Fatphobia and Skinny Shaming Are Not The Same Thing

In conversations about body shaming, it is common for people to equate the negative experiences of a thin person to those of a fat person. However, fatphobia and skinny shaming are not the same thing. While skinny shaming is still prominent in society and is harmful, it is not an institutional issue. Society’s beauty standard is still a thin body, so people in this group still have certain privileges.

Fat shaming does not just consist of societal attitudes and hurtful words; it is cemented in our culture so much so that it prevents people from accessing equal opportunities in healthcare, the workplace, and the courtroom. For example, physicians are prone to chalking up one’s medical concerns to their weight when treating someone with a larger body type, often insisting that they just need to lose weight to solve their issue. Because of this, fatphobia can prevent people from getting the medical care they need and can lead to health issues being overlooked.

All of these issues come from the idea that one’s weight is something that is easily changeable. However, there are several factors that play a role in someone’s weight, such as genetics. Because of this, losing or gaining weight is not always attainable for some people, no matter how much they change their diet or exercise. Therefore, people should not blame others for their weight and expect it to be easy to change their bodies; this only perpetuates the idea that those who have larger body types are only like that because they are too lazy to put in the work to change it. This is a harmful, toxic, and inaccurate mindset.  

Instead of trying to equate their instances of body shaming with those of fat people or trying to speak over others, thin people should try to listen to others’ experiences and understand that not all types of body shaming are equal. Everyone's experiences are valid, but it is important for thin people not to speak over the voices of fat people. 

Despite all this, body shaming is always wrong and is never acceptable. While some situations may be more institutionalized and harmful than others, people in general should never criticize or give unsolicited advice on others’ bodies. Although one might not intend to cause any harm, certain comments can have a harmful impact on the receiver’s mental health. At the end of the day, someone’s body is no one else’s business.