“Fat shaming never went anywhere. Ask any fat person. We are reminded of it all the time. Now there’s a common and insulting misconception that fat people are stupid and lazy, and we’re not. We get it – we know being overweight isn’t good for us, and I’ve struggled my entire life trying to
manage my weight”
This was James Cordon’s response to US comedian When US comedian
and talk-show host Bill Maher fat-shaming jokes.
Fat shaming only does one thing; it makes people feel ashamed. And shame leads to depression, anxiety and self-destructive behaviour – like overeating. In addition, calling someone fat doesn’t just hurt their feelings — it also hurts their chances of reaching a healthier weight. Overweight kids who were fat-shamed about their weight increased their body mass by 33% and their fat mass by 91% more per year than those who weren’t teased, according to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study appearing in Paediatric Obesity.
A 2017 Cleveland Clinic study involving 2,000 school-aged children also found that those who were teased by other children and family members about their weight were more likely to become obese adults. The girls who were mocked by relatives in particular had the most difficulty controlling their weight and emotional distress as adults. Fat-shaming is everywhere and can feel like it’s happening all the time it lacks any positive motivation leading to long-term emotional distress but also a growing self-hatred due to society’s fixed view on beauty
Standards. Be wise with your words and most importantly treat other people with kindness.
Sources:
“Fat shaming is bullying” – James Cordon - LighterLife