The Obesity Spectrum and Why Is It Important?

You may have heard terms like “little fat” or “super fat” on social media, and if you are not already familiar with them, you may be wondering what they mean and why they are used. Probably the most commonly used counterargument against these terms is that “plus-size is the watchdog fatness of the community.” Many people claim to have been told by people on social media that they were “not fat enough” to engage in a conversation about body positivity.

We believe much of this is due to miscommunication and misunderstanding of the terms of the obesity spectrum. Our goal is to explain why categorizing obesity into debatable categories is really important for understanding the goals of getting rid of fat.

What Terms Do We Use to Discuss Obesity?

Let’s start with the term.flat sizeYou may have heard it used to describe clothing that is not plus size. It depends on the retailer, but usually the vast majority of stores will have anyone who can shop, usually sizes 0 to 14. Generally speaking, weight will not be a hindrance in their life because they are the most served population.

“medium size” has become a MOST discussed term on social media. The term was originally intended to include people who fell between flat sizes and plus sizes when typical stores only went up to sizes 10 or 12. However, there are currently two things that have changed since this term was developed.

A: Straight sizes can now be offered by retailers in sizes 14, 16 or even 18 at some stores without falling into the plus size section.

Two: People who don’t even fall into this size range have started adopting this label to indicate that they’re not super slim, they’re wearing a medium or large size.

Period ‘medium size‘ It is not usually used when talking about obesity because it is often used by people who want to distance themselves from obesity and avoid admitting their affinity for thinness. It is also a way of labeling its popularity. body affirmation gestureIts meaning has also been shaped by social media.

A term developed before ‘medium size’ for people size 18 and under.little oil.Many people who consider themselves medium-sized reject the term, seeming to have a problem with the word fat. Small fats are on the smaller end of the obesity spectrum. Them to be face medical discrimination and criticism by others, but generally with few restrictions on clothing, seating, etc. they have access.

There is often a lot of focus on small fats as they are considered “acceptable” fat bodies. Being called “thick” or “curvy” is viewed positively, but anything more than that is demonized. Brands often use fat people as models to promote their larger body lines, as they are seen as more acceptable by society. In order, their voices are usually those that are pushed to the fore.. It is very rare for a little fat to center more marginal bodies and not their own bodies.

“Medium fat” It is used for anyone who is between sizes 20-24 and has less access to clothing in real-world stores. This is usually the highest point retail stores offer in terms of plus sizing. Because this size range will be noticeably wider, they will be more discriminated against than smaller fats and have less access in public spaces.

“Big oil” or “super fat” It is used for sizes 26-32, as we know that it only has access to online clothing options. Again, as you move away from flat measures, discrimination increases and access decreases. Which is one of the reasons Created the Saucye West campaign#FightforInclusivity invites brands to expand their size ranges to make fashion truly accessible.

“Forever” Defines anyone over 32 sizes. It is used for those of us who are the most underserved in fat communities because they are the largest. They have the top barriers to healthcare, lack of access to clothing, lack of access to public spaces, discrimination in the workplace, and more.

“Death is fat” It was a term coined not to cover a specific size range, but can be used for anyone who wants to get their name back medically. “diseased” obesity.

Why Is the Obesity Spectrum Important?

As we look at the world and from personal experience it is quite clear to most of us that people in smaller bodies are treated completely differently from larger ones. But even among fat people we experience differences, and sometimes it just depends on our body size and how we act in public.

The obesity spectrum helps to recognize that there are different levels of obesity and it is IMPORTANT! This means that those at the larger end have less access and will have different experiences than those at the smaller end. The result is this: The closer a person is to the standard of beauty, the more accepted by society.

We asked Victoria passing by. @fatfabfeminist on TikTok and instagramWhy is this topic of the Obesity Spectrum important? Victoria says “I think it’s important to connect fat people to where they are on the obesity spectrum. The wider the spectrum, the more often the smaller fats dominate the conversation about obesity, without always realizing that the more fat phobia affects you.

Victoria continues, “The obesity spectrum, in my opinion, is not something that should serve as an identity or anything. It was a criticism I got. It’s more to remind yourself of other people in your community so you know you’re not only fighting for yourself, but for everyone greater.”

As mentioned earlier, it’s rare for a straight person or a little fat to really force him to accept sizes larger than his own. When the most marginalized bodies have access and are not discriminated against, freedom trickles down. Them They are the voices that should be at the forefront of fat liberation because they are the ones who need change and support the most.

What You Can Do Forward If This Is New Information For You

Take some time to consider your own prerogative based on where you fall on the obesity spectrum. If you are not a fan of the term that fits your size as listed above, try to sit down with this discomfort and deconstruct why the term bothers you.

It’s important to consider how you can better support people who are more discriminated against or have less access than you.

remember this we will not it’s totally fat liberation until the most marginal We are free from oppression.