When your weight makes you feel unwanted

Pune's Club 90 Plus is specially designed for the heavyweights

Pune's Club 90 Plus is specially designed for the heavyweights

It's hard to miss them. While shopping for clothes, eating out at restaurants or even hanging out with friends, the members of this club have had to deal with embarassing remarks and have unwittingly become the object of many rude jokes.

But the 150-members of Club 90 Plus, founded in 2006 for those who weight 90 kgs or more, say it doesn't bother them anymore.

Part of a group that accepts and welcomes them the way they are, they now think of their weight as something that sets them apart from the usual crowd.

Brainchild of obesity surgeon
Dr Shrihari Dhorepatil, the club has members from across cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Satara and Ahmednagar. "Not only can they befriend others who face the same dilemma, the club also helps the members motivate each other to battle their weight. Plus, here they can bring their family, socialise and yet feel no embarrassment," said Dhorepatil.

Activities
The club meets every month and even organises DJ parties, weekend getaways and talks by fashion consultants on correct dressing for the obese.

Realtor Ajit Jethwani (53), who currently weighs 122 kgs, said, "It was really embarassing, clothes wouldn't fit properly. I didn't know how to handle situations. Now dancing with family or friends is one of my favourite things. Earlier, I would drown in shame before doing it in public." He has lost 15 kilos since he joined the club two years ago.

Anil Khese (50), from Lohegaon said that the club inspired him to lose 30 kgs while battling diabetes. "I started going for morning walks. I learnt where to get sugar free sweets and switched to them. The group has helped me change my lifestyle and live healthy."

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