Lindy West on what we’re getting wrong about weight
Mar 19, 2024
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Seattle-based writer Lindy West discusses societal views on weight and challenges weight stigma. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate language in weight conversations and shares insights on self-acceptance and personal growth
Lindy West challenges societal norms on weight and body image, advocating for inclusivity and empowerment for fat individuals.
West disputes the classification of obesity as a disease, emphasizing the complexity of body weight and the implications for fat individuals in healthcare settings.
Deep dives
Lindy West's Impact with 'Hello, I'm Fat'
Lindy West's essay 'Hello, I'm Fat,' published 13 years ago, sparked a cultural shift by openly discussing the stigma faced by fat individuals. West's candid writing resonated with many people, leading to a New York Times best-selling book and a Hulu TV show. She challenges societal norms regarding weight and body image, highlighting the cultural pressures faced by individuals striving to conform to unrealistic standards.
The Debate Surrounding Obesity as a Disease
West engages in a discussion about the classification of obesity as a disease. She argues against pathologizing fatness, emphasizing that it is not a singular condition but can be influenced by various factors like medical conditions. This classification oversimplifies the complexity of body weight, leading to misconceptions and mistreatment of fat individuals in healthcare settings.
Navigating Body Positivity vs. Fat Liberation
West reflects on how the body positivity movement has evolved into a commercialized concept, losing its radical roots. She advocates for a shift towards fat liberation, focusing on inclusivity and empowerment for marginalized fat individuals. By centering the voices of fat activists pushing for social change, West encourages embracing body diversity and challenging societal norms regarding weight and self-worth.
Thirteen years ago, Seattle-based writer Lindy West wrote an essay that took the internet by storm called “Hello, I’m Fat.” That essay would become the 2016 New York Times best-selling memoir, Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, and later a Hulu television series. On today’s episode, Lindy, who is still writing and hosts a podcast, sits down with CNN’s Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a candid and honest conversation about living as a self-described “fat” person, and how the way she thinks about weight has changed since writing Shrill.