THE public display of a sign bearing the message “Stop Eating” during an international cricket match was deeply insensitive and disgraceful. Our media platforms, encompassing broadcast, digital and print media, propagate derogatory terms such as ‘aloo’, ‘mota’, ‘gainda’ and baby elephant targeting cricketer Azam Khan. This weight of words lies not only in their literal meaning but also in the emotions, intentions and impact behind them. This conduct is not only inhumane and unpleasantly rough but also underscores the inherent insensitivity entrenched within our South Asian culture on a broader scale.
Fat shaming is the act of criticizing and harassing overweight individuals for their body size, weight, or eating habits. This hurtful behaviour is often unjustly rationalized as motivation for healthier choices. Numerous studies document the detrimental effects of weight discrimination, or fat shaming, on individuals, including increased stress levels that lead to higher calorie consumption. Observational studies show a clear link between weight discrimination and weight gain, significantly raising obesity risks. Beyond physical health, it impacts mental wellbeing, contributing to depression, eating disorders, diminished self-esteem and other health issues. Depression, closely linked to suicide risk, is more prevalent among individuals with obesity, suggesting a potential increase in suicide risk due to weight discrimination.
Body shaming is a growing epidemic. There exists a strikingly prevalent negative perception towards individuals with larger body types. Weight stigma and discrimination present formidable obstacles across multiple arenas including workplaces, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The impact and experience of being judged and criticized for one’s appearance can be extremely humiliating and distressing. In today’s society, social media has greatly contributed to promoting an unrealistic and perfect standard of beauty, causing many individuals to feel ashamed and inadequate if they do not meet this narrow definition. Regrettably, it is now commonplace for people to be unfairly judged based on their physical attributes, a harmful practice that needs to be actively opposed and rectified.
The culture of body shaming holds a significant influence in South Asian households, particularly impacting women. This damaging practice is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and societal factors, contributing to profound psychological impacts. The perpetuation of this prejudice can be traced back to the influences of colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. During this period, white Europeans and Americans imposed standards in which white women were expected to maintain a specific weight to be deemed civilized, unlike the celebration of curvier African women and their enjoyment of food. Moreover, higher body weight was associated with qualities such as cowardice, weakness, and indolence by the British.
Parents, coaches, and health professionals need to shift the focus away from weight in their discussions and instead concentrate on establishing behavioural goals, such as promoting healthy eating and regular physical activity. These types of conversations have been proven to be more successful in encouraging positive, long-term behaviour change. The public dialogue should move away from an emphasis on numbers on the scale and prioritize a broader view of overall health. It is important to recognise body shaming of athletes as a form of mental abuse. Changing mindsets is crucial to reducing body shaming and promoting wellness. Embracing body positivity is a critical step in combating the damaging effects of body shaming and encouraging self-acceptance and confidence.
—The writer is a PhD candidate for Politics and IR at Keele University.
