Dating While Plus-Size? Discover the Swipefat Podcast You Didn't Know You Needed

A few months ago, I stumbled upon a TikTok video featuring a charming plus-size woman enjoying a glass of wine while discussing the glaring absence of body diversity on ABC’s The Bachelor franchise. She began by expressing her frustration, noting that despite being a fan “since Day 1,” she had yet to see anyone who resembled her on the show. Her insights about how excluding plus-size individuals perpetuates the stereotype that fat women can’t find love resonated deeply with me.

Intrigued by her message and friendly vibe, I decided to explore more about her. The TikTok account belongs to body-positive lifestyle influencer Jamie Parker from the Chicago area, along with her “fat best friend,” marketing manager Tara Lopez. Together, they host the Swipefat podcast, which navigates the challenging landscape of dating as plus-size individuals.

Honestly, dating isn’t something I dwell on much—I’ve been happily married for many years and met my husband when I was just eighteen. He was my first boyfriend, and that was that. However, Jamie and Tara’s TikTok content was so relatable and engaging that I found myself heading over to listen to “Swipefat” on Apple Podcasts. Even though I’ve never been on a dating app, I connected with their discussions as a plus-size woman, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy at their real-life friendship. Jamie and Tara are the kind of honest, humorous “fat best friends” I wish I had.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Jamie and Tara about their podcast, their bodies, their friendship, and the dynamics of dating in 2021.

On Why Jamie Created That Viral Bachelor TikTok:

“We’re starting to see more representation in media, but reality TV often lacks fat bodies. It’s not a true reflection of reality. Representation matters; it’s essential to see ourselves in those fairytale scenarios,” Jamie explains.

On Building Confidence in Plus-Size Bodies:

“I’ve been plus-size my whole life. Having a background in radio meant I faced public bullying, which left me traumatized,” Tara shares. “I lost weight at one point, but that didn’t solve my issues. I learned that my happiness wasn’t dependent on my size and began the internal work to truly love myself.”

“I wasn’t always confident either,” Jamie adds. “I knew I had a great personality, but I just didn’t see myself represented. My journey into body positivity began when I started sharing my food blogging on Instagram, where I received positive feedback.”

On Their Preference for the Term “Fat”:

“It’s simply a descriptor like ‘thin.’ Society has demonized it, equating it with laziness or unhealthiness. That needs to change,” Jamie says. “Our straight-sized friends were shocked when we chose the name ‘Swipefat’ for our podcast,” Tara laughs.

On Dating as Plus-Size Women:

“Dating is challenging for everyone, but being fat adds another layer,” Tara explains. “We often feel the need to put a warning label on our profiles, even though our pictures show our bodies. There’s a fear of being perceived as a catfish or facing disappointment when meeting someone in person. Plus, there’s the issue of being fetishized. It’s a tricky balance.”

Jamie sighs, “It requires a lot of navigation.”

On How Rejection Can Help:

“Rejection teaches resilience. Once you face it, it’s less scary. We both realize now that we need to prove our worth, too. It’s a two-way street,” Jamie observes.

Advice for Dating as Plus-Size:

Just take the plunge. “You have to start somewhere,” Tara encourages. “The fear is usually worse than the reality. Know your worth—you’re beautiful and have so much to offer beyond your body.”
Collaborate with friends on your profile. “Make a night of it with wine. It really boosts your confidence,” Tara suggests.
Use genuine photos. “Select pictures that make you feel confident but also represent you accurately,” Jamie advises.

In addition to their podcast, Jamie and Tara star in a FreebieTV series called “Dating in the Modern Age,” which provides a look into their experiences navigating love as plus-size women during the pandemic. They also manage a private Facebook group for plus-size women exploring the dating scene.

“Many don’t have a plus-size friend to lean on. Our community and podcast validate their feelings,” Tara says.

Jamie and Tara are empowering women to recognize that being plus-size doesn’t diminish their worth in relationships. “Being fat doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of a quality connection,” Tara emphasizes.

You can tune into SwipeFat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more insights from Jamie and Tara.

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In summary, Jamie Parker and Tara Lopez are two inspiring women who are breaking barriers and creating a supportive community for plus-size individuals in the dating world. Their podcast, Swipefat, is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate love and relationships while embracing their body.