Sometimes the one thing you can't see is the thing right in front of your eyes..

I was reading the info about 3Fcs on the new facebook page and it says:

I knew that there wasn't a lot of guys here, but I assumed that was just gender differences in weight loss support. Men usually try to do this on our own and don't often look to others for support. For example, I'm one of only two guys in my weekly weight watchers meeting and there are about 50 of us each week...

I honestly had no idea that this place was oriented toward a female audience. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. Anyway, I'm glad I'm still welcomed here even though this place really isn't for me .

Personally, I am glad that there are some men here. I would wish for a few more, even. I think that men often bring a different perspective than women do.

Are there gender differences...yes, we have been differently socialized around issues of weight and food and exercise and appearance. And we are markedly different physiologically, though many similiarities remain.

To be honest, I don't find that 3FC is or can be my only source for information and support when it comes to weight loss, fitness, and nutrition. A lot of issues that other women seem to have, I just don't have; I am more like how we think men deal with this stuff, in a lot of ways. So I go elsewhere for much of what I need to learn. But 3FC is useful for the support aspect, and I like sharing what I have learned with other people.

I think most weight loss anything is oriented towards women. Muscle gain and such is what is more oriented towards men. Just look at the fitness magazines out there. Womens always say "Lose 7 pounds in 2 hours!" and men's always say "Get maximum strength blahblahblah". Doesn't mean men are not welcome to lose weight and that women aren't welcome to gain muscle.

I didn't know it was supposed to be oriented towards women either... I just thought the name mostly came from it being started by 3 women. Huh...

Just the same, we're all glad you're here. It would be nice to have more guys floating around the boards. It is always nice to get into your heads... lol.

Wow.. that's kind of offensive even coming from a woman's perspective... and I'm not sure why.

I do know I'm glad there are a few guys floating around here, and I do agree that most guys try to do it on their own or are "better" than hanging out somewhere like here. I think it takes a great man to admit he needs help and I commend you (and the other guys here on 3FC) for that.

I know the site is geared toward women (as most weightloss things are) but I prefer to think we're all chicks, boys and girls, just hatching out to a new healthy way of living.

I knew most of the people here were women but didn't know it was specifically geared toward women. I think you are a great addition to our community and am thankful for a little diversity!

I have appreciated your comments! I am glad you stick around!

I'm another one who never saw this site as being specifically geared towards women and just assumed that it was mostly women just because that is who generally seeks out this type of support forum for weight loss.

I'm thrilled to have the guys here that we do have - particularly someone like you Matt, given what a fantastic inspiration you are to so many!

Maybe the powers that be will reconsider the message they want to send?

I had no idea! But please don't go!

I think by gearing the site towards women it makes a safe place for us to escape harsh criticism and judgment that men sometimes offer. While some lose weight with their husbands or boyfriends, some of us need a safe haven to vent. I think men can face this criticism and competitive attitude that other men carry and it can be daunting for your own weight loss goals. I think it's great the site is geared towards women. Some forums that cater to both attract more people who don't know what it's like to lose weight, but are constantly reinforcing athletic competition which can be overwhelming for many of us struggling with getting into the spirit of any exercise . This is just my perspective, and I don't think there is any woman who is angry or upset that there are men on here .

Matt!! I'm glad you are here regardless of what the website says

If the website was marketed differently I do believe it would not be the same...we want the supportive & nurturing attitude that is here & if you've ever been on any other WL websites/boards you'll know what I'm talking about!

i feel your pain brother! the worst and i mean the worst thing is when you've opened or posted on a thread and someone starts their post with hi ladies! now surely it doesn't take much to look and see the guys in the thread does it! (more often than not the reason i often dont' post for months at a time. rant over.

yes the site is very female orientated if it wasn't there would be more guys on here simples. Guys on this board we have 3? the mens forums failed to take off twice its just not meant to be.

also note the amount of time us guys have been here and the relatively limited number of posts we've made compared to some. i.e not many bloke orientated topics

Feel free to post about "guy" things... we may not be able to relate fully to everything but women are always willing to lend an ear and offer some support/ advice where we can...

Si, we are glad you are here.. don't ever feel you aren't wanted because someone starts a thread with "Hi ladies". I try not to on any board I'm on (esp homeschool ones.. which are mostly women but each one seems to have a few men), but sometimes we all forget our audience