5 things that are actually fat shaming even if you think they aren't

You never know, you might be fat shaming your BFF unknowingly. Photo: Shutterstock/IndiaPictures

 In a world that's obsessed with the way a woman should look, there may be only a handful of women who haven't been fat shamed. And if you have never been fat shamed yourself, chances are that you have shamed someone else. Even if it was meant to be joke, you probably have targeted someone for their weight. You see, life isn't easy for people who are on the heavier side. They are regularly shamed for their weight by doctors and told that being thin is morally superior.

And did you know that fat shaming not only messes with someone's self esteem but also causes serious damage to their health. In fact, a study published in scientific journal PLOS ONE found that  fat shaming doesn't help people get thinner and the stigma that it creates does more damage than good to people. If you think that you have never said anything insulting to anyone about their weight, then let us tell you that fat shaming goes deeper than that.

That's right! You could be accidentally fat shaming your BFF unknowingly. Wonder how? Well, here are 5 phrases that are actually fat shaming even if you think they aren't.

"Oh it's okay. I totally Understand If People Are Fat Because Of A Medical Condition"

You see, when you say this phrase the first time, it may not seem like a bad thing at all. We mean, you are trying to show that you actually understand that the reasons why certain bodies are fat. Fair, right? Not really.

Selective kindness on the basis of someone's body size is a little effed up. Acceptance towards others shouldn't have anything to do with whether they're fat because of their thyroid. You got to accept someone with no exceptions--period. What if that person doesn't have a medical condition? Would you not give them the respect they deserve?

"You're Not Fat, You're Beautiful"

Are you trying to say that fat people aren't beautiful? This statement is incredibly problematic because it reinforces the idea that fat and beauty are mutually exclusive. Fat and beauty intersect, y'all. People can be fat and beautiful at the same time. End of sentence.

"But, You Have Great Personality"

Sure, this sounds innocent and your friend will probably smile politely and say thank you. But, while complimenting their personality, you just demeaned who they are. And you called them fat at the same time. Confused? Well, let us explain it to you. You see when you say the only thing you end up doing is make the other person feel that because they are fat, their personality is like a compensation for it.

"You'd Be So Beautiful If You Lost A Few Pounds"

But what's wrong with the rest of that person? Just because someone weighs more than you or has a different body type that yours, it doesn't mean that they need to lose weight. Like we said before, a person can be fat and beautiful at the same time.

"Oh, You're Wearing That?! You're So Brave!"

If your friend or someone you know decides to go out in a short skirt, bodycon dress, or a tucked-in shirt, chances are they already know they are breaking the so-called fashion rules. After all, the fashion industry always caters to the thin population. So, your friend is fully aware of the choice that she is making. So call their outfit cute and leave it at that. Nobody made you the fashion police, you know?

Also Read: Deepika Padukone got trolled on Instagram for being 'too skinny'. And it proves body shaming knows no size