How do you guys feel about fatphobia? My general stance is it’s a tactic used to avoid the general conversation around the health consequences of obesity.
I think maybe it is likely partly that, and partly backlash to people who really do just judge people with more body fat just for existing. For example, I have a friend who I don’t think hardly anyone would consider “fat” at all, and yet her mother berates her about her weight almost daily because “no man likes that.” However, I also tend to think that if someone is being told by medical professionals and loved ones in a kind and evidenced way that they are doing something dangerous, like eating too much and exercising too little, and if there is a staunch resistance from the person at risk to acknowledge it, it is probably what you’re describing.
Yes I agree the approach matters. Shame most likely will not spark change and there is evidence it can actually worsen someone's situation. I might do a full article on weight stigma in the future and get into some of that literature. We can definitely be compassionate while being honest.
Having weighed 310# I can honestly say I was more fatphobic by definition then than I am now. I knew it was my choices that led me to get that big, and it could be choices to help me get leaner. My father is around 400#, has been most of his life, and he’s convinced that nothing he can do can change that so he’s defensive about the topic of changing his eating habits and is irritable when the family goes on vacations that involve exploring by foot. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my father, but in our situation it seems to be a difference between a growth and a fixed mindset. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said fatphobia is a way to avoid conversation because it challenges a fixed mindset. If you believe you can’t change I think that would lead you to avoid conversations about possible reasons why you should change because you feel powerless. Anger usually follows fear or a threat, but not always. I think it’s ironic that people more prominent on social media like you, Layne, Spencer, etc get labeled fatphobic when there seems to be no ill will or hatred towards obese people; just the evidence as best as we understand it to help people change if they want to and why it would have a positive impact on your overall health.
I believe in order for people to change they need to feel some sense of empowerment. Fixed vs. growth mindset can definitely play into that. Most of the time obese individuals want to make a change but they don't have the proper systems in place. Behavior change is deeper than just motivation, behavior change will be added to the list of topics to talk about for sure. Nevertheless, thank you, I want to help people be better in any aspect it's not about shaming anyone.
I might do a premium post on behavior design but I definitely suggest you check out BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits" book as it gives a unique perspective on changing behavior.
I think maybe it is likely partly that, and partly backlash to people who really do just judge people with more body fat just for existing. For example, I have a friend who I don’t think hardly anyone would consider “fat” at all, and yet her mother berates her about her weight almost daily because “no man likes that.” However, I also tend to think that if someone is being told by medical professionals and loved ones in a kind and evidenced way that they are doing something dangerous, like eating too much and exercising too little, and if there is a staunch resistance from the person at risk to acknowledge it, it is probably what you’re describing.
Yes I agree the approach matters. Shame most likely will not spark change and there is evidence it can actually worsen someone's situation. I might do a full article on weight stigma in the future and get into some of that literature. We can definitely be compassionate while being honest.
Having weighed 310# I can honestly say I was more fatphobic by definition then than I am now. I knew it was my choices that led me to get that big, and it could be choices to help me get leaner. My father is around 400#, has been most of his life, and he’s convinced that nothing he can do can change that so he’s defensive about the topic of changing his eating habits and is irritable when the family goes on vacations that involve exploring by foot. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my father, but in our situation it seems to be a difference between a growth and a fixed mindset. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said fatphobia is a way to avoid conversation because it challenges a fixed mindset. If you believe you can’t change I think that would lead you to avoid conversations about possible reasons why you should change because you feel powerless. Anger usually follows fear or a threat, but not always. I think it’s ironic that people more prominent on social media like you, Layne, Spencer, etc get labeled fatphobic when there seems to be no ill will or hatred towards obese people; just the evidence as best as we understand it to help people change if they want to and why it would have a positive impact on your overall health.
I believe in order for people to change they need to feel some sense of empowerment. Fixed vs. growth mindset can definitely play into that. Most of the time obese individuals want to make a change but they don't have the proper systems in place. Behavior change is deeper than just motivation, behavior change will be added to the list of topics to talk about for sure. Nevertheless, thank you, I want to help people be better in any aspect it's not about shaming anyone.
Empowerment is huge. I’ve been focusing on the pillars of self determination theory since we living together now to help build some confidence.
I might do a premium post on behavior design but I definitely suggest you check out BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits" book as it gives a unique perspective on changing behavior.