Fat acceptance movement

Fat Acceptance Movement

The Fat Acceptance Movement (FAM), also known as Size Acceptance, Fat Liberation, or Fat Activism, is a social movement seeking to change anti-fat bias in social attitudes by eliminating and raising awareness of discrimination towards overweight and obese persons. It aims to challenge societal norms regarding body weight and size, advocating for the rights, dignity, and respect of individuals regardless of their body size.

Origins and History

The origins of the Fat Acceptance Movement can be traced back to the early 1960s in the United States. The movement initially emerged as a response to the discrimination faced by overweight individuals, particularly women, in various aspects of society, including employment, healthcare, and the media. One of the first organizations to advocate for the rights of fat people was the National Association to Aid Fat Americans (NAAFA), founded in 1969, which later changed its name to the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the Fat Acceptance Movement is to improve the quality of life for fat individuals by promoting equal rights and treatment. This includes challenging societal perceptions that equate thinness with beauty, health, and worthiness. The movement advocates for:

• Body positivity and self-acceptance
• Inclusion of fat individuals in anti-discrimination laws
• Fair treatment in the healthcare system, free from weight bias
• Representation of diverse body sizes in the media and fashion industry

Criticism and Controversy

The Fat Acceptance Movement has faced criticism from various quarters, including some health professionals who argue that it may discourage individuals from achieving a healthy weight. Critics assert that the movement overlooks the health risks associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Proponents of the movement, however, contend that it is possible to be healthy at any size and emphasize the importance of separating health from body weight.

Impact and Influence

The Fat Acceptance Movement has significantly influenced the body positivity movement, which promotes acceptance of all body types and sizes. It has also led to increased visibility and representation of plus-size individuals in the media and fashion industry. Furthermore, the movement has sparked discussions about the need for more inclusive healthcare practices that focus on patients' overall well-being rather than solely on weight loss.

See Also

• Body Positivity
• Obesity
• Health at Every Size
• Discrimination

References

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