submitted by ammoncrisom:

I’m sure I’m probably going to get hate after for asking this as I am on the other side of the spectrum; thin and recovering from anorexia. But please do note I am asking this because I want to learn. I have nothing against people who are fat, I believe any weight is acceptable and people should love who they are no matter what size.

Anyways with that out of the way. I was curious on your and your fellow F.A. buddies position on people who in a sense are extremely fat. When I say extremely  fat I’m not talking about society/media stupid take on fat. What I mean is when ones body can no longer support their weight. People who are confined to a bed, where they have to rely on someone to take care of them since they can’t on their own. Where it’s possibly emotionally and physically unhealthy as they can not do anything. Just completely helpless because of their weight.  For example I’ve seen shows on people who are over 1 ton in weight that shows their every day struggles and how much it emotionally effects the people who care about them.  

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I don’t know that I can form a “position” on a group of people that are so misunderstood and berated. I mean, I don’t really HAVE a position other than knowing that these people exist and are worthy of love and respect just like anyone else. They don’t ask to exist in the bodies they were born with, they’re doing the best with what they’ve got. Everyone has their own story and set of issues, health risks, etc. associated with their lifestyle, regardless of weight. I refuse to judge. 

I am not a medical professional, so this is all speculation or learned through experience/personal research, but for some - excessive weight gain of this caliber comes as the result of chronic health issues. Sometimes these issues are genetic, sometimes not. 

Many cases where weight negatively impacts mobility and quality of life are a result of binge eating disorders or extremely complex relationships with food, self esteem, mental health, and body image. At least, these are the cases most showcased on the types of programs you’re referencing. I equate these kinds of cases with that of any other kind of person suffering from an eating disorder in that they are obviously ill and in need of help. 

Fat people just happen to be at a disadvantage in that society can pick out their bodies from a line-up and imply that their health ought to be scrutinized and speculated over based on weight alone. But you can’t tell what a person’s story is by looking at them - and their story is none of anyone’s goddamn business. Who knows why they look or live or act the way they do. Who knows why ANYONE looks or lives or acts the way they do.

Why is it so important to form an opinion or speculate health in regards to weight? Because we’ve been taught that it’s visible? Health isn’t visible, it isn’t black and white. What about all of the shit people deal with that’s invisible, or hidden, or not as obvious? What about people born with disabilities? Is it not as important or detrimental when it isn’t related to weight gain? 

I don’t know.