Fat.

I can’t believe in 2023 that we still have this notion that fat people are undisciplined, lazy, unworthy of proper medical care, gluttonous, and other negative stereotypes. But then again, I shouldn’t be surprised, with all of the other biases and prejudices that still exist because people choose to only see the world through their lens, and that lens is the only correct way to view things.

I saw a reference this morning that pissed the hell out of me–and that’s putting it nicely. Basically stating that visible muscle indicates discipline, being fat indicates a lack of discipline. I find hilarious because I am both fat and have visible muscle–I’ve worked hard to build strength and appreciate my baby 4-pack, strong shoulders and traps, etc. That strength wasn’t built for the purpose of an aesthetic, but to be functional. A strong body aids me in my extremely physical vocation, gives me energy to get through the day, and being able to complete tasks well. Don’t even get me started how this reflection this morning is so rooted in the toxicity of grind culture…

Anyway, in my frustration, instead of ranting, let’s educate (again, it being a choice to change your prejudices and biases). Fat is not a bad word. Disgust of fat and/or fat people is fatphobia, plain and simple.

Defining Fatphobia

Fatphobia can be understood as a range of negative attitudes, stereotypes, and biases directed towards people who are in a body size larger than what an individual envisions as ideal. It operates on the assumption that larger bodies are undesirable, unhealthy, and indicative of personal failure. This bias shows in many ways, including bullying, social exclusion, discrimination, and even in media portrayals that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The Impact of Fatphobia

1. Mental Health: Fatphobia can take a significant toll on the mental health of individuals who experience it. Constant criticism and discrimination can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders.
2. Physical Health: Contrary to popular belief, body size does not necessarily reflect an individual’s overall health. Fatphobia can discourage people from seeking medical care due to fear of judgment, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Body size is not determined by physical effort and nutrition alone, and the suggestion otherwise is false. There are factors beyond people’s control that affects their body size.
3. Societal Stigma: Fatphobia reinforces societal norms of beauty and attractiveness that are often unattainable for many. This can create a culture of exclusion and inequality, where certain bodies are celebrated while others are marginalized.
4. Body Image: People subjected to fatphobia may develop negative body image issues, which can lead to a strained relationship with their own bodies. This can hinder their ability to engage in activities, relationships, and experiences that bring joy.

Challenging Fatphobia

1. Education: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of fatphobia is crucial. This includes educating people about the complexities of body weight and health, dispelling myths, and challenging biased beliefs.
2. Media Representation: Media has a significant influence on shaping societal perceptions. Promoting diverse body sizes in movies, TV shows, advertisements, and other forms of media can help normalize different body types–but having diverse body sizes also comes with the responsibility of the role these individuals have. Fat jokes, fat suits, the “lazy” fat friend/relative are stereotypes that perpetuate harm.
3. Promoting Body Positivity: Encouraging body positivity involves fostering self-love, acceptance, and appreciation for all body types. This can be achieved through campaigns, support groups, and social media movements that celebrate diversity. I’m not a super fan of body positivity, and am even shifting my own branding from bo-po to weight-neutral and self-acceptance. Body positivity is a movement that has been co-opted by the beauty industry and includes the encouragement of intentional weight loss in order to achieve self-love.
4. Advocacy: Advocating for policies that protect individuals from discrimination based on their body size can create a more inclusive society. This includes pushing for workplace policies, healthcare reforms, and anti-bullying measures.

Fatphobia is pervasive and contributes to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and negative societal attitudes. Challenging fatphobia requires a collective effort to change the way we think about and treat, include, and accept individuals with different body sizes. By promoting education, acceptance, and empathy, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world that values people for their individuality rather than their appearance. Remember, every body deserves respect, kindness, and the opportunity to thrive without fear of discrimination–and this is my mission to provide this through the avenue of personal health and wellness, defined by the individual rather than the collective.