The FatSideStories Twitter hashtag is back. This time, folks are using it to talk about fat shaming in the doctor’s office.
Fat activists Ali Thompson, KC Slack, and internet personality Your Fat Friend started the hashtag to illuminate the issues fat people experience and to provide a forum for catharsis.
“I hoped [the hashtag] would help people feel like they had a space to share their stories, where they would be believed and not blamed,” said Slack.
These are just a few examples of the systematic mistreatment that fat folks receive, even by those who are there to “do no harm”:
Since this is trending… #fatsidestories being told by even your dentist that you need to lose weight (?????)
— Disco Stu (@CeeTuck) November 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/meajent/status/790290967035191296
Lost over 100lbs in 9months due to depression and starvation – tells doc how I lost and I'm told you need to lose 50 more #FatSideStories
— David Puffin (@Lordleemtr) August 18, 2016
#fatsidestories Actually loosing weight ( 5 lbs), being told by doctor " no non, you're clothes are lighter."
— Marlayne Genereux (@SqueekyMisa) November 8, 2016
Anyone, including doctors, making assumptions about my health based on my weight. Instead, they should ask what I eat. #fatsidestories
— Regina Ryerson (@ReginaRyerson) November 6, 2016
Renal dietitian almost killed my kidneys with protein because it was more important for me to lose weight than be healthy #FatSideStories
— Don't butter your colleagues (@my_lheage) October 5, 2016
I was bleeding out of my butt because of a giant ulcer. Doctor's solution without any testing done? Lose weight. #fatsidestories
— Lucia L. (@Tlahuiltzin) September 1, 2016
Went to therapist over a series of cheating bf's. Was told guys, and everyone, would take me more serious if I lost weight #fatsidestories
— Kristin Patton (@Kristin04321160) November 3, 2016
goes to Dr for ovarian cysts from PCOS (health problem that causes being overweight). Dr suggests I lose weight to help it. #FatSideStories
— alley lane (@hustlinmonk) September 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/mrsfranchfry/status/780112000277852160
https://twitter.com/ChloeCheshire09/status/766153047336587264
#FatSideStories
My sister – New doctor prescribes diabetes medication BEFORE getting test results. Not diabetic. Blood sugar crashes.— Michelle C. Young (@MichelleCYoung1) August 27, 2016
Doctor telling me "it's a simple equation: calories burned > calories eaten" when he hasn't seen my entire chart #FatSideStories
— Indigo wash your hands! (@Skyliting) August 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/NawtyLisanne/status/766393113153798144
https://twitter.com/majesticdork/status/765248244536311808
Having your doctor run your blood test twice because he can't believe you don't suffer from diabetes or high cholesterol. #fatsidestories
— Jessica Torres (@thisisjessicat) August 15, 2016
The doctor’s office should always be a safe place for patients. When something is wrong with a person’s body and they need help, the last thing that they should have to worry about is emotional abuse from the person who’s supposed to be there to heal them.
Related: 7 Tips for Dealing With Fatphobic Doctors — Especially When You’re in ED Recovery
The next time your fat friend or family member tells you that they’re experiencing discrimination because of fatphobia, think of these experiences that you’ve just read. Sometimes it causes long-term illnesses to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Listen to the people you care about and do so without judgement. If you’re in a position to help, it might just save a life.
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