As someone who has lived in a larger body for most of my life, I have experienced my fair share of fatphobia. I have faced judgment, discrimination, and mockery for the way I look, and I have fought against a pervasive societal belief that thin is synonymous with healthy and happy. Over the years, I have come to realize that fatphobia is a deeply-rooted problem that has nothing to do with health and everything to do with perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Fatphobia can manifest in various ways, from outright discrimination to microaggressions that may not even be intentional. For example, when someone compliments me on my outfit but follows it up with a comment like, “You’re so brave for wearing that,” it underscores the assumption that larger bodies should be hidden or ashamed.
Unfortunately, the media only amplifies these harmful messages. Countless advertisements, TV shows, and movies feature predominantly thin characters, while larger bodies are often relegated to the sidelines or used as punchlines. This perpetuates the stereotype that fat people are lazy, unattractive, and unsuccessful. It’s no wonder that so many of us grow up believing that we are unworthy of love and respect simply because of our size.
Over the years, I’ve learned that fatphobia is not just an individual issue, but a systemic one. It’s embedded in our healthcare systems, where doctors often dismiss the concerns of larger patients, attributing their symptoms to their weight rather than investigating further. This bias can have dangerous consequences, as it often leads to misdiagnoses or delayed treatment.
To challenge fatphobia, I’ve embraced the body positivity movement. This movement encourages people of all sizes to love and respect their bodies, promoting self-acceptance and the dismantling of harmful beauty standards. I’ve also sought out body-positive role models, like Tess Holliday and Lizzo, who show that beauty, success, and confidence are not limited to any particular size.
In my journey towards self-love, I have had to confront my own internalized fatphobia. I’ve had to unlearn years of damaging messages and build a more compassionate relationship with my body. This process has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly liberating. I no longer define my worth by my appearance, and I no longer feel the need to apologize for taking up space.
As a society, we need to challenge the fatphobia that has been ingrained in us for generations. We must push for more diverse representation in the media, advocate for better healthcare for people of all sizes, and celebrate body diversity. It’s time to break free from the constraints of fatphobia and create a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their size.
So, let’s stand together in the fight against fatphobia and work towards a future that is kinder, more inclusive, and truly body-positive. Because every body is a good body.
