You may have heard terms like “underweight” and “overweight” flying around on social media. If you weren’t familiar with them already, you might be wondering what they mean and why they are used. Perhaps the most commonly used argument against these terms is that “the plus-size community is the gatekeeper of obesity.” On social media, many people claim to have been told they weren’t “fat” enough to participate in conversations about body positivity.
We believe much of this problem stems from misunderstanding and misunderstanding of the terminology of the body mass spectrum. Our goal is to explain why it is really important to classify fat into controversial categories in order to understand the goals of fat removal.
What terms do you use when discussing obesity?
Let’s start with the term “”straight size” You may have heard this used to describe clothing that is not plus size. Varies by retailer, but generally for people who can shop in most stores, usually size 0-14. In general, they are the most served population, so weight is not a barrier to survival.
“medium scale” has become a highly debated term on social media. The term was originally intended to include people who fell between straight and plus sizes at a time when regular stores only carried sizes 10 or 12. However, there are now two changes since the term was developed.
1: Rather than being relegated to the plus size section, straight sizes are now offered by retailers in sizes 14, 16 and even 18 in some stores.
2: People who don’t even fit into this size range are starting to adopt this label to indicate that they’re not extremely skinny, but wear a medium or large size.
the term ‘medium scale‘ The term is often used by people who want to distance themselves from being fat and avoid the perception that they are on the verge of becoming thin, so it is not usually used when discussing weight gain. It’s also a way to piggyback on the popularity of the body positivity movement, but its meaning is also changing thanks to social media.
A term developed prior to “Medium-sized” to refer to people under size 18, “little fat.Many people who consider themselves middle class seem to have a problem with the word fat and reject it. Small fat is on the small end of the fatness spectrum.they can They face medical discrimination and criticism from others, but generally have almost unrestricted access to things like clothing and seating.
A lot of focus is on small fat because it is considered an “acceptable” fat body. Being called “fat” or “curvy” is seen as positive, but anything more than that is demonized. Brands often use petite fat as models to advertise their plus-size lines, as they are seen as more socially acceptable. In order, Their voices are often pushed to the forefront. It is very rare for a small piece of fat to be in the center of an alienated body rather than your own.
“medium fat” Sizes 20-24, used for people who can’t buy a lot of clothing in physical stores. This is usually the highest end retailer offers in terms of plus sizing. Because this size range is visibly larger, they are subject to more discrimination and less access in public than smaller fats.
“big fat” again “superfat” is used for sizes 26-32, but we know that it actually only gives access to online clothing options. Again, discrimination increases and access decreases as you move away from straight size. That’s one reason Saucye West created the #FightforInclusivity campaign to push brands to expand their size range to make fashion truly accessible.
“Infinifat” This is used against the most disadvantaged people in the fat community as it is the largest. They face the greatest barriers to health care, lack of access to clothing, lack of access to public spaces, discrimination in the workplace, etc.
“death fat” Although the term was not meant to include a specific size range, it can be used by anyone wishing to regain their medically called size. “morbid” obesity.
Why is the Obesity Spectrum Important?
For most of us, it’s clear from looking at the world or from personal experience that people with smaller bodies are treated very differently than those with larger bodies. But even among fat people, we still experience differences, and in some cases it’s simply based on our body size and how we move around in society.
The obesity spectrum helps us recognize that there are different levels of obesity and that is important. This means that larger companies will have less access and have a different experience than smaller companies. In other words, the closer you get to the standard of beauty, the more acceptable you become in society.
I asked a passing Victoria @fatfabfeminist with TikTok Instagram, why this topic of the obesity spectrum is important. Victoria says, “I think it’s important to understand the context in which fat people exist within the fat spectrum.
Victoria continues.In my opinion, the scope of obesity does not serve as an identity or anything like that. That was the criticism I received. Rather, it’s about remembering others in your community and knowing that you’re fighting not just for yourself, but for the greater good of all. “
As mentioned earlier, it is rare for a straight-sized or underweight person to push for acceptance of a larger body. Liberation trickles down as the most marginalized groups become accessible and non-discriminatory. Them They are the voices that should be at the forefront of fat release. Because they need change and support the most.
If this is new information, here’s what you can do going forward
Take time to reflect on your own privileges, depending on where you fall on the obesity spectrum. If you don’t like a term that fits your size like the one above, accept its discomfort and try to analyze why it makes you feel uncomfortable.
It is important to think about how we can better support those who face more discrimination than we do or who have less access.
please remember we do not completely release fat to the most alienated We are free from oppression.