We are bombarded by constant messages that promote unrealistic expectations  to attain that “perfect body”. Body-shaming is a form of bullying. We can extend this to ourselves, or to others, this is an ongoing concern due to social media misuse, propelled by wannabe body consultants, AKA, the trolls.

Within communities, individuals and even those in the helping professions can employ shaming tactics toward people who are ‘medically considered overweight’, in view of kickstarting weight loss. A study by behavioural scientists at University College London highlighted that ‘fat shaming’ in particular promotes weight gain, so it does the opposite!

The very word “fat” I argue ought to be reconsidered and is an insensitive use of language, derogatory at its root. A recent multinational investigation reported

Weight stigma actually led to participants to engage in excess eating to cope, gym avoidance, in addition to higher levels of stress and reduced eating self-efficacy to name but a few. It is so much of a concern that there is suggestion to create global initiatives to curtail weight stigma in order to support population health. Another recent study led by the University of Connecticut, highlights across six countries, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States that discrimination is rampant against those who are socially/medically deemed ‘over weight’.

When I was pregnant I gained a substantial amount of weight, post pregnancy I was hovering over a 20kg weight gain. I’m not going to suggest I battled with weight in the same way as many, however I had to put up with many comments throughout and after my pregnancy “she must be having twins she is too big for a single pregnancy” “your huge”  … “poor thing” I got a little taste of shame and I didn’t like it one bit! Of course we cannot deny that obesity can have severe health and well-being consequences. Obesity according to the CDC USA, is complex as a result of individual factors, behavior and genetics. Behaviors such as physical activity, inactivity, dietary patterns, medication use, and other exposures etc. Additional food and physical activity environment, food marketing etc. Obesity is serious and is linked to poorer mental health outcomes and compromised quality of life. Mental health needs to also be looked at as preventative methods. Obesity is also sadly a leading cause of death in the United States and even worldwide, increasing risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

We have to tackle this sensitively, we need to hear from those who are actually struggling with this, and look at this through a medical, psychological lens and beyond this evaluate our environments, we need to change our approach as communities, worldwide…. there are many factors at play and a holistic, sensitive approach may prove more effective in the absence of “fat shaming”, frankly it’s insensitive and is counterproductive!

Author Sara Powell is an Art Psychotherapist at ATIC who has experience working with eating disordered behaviors and eating disorders in inpatient and outpatient settings and as part of multi disciplinary support.