After all, we are what we eat!
While weight stigma stems from a myriad factors, the mainstream media has a direct hand in influencing our perception of beauty and health. It is also responsible for distorting the images of both. This is an attempt to tackle a poor and to a large extent, a lack of the representation of fat bodies in the media by diversifying our feed. For as long as the mainstage remains occupied by the conventional bodied, we will actively look for representation elsewhere. The following list shall not disappoint you and if anything, I hope it comes as a surprise, a shock, with a knock on your door. I hope it bows politely, asking for permission before lifting you up and carrying you into a world where you can exist and belong without having to first change who you are.
Series
Dietland
Based on the book by Sarai Walker
It is a dark comedy show and its brilliance stems from the radical ways it views and sharply critiques the beauty myth. With a commentary on white feminism, it comes as a gush of fresh air, jolting us awake.
My Mad Fat Diary
Based on the collection of diaries written by Rae Earl
MMFD is a British teen dramedy. Including weight-stigma and mental health, it deals with many of the issues that young people tackle everyday.
Books
Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls
Jess Baker
The most amazing guide for all bodies that don’t conform
The Body is Not an Apology
Sonya Renee Taylor
The gateway to radical self-love https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/
Health at Every Size
Lindo Bacon PhD
Straightforward yet revolutionary ideas https://lindobacon.com/
You Have the Right to Remain Fat
Virgie Tovar
A radical text guiding us towards liberation.
The Fat Studies Reader
Esther Rothblum and Sandra Solovay
“An invitation to revolution”
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fatphobia
Sabrina Strings
Explores the issues of race, gender, and class that are at the core of weight-stigma.
What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat
Aubrey Gordon
A masterfully written text meant to guide humanity away from weight-stigma and discrimination by means of questioning conventional beliefs.
Fat is a Feminist Issue
Susie Orbach
“It shows how fat is not about food but rather about protection, sex, mothering, strength, assertion, anger, love.”
Happy Fat: Taking Up Space in a World That Wants to Shrink You
Sofie Hagen
“Part memoir, part social commentary, it is a funny, angry and impassioned look at how taking up space in a culture that is desperate to reduce you can be radical, emboldening and life-changing.”
YouTubers, Comedians, and Podcasts
Essayist and Author
@KomalJi
YouTube
A fashion, lifestyle, and beauty youtuber
Ali Thompson
Artist and Author with a YouTube channel
Creator of Ok2BeFat
Meghan Tonjes
Vlogger and Musician
Instagram
Comedian and Author
Sofie is a stand-up comedian, has hosted several podcasts, and written a brilliant book by the name “Happy Fat: Taking Up Space in a World That Wants to Shrink You”
Podcast
This podcast is hosted by Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes. Here they debunk the many wellness and weight loss myths with a breeze.
Podcast
This podcast is hosted by Pallavi and Ameya who shed light and issues related to the fat experience by means of lessons they have learnt through the years.
Podcast
The podcast for fat activism, radical self love, and chill vibes ONLY
Miscellaneous
The Bizarre and Racist History of the BMI
My Journey Toward Radical Body Positivity
Everything You Know About Obesity is Wrong
Forty years since Fat is a Feminist Issue
Our fish is responsibly caught from sustainable sources. P.S. I am limited by my own knowledge. Recommendations are appreciated.
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