Comments on: "Fat People Smell Bad," Says Subway

By: C

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:55:15 +0000

It’s offensive, but I still think it’s funny how the customer in the video perkily asks , “Can I get that without the loss of self-esteem?” and the guy working in the back yells, “NO custom orders!”

Anyway, as a vegetarian I don’t eat out much anymore, anyway. If I wasn’t further along in my journey to self-acceptance, I’d get angry. There was a time when commercials like that would make me so depressed I would lose my appetite for a day or so. So now that I can look at them and not get sad, it’s progress for me.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:50:55 +0000

Actually, doc, deodorant and anti-perspirant are two separate products–something I’ve learned through the sad experience of buying something labeled only as the former, and having my shirt get wet in the armpit area…yuck.

So if they say “deodorant” in the commercial, they mean something to keep one from stinking. Therefore, the negative assumption that fat people smell is still there.

By: Dr. MD

Dr. MD — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:22:17 +0000

If you watch the commerical carefully, it insinutates that an increased body mass equals increased presperation, not body odor. As indicated by the use of the term “extra-strength deodorant” versus saying “extra strength-perfume.” Allthough the argument can be made that deodorant is meant to stop presperation and body odor.

On a separate note, those with an unhealthy BMI sweat at a higher rate and more consistently than those with a normal BMI. The reason is that the amount of muscle exertion it takes to move a body that is 200 pounds is much more then it takes to move a body that is 100. Thus, more sweat could be induced since it takes more exertion. Also, the NEJM conducted studies that show that obesity exacerbates hyperhidrosis, a condition chacertized by increased presperation.

However, the risk of prespiring is way down the list of risks associated with a high BMI.

That all aside, my advice is to turn off the TV with the so-called offensive material and go play outside! It’s good for your mind and body!

By: tree

tree — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:03:14 +0000

I think you all are awesome for your replys. Been fat most of my life, thank God now that I’m old am at peace with myself. Yah I thought the commercial stunk too but I would not be honest if I didn’t say they got soooome of the b/s we go thru right. Currently I’m 80 pounds lighter than I was, ( and still fat), my one and only child is experiencing great happiness at being thin, ( she was fat, thru diet and workouts doing fine), I know that Subway’s jab at deorderant really and truly sucked, not sure where I’m going with this except I do feel better after losing a tiny part of my weight. No offense intended but if Subway is the only way you can stick to your food plan, go for it. Been there, believe me, I am you.
Love, tree

By: E. Black

E. Black — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:50:21 +0000

Those ads are extremely offensive. And yes, Subway stinks. I don’t understand why they always have an odd smell permeating out of their stores but they do. Quizno’s doesn’t and neither does Blimpie’s so why the funk, Subway? Why?

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:38:44 +0000

How awful! I can’t believe someone signed off on the concept of this commercial let alone the final product! What the HELL??!!

I’m NEVER eating at Subway again and I’ve told them so. I hope they lose a lot of business over this. They deserve it for being so boneheaded and insensitive >_<

By: Adam G.

Adam G. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:01:23 +0000

Having back-read the comments: Brittney, that letter you got sounds more like “we’re sorry if you don’t have a sense of humor” than a real apology.

By: Adam G.

Adam G. — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:59:43 +0000

I love their food… but they will no longer have my business until they pull these offensive ads and apologize. I can make my own damn tuna sandwiches.

By: moe

moe — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:51:10 +0000

Anyone else notice the counter boy is Marc’s boyfriend (Cliff) off Ugly Betty?

The “Ugly Betty News” site is calling the ad funny.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:18:13 +0000

Like Brittney, I wrote to complain. I got the exact same reply, word-for-word, except with my name at the beginning, a different customer service rep’s name at the end (but the same extension), and a different customer ID #.

I actually find this encouraging, because it means they’re getting enough complaints to be worth drafting a carefully-worded standard reply.

Although, on further reading, it might be the reply they use all the time for all their ad campaigns. It’s not very specific.