{"id":435964,"date":"2026-03-04T10:29:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T09:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=435964"},"modified":"2026-03-04T09:22:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T08:22:51","slug":"critiquee-formes-mannequin-plus-size-ashley-graham-relance-debat-grossophobie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/ashley-grahams-plus-size-modeling-style-has-reignited-the-fatphobia-debate-435964","title":{"rendered":"&quot;Too fat&quot;: Criticized for her curves, this plus-size model reignites the debate on fatphobia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Women&#39;s bodies continue to be commented on, analyzed, and judged\u2014even when it comes to international fashion icons. The recent wave of criticism targeting Ashley Graham proves this: despite the progress of the body positivity movement, fatphobia remains deeply ingrained in our minds.<\/p>\n<h2> Ashley Graham, a pioneer of more inclusive fashion<\/h2>\n<p> For over a decade, Ashley Graham has established herself as one of the leading faces of body diversity in fashion. In 2016, she made history by becoming the first plus-size model to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. A powerful symbol in an industry long dominated by ultra-thin figures.<\/p>\n<p>On the catwalks, during Fashion Weeks, and on the red carpet, she champions a simple yet powerful idea: all body types have their place. Curvy figures, generous hips, a defined stomach, rounded arms\u2014nothing should be hidden or corrected. Her message is clear: beauty isn&#39;t about size, it&#39;s about presence. And over the years, she has spoken out extensively about self-acceptance, the pressure to conform to beauty standards, and the need to represent the diversity of bodies. A committed voice in a world where image still reigns supreme. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DQ2WPmbDzVo\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\"> View this post on Instagram <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"> <a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DQ2WPmbDzVo\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by ASHLEYGRAHAM (@ashleygraham)<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2> An avalanche of comments about her physique<\/h2>\n<p> Recently, photos of the model sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Some internet users judged her &quot;excessive curves,&quot; while others ridiculed certain parts of her body.<\/p>\n<p>This type of remark falls under the category of what is known as fat shaming: mockery or discrimination based on weight. This phenomenon is documented by numerous social science studies, which show that people perceived as &quot;overweight&quot; are more exposed to public judgment \u2013 and women in particular.<\/p>\n<p>However, according to the World Health Organization, weight-related stigma can have significant psychological consequences: anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. The problem, therefore, is not limited to a few inappropriate comments. It concerns mental health and the fundamental respect for individuals.<\/p>\n<h2> Persistent fatphobia in fashion<\/h2>\n<p> While body diversity is certainly making progress in some advertising campaigns and on a few catwalks, dominant standards remain powerful. In recent years, several observers have noted a marked resurgence of extreme thinness in certain spheres of fashion, fueled by aesthetic trends and discussions surrounding weight-loss treatments.<\/p>\n<p>In this context, Ashley Graham&#39;s visibility takes on a particular dimension. She embodies an alternative to restrictive norms and reminds us that curvy, sculpted, voluptuous, or powerful bodies are not a &quot;trend,&quot; but a reality. Other modeling figures, such as Laetitia Casta, have also spoken about the evolution of standards and the pressure exerted on models over the decades. Fashion changes, but the demands remain.<\/p>\n<h2> When criticism also comes from women<\/h2>\n<p> A striking element of this episode: some of the negative comments came from other women. This observation raises questions: are thinness standards so deeply ingrained that they sometimes fuel comparison and rivalry, at the expense of solidarity? Fatphobia isn&#39;t solely the work of malicious individuals. It&#39;s embedded in a cultural system that values certain body shapes and renders others invisible. Deconstructing these systems requires time, awareness, and a genuine collective will. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DU1AQXegBgH\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\"> View this post on Instagram <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"> <a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DU1AQXegBgH\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by ASHLEYGRAHAM (@ashleygraham)<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2> A debate that goes beyond the podiums<\/h2>\n<p> The issue isn&#39;t just about fashion. In many countries, organizations are denouncing weight-based discrimination in employment, healthcare, and the media. A 2019 study published in The Lancet Public Health highlighted that <em>&quot;weight stigma can harm overall health, regardless of body mass index.&quot;<\/em> The researchers urged a <em>distinction between &quot;public health and moral judgment.&quot;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, by continuing to pose, walk the runway, and speak out, Ashley Graham reminds us that no body shape should be a subject of ridicule. Her body is not a public debate: it&#39;s hers. While standards are evolving, the reactions provoked by so-called &quot;non-standard&quot; figures prove that there&#39;s still a long way to go. Every statement, every assertive representation, therefore contributes to expanding the space. And to reinforcing a fundamental truth: your body, in all its uniqueness, deserves respect and visibility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Women&#39;s bodies continue to be commented on, analyzed, and judged\u2014even when it comes to international fashion icons. The...","protected":false},"author":8375,"featured_media":435965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6130],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-435964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-grossophobie"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/@ashleygraham-_-Instagram-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/@ashleygraham-_-Instagram-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/@ashleygraham-_-Instagram.jpg","author":{"name":"Fabienne Baure","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/fabienne_baure-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":6130,"name":"Fatphobia","slug":"grossophobie","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":6302,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Fatphobia section of The Body Optimist explains, documents and challenges the discrimination and stigma that fat people face. Its definitions, first-person stories, analysis and practical advice are for people who live with weight bias and for those close to them, with one firm belief: no body justifies mockery, exclusion or unequal treatment, at the doctor\u2019s office, at work or online.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Fatphobia section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Understanding fatphobia<\/strong>: definitions, how anti-fat bias works and the myths that keep it going.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health care<\/strong>: weight-centered appointments, equipment that doesn\u2019t fit and stories of patients whose concerns were brushed aside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Work and daily life<\/strong>: hiring, insurance, transportation, clothing and stares in public, from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/insurance-denied-because-of-weight-plus-size-model-tess-holliday-denounces-fatphobia-441311\">plus-size model turned down for insurance because of her weight<\/a> to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/passenger-claims-to-have-been-deported-from-plane-due-to-weight-internet-users-react-438365\">passenger who says she was removed from a flight<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relationships and sexuality<\/strong>: comments about weight, fetishization and humiliating practices such as \u201chogging.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Media and social media<\/strong>: clich\u00e9s, pressure to lose weight and online harassment of public figures and plus-size models, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/ashley-grahams-plus-size-modeling-style-has-reignited-the-fatphobia-debate-435964\">model called \u201ctoo fat\u201d<\/a> whose story reignited the debate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How does fatphobia show up?<\/h2>\n<p>Fatphobia is the discrimination and stigma directed at fat people because of their body size, and it goes far beyond insults. It shows up in particular:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In health care: symptoms automatically blamed on weight, delayed diagnoses, blood pressure cuffs or exam tables that are too small.<\/li>\n<li>At work: applications passed over, comments about the \u201cimage\u201d presented to clients, stalled careers.<\/li>\n<li>In public spaces: seats that are too narrow, sizes missing from stores, comments from strangers.<\/li>\n<li>In the media: fat characters reduced to comic relief, \u201cbefore and after\u201d photos presented as success stories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It can also be internalized: you end up judging yourself through the prejudices you\u2019ve absorbed.<\/p>\n<h2>How can you respond to weight-related comments and discrimination?<\/h2>\n<p>Responding starts with refusing to let your body become a topic of conversation you never asked for. A few guidelines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When someone comments, redirect the conversation without justifying your health or your eating habits (\u201cMy weight is my business\u201d).<\/li>\n<li>With a health care provider, restate the reason for your visit, ask whether being weighed is necessary and, if trust is broken, look for another practitioner.<\/li>\n<li>At work or when you are refused a service, keep written records and witness statements, then seek advice from an equality agency, a union or a lawyer in your country.<\/li>\n<li>For yourself, surround yourself with people and accounts that don\u2019t comment on weight, and draw on the resources of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/psycho\/bodypositive\">body positive<\/a> movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Our approach: name it, explain it, support people<\/h2>\n<p>Formerly known as Ma Grande Taille, our magazine has made fighting weight-based discrimination a pillar of its editorial line. We use the word \u201cfat\u201d without any negative connotation and refuse to make weight loss a condition for respect. Our articles give a voice to the people affected and break down the mechanisms at work rather than stopping at outrage.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/fatphobic-remarks-surely-said-without-knowing-430954\">fatphobic phrases people say without realizing it<\/a>, and why they hurt.<\/li>\n<li>One woman\u2019s reply to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/its-not-up-to-me-to-lose-weight-harmony-albertini-responds-to-fat-shaming-attacks-432423\">fat-shaming attacks telling her to lose weight<\/a>: it\u2019s not up to her.<\/li>\n<li>A firsthand account of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/melodie-prud-denounces-fatphobia-in-couples-441576\">fatphobia in romantic relationships<\/a> and the double standards it reveals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Is fatphobia illegal?<\/h3>\n<p>It depends on where you live. In many countries, anti-discrimination laws cover grounds such as disability, health status or physical appearance, and weight-based discrimination can sometimes fall under them. A few jurisdictions, such as the state of Michigan and New York City, explicitly ban weight discrimination. Elsewhere, weight is not specifically protected, so check the laws in your country or ask an equality agency or a lawyer.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between fatphobia and body shaming?<\/h3>\n<p>Body shaming means criticizing or mocking someone\u2019s body, whatever their size or shape. Fatphobia is broader: it is a system of prejudice and discrimination that specifically targets fat people and also limits their access to health care, jobs and equipment that fits their bodies.<\/p>\n<h3>Why say \u201cfat\u201d instead of \u201coverweight\u201d?<\/h3>\n<p>Many activists have reclaimed \u201cfat\u201d as a neutral descriptor, just like \u201ctall\u201d or \u201cthin.\u201d \u201cOverweight\u201d and \u201cobese\u201d are medical terms that imply a departure from a norm. What matters most is respecting the words each person chooses to describe themselves.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Explore all our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\">Society<\/a> topics, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/feminisme\">Feminism<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/lgbtqia\">LGBTQIA+<\/a> sections, and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/psycho\/confiance-en-soi\">Self-confidence<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":5678,"count":102,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":6130,"category_count":102,"category_description":"<p>The Fatphobia section of The Body Optimist explains, documents and challenges the discrimination and stigma that fat people face. Its definitions, first-person stories, analysis and practical advice are for people who live with weight bias and for those close to them, with one firm belief: no body justifies mockery, exclusion or unequal treatment, at the doctor\u2019s office, at work or online.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Fatphobia section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Understanding fatphobia<\/strong>: definitions, how anti-fat bias works and the myths that keep it going.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health care<\/strong>: weight-centered appointments, equipment that doesn\u2019t fit and stories of patients whose concerns were brushed aside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Work and daily life<\/strong>: hiring, insurance, transportation, clothing and stares in public, from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/insurance-denied-because-of-weight-plus-size-model-tess-holliday-denounces-fatphobia-441311\">plus-size model turned down for insurance because of her weight<\/a> to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/passenger-claims-to-have-been-deported-from-plane-due-to-weight-internet-users-react-438365\">passenger who says she was removed from a flight<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relationships and sexuality<\/strong>: comments about weight, fetishization and humiliating practices such as \u201chogging.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Media and social media<\/strong>: clich\u00e9s, pressure to lose weight and online harassment of public figures and plus-size models, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/ashley-grahams-plus-size-modeling-style-has-reignited-the-fatphobia-debate-435964\">model called \u201ctoo fat\u201d<\/a> whose story reignited the debate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How does fatphobia show up?<\/h2>\n<p>Fatphobia is the discrimination and stigma directed at fat people because of their body size, and it goes far beyond insults. It shows up in particular:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In health care: symptoms automatically blamed on weight, delayed diagnoses, blood pressure cuffs or exam tables that are too small.<\/li>\n<li>At work: applications passed over, comments about the \u201cimage\u201d presented to clients, stalled careers.<\/li>\n<li>In public spaces: seats that are too narrow, sizes missing from stores, comments from strangers.<\/li>\n<li>In the media: fat characters reduced to comic relief, \u201cbefore and after\u201d photos presented as success stories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It can also be internalized: you end up judging yourself through the prejudices you\u2019ve absorbed.<\/p>\n<h2>How can you respond to weight-related comments and discrimination?<\/h2>\n<p>Responding starts with refusing to let your body become a topic of conversation you never asked for. A few guidelines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When someone comments, redirect the conversation without justifying your health or your eating habits (\u201cMy weight is my business\u201d).<\/li>\n<li>With a health care provider, restate the reason for your visit, ask whether being weighed is necessary and, if trust is broken, look for another practitioner.<\/li>\n<li>At work or when you are refused a service, keep written records and witness statements, then seek advice from an equality agency, a union or a lawyer in your country.<\/li>\n<li>For yourself, surround yourself with people and accounts that don\u2019t comment on weight, and draw on the resources of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/psycho\/bodypositive\">body positive<\/a> movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Our approach: name it, explain it, support people<\/h2>\n<p>Formerly known as Ma Grande Taille, our magazine has made fighting weight-based discrimination a pillar of its editorial line. We use the word \u201cfat\u201d without any negative connotation and refuse to make weight loss a condition for respect. Our articles give a voice to the people affected and break down the mechanisms at work rather than stopping at outrage.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/fatphobic-remarks-surely-said-without-knowing-430954\">fatphobic phrases people say without realizing it<\/a>, and why they hurt.<\/li>\n<li>One woman\u2019s reply to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/its-not-up-to-me-to-lose-weight-harmony-albertini-responds-to-fat-shaming-attacks-432423\">fat-shaming attacks telling her to lose weight<\/a>: it\u2019s not up to her.<\/li>\n<li>A firsthand account of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/grossophobie\/melodie-prud-denounces-fatphobia-in-couples-441576\">fatphobia in romantic relationships<\/a> and the double standards it reveals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Is fatphobia illegal?<\/h3>\n<p>It depends on where you live. In many countries, anti-discrimination laws cover grounds such as disability, health status or physical appearance, and weight-based discrimination can sometimes fall under them. A few jurisdictions, such as the state of Michigan and New York City, explicitly ban weight discrimination. Elsewhere, weight is not specifically protected, so check the laws in your country or ask an equality agency or a lawyer.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between fatphobia and body shaming?<\/h3>\n<p>Body shaming means criticizing or mocking someone\u2019s body, whatever their size or shape. Fatphobia is broader: it is a system of prejudice and discrimination that specifically targets fat people and also limits their access to health care, jobs and equipment that fits their bodies.<\/p>\n<h3>Why say \u201cfat\u201d instead of \u201coverweight\u201d?<\/h3>\n<p>Many activists have reclaimed \u201cfat\u201d as a neutral descriptor, just like \u201ctall\u201d or \u201cthin.\u201d \u201cOverweight\u201d and \u201cobese\u201d are medical terms that imply a departure from a norm. What matters most is respecting the words each person chooses to describe themselves.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Explore all our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\">Society<\/a> topics, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/feminisme\">Feminism<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/societe\/lgbtqia\">LGBTQIA+<\/a> sections, and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/psycho\/confiance-en-soi\">Self-confidence<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Fatphobia","category_nicename":"grossophobie","category_parent":5678}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8375"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=435964"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":435990,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435964\/revisions\/435990"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/435965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}