Body Liberation

Is Wanting Intentional Weight Loss Internalised Fatphobia?

Hi Musers, today’s post is a very important topic. I’ve covered it in one form or another across several of my previous posts. In particular, in part 3 of my series on my concerns about the direction of body positivity. The most militant segment of the body positivity community insists that if you’re seeking intentional weight loss, internal fatphobia is lurking in the shadows.

My Beliefs About Intentional Weight Loss

I think this is a difficult question, and I can honestly see both points of view. From a body-positive point of view, it’s impossible to reject society’s unrealistic beauty standards and love your body as it is while still seeking it change it. In essence, you’re saying your body isn’t ok the way it is. At worst, you’re perpetuating the fatphobia and discrimination that oppresses fat folx.

On the other hand, unlike body positive activists, I do see that there may be circumstances where a person wants to lose weight for a reason other than dissatisfaction with its appearance. The main reason is to reclaim an ability they’ve lost as they gained weight. If a person used to love hiking, or playing football, or even playing with their kids, and can’t now they’ve gained weight, it’s understandable they may want to look weight.

It can also be as simple as that they don’t feel comfortable. Mike is pretty slim overall but does have a noticeable belly. He says it feels really uncomfortable at times, and so he’d like to be rid of it. Again, not a focus on appearance.

Where It Becomes Problematic

There are two reasons I struggle with the concept of intentional weight loss. The first is good old delusion. A person may tell others they are losing weight to regain an ability or feel more comfortable, but are they just trying to convince themselves. 

I suspect a decent percentage of folks who say their weight loss is not driven by fatphobia (internal or external) is lying to themselves, pure and simple. They want to embrace self-love, see diet culture for the manipulative monster it is and give up dieting forever.

However, deep down, they still feel ashamed of their bodies. They still buy into the idea that thin is right and fat is wrong. It’s very sad but completely understandable. After all, diet culture has been whispering its poison in their ear almost all their lives. Thin images are everywhere in today’s society. Breaking free of that is tough!

Secondly, a focus on intentional weight loss tends to breed problematic behaviours. The only focus is on whether the number on the scale goes down. This can lead to:

• Starving yourself under the heading of “intermittent fasting”
• Leaving your body without enough calories for it to function properly
• Disordered eating and even eating disorders
• Rejecting healthy, natural foods like avocados in favour of highly processed diet foods because they contain fewer calories
• Exercising in ways you hate because they burn the most calories
• Mental preoccupation with calories
• Daily weigh-ins, which set your mood for the entire day

None of these is a good thing.

The Alternative To Focusing On Intentional Weight Loss

If you truly believe you want to try intentional weight loss for a non-fatphobic reason, that’s ok; it’s your choice. However, can I make a request? Why not try shifting your focus away from weight loss and onto healthy behaviours? 

The following behaviours will improve your health and overall well-being even if you don’t lose weight. You may find, though, that you feel so much better weight loss no longer matters to you! These behaviours include:

• Move your body in a way that feels good to you and that you enjoy! The calories burned are irrelevant. If you’re enjoying it, you’re far more likely to keep it going.
• Make sure you eat a good mix of food to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function properly. Fruits and vegetables are key. For more info, check out my 5-part series. 
• Cut back on alcohol. It contains a lot of sugar, has no benefits for your body and can cause substantial damage over time.
• If you still do it, quit smoking. Enough said.
• Stretch. It’s possible that the things you believe you can’t do are due to your muscles stiffening and shortening, not your weight. Stretch and/or do yoga regularly. There are loads of free videos on YouTube to guide you, and you’ll be amazed at the improvement in your mobility.

For more information on this approach investigate Health At Every Size by Lindo Bacon.

Yay Or Nay?

Do you think wanting intentional weight is internalised fatphobia? Or do you believe it’s entirely fine and don’t get what my problem is? Let me know in the comments.