Respectful Ways to Describe Someone's Body Size and Weight

Finding Better Ways to Describe Someone's Weight

In today's society, there is an increasing awareness around the harm caused by fatphobic language. Using words that shame or stigmatize people based on their weight can reinforce negative stereotypes, lower self-esteem, and even dissuade people from pursuing healthy lifestyles. When looking for words to describe someone's size or shape, it's important to be both accurate and respectful.

The Problem with Words Like "Fatty"

Words like "fatty" and "fatso" are often used in a derogatory way to criticize someone's appearance. Calling someone a "fatty" promotes the idea that a person's worth is determined by their weight. It also perpetuates the concept that being fat is inherently bad or undesirable. In reality, wide ranges of body sizes and shapes can be healthy. The word "fatty" diminishes a person down to just one trait.

Using insulting terms can reinforce weight stigma, lead to feelings of shame, and even trigger disordered eating patterns. Research shows exposure to weight shaming can actually sabotage people's efforts to adopt healthier lifestyles by undermining their self-esteem and feeling of self-efficacy.

More Neutral Terms to Describe Body Size

When you need to describe someone's body size, there are more neutral words that don't carry judgmental implications. Here are some examples:

• Plus-size or curvy
• Large or heavyset
• Overweight or high BMI
• Stocky or stout

Terms like these focus on objective description of a person's proportions and weight category without attaching social stigma. They allow you to accurately characterize someone's appearance without resorting to pejorative labels.

Putting the Person First

Another way to avoid judgment when describing weight is to use people-first language. People-first language separates a person's identity from any physical traits or medical conditions they have. For example, you would refer to someone as "a person with obesity" rather than "an obese person."

Applying this to body weight, you would say "a woman of large stature" rather than "a fat woman." This emphasizes the humanity and individuality of the person instead of reducing them down to one characteristic.

Focusing on Health Rather than Appearance

Discussions about weight often center around how someone looks rather than objective measures of their health. Focusing on cosmetic appearance can enable fatphobia. Instead, it may be helpful to keep the conversation focused on measurable health data like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, fitness level, etc.

If you need to note someone's weight, you can say "John's doctor said he is at an unhealthy weight right now" rather than "John is fat." Discussing it as a health concern conveys your care for their well-being rather than criticism of their looks.

Being Mindful of Your Own Biases

Weight stigma is deeply engrained in many cultures. It takes conscious effort to unravel the biases most people absorb about body size. Before describing someone, ask yourself if your language conveys respect, or if you're perpetuating unhealthy stereotypes and judgments.

Discussion of weight should motivate healthy choices, not shame. You want to build the person up, not tear them down. It's important to be honest with yourself about the ways fatphobia manifests in your own thoughts and vocabulary.

Focus On Overall Health, Not Just Weight

Its important to keep in mind that weight is not the only indicator of health. Bloodwork, nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, mental health, and other lifestyle factors also play major roles. Two people at the exact same weight could have vastly different levels of health based on the rest of their habits and behaviors. Good health practices matter for everyone, regardless of size.

Instead of fixating on weight as the determining factor of someones health, its helpful to look at the full picture. Are they eating nutritious foods? Engaging in physical activities they enjoy? Prioritizing sleep and stress management? Those behaviors indicate positive health across all body types.

Complimenting Someone Without Referencing Weight

Its natural to want to compliment people when you notice positive qualities about them. However, its important to be mindful that remarks about someones size or weight loss/gain are not always welcome or appropriate.

Instead, you can praise attributes like their style, work ethic, talents, or values. Complimenting their outfit or hairstyle shows you notice their fashion sense without commenting directly on their body. Praising talents, intelligence, kindness, or other inner qualities builds up their self-esteem in meaningful ways.

Being an Ally in Creating Respectful Attitudes

Making positive shifts in the way we talk about weight at an individual level is one way to foster more respect and inclusion. But creating lasting change requires advocating for it at a societal level as well. Here are some ways you can be an ally:

• Object to fatphobic language or jokes when you hear them. Explain why they are harmful.
• Call out media representations that perpetuate unhealthy stereotypes about people of size.
• Support brands and organizations that celebrate body diversity in their messaging.
• Advocate for policies that reduce weight stigma and increase access to healthy foods and physical activity.

Dismantling systemic weight bias requires effort from all of us. Being mindful of language, modeling inclusive attitudes, and speaking up against injustice are all small acts that contribute to more radical acceptance.

Summary

Describing someone's body size or shape sensitively requires moving away from language that is derogatory and stigmatizing. Neutral terms like "plus-size" or "large stature" simply convey dimensions without attaching judgment. Maintaining discussions about health rather than cosmetic appearance helps keep the focus on overall well-being rather than fatphobia. Most importantly, remaining aware of your own implicit biases ensures your language stems from a place of respect rather than deep-seated societal prejudice against higher weight bodies.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.