How to actually support health for fat people
As a body positive activist, and as a medical student, I think a lot about how to encourage people to celebrate and nurture their bodies. I think this is especially important for individuals with overweight and obesity, who are so often told that they should be ashamed of their bodies.
It’s so common for people to say very cruel things about fat bodies, and to then use their supposed concern about fat people’s health as an excuse for their cruelty. Fat-shaming is a terrible way to motivate healthy living, and is actually incredibly counter-productive, both in my opinion, and in the medical literature.
So, this post is for all the people who say they’re concerned about fat people’s health. Since making derisive and stigmatizing comments about fat people only contributes to mental and physical health problems, and because it’s just plain mean, here are some alternative ways you can actually help foster health for fat people.
1. Create inclusive spaces for physical activity
Smile and be friendly to everyone at the gym, especially people who appear to be new or unsure how to use the equipment. Don’t ever laugh at someone for trying to work on their fitness.
Encourage your local fitness apparel stores to carry plus size fitness clothing. It’s hard to be physically active when you can’t find a sports bra that fits.
Advocate for improved representation of fat athletes in media. It’s hard to believe you can run a marathon if you never get to see someone your size achieving that goal.
2. Decrease barriers to non-stigmatizing health care
Support your friends and family members who are overweight or obese to find a health care provider who respects them and provides non-stigmatizing health care.
Ask your doctor if they have appropriately sized blood pressure cuffs for overweight and obese patients. Encourage them to have chairs in the waiting room without arms, so their fat patients can feel comfortable in their doctor’s office.
If you work in health care, advocate for your hospital to have appropriate imaging machines and other equipment for fat patients. Ensure that appropriate dosing protocols for medications are in place for fat patients.
3. Support self-love and body confidence
Get on board with body positivity!
When we love our bodies, it’s easier to treat them with kindness and nourish them with healthy foods.
When we’re confident in our bodies, it’s easier to celebrate them through physical activity.
4. Share your passion for healthy living (when it’s appropriate)
If you love living a healthy lifestyle, and you’re knowledgable about physical activity and healthy eating, that’s awesome!
If you have a friend or family member trying to make lifestyle changes, and they want your advice, feel free to share it.
That said, if someone doesn’t want to talk to you about those things, or if they’re a stranger on the internet, remember that unsolicited health care advice is not cool, and not helpful.
In summary, fat-shaming doesn’t help anyone’s mental or physical health. So if you’re actually looking to support healthy living for fat people, try some of the great ways listed above!
It's summer now so I look forward to shutting down a lot of "dress for the body you have" comments.
DRESS SO THAT YOUR BODY CAN BREATHE!
GET OUT// GET ACTIVE
