I need your opinions, folks. I’m working on a peice about the Fat Acceptance Movement, and would like your thoughts.
Im usually pretty opinionated, and while I’m open to other sides, and may change my opinion later, I usually come at a topic with clearcut stance. Not so much this time. I’m doing as much research as i can, and the piece will be up this Thursday on GroundedFitness, but I would like your opinions on this first (and permission to quote some of you.)
As a personal trainer, a woman, and an ex bulimic, its hard to make up my mind. One one hand, being overwieght is unhealthy, and as a personal trainer I am not comfortable just saying, “as long as you are happy…” when it comes to your weight and, thus, your health. As a woman, I’m sick of being judged by both men and woman, whether it be positively or negatively, based on the way I look and my body type. As a exbulimic, I just want to stand up a cheer for those that accept themselves no matter how they look. It hard, Im torn and I would like you help.
OF COURSE, overweight people should never be the objects of ridicule, face discrimination, or be looked down upon, but does this movement promote being unhealthy? Obesity is as an epidemic right now, should the focus be on accepting the weight, or doing something to change it? There is some decention in the movement between the overweight trying to lose the weight and those that are proud to be their size and have no intention of dropping an ounce. Is this contradictory? Hypocritical?
I’ve provided some links so you guys can read up on the subject if you wish, and please leave more link, your comments, personal experiences and opinions- i want to hear from every shape, size, sex- everyone.
The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance
The Fat Acceptance Movement- Wikipedia
Big Fat Blog- a blog about fat acceptance
Kate Harding’s Shapely Prose- a blog written by fat activists
And don’t forget about GroundedFitness’s Badass Giveaway. Contest ends July 25th.