There’s a famous quote (often attributed to Catherine Deneuve) saying that as women age, we all face a choice: our butt or our face. Basically, if you thin down enough to have the “figure” then your face looks gaunt therefore making you look older. If you choose to keep enough body fat to retain your face’s more youthful roundness then, well, that roundess spreads to other areas.
This is an interesting question for me because for a long time I’ve had a very set image in my mind of what my ideal body would look like. Thin, lots of muscle – think Women’s Health, not Cosmo. Something like this, perhaps:
My goal was always 14-16% bodyfat. (More towards the 16% if I bought an extra large bottle of self-tanner). But today at the gym, I saw a woman whom I am pretty sure was in my target range and she looked… old. She was probably a few years older than I am but while her body was perfectly chisled and slim, her face was gaunt and a little wrinkly. This model pictured here is probably in her late teens/early twenties so she would still have some baby fat in her face. But compare her to Teri Hatcher – a perfect example of what happens to really thin women as they age.
So which will you guys choose? Your face or your figure? Or is there a way to have both?
Not sure if there’s a way to have both, and I’m young ( mid20s) so haven’t really wondered about that…but I think I’d choose to be thin and look slightly older ( you can always “help yourself” with some make-up, different hair-style)…
Interesting Alexandra!! I was just thinking the opposite… I’m in my late 20’s and for me, I think everyone sees your face first and in the most detail. You could always “help” your body with bodyshapers, slimming clothes etc. Of course, I’m not saying I’d like to gain 30 lbs or anything but maybe I don’t want to be quite as thin as I thought I did.
ähmm….how about some kind of middle path? say not being “thin” in a teri hatcher way, but exercising and staying toned… which still lets you have these few extra pounds, without being “fat” 😉
I’m in my late 30’s, have quite a bit of extra body fat, and look younger than my age (or so I’m told. Personally, I think I’m just immature). But the extra weight is driving me nuts! I’m not obese, but I’m near my highest non-pregnancy weight ever, and I hate it. So, if there’s a middle ground, I’ll take it.
OK, I just have to say this: Teri Hatcher says her weight is genetic. But, sorry, she wasn’t that gaunt when she did “Lois and Clark” or even that Bond film.
Anon – I hope there is a middle ground! For me, I think it is the difference between “thin” and “normal”
Azusmom – I’m immature too and proud of it!! Rock on, sister:) And AMEN to your comment about Teri Hatcher. Plus, I swear she’s had work done.
How about aiming for great health, and letting the looks fall where they may?
Being currently obese, I’d settle for slightly overweight if it meant I looked younger than everyone else at the class reunion. But, I don’t want to go there still obese.