Is Wanting Intentional Weight Loss Internalised Fatphobia?
And Have Parts Of Body Positivity Gone Too Far?
In a three part series I wrote about my concerns over the direction of body positivity I raised a big concern. The most militant segment of the body positivity community insists that if you’re seeking intentional weight loss, internal fatphobia is lurking in the shadows.
My Beliefs About Intentional Weight Loss
I think this is a difficult question, and I can honestly see both points of view. From a body-positive point of view, it’s impossible to reject society’s unrealistic beauty standards and love your body as it is while still seeking it change it. In essence, you’re saying your body isn’t ok the way it is. At worst, you’re perpetuating the fatphobia and discrimination that oppresses fat folx.
On the other hand, unlike body positive activists, I do see that there may be circumstances where a person wants to lose weight for a reason other than dissatisfaction with its appearance. The main reason is to reclaim an ability they’ve lost as they gained weight. If a person used to love hiking, or playing football, or even playing with their kids, and can’t now they’ve gained weight, it’s understandable they may want to look weight.
