Topic: Weight of the Nation

‘Weight Of The Nation’ Isn’t The Fat-Shaming Debacle You Think It Is

Tonight, HBO is premiering the first two parts of their much-hyped four-part documentary, Weight of the Nation, and already, people are ready to hate it, and vocally opposing a piece that, to their mind, is sure to be fat-shaming, victim-blaming, and generally unhelpful and mean. But instead of putting on the earmuffs and ignoring it (and the problem), I recommend actually watching it–I did–because even the most hardened health advocates may stand to learn something. More »

Talking About Obesity Isn’t Being Mean To Fat People

I’ve been blogging about health for two years, during which obesity has always been a looming issue—and a seriously complicated one to write about, given that I strongly believe in promoting body-positive, non-hateful messages about health. (Because lord knows there’s enough body-shaming “health” content out there that does little more than fuel myths about dieting and weight). So Lindy West‘s tirade against the battle against obesity (which she equates with pointlessly being mean to fat people) on Jezebel struck a particular chord with me. In part, I believe she’s right: In all too many instances, equating obesity to a health problem has given unfair license to fat-shame. But I also believe that our country’s staggering obesity rates are a problem, and just because it’s hard to talk about it without sounding mean (or being afraid of sounding mean), doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. More »

HBO Made A Documentary About Obesity, And It Doesn’t Look Like A Fat-Shaming Bonanza!

HBO is coming out with a four-part documentary about obesity, called “Weight of the Nation.” And judging by the trailer we’re super excited: Finally, it looks like someone is going to cover obesity without fat-shaming the crap out of audiences, or using public health statistics to push an extreme diet. More »