It’s okay to be fat
It’s difficult not to notice that some celebrities are getting thinner and thinner.
It’s hard to ignore the GLP-1 advertisements when you’re trying to watch YouTube or the latest episode of your favourite TV show.
It’s tough to see that many popular clothing brands are discontinuing their extended sizing.
And it’s only normal that the increasing popularity of the ultra-thin body is affecting your mindset if you live in a bigger body or fat body.
In the podcast This American Life, the author and fat woman Lindy West, summarised it beautifully:
“The way that we are taught to think about fatness is that fat is not a permanent state. You're just a thin person who's failing consistently.”
But even though it feels like the world is screaming that it’s not okay to live in a bigger body, that you should just lose the weight and fit in, I want to give you a very important reminder:
It’s okay to be fat.
It’s okay to live in a bigger body.
It’s okay to not be as thin as the singers, actors, and influencers that show up on your feed.
Living in a body that does not conform with the current beauty ideal can be a very powerful act of resistance. And despite what our society makes you believe, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you’re fat. And you don’t need to prove that you’re a “good fat person” by saying that you exercise, your blood results are normal, or you eat a certain diet.
Fat people with health conditions deserve to be happy.
Fat people who take medications deserve to live a full life.
Fat people who don’t follow particular diets and don’t exercise deserve to thrive.
Fat people who don’t want to lose weight deserve to have thriving relationships.
I’m a body image counsellor and therapist who specialises in supporting people who live in bigger bodies as they navigate the challenges that come with this. If you’re looking for more personalised support, you can book a free 15-minute phone consultation with me to see if we’re a good fit. Book your appointment now via www.outofthewoodscounselling.net or contact me via yasmine@outofthewoodscounselling.net I’d love to hear from you.
