Body Shaming and Fat Talk

 

"Too big." "Too small."

Your body is not an object.

Let's stop shaming the body of an athlete. Including your own body. 

It's crazy to think that so many athletes believe that they must attempt to train the body to succeed in sport while simultaneously maintaining a specific body type idealized by social media.

Whether you criticize your own appearance through comparison or judgement, criticize another's appearance in front of them or criticize another's appearance without their knowledge, this is a form of abuse.

The first step in overcoming body shaming is to appreciate your body just as it is.

We can all do better to love ourselves and our bodies just as we are.

When you have a healthy relationship with your body, you are more likely to respect and value the bodies of others.

Dealing with toxic food and body discussions

You've been there before. You are minding your own business, enjoying your leftovers during your lunch break. And then it happens. Either you overhear it at the table next to you or the conversation you are in suddenly changes topic. Fat shaming. Diet talk. Body image.

• I shouldn't be eating this, I am so bad.
• My friend started this new diet and she lost so much weight.
• I wish I could eat that but it's off-limit in my diet.
• Ugh, I must have gained 20 lbs over vacation.
• Did you see how much weight ___ lost/gained?
• I could never eat as much as you do or I would get so fat.
• I start my diet on Monday, who's with me?

Working in a body-inclusive environment is not the norm as much of the workplace culture is submerged deep in diet culture. Despite feeling uncomfortable in this type of environment, it may be difficult to avoid these situations.

To change the culture at work and to help others build a healthier relationship with food and the body, here are a few tips:

• Set your boundaries - If a certain topic is triggering, it's important to set a boundary for yourself. When this topic comes about in a discussion, this is your sign that you need to speak up and change the conversation. A boundary is the limit you set with other people as to what you find acceptable and unacceptable. Staying true to your boundaries shows that you have a healthy sense of self-worth and you are not obtaining your self-esteem from pleasing others. Stay true to you and your beliefs.
  
  
• Create change - As much as you may want to call someone out in a group setting, this approach is ineffective. Instead, it's important to change the workplace culture. Consider speaking with your boss/supervisor, bring up the issue in a staff meeting or invite a professional to come and speak to your team.
  
  
• Prioritize your mental health - Most people don't think twice before making a comment about food choices or weight. We've been conditioned to shame food and body as acceptable small talk. Most people don't realize the impact that these words have on others, especially those who struggle with developing a healthy relationship with food and the body. Make sure your mental health is always a priority. Respect yourself and leave the conversation. You deserve to eat in an environment that doesn't make you feel shamed.
  
  
• Speak up - If you feel comfortable to share your own experiences, speak up. Let others know that you are working on healing your relationship with food and you'd appreciate if they would be more respectful about food and body talk when you are around. While this may be awkward at first, it also makes you very brave (and you may be speaking up for others who don't have as strong of a voice). If you have a cynical personality, tell others that you have more important things in life to focus on than changing your body, feeling guilty over what you eat or counting calories. Lead by example and be the voice for change. As a reminder, no person should ever feel ashamed or be shamed for eating in public - no matter your size, weight or what you are eating.

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