You’ve already heard of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. But what about weight-based discrimination? A study in Obesity says anti-fat bias has increased by a whopping 66 percent, and it’s the only form of oppression that’s still considered socially acceptable (though it shouldn’t be).
This type of oppression—which may also be referred to as “weight bias”—basically refers to the stigmatization, bullying, prejudice, and discrimination against people in larger bodies. And like race, gender, and sexual orientation, it’s not in someone’s control. While diet culture pushes the idea that people in larger bodies are unhealthy and morally “bad,” that simply isn’t the case. Yet, those people are still treated as if they don’t deserve to exist or have the same opportunities and support.
