text: why do so many individuals assume all overweight people eat fast food and sit on couches all day? i am 28 years old and a mother of four beautiful girls. i recently read a comment on yahoo q&a pertaining to overweight individuals and their style of dressing. not the issue now, but that is not my major concern.  my major concern is that so many individuals assume that all overweight people eat lots of fast food and lead a very lazy lifestyle. this is not true! i personally can't stand the greasy burgers from fast-food joints. i have always taken pride in preparing balanced meals for my family. i also, exercise mon. thru fri. at a ladies only gym, jogging on the treadmill at least three times a week, and participating in various aerobics classes that fit my schedule. i am very active with my children. not all overweight individuals are lazy, wear ugly clothes, and eat fast food. i also believe some people who are always criticizing other individuals should learn to define what the term "healthy" really means. its not wearing a certain size, but on how well you balance good lifestyle. because people can be very ignorant about certain things, and very closed- minded.  being overweight can be caused by many things, but even unfortunately news stories you hear, all they talk about is people being overweight because of overeating- they don't mention those of us who are overweight because of other reasons. i am the same way myself- not overweight by choice, and no medical problems except being overweight, and exercise does nothing for my weight at all.  i eat no junk food and don't overeat at all but i just have a sluggish metabolism.