When I discuss my body, I often refer to myself as fat. It’s the term I prefer—straightforward, brief, and perfectly captures my reality. I inhabit a body that, by all conventional measures, is not thin. In fact, I’m considered fat.
The directness of that term can catch people off guard. Society has ingrained in us the idea that “fat” is a derogatory label. For many, fat isn’t just the contrary of thin; it’s also seen as the opposite of beauty, desirability, worthiness, and acceptability.
When some individuals see me use the word fat to describe myself, they often jump to conclusions, assuming it reflects a lack of self-worth or attractiveness on my part. They frequently reassure me of my beauty and suggest I opt for a “nicer” term, like “plus-size.” Just the other day, a woman insisted I should be dismissed from my job for using the term fat.
But honestly, it’s just a word. A tiny little word with a mere three letters. I could choose a more complex label, but why bother? I have things to do, and using fat conveys my point effectively.
I do occasionally use the term plus-size because variety is important, but I’ll continue to embrace the word fat for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s my choice. As an adult, I have the right to define myself. If someone prefers not to be called fat, I absolutely respect that. However, most of the fat individuals I know are okay with it.
The term fat carries no moral weight; being fat isn’t inherently negative. It only becomes a dirty word if you perceive fatness as a flaw, which I do not. Our society places an undue value on thinness as the singular ideal body type, but I firmly disagree. Whether you’re comfortable in your body as it is or seeking to change its size, your worth remains unchanged. I hope for a future where body size is seen as a mere fact rather than a measure of value. Speaking openly about my own body is part of that mission.
Using the word fat also connects me to a community. While I don’t align with any specific fat-positive movements, I admire many advocates within that space. I want those who engage with my writing or discussions to discover these voices as well. There is a wealth of knowledge out there about body size psychology, activists fighting for fat-friendly legislation, and stylists dedicated to showcasing fashion for larger sizes. By using the same term, we align our goals.
Moreover, the word fat has been weaponized against me in the past. By reclaiming it, I take away its sting. If I acknowledge my fatness openly, we can bypass the superficial conversation and delve into more meaningful discussions. Sure, I’m fat—let’s move on from that and address the underlying biases about health and lifestyle that often accompany that label. The world will call me fat regardless, so why waste time disputing semantics when we could be having more important conversations?
If the term fat makes you uncomfortable, that’s perfectly fine. Just don’t use it if it feels wrong to you. I’m indifferent to how others describe my body as long as it’s not meant to demean me. Call me plus-size, larger, or whatever you prefer. But take a moment to reflect on why the word fat provokes such fear. You might uncover some biases and fat-phobic notions lurking in your mind. We all have them, including me. Confronting these thoughts is essential for growth; they won’t vanish on their own.
Unchecked fat-phobia can evolve into something truly toxic. The online environment can be harsh for fat individuals. Have you checked the comment sections on articles about fatness lately? It seems like every week, someone feels compelled to hurl insults. Just this week, someone called me a “land whale.” How original. Many of those who hurl such insults double down when confronted, leaving me with no choice but to ignore them.
My heart is tender, and I have no desire to harden it. Insulting words about my worth, my family, or my loved ones due to my size still sting. I could try to toughen up, but I cherish my capacity for compassion and empathy. I refuse to let the cruelty of the world dictate how I feel.
Instead, I’ve chosen to take ownership of the term “fat” and redefine it for myself.
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Summary
In this reflection, I assert my right to use the word fat to describe my body, challenging societal norms that label it as an insult. I embrace the term as a means of empowerment, connection, and community, while also addressing the biases that exist around body size. By reclaiming the word, I hope to foster deeper conversations about worth and acceptance.
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