Fatphobia is a term you’ve heard plenty of times by now. But, what does fatphobia even mean? Is fatphobia a product of diet culture? Or is it the other way around?

There’s no denying that overwhelmingly the Western society invests a lot of money in anti-fatness industries. From shapewear to diet, there is a culture that reveres a certain body type. That body type is thin. And from this, it may cause people to struggle with their relationship with food, their own body image, or even expressing what’s going on in their lives with someone who can help.

Fatphobia is the fear and hatred of fat bodies. Whether it’s the possibly of your own body becoming fat or being fat, or someone else’s, it is a form of discrimination and bias based on body size.

Fatphobia can manifest in various ways, including societal attitudes, stereotypes, and systemic biases.

Here are some key points to understand about fatphobia:

1. Social Stigma: Fatphobia is often associated with a social stigma against individuals with larger body sizes. This stigma can lead to negative assumptions, stereotypes, and discriminatory behavior.
2. Body Shaming: Fatphobia can contribute to body shaming, which involves making derogatory comments or judgments about someone’s body size. This can occur in various contexts, including personal relationships, the media, and even within healthcare settings.
3. Media Influence: The media, including advertising, television, and social media, often perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards that prioritize thinness. This can contribute to the marginalization and stigmatization of people with larger bodies.
4. Healthcare Bias: Fatphobia can also be present in healthcare settings, where individuals with larger bodies may face bias and discrimination from healthcare professionals. This can lead to disparities in the quality of care and access to appropriate medical treatment.
5. Intersectionality: Fatphobia intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as sexism, racism, and ableism. For example, individuals who are both fat and members of marginalized communities may experience compounded discrimination.
6. Mental Health Impact: Experiencing fatphobia can have significant mental health effects, including anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. It can also contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Understanding ways that fatphobia can show up in our daily lives is just the first step to recognizing bias and making improvements in social media, healthcare, the workplace, and even our culture. There are a lot of ways to take notice of and approach fatphobia in a more positive way.

Here are a few:

1. Pause and Reflect: Before reacting, take a moment to recognize if your words or thoughts might come from internalized biases. Everyone carries some, and catching them is the first step toward being better.
2. Be Mindful of Compliments: Instead of praising weight loss, try compliments that have nothing to do with appearance – like acknowledging someone’s effort, kindness, or energy.
3. Practice Empathy: There is a lot more to your own story, and someone else’s, than what’s on the surface. Be kind to yourself and others because you really never know.
4. Be Patient with Yourself: Changing your mindset takes time. It’s okay to make mistakes, as it gives you an opportunity to learn from them.

It’s important to recognize and challenge fatphobia to promote body positivity, inclusivity, and a more compassionate and understanding society. Acceptance and respect for people of all body sizes contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Instead, we want to foster a dialogue about diet culture, its repercussions, and how we can question the messages surrounding what society deems attractive, successful, and healthy.