So... there are many people who think that fat= unhealthy and body positivity promotes unhealthiness. But though being fat due to overeating may be unhealthy, that is not always the case (of obesity, fat due to overeating is unhealthy). It could also be hormones, genetics, childbirth, etc... something out of their control. Body positivity is not encouraging unhealthiness, it is about realising that whether you are fat or thin, you deserve your dignity. You deserve to be treated equally and normally. You deserve to be accepted. You deserve to be loved. You are beautiful. Whether people think you are attractive or not is their choice, though. Shouldn't matter that much, right? At least, that's the gist of it. Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Don't believe me? Check out these sources for more info: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-reasons-obesity-is-not-a-choice ; https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-body-positivity-4773402

i will get downvoted but in this day & age (& last 5 years) there has been a glorification of obese bodies being celebrated as if it's a normal body type to have. I'm not talking about having a bigger top/bottom half but generally puffy arms and legs, the neck & body merging together, a huge stomach to leg ratio. Yes there are people who have health issues that make them put on weight but people use this section of society to explain away that's the reason for every person who is obese. It's not socially acceptable to say people are fat because they do consume too much calories on a daily basis. I hate people who make fun & bully bigger people. I'd be the first to punch them trust me. But as speaking as someone whose own mother is 20 stone & her weight is creeping up, (she's 50) though I barely have a relationship with her now, I worry about her as she's got a bad knee & the bone is crumbling away little by little due to a bone disease in our family & no ones frame is supposed to be

She lost 100 lbs - that's an entire person, and she doesn't see there is an issue with that? What's worse is to get to and maintain that weight, you need eat enough to feed a small family. Having grown up never having enough food on the table, it's beyond infuriating for a single person to justify why it's ok for them to eat enough by themselves to feed my entire family.

I've been a size 10 and a size 22. I'm currently sitting at a 16/18 because I'm exhausted and haven't hit the gym to lose recent baby weight. I tell you this, 99% of people feel better at a healthy weight. All those little aches and pains? Gone. You sleep better, you're stronger mentally and physically. Your self esteem is sky high & you are ready to take on the next goal. You learn how correctly move your muscles, how to run, how to eat to fuel your body. There's no down side to working out & eating well. It should be considered basic care, like going to the Dr or dentist. Stop neglecting your body. You'll regret that s**t when you're over 40, trust me.

Of course it is a well known fact that obesity to the point where it negatively affects health and comfort is an increasing problem in the Western world. But who are we to judge, to devaluate people's worth that have such a problem? It does not make them less valuable, less smart, less lovable, less beautiful, less kind. If an obese friend is suffering because of their weight/looks we should be the ones to support and root for them on their journey to a healthier and stronger body. And if they feel comfortable and at peace with their body we should not try to talk them into loosing weight because it is not going to work anyway. Change comes from within. :-)

My SIL died a couple months ago from complications due to excessive weight. Every organ was effected plus skeletal problems. She was on a scooter for years. If obesity is your choice, fine. But don't cry when people call you out.

what hurts me isn't that you have to be skinny to accepted or that being thin-more value. It's that people don't realize there are things more terrifying than being fat. having health issues, having parents die suddenly, having your life flash before your eyes. some people have things out of their control and that could be from genetics, birth, health conditions, etc. and I for one, can't get fat and that's what my fear is. having people compare me to another person who is overweight my age. I don't like that nor do I want it since we are all humans and have feelings. I don't have the "perfect" body but I'm fine with the one I got! I just wish that others can have my view. and remember nobody is alive to lose weight, get accepted, and pay bills, not even you. thanks for reading this.

Body acceptance is a double-edged sword. Being overweight is NEVER healthy, and neither is being UNDERweight. We want people to be happy with themselves, not worrying about how they look, but that is good for the brain, bad for the body. The struggle is real.

A few years ago, I lost close to 70 lb. I got a lot of 'congratulations' from various people. Well, as it turned out, I had a severe thyroid disorder that actually pushed me into Type 2 diabetes and moderate DKA. As soon as my thyroid got straightened out, I dropped the weight, the diabetes all but vanished, and my A1c levels have been consistently in the 'normal' range (no danger of DKA) . it wasn't my fault (the weight gain over the years) nor did I actually do anything to "lose" the weight. Still, it was weird being congratulated so much for basically finding out I was really sick and fixing it.

Most things I see these days are more cultural than anything... people love thick women here more than skinny women

People compliment things that look good. Things that look good make people feel good. Fat does not look good on most people and it is not healthy in abundance on anyone. You lost weight but you aren't skinny by any stretch of the imagination. Now just work on that bitter attitude and you'll be even more attractive.

that last comment is so mean :(

Re: Keisha's 4th post: It's so true. We have a lot of missed moments due to fear and lowered self esteem. We are "Waiting to Excel."

Kendra WHY do you care what other people think? You do not need anyone else to validate your life. You are you. If you like yourself, that's the ONLY thing that matters. Just remember, the dogs bark but the caravan moves on.

For the person who said fat isnt attractive... o k a y... i find it attractive lol

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Sometimes fat is unhealthy, but it could also be due to just genetics. This lady is/was pretty, despite being fat. Being fat doesn't lower your value as human being by any stretch of the imagination.