter your efforts. Instead, keep your thoughts positive which would make you feel light and energetic which, in turn would get you moving 
