* Are uncomfortable on public transit, in public places like theaters, etc as the seats are designed for someone much smaller than you
* Can't get into relationships
* Get social feedback ranging from well meaning (but still embarrassing) to downright cruel on a regular basis
In discussions like this, someone always says "the solution is to shame people" as if it's some kind of picnic to be fat. It's not - it's fucking miserable. And even with all that people are still having a hard time taking control of their lifestyle. Shaming people even harder isn't going to accomplish a thing.
America got fat from a culture of fat shaming. So like, we know that doesn't work. Or at least this is not how I see the cause/effect.
To me, it appears that being fat was unacceptable and shameful culturally, but everyone still got fat, and insanely fat even. And once so many people were fat, they started to campaign against the fat shaming.
So fat shaming could actually be seen as having caused the issue.
I think being able to openly talk about the difficulty, challenges, and struggles of weight gain/loss, recognizes the people's struggle, encouraging weight loss, promoting methods and mechanisms, etc. might be more effective.
From the research I've seen, this is also supported by it. Fat shaming can cause increased stress and cortisol levels, emotional eating, avoidance of exercise (especially in public), depression and anxiety, and avoiding medical care due to fear of judgment. Which all in-turn contributes to weight gain.
Interesting because Pigouvian taxes have a long and storied history of being extremely effective while your proposed solution has... zero evidence of effectiveness?
bigstrat2003|1 year ago
* Can't get clothes that fit you
* Are uncomfortable on public transit, in public places like theaters, etc as the seats are designed for someone much smaller than you
* Can't get into relationships
* Get social feedback ranging from well meaning (but still embarrassing) to downright cruel on a regular basis
In discussions like this, someone always says "the solution is to shame people" as if it's some kind of picnic to be fat. It's not - it's fucking miserable. And even with all that people are still having a hard time taking control of their lifestyle. Shaming people even harder isn't going to accomplish a thing.
meiraleal|1 year ago
It do accomplish a thing of helping people that don't want to be ashamed to take better care of their weight before it becomes a bigger issue.
didibus|1 year ago
To me, it appears that being fat was unacceptable and shameful culturally, but everyone still got fat, and insanely fat even. And once so many people were fat, they started to campaign against the fat shaming.
So fat shaming could actually be seen as having caused the issue.
I think being able to openly talk about the difficulty, challenges, and struggles of weight gain/loss, recognizes the people's struggle, encouraging weight loss, promoting methods and mechanisms, etc. might be more effective.
From the research I've seen, this is also supported by it. Fat shaming can cause increased stress and cortisol levels, emotional eating, avoidance of exercise (especially in public), depression and anxiety, and avoiding medical care due to fear of judgment. Which all in-turn contributes to weight gain.
anigbrowl|1 year ago
I am not endorsing fat shaming, I just don't think your causal suggestion stands up to scrutiny.
llamaimperative|1 year ago
Feel free to provide it though.
yamazakiwi|1 year ago