* Are uncomfortable on public transit, in public places like theaters, etc as the seats are designed for someone much smaller than you
* Can't get into relationships
* Get social feedback ranging from well meaning (but still embarrassing) to downright cruel on a regular basis
In discussions like this, someone always says "the solution is to shame people" as if it's some kind of picnic to be fat. It's not - it's fucking miserable. And even with all that people are still having a hard time taking control of their lifestyle. Shaming people even harder isn't going to accomplish a thing.
America got fat from a culture of fat shaming. So like, we know that doesn't work. Or at least this is not how I see the cause/effect.
To me, it appears that being fat was unacceptable and shameful culturally, but everyone still got fat, and insanely fat even. And once so many people were fat, they started to campaign against the fat shaming.
So fat shaming could actually be seen as having caused the issue.
I think being able to openly talk about the difficulty, challenges, and struggles of weight gain/loss, recognizes the people's struggle, encouraging weight loss, promoting methods and mechanisms, etc. might be more effective.
From the research I've seen, this is also supported by it. Fat shaming can cause increased stress and cortisol levels, emotional eating, avoidance of exercise (especially in public), depression and anxiety, and avoiding medical care due to fear of judgment. Which all in-turn contributes to weight gain.
We have two places that fat shamed, one got fat, one stayed lean. That tells us fat shaming doesn't seem to be a factor in getting fat or not.
But the place that has low level of obesity still fat shames. Where as the place where everyone is fat stopped fat shaming. So that seem to show that when the majority is fat, fat shaming tends to stop.
I'm referring to this: America got fat from a culture of fat shaming and your last paragraph. Now you're saying that it doesn't seem to be a factor, which completely contradicts your earlier claims.
I can't figure out what you're trying to say, sorry.
Interesting because Pigouvian taxes have a long and storied history of being extremely effective while your proposed solution has... zero evidence of effectiveness?
* Can't get clothes that fit you
* Are uncomfortable on public transit, in public places like theaters, etc as the seats are designed for someone much smaller than you
* Can't get into relationships
* Get social feedback ranging from well meaning (but still embarrassing) to downright cruel on a regular basis
In discussions like this, someone always says "the solution is to shame people" as if it's some kind of picnic to be fat. It's not - it's fucking miserable. And even with all that people are still having a hard time taking control of their lifestyle. Shaming people even harder isn't going to accomplish a thing.