I'm actually really looking foward to this show! And I think she looks uncomfortable, because she's out of her element. The show is about a fat camp. Even someone who's comfortable with their weight will feel really UNcomfortable if it gets put under a microscope. I'm overweight, and I'm most comfortable with my body when I dress for it, and I can control what I look like. Going to a class at a gym where sizes vary and I'm expected to do excercises that causse my shirt to fly up make me uncomfortable. I think that image is totally accurate, because this girl is probably not used to the level of scrutiny she'll be getting at this place. It's probably a big reason why she balks at going in the first place. Fat is a great thing to hide behind. It's uncomfortable when people stare at it and try to take it away. I know this because I feel that all the time.

Also, I think you really overestimate how completely happy an overweight adolescent girl can be. There's always sadness there. As comfortable as a girl might be with herself, how she's treated by the world is something else. No overweight girl is totally immune to the name-calling or the everyday slights she experiences throughout her life. A fat girl might be very strong and well-adjusted, and she might think highly of herself, etc. But there's always a point at which the armor is chipped away and she's made to feel bad about what she looks like. For this character, that might not have been until her parents sent her to fat camp - how harsh is THAT? To have your parents be SO worried about your weight that they go to those lengths without your consent?

However, there is also the matter of fat being unhealthy. While it's true that we all shouldn't be stick figures, it's ALSO true that heart disease and childhood obesity are big problems in this country. Having a strong self-image is one thing, but that doesn't mean that fat has to be OK. Fat people shouldn't be marginalized. At the same time, sending the message that fat is totally acceptable all the time is also a dangerous mixed message. It's like, yeah, I'm fine with what I look like...but I huff and puff going up and down stairs. Why would I put myself through that just to be obstinate about body image? I should be able to get the most out of my body and not purposely limit it, which is why I'm now trying to lose weight. Fat shouldn't be made fun of, but it also shouldn't be praised, as it could be an indicator of all sorts of problems.

I have to take issue with Teresa's comment. Whether or not one is fat has very little to do with one's fitness level Nikki Blonsky, for example had to have a certain amount of stamina to do the dancing required for her Hairspray role. Marisa Janet Winokur, the original Tracy had to perform the role 8 shows (more likely 6 shows) a week, with all the singing and dancing that entailed. I may check out HUGE if it makes it to Hulu. Anyone else out there may want to check out the Illustrated BMI project to get an idea of what is really considered healthy and attractive in this culture. http://kateharding.net/bmi-illustrated/