Fat Shaming“In the 1890s slenderness and

mental activity were firmly associated. Overweight was

increasingly thought to be a sign of laziness, passivity, and slow

wits, all of which were frowned upon by women’s rights activists

and increasingly by society in general.” VESTER, pg. 51

Young women describe themselves in positive terms as ‘fat’ and ‘attractive.’

NAMIBIA

“Plumping up” is the goal for marriageable young women.

WEST AFRICA

Eating problems began after introduction of American television in 1990s

FIJI

NEW YORK METRO – 2011

“The best thing that could've happened to this woman is that we used her in our ad…if she can get great publicity from this, all the power to her.” NOEL BIDERMAN

ASHLEY MADISON CEO

AUSTRALIA 2011

FLORIDA 2011

“Trying to hide your thunder thighs and balloon belly is no day at the beach.”

TRACY REIMANPETA EXECUTIVE VICE

PRESIDENT

SELECT US AIRPORTS 2011

ROLLING STONE / MAXIM2011

UNITED KINGDOM2014

NETHERLANDS2011

FITNESS FIRST– NETHERLANDS2009

MENSTRUATION

CHILDHOOD OBESITY

NICOLE ARBOUR

KATIE HOPKINS

Is fat more of a social, physical, or political problem?

Does legislation shame?

2010 Safeway Amendment: Workers pay higher premiums if they flunk tests for measures such as weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.

2013 New York Soda Ban: Limited soft drink sizes and prohibited the sale of sweetened, 16+ ounce drinks

A study by the Centre for Advancing Health reports that high school students who perceive themselves as overweight are more likely than their peers to suffer from depression or to attempt suicide.

Additionally, a study by University College London found that those who reported having experienced bullying and discrimination had a reduced chance of weight loss. They were more likely to gain weight and become obese.

Why, then, do we continue to fat shame?