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Rekha Nath Argues for a Paradigm Shift in Attitudes Toward Obesity
In her provocative new book, Why It’s OK To Be Fat, Rekha Nath, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama, challenges the pervasive stigma against fatness and calls for a fundamental change in societal attitudes. Nath, an Indian-origin academic, asserts that prejudice against fat people is endemic in society and that public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity have often exacerbated the problem.
“Being fat is seen as unattractive, even gross. We view fat as a sign of weakness, of greediness, of laziness,” Nath writes in her book. “We have made the pursuit of thinness, bound up as it is with health, fitness, beauty, and discipline, into a moralised endeavour: making the ‘right’ lifestyle choices to avoid being fat is seen as a duty we each must fulfill.”
Nath’s book delves into the alarming statistics of global obesity rates, which have tripled over the past 50 years. She cites the World Health Organization’s designation of childhood obesity as “one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21st century.” However, Nath argues that the focus should not be on eliminating fatness but on addressing the systemic ways society penalizes fat people for their body size.
The author highlights the widespread discrimination and mistreatment fat individuals face. “Fat people are bullied and harassed. They receive worse healthcare, frequently at the hands of doctors and nurses who endorse harmful anti-fat stereotypes,” she notes. “Fat students are ridiculed and teased by classmates and even teachers. In the workplace, fat people experience rampant discrimination, which is legal in most jurisdictions.”
Nath’s analysis is supported by a wealth of scientific research showing that diet and fitness may have a greater impact on health than weight alone. She cites a 2010 systematic review of 36 studies which found that fit, obese individuals were less likely to die prematurely than unfit, normal-weight individuals. Moreover, she points to evidence that the common advice given to fat people to lose weight — to eat less and move more — is often ineffective and can even be harmful.
“Numerous studies indicate that people who experience weight stigma are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem,” Nath explains. Her book argues for a shift in perspective, urging society to view fatness through the lens of social equality rather than as a condition to be eradicated.
“It is OK to be fat because there’s nothing wrong with being fat,” she concludes.
Nath’s call to action is clear: it’s time to rethink our attitudes toward fatness and to build a society that treats all body sizes with respect and dignity.
