As a plus-sized mother of three, I often find myself feeling the need to justify my children’s eating habits, activity levels, and body types. There’s a part of me that feels responsible for explaining their choices, hoping to avoid any judgment about “bad habits” or fears of them becoming overweight like me. This reaction stems from deep-seated internalized fatphobia. Despite my efforts to embrace my own body, I still grapple with societal myths and negative attitudes regarding fatness that can influence how I perceive my family’s lifestyle.
I understand, however, that I owe no explanations to anyone about how my kids eat or move. They are healthy and thriving, and whether or not they fit societal standards of health does not define my parenting. The biases I face regarding my weight are rooted in diet culture and societal views, not an accurate reflection of my health— which is private and known only to me.
I take pride in being healthy and nurturing my children’s well-being. At home, we emphasize the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet. They learn to choose clothes that fit comfortably, regardless of the size label. We discuss how different foods impact their bodies without attaching any judgment to appearances. It is crucial to me that they do not associate food with how they look. The science behind body size is intricate, and I want them to enjoy food without regret or fear of developing disordered eating patterns.
The reality is unsettling: children are 242 times more likely to develop eating disorders than type 2 diabetes, according to nutrition expert, Sarah Thompson. This statistic is alarming given how often we hear about the “childhood obesity crisis.” Instead of focusing solely on weight, we should be concerned about how promoting thinness can lead to lifelong struggles with eating.
In a hypothetical sample of 100,000 children, only 12 would have type 2 diabetes, while around 2,900 would meet the criteria for an eating disorder. The mental health of our children is just as critical as their physical health. If I compromise their relationship with food in a misguided attempt to conform to societal ideals, I would be doing them a disservice.
The societal glorification of thinness and discrimination against larger bodies are significant contributors to the rise of eating disorders. I recognize that my children will be exposed to the same harmful messages that affected me. My mission as a parent is to cultivate an environment at home that is body-neutral. We celebrate all body types and focus on nourishing food as a source of growth, joy, and connection.
While I will remain attentive to my children’s overall health, I understand that the likelihood of disordered eating is a far greater concern for many kids than type 2 diabetes. We should be as focused on the mental health of our youth as we are on their physical health. By challenging anti-fat bias, we can protect our children from developing harmful eating habits driven by fear of weight gain.
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In summary, we must shift our focus from body size to mental and physical health. A nurturing home environment that promotes body neutrality and healthy relationships with food can help protect our children from developing eating disorders.
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