Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Fat Acceptance Movement - how do you feel?



Recommended Posts

For many years, obesity has been the only medical condition where it is socially acceptable to make fun of the afflicted. On the Biggest Loser, it's fun entertainment to humiliate fat people by making them run around a horse track and mock them when they fail. That's seen as good fun, but society would rightly have a fit if someone suggested a show where cancer patients compete for treatment. That double standard is wrong.

I see it as more of a self acceptance movement. It's trying to say that you should feel good about yourself no matter your size. It's not about disregarding medical advice, or purposefully avoiding improving your health. You can love yourself for being you and not feel like a reject or outsider because you don't fit into an impossible social ideal. No one is encouraging people to get fat, no one is dissuading people from losing weight. People come in all shapes and sizes and that needs to be accepted without humiliation for not falling within a socially approved range.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/size-model-featured-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue/story?id=36833523

I love this, it's nobodies business to judge, I have tons of scars, a pacemaker that sticks out of my chest, no belly button and some saggy skin. I may have been blessed to have the surgery but I think everyone is beautiful regardless of size, race, disfigurements etc. We need to Celebrate our differences.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/size-model-featured-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue/story?id=36833523

I love this, it's nobodies business to judge, I have tons of scars, a pacemaker that sticks out of my chest, no belly button and some saggy skin. I may have been blessed to have the surgery but I think everyone is beautiful regardless of size, race, disfigurements etc. We need to Celebrate our differences.

Ashley Graham, the Swimsuit Illustrated model referenced in that abcnews article link, is 5'9" and weighs 200 pounds. See http://healthyceleb.com/ashley-graham-height-weight-body-statistics/40966

That puts her BMI at 30 and classifies her (on that chart) as "overweight." As someone who's not even obese, much less morbidly obese, she's not a classic example of a "Fat Acceptance movement" proponent.

I am irritated by gorgeous young women who wear size 14s and say things like "People can be healthy at any size." Yes, she said that, too.

No, you can't be healthy at any size, especially if you're not 28 years old.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

She works out with a trainer too. She has a ton of muscle under that layer of fat which is why she looks so tight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good topic, @@needtorecover!

I think fat-shaming is terrible. Nobody should be humiliated because of the way they look, and typically that’s what fat-shaming is about. It’s about judgement based on looks and nothing else.

The problem that I see about the anti-fat-shaming movement, as you’ve all pointed out, is that it seems to get confused with sound messages about the true problems with obesity – unhealthfulness and interference with regular daily life.

@@Djmohr makes a great point that fat-shaming is always wrong, that there’s a better way to deliver the message.

Back to the original question, I do fear that the backlash against fat-shaming is leading people to possibly have one more excuse to put off getting healthy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/size-model-featured-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue/story?id=36833523

I love this, it's nobodies business to judge, I have tons of scars, a pacemaker that sticks out of my chest, no belly button and some saggy skin. I may have been blessed to have the surgery but I think everyone is beautiful regardless of size, race, disfigurements etc. We need to Celebrate our differences.

Ashley Graham, the Swimsuit Illustrated model referenced in that abcnews article link, is 5'9" and weighs 200 pounds. See http://healthyceleb.com/ashley-graham-height-weight-body-statistics/40966

That puts her BMI at 30 and classifies her (on that chart) as "overweight." As someone who's not even obese, much less morbidly obese, she's not a classic example of a "Fat Acceptance movement" proponent.

I am irritated by gorgeous young women who wear size 14s and say things like "People can be healthy at any size." Yes, she said that, too.

No, you can't be healthy at any size, especially if you're not 28 years old.

I guess we can agree to disagree. There are 3 women in that story, one older, two shaped differently than what is normally shown in a swim suit magazine. Fat or body shaming goes along with what some people think about age. If the media is showing more real people as beautiful I think that should be celebrated. Thing is whether someone is overweight or underweight their health is their business. My business is to treat everyone with kindness and as beautiful regardless of what they look like.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really like the

http://haescommunity.com

Challenges scientific and cultural assumptions;

Values body knowledge and people’s lived experiences.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oops, hit reply before I finished.

It is still important to look after your health no matter what size you are. Obese people are constantly toms to lose weight by Drs as a response to all health conditions. While weight can be a big influence in many conditions, it is silly never to address any of the other contributing factors.

Nutrition is still important even if the goal isn't to lose weight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In this day and age of weight awareness, in schools, on TV, online, if you don't know you are overweight , there's a problem. Or you don't care and figure society will take care of you (which unfortunately will happen)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A PCP should not say "You fat (bleep), why don't you put the fork down some time and go for a walk!" -That would be cruel, unprofessional and unsupportive.

They could say "According to the weight/height charts, you should try to grow 4 feet taller".

lol my dr did say that my height was too short for my weight. it was very nice to visit a few months after surgery :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used to read FA websites/blogs/books all the time. I have no problem with wanting everyone to be treated with dignity regardless of size or health status. My problem is with some of the people in the movement/phenomenon (Paul Campos, Kate Harding) - they continue to insist that fat doesn't cause health problems, although Campos at least makes an exception for type 2 diabetes.

I think it's safe to say few of us would be getting WLS if not for concerns about our health. My blood pressure is MUCH lower when I'm thin. I can move around with MUCH less pain and shortness of breath when I'm thin. My body can fit into WAY more yoga poses WAY more easily and without fear of injury when I'm thin. And so on and so forth. My lived experience just does not back up their assertions on this point.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Never heard of Kate Harding ... until I read the above post.

And then I googled her and read this polemic she wrote about how being fat is so healthy:

http://kateharding.net/faq/but-dont-you-realize-fat-is-unhealthy/

Bless her heart!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was doing OK with reading her article till I read the following below. I call BS on that. We're all in this predicament because we eat/ate more than we burned. The reason we are losing the weight is because we've cut our calories drastically..and are eating less unhealthy choices..though she does mention that in her article and I have no disagreement there. But don't tell me we don't eat more than thin people...or that we are more sedentary...because we are, and we know it.

no one has proven that fat people generally eat more or exercise less than thin people. Period.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was doing OK with reading her article till I read the following below. I call BS on that. We're all in this predicament because we eat/ate more than we burned. The reason we are losing the weight is because we've cut our calories drastically..and are eating less unhealthy choices..though she does mention that in her article and I have no disagreement there. But don't tell me we don't eat more than thin people...or that we are more sedentary...because we are, and we know it.

no one has proven that fat people generally eat more or exercise less than thin people. Period.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure most thin people aren't sitting on the couch 6-8 hours a night, watching TV, eating an entire large pizza, and a pint of Ben & Jerry's like I was. I'm pretty positive I was fat because I ate a crap-ton of food and never worked out. Every single time I ate less and exercised more, I lost weight. Which is exactly how I've lost weight post-sleeve as well. I eat way less and exercise 5 times a week!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do think it is important to still look after your health and nutrition no matter what your size. Obese people often receive the exact same advice for every single health condition - just lose weight.

Obese people, not ready, or not interested in weight loss, can still make changes to keep themselves healthy.

We all log everything into MFP now to ensure we hit our nutrition goals, don't eat too much salt etc. Even if you are consuming 4000 calories a day, you are better off if those calories at least hit your daily nutrient requirements.

The same for exercise. Walking to the shops rather than taking the car has merit. It isn't only worth it if you can sprint 5kms.

I think part of the point of the movement is to remove some of the all or nothing mentality so obese people can be as healthy as possible at that size.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BeanitoDiego

      I ordered the Barbecue Protein Crisps here from BariatricPal, and find them quite tasty. The Ranch flavour, not so much. They are very filing and have a satisfying crunch.
      I continue to shrink, and am amazed at the changes all over my body. Visually, it is striking to me. In the mirror, I look thin to my eyes, but I don't feel thin, although I can see more bones and veins and tendons and floppy skin. Cardio-wise, It takes a lot more effort to get my heart rate up and I'm now monitoring which heart zone I can get into and for how long. My resting heart rate is the lowest it's ever been.
      If I think about it, and I left myself feel it for a time, I weep (like, boohoo cry) with joy. I am so grateful to myself, and proud of myself for having the courage to have taken the leap to better health.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Yearofme43

      Well round 2 fight, second attempt at this sleeve surgery.  First attempt found out i have situs inversus that was a year ago, so after another long journey i received a new date for December 1, 2023 for the sleeve. Started pre op diet Friday going well just waiting for the big day, for any tips for newbies look at my prior post alot there of what not to do under temptation,  lol 😆 😅 😀 hope everyone has a great outcome
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • NickelChip

      Feeling a little sad today because a few weeks ago I had a call from the surgeon's office and they had a last minute opening on November 20 because of a cancellation. I am not scheduled until December 27, which is way later than I had expected when I started all this. My "ideal" date in my head had been November 13. I was so ready to jump at the chance, but I just couldn't make it work. As soon as I mentioned it to my mom, instead of being supportive, she had all sorts of reasons why I shouldn't move the date. Some were valid, like my teen daughter has a special (but not super special) thing going on later in the week that I would probably have to miss, and others were less valid, like she didn't feel ready and it might ruin everyone's holidays. Um, excuse me? It's not about her! And how would I single handedly ruin both Thanksgiving AND Christmas for my entire family by having a surgery? But she had informed me when I first got the December date that she planned on getting a hotel near the hospital and staying that night to be nearby, despite the hospital only being about 40 miles away from home. I didn't ask her to do that, but that's her plan, so there you go. She didn't ask me if I felt ready now, or what the wait through the holidays felt like for me with the surgery looming. So that was the part that hurt. I felt like I was having to make sure everyone else was okay with my choices instead of me, which is a theme in my life for sure. Don't get me wrong, my parents have been there for me so many times, and I don't want to sound ungrateful. But this really made me sad that what I wanted simply didn't factor in. Basically, I passed on what felt like a dream come true to get that call, and I've had to reconcile myself to it as best I can. I've found some silver linings, like more time to clean my house and test some recipes. But if I hadn't, I would be on my pre-op diet now (my surgeon only does a short liquid diet beforehand, so a Monday surgery starts the pre-op diet on Saturday morning). Instead, I'm getting ready to make dinner for myself and the kids, and I still have 39 days to go...
      · 2 replies
      1. New To This23

        I can relate to the parent's situation. I am 42 and still struggle with pleasing them. Yet they do whatever they want with no concern for how it affects anyone else, so why do I feel so obligated to them? I wish I had some advice that could help. One thing I have tried to do is stop sharing things with them that I really don't want to hear their opinion on. (like the business I am starting)

        Like with this surgery, I knew I was going to need their help getting to the appointments and back from the surgery, so I knew I had to tell them. But I did not tell them until I was almost at the point of getting surgery that I was doing this.

        I got hard judgment from my father, which I expected, I made him promise not to share this with his brothers (who are assholes) I told him whether he likes it or not I am an adult and I deserve respect and privacy especially when it concerns my health. (he begrudgingly agreed)

        My mom on the other hand was supportive, but she has the tendency to add some dramatic flair about everything. her typical M.O. is to pop onto social media and rattle on about how something that is not happening directly to her, is affecting her ( I get it there no talking to the man she married about this stuff, so it's nice to have someone to listen).

        I know they both struggled with trying to respect my wishes, they looked shocked when I told them that if I lived somewhere else, I would not have even told them I was having this surgery.

      2. NickelChip

        I'm glad your father did agree to respect your privacy by not sharing with your family. And I guess I should be glad my mom keeps the dramatic flair off of the socials!

        I'm both lucky and unlucky that my brother had VGS 15 years ago. On the one hand, my mom understands the concept and has seen my brother's good results from it, (we inherited the obesity from my father's side, and Mom has never dealt with more than those pesky 10 lbs average weight people always want to lose). On the other hand, my brother took exactly the opposite approach from me. He didn't live near family and told no one, had no support. He went to Mexico as self-pay and didn't say a word until about 4 weeks after when he was having some serious emotional struggles, living alone, and compounded by the fear of realizing that to get family support, he had to "confess." So his recovery was very different than what I anticipate for me. But because of all that, my mom definitely sees this as a "REALLY BIG DEAL." Which it is, but not the level she's at with it. Like, it's not an open heart surgery being performed in 1982, or experimental cancer treatment. I've also noticed that as my mom ages, she takes change a lot harder. She doesn't have the mental flexibility anymore to make an instant change of plans and roll with it, whereas I do that probably a dozen times a day.

        I'm grateful for their help, but it comes at a price.

    • Heidi911

      Has incorrect surgeon but won’t let me fix
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Chevygirl

      Gastric Sleeve Journey.
       09/07/23 Consult with Dr. Amir Aryaie of BMI Surgical Institute
       09/11/23 Cardiologist (EKG) Piedmont (Dr. Don Rowe)
       09/11/23 Labs done Labcorp
       09/18/23 Pulmonologist Piedmont (Dr. Zolty)
       09/27 1st Nutrition Appt Telehealth ( Paige Espenship)
       10/4 Home Sleep Study 
       10/9 Stress Test
       10/26 EGD done by Dr. Aryaie (Northside Hospital)
       10/27 2nd Nutrition Appt Telehealth
       11/6 Psychology Consult (Beal Wellness) 
       11/7 Psychology Evaluation
       11/17 Waiting on nutrition progress notes to be sent over to submit to insurance company
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×