For ages, overweight individuals have faced discrimination for their appearance. Though sometimes this fatphobic attitude may be subtle or implicit, it isn’t easy to overlook.
The assumption that some body sizes are more desirable or valued than others is known as weight bias. It, undoubtedly, is brutally difficult to face a situation where you get treated in a derogatory manner because obesity is associated with unsightliness and incapacitation.
Here are a few of the innumerable examples of situations faced by people in larger bodies than the “set standard.”
Spiteful comments based on”enlightening” overweight individuals with “healthier” practices.
Discussions on social media platform that revolve around fat shaming (that mainly involve people who never had to cope with weight issues)
Often, overweight individuals feel invalidated when stating their health concerns because people shame them for failing to lose weight in order to take control of their health, while, in reality, people’s symptoms may have little to do with their weight.
Being provided unsatisfactory health care by medical professionals
Being ignored on social settings because you are stereotypically considered unintelligent
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There’s mounting evidence that weight stigma, in the form of actions or remarks, regardless of where it comes from or where it occurs, is a form of stress that can impact your physical and emotional health, and long-term exposure to these ideas can even make one instinctively come to accept that these opinions are valid, and this self-targeted weight stigma is internalized weight stigma. A person may start dressing in a certain way, limiting their meals, and start believing that the only way to happiness is to lose weight. This drop in self-confidence takes a toll on their mental health and they become more vulnerable to psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, and body image dissatisfaction. Their self-image gets eclipsed by their physical image. And sometimes they forget to accept their body for what it is. Evidently, these consequences are far more severe than those caused only by weight stigma.
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Here are some of the many ways you can build your self-esteem:
Weight-related comments can make you feel anxious and set you off. Giving yourself a mental pep talk and “taking a deep breath and re-engaging in the encounter” can be beneficial.
Educate yourself. You must understand that there is not just one factor that determines one’s body weight or physical appearance.
Follow and get inspired by influencers that promote body positivity. One can only relate with someone who is going through or has gone through the same issues.
Gain support from a positive community.
Accept the fact that BMI (Body Mass Index) is no longer considered an accurate measure of one’s health, as it makes no distinction between extra fat, muscle, or bone mass and gives no indication of fat distribution among people.
Practice self-compassion. Appreciate your body for all it does to maintain your life.
If you have ever been the one wrongly treating someone you know because of their weight, realize why you were wrong and apologize. Educate yourself, and others, on the awfully dangerous impact such behavior can have on one’s life. Help create an environment where no one is stereotyped to be inferior due to their physical appearance.