I heard the term “Fat Shaming” for the first time a few months ago in an article on Facebook. It was written by a woman who has endured comments mainly from doctors that automatically assumed that she was unhealthy just because she was considered “obese” by the BMI scale. All her blood work showed that her cholesterol levels were great, and all other “levels” that doctors look for in that type of test. Her blood pressure was perfect. She even ran several miles a week and was training for a 5K run! There really wasn’t anything wrong with her health other than she might have an illness every now and then like most of us endure when needing to see a doctor.
That led me to these questions:
Why do people automatically think that a BMI scale, weight scale, fat pinch meter or a number on a pair of pants dictates how healthy I am?
Why is it that I know several “thin” people who have high blood pressure and some avid runners who are the outward picture of health have high cholesterol?
Ok…let me give this disclaimer: YES, it is true that obesity does lend itself to diabetes and high cholesterol. BUT really? Is it the size of a person or is it the AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT IS CONSUMED that causes the health problem? Overeating does cause obesity. That is a fact. But let’s put the focus where it should lie. It isn’t the size or shape of our bodies that causes us to be unhealthy. It is too much food. Too much fat, too much salt, too much sugar….but TOO MUCH. EXCESS.
So let’s go back to the whole FAT SHAMING thing.
The author of the article that introduced me to this term was simply saying that just because someone is considered overweight and the wrong shape or size by society, generally society frowns upon them. How many of us can relate to that? If you haven’t experienced that, just think back to the last time you were at the beach and might have been surrounded by bikini-clad and young beauties, some of whom look down their perfectly perky noses at you!
Fat shaming IS a real thing in our society.
Dear readers, I am here to tell you that the biggest and strongest and loudest voice to fat shame you is YOURSELF! Yes, I said it. It’s us! We do the MOST shaming of all, don’t we?
But guess what? THERE’S GOOD NEWS!!
In Christ we have no condemnation. IN Christ we have no shame. In Christ, we are loved the way we are. In Christ we have a chance to be accepted and loved no matter our shape, size or number on a scale or pair of pants or BMI chart!
Romans 8:1
Therefore now there is NO COMDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus!
I believe it was Heidi Bylsma who once said “Jesus is not nearly as concerned about your size as He is concerned about your heart!”
Oh Dear Reader!
It is time for this FAT SHAMING to END!
WE DON’T HAVE TO LISTEN TO IT!
It’s time to FIGHT!!! It’s time to tell those shaming thoughts to “get packing!”
Tell the evil one that YOU WILL NOT LISTEN ANYMORE!
Renew our minds with HIS TRUTH!
….Goodbye SHAME…..
Hello FREEDOM!
How about you? Would you like to learn more about kicking “shame” to the curb? In Hunger Within, we learn ways to destroy shame and how it plays a part in our cycle of diet slavery. You can order a copy to read or join a workbook study for tools to help with defeating shame. Meantime, why not make a list of your identity in Christ? Here are a few scriptures to get you started fighting LIES with GOD’S truth about you:
I have loved you with an everlasting love, with unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself. ~Jeremiah 31:3
See how much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are. ~1 John 3:1
The Lord our God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will dance over you with singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I am complete in Him. ~Colossians 2:10
You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made ~Psalm 139:14
If anyone is in Christ, they are a NEW CREATION. ~ 2 Corinthians 2:17
Thank you Deanna! I needed to hear that today! Women are so hard on themselves and each other. Let’s stick together and encourage healing with our eating and thinking!!! Yay God!!
Such a great word. Thank you!
Deanna, I REALLY needed to read this. I’m having such a hard time right now with fat shaming my body. This touched my heart so deeply! Keep posts like this coming!!