Thin Privilege

In the field of psychology and within social justice advocacy, we talk about different types of privilege (white privilege, male privilege, etc), but seldom do we ever hear the term thin privilege. Similar to race, sexual orientation, and gender – we actually have very little control over our weight. Like intelligence scores, our body weights fall within the bell curve – mostly near average with some people being larger and smaller. I think it’s helpful to think about genetic set point range in weights as similar to dog breeds. An English Mastiff is never going to have the body of a boxer. Yes, there are somewhat larger/smaller dogs within each breed, but overall genetics set the course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within our society, weight bias is common. Most individuals know that it is not okay to make racist, gender biased, or homophobic comments – but for some reason people think it is completely okay to comment about a person’s larger body size. Similar to racist, sexist, and homophobic beliefs – there are also a set of beliefs about individuals of a larger size within our society (e.g. they are “lazy, unhealthy, and eat poorly").

My belief is that oftentimes these individuals are larger sized children and learn very early on that it is important to try and control their weight. As a result of becoming hyper aware of food intake and painfully aware of the shame associated with obesity in our culture, individuals often attempt to diet – which inevitably fails. The real problem then occurs when after a period of restriction, individuals find themselves feeling even more out of control with food…and the cycle continues. The more weight focused our society becomes, the more this happens with people of average size -- and guess what...you have an obesity epidemic. I am not suggesting that excessive fast food consumption is not an issue, but I would postulate that at least 1/2 if not more of the women who struggle with weight issues have a history of dieting or trying to control their weight. My point is that this shame approach to addressing obesity is having quite the opposite effect. The solution: the health at every size approach to wellness. The focus should be on balanced eating and adequate exercise...sometimes this will result in weight loss and sometimes it will not depending on the genetics of the individual.  

I spoke with a guy in a social setting (not work related) last week who mentioned that after being extremely fit (rigid exercise and diet consistent with what our society deems "healthy”) for years, he was no longer able to keep up this routine after having children and becoming busy. He appeared to be an average size man, but spoke very negatively about his weight gain post marriage and parenthood. He actually reported developing gout in his feet, and his doctor said it was due to his weight gain. We discussed his eating habits and how much he craved more satisfying foods after restricting himself for multiple years.

This is just one of the many conversations I have with people on a daily basis – and not just people with eating disorders. He spoke so critically of his body and what he “allowed” to happen. Sure he became preoccupied with everyday life, but I suspect that the prior restriction had lasting effects on how much food he consumed after his "health kick." I reassured him that I could have a similar conversation with every single person in that restaurant. Either they would glorify their fitness routines or speak shyly about their lack of will power – but I assure you that everyone would join the conversation…because this is the sad world in which we live.

Acknowledging thin privilege is about recognizing that there is weight discrimination in this world and speaking out against it. Although, most days I want to give up on trying to convince the world of this truth, I do occasionally encounter others on a similar mission who provide me with hope to continue. Today’s hope is provided by a young girl named Bailey Webber è please support this kickstart project and keep this dream alive. The Student Body