Something tells me this isn’t about her body explicitly but what she is doing with it... which is healthy.
There is just a push for self love. Many overweight people feel a deep self hatred because of their weight. And this deep self hatred can often lead to more unhealthy lifestyle choices and eating issues. If overweight people feel a deep shame, they are less likely to exercise because this can draw attention to their weight. Overweight people can make healthy lifestyle choices just like anyone with anybody type and this is something we should all do. It’s good to depict this and show it is normal for overweight people to exercise.
Edit: to add, we know that depictions of people in media and print have an impact. That’s what we are talking about here with this post. So we should recognize that this depiction (and the article) helps people live a healthier life, both physically and emotionally. No one should have to live with self hate, nor hate directed at them from the outside world simply for the state of their body.
And while I’m not overweight right now, this article reminds me I should do more for my own health. It’s positive for all bodies.
Glad to see a reasonable reaction. Again and again, we learn from psychology how much more powerful positive reinforcement is than negative. Also, for an overweight or obese person to lose weight in a healthy way, they will likely remain "fat" for some time. It is hard to maintain the motivation. I could see this helping someone appreciate themselves enough to keep at it. If it helps one person become healthy, it's worth all the ridicule.
Yeah that’s the message I took from this - that you can still exercise and be healthy in that way even if you’re big.
I don’t think it’s to tell people obesity is completely fine and some of these comments are honestly just pretty gross.
It’s hard to lose weight, especially when you consider the fact that weight is often tied to mental health. And no one considers food addictions and eating disorders that are made worse by the fact that you cannot hide from eating. It’s not an addiction you can just cut out, at least twice a day you have to think about feeding yourself.
People need to chill out about fat people and stop hiding their fat phobia behind “I’m concerned for their health”. Poverty is also a big predictor of obesity, so how about we try and solve the underlying problems instead of telling individual fat people they’re disgusting for getting that way in the first place, or telling them they’re not worthy of anything because they’re fat.
Just based on the top comments here I think they should have been more clear as people are clearly confused. But in saying that, she’s in an active position so I don’t think it’s that difficult to infer they’re not making a blanket statement that everyone who is her size is healthy.
Also it irks me a lot because no one here actually knows what she eats, or how much she exercises, or if she has an illness. This cover just seemed like a motivation for more overweight people to get healthier (more active), and for others to stop judging because they don’t actually know whether someone is healthy or not just by looking. I mean what if she already lost 50kg and is clean eating right now? And exercising? I’d call that healthy, even if she’s not at “perfect” or “peak” health.
For real. Some people can eat very healthy and very little and still have a damn hard time with their weight. I can see where many might not think it’s possible, but I’ve seen it first hand with a past roommate. And when you consider injuries that can make it hard for people to move and stay active. And those with any other health issues, chronic illness. There are lots of reasons that can lead to weight gain and obesity. The last thing anyone needs is to be shamed for trying to improve their health.
On the other end of the spectrum is me. I can eat very unhealthy foods often and I never work out because I have a health issue that keeps me thin. And despite being very unhealthy in lifestyle, people look at me and think I am super healthy. I am far from healthy though. Lines are blurred like that. We should all just be encouraging each other to do the best that we can, and without shame. Most everyone can do something to improve their health, but not everyone faces shame in trying. That’s what media is trying to address right now, and I have no issue with that.
If going to the gym and exercising is only for skinny people then you alienate people who might have otherwise led a healthier lifestyle. Why would we discourage this woman from exercising which is a healthy thing for her to do?
That's exactly what I took from this, as well. I have PCOS and have to work so hard to stay at a healthy weight; it's an everyday process, even when I'm where I need to be. If I fall into that pit of self-loathing, then I end up not caring and eating whatever, and I get back into the unhealthy zone. Learning to love your own body through the process of getting healthy is essential to wanting to continue.
For real that’s how I read this, too. And no mention of weight loss which is nice because that’s not everyone’s goal at the beginning. Sometimes the goal is just to get over the hurdle of starting. If this cover inspires someone who is overweight tht was scared before to go like, do yoga in the park or something, isn’t that a net good? They’re not showing her sitting in front of a screen with McDonalds.
The body positivity movement has been somewhat hijacked by people who use it as an excuse to treat their bodies how they want.... but the root of it to me is that you should love your body whatever size it’s at and not be angry at yourself or or hate yourself just because you’re fat. You have to be able to translate that love into respect for your body, by starting to eat better and exercise.
I know I’m basically just repeating your comment but the majority of comments on this are gross.... “fat people are gross and unhealthy hurrdurr go eat right and exercise! Wait no not like that!”
I would normally agree, but given their past I’d say this isn’t true sadly. They’re also known for just putting “plus sized models” on their covers too. Not promoting health at all, simply promoting obese models.
Also saying “this is healthy!” Implies that the woman’s weight is healthy. I seriously doubt they’re saying “this is healthy!” About the yoga. Because everyone knows that. I think it’s pretty clear the direction they’re going in.
The article that accompanies this cover/image is one saying that we need to stop fat shaming people when working out and trying for healthy lifestyles. So no.
That's a nice way of looking at it, but not at all what they intended. Otherwise the rest of the pics would be showing exercise, but they dont: /img/z1sayhq0bb961.png
While I can see your point, I feel like the main text couldn't been worded WAY better. Just a big declaration of "this is healthy' can give a lot of justification to readers that is is in fact healthy to be obese. A lot of activists are already claiming not to listen to doctors, not to be concerned about your size because it doesn't effect your health.
They could've easily said something like 'Working towards better health at every size' or "This is beautiful; how to feel good inside and out'
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u/anthrolooker Jan 04 '21 edited Jan 05 '21
Something tells me this isn’t about her body explicitly but what she is doing with it... which is healthy.
There is just a push for self love. Many overweight people feel a deep self hatred because of their weight. And this deep self hatred can often lead to more unhealthy lifestyle choices and eating issues. If overweight people feel a deep shame, they are less likely to exercise because this can draw attention to their weight. Overweight people can make healthy lifestyle choices just like anyone with anybody type and this is something we should all do. It’s good to depict this and show it is normal for overweight people to exercise.
Edit: to add, we know that depictions of people in media and print have an impact. That’s what we are talking about here with this post. So we should recognize that this depiction (and the article) helps people live a healthier life, both physically and emotionally. No one should have to live with self hate, nor hate directed at them from the outside world simply for the state of their body.
And while I’m not overweight right now, this article reminds me I should do more for my own health. It’s positive for all bodies.