I want to start off this post by saying I am far from perfect and still have so much to learn. I spent most of my formative years crash dieting and boasting about how much I was overworking myself. I think a lot of the time when fat folks do get thin they take on this sort of “I did it why can’t you?” attitude no matter how they got there and if I had to be miserable about my size I was taking everyone with me. As many of you know there are so many factors that lead to our bodies being different sizes or changing sizes as we age. Just a few things that contribute to inability to lose weight and keep weight off; genetics, disability, lack of access to health care, lack of proper nutrition, lack of access to outdoor spaces, finances, yo-yo dieting. The list goes on and on. It’s also important to note not everyone wants to lose weight and a persons size does not give you the right to start spouting off unsolicited weight loss advice. I know now, a healthy weight for me will always be “obese” on the BMI scale (the BMI is a load of hot garbage anyway). Now onto the list!
1. Educate yourself
Read books, posts and listen to podcasts by fat authors! Looking at the history of anti fatness was very eye opening for me. The podcast Maintenance Phase with Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes is a lovely place to start. A lot of anti fat bias is undeniably rooted in racism and ignorance. If you want to read more about the intersection between anti blackness and anti fatness read Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings
2. Examine your own experiences with anti fat bias. Write it down!
I expected the usual suspects; billboards, social media, my previous doctor. What shocked me was examining the ways I still internalize anti fat bias in my own life. I have been through quite a bit of therapy and unpacking especially surrounding diet, body image and family relationships. I still have to work to shut down my own negative self talk, body checking and food shaming daily.
3. Stick up for people when you hear unsolicited diet advice and body shaming.
Shut that shit down immediately. Even if you don’t directly address the commenter, check in with the person or people who may have been affected.
4. If your anti fat bias is “health” centered challenge your perception of health.
Health and thinness are not synonymous if you are worried about someone’s health it should be because you are looking at the whole picture. Unless you are their psychiatrist or doctor you can’t possibly know everything that is going on with their health.
5. Be kind and ask questions!
Open Spaces SLC 