16. Is labelling obesity a disease fat-shaming?

Today’s episode of the podcast was inspired by a Facebook thread in a women physician’s Facebook group exploring:

• Is obesity a real disease?
• Does labelling it a disease alleviate or promote fat-shaming?
• What language should we use to describe obesity? Fat person? Larger-bodied?

 The bottom line is there really is no consensus. Today’s episode is an effort to piece some thoughts together and to initiate reflection and discussion around a complex issue.

 We cover:

• The medical community’s definition of obesity
• Language used to describe adiposity (fat, obese, larger, heavy, obesity, big-bodied)
• The Health At Every Size (HAES) movement
• Body size does not equate to health.
• The root of fat-shaming and how we can all do better

 To quote a colleague: instead of focusing on making fat people thinner, we should focus on making all people – thin or fat - healthier.

 We all need to stop fat-shaming and just support one another in living our best lives emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.

 Join the conversation on my Instagram @sashahighmd and let me know your thoughts!