Middle-aged Spread

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31880, 7 January 1969, Page 6

Middle-aged Spread

The common belief that middle-aged spread in women was an inseparable part of the ageing process was completely false, an American figure expert, Miss Pat Walker, said in Sydney recently.

Most Australian women—possibly 85 per cent—had a figure problem, she said. Not always a serious problem, but one that should not be ex[cused on any of the old grounds- such as “glandular [trouble,” having had children, or having a too healthy lappetite.

1 Obesity was not limited to any one age group. It could start from seven years of age. It was a symptom of the affluence and comfort of modern life. Miss Walker does not advocate rigorous diets for all over-weight women. j Some severe upset or a nagging dissatisfaction with her figure usually sent women to consultants, she said. “Diet is no good for them —such women usually know more about it than we do because they have tried everything,” she added. A woman would not change her eating habits, often aggravated by boredom, emotional upsets or social obligations, until she was proud of her body. Then, as she enjoyed! her social life more, food would become much less important to her. Miss Walker said.