Does the Term "Fat" Offend You?
August 5, 2008 by Hope Wilbanks
Filed under Women's Health
It was recently called to my attention that the term “fat blogger” is offensive to some. I had never considered it or thought of it as being an offensive term, so I was caught a little off-guard by this comment. But it also got me thinking…
Why is “fat” offensive?
The term “fat” has an immediate negative connotation. If you have struggled with weight most of your life, it probably brings up dark feelings even moreso than it might for others.
If you were ever called fat as a child, for instance, seeing the term fat blogger probably riles you up. It probably reminds you of all those times you were picked on or made fun of because of your weight.
Change your perception of “fat”
If you have a difficult time seeing me throw around fat or fat blogger or fat blogging on this blog, I apologize. I have never used this term in a negative manner. Rather, I try to bring these ideas and feelings to the surface so we can each deal with them.
I believe a large part of each of our weight loss successes is knowing what our hot buttons are and then dealing with them. Changing your perception of the term “fat” can be simple.
F is for FABULOUS
You are a fabulous woman. People enjoy being around you because you are friendly, courageous and outgoing.
A is for AWESOME
You are awesome. Through your infectiously cheerful attitude you inspire and motivate others to go for their dreams and goals.
T is for TENACIOUS
Some call you stubborn, but the perfect term is tenacious. Like a bulldog, you know what you want and you go for it, full-hearted. You are unyielding and never give in until you’re going after.















Fat doesn’t bother me at all. Your acronym for fat is great. I must use this one!
Thanks Ellie!
I wrote a peice on fat acceptance on grounded fitness and i felt weird at first calling fat people fat, but through my research i found that the fat acceptance movement has taken ownership of the term fat and its not offensive- its just what they are.
it took some getting used to cause i felt like i was calling people names- but thats what they prefer to be called.
http://www.groundedfitness.com