Breaking Down Sizeism: Embracing Body Positivity and Overcoming Societal Standards
While society is gearing towards becoming more accepting of people of all colors, beliefs, and genders; fat-shaming is still widely accepted. In the process of losing nearly 100 pounds, I've been forced to see the difference in people's subconscious behavior when you're morbidly obese versus when you're overweight or "average".
Sizeism refers to prejudice based on one's weight or size, unfortunately this is seen is often through the eyes of many plus sized people every day.
People inherently make judgments based on the few things they know about someone; How they carry themselves, how they talk, how they walk, and most of all: their appearance. People have preconceived notions about what it's like to be overweight. Quick to assume that weight problems stem from laziness and a severe case of being unmotivated. When in fact, it is often caused by things not easily controlled. Many medical conditions can cause weight issues; Endocrine and autoimmune disorders, mental health diagnoses, and eating disorders can all have a negative impact on maintaining a healthy weight. None of which are simply detected by the human eye.
It's our job as decent human beings to change the narrative and decide we will no longer allow or encourage sizeism.
It is important to realize; Everyone has their struggles and no one is obligated to explain themselves in order to be accepted as they are.
Inherently as humans, we want to lose weight and look our best. However, it's important to note that our bodies do not define us or dictate our worth. Society has somehow gotten the idea that it's okay to discriminate against those who are overweight or appear "unhealthy".
Regardless of their reasons, it's not acceptable to treat others differently based on their appearance alone. It's our job to try to change the narrative. Our message to others should be "I don't hate my body, so you don't get to either". You should know that you can love your body and want the best for it too. We should be ditching extremes and embracing what enables us to have the best quality of life. Sometimes that includes a number that doesn't make any BMI scale happy.
Shifting the Paradigm: Celebrating Health, Not Size
The antidote to sizeism isn't a new diet or a fitness regime; it's a shift in perspective. Emphasizing health and well-being over a specific size or weight can dismantle the harmful effects of sizeism. This means celebrating what our bodies can do rather than how they look, and recognizing that health comes in various sizes. It's about making peace with food and movement, engaging in activities that bring joy and nourishment rather than punishment.
Embracing Self-Love:
Practical Steps Forward
The journey to self-love and acceptance begins with small, yet significant steps. It involves tuning out the external noise and tuning into our own needs and desires. Practicing mindfulness, engaging in positive self-talk, seeking supportive communities, and celebrating every victory—no matter how small—are all pivotal in building a foundation of self-respect and love.
Sizeism is more than just a personal or societal issue; it's a call to action for all of us to foster a more inclusive, compassionate world.
It's a reminder that our worth cannot—and should not—be measured by our appearance. Let's carry forward the message of embracing diversity, promoting health in all its forms, and above all, celebrating the unique, unrepeatable individuals we are.
"Treat yourself with compassion, and let that compassion extend to the world around you."
Let this be our guiding principle as we navigate the complexities of body image, striving not for perfection, but for peace and acceptance within ourselves and towards others. Together, let's challenge sizeism and create a culture that values individuals for who they are, not the size they wear.
You come across a social media post where someone is body-shaming another person based on their weight. How do you typically respond or react?
I comment, defending and promoting body positivity
Post positivity on my social media to counteract negativity
I avoid direct engagement to prevent online conflict
I usually stay neutral to avoid involvement