There are several assumptions, based on myth rather than fact, which many members o f our society believe to be true about fat people. These myths affect how therapists view and work with fat people. It is important for therapists of fat clients to recognize and clear out misinformation and bias in order for them to be most supportive and effective with their clients. Some of the myths, and accurate information as we know of today, include:
Myth #1: Fat people are compulsive eaters.
Info: Some fat people (as well as thin people) are compulsive eaters; some are not. Since compulsive eating generally occurs in response to dieting, those people who diet are at risk. Since most fat people, especially women, have felt pressured to diet, some will have developed a compulsive eating problem. Compulsive eating tends to heal and normalize once people stop dieting.
Myth #2: Fat people become fat from overeating and under-exercising. They can become thin by dieting and exercising.
Info: Some people get fat from eating too much and exercising too little At least two-thirds of fat people, however, are genetically programmed to be fat, regardless of their eating and exercise habits. On average, fat people eat no more than thin people; this has been repeatedly verified. If someone has become fat from a combination of overeating and under exercising, their size will probably diminish as they eat less and exercise more. However, they may never become thin, unless they are genetically meant to have thin bodies.
Myth #3: Fat people are avoiding or covering their sexuality.
Info: Some people who are fat may use fatness to protect themselves against their own or others' sexuality. As with anyone, however, this must be determined on an individual basis. Many people who are fat are quite comfortable with their sexuality, and are sexually active.
Myth #4: Fat women have all been sexually abused when they were young.
Info: It is estimated that about 30% of women of any size have been sexually abused. One cannot assume any correlation between body size and a history of sexual abuse.
Myth #5: Fat people lack willpower.
Info: Most fat people in our culture have spent years dieting, and have lost vast quantities of weight. However, more than 95% of dieters regain lost weight. Very low calorie diets result in both physical and psychological pressure to resist what the body interprets as starvation. This psychobiological pressure leads dieters to binge in order to receive vital nourishment. Fortunately, for the survival of the human race, biological necessity usually overrides willpower.
Myth #6: Inside every fat person is a thin person trying to get out.
Info: Given the prejudice which confronts fat people in our society, most fat people would like to be thinner. Nevertheless, H they cannot become thinner, they need to accept themselves and get on with having the best life they can have. Do not assume that with the "right" treatment, a fat person will get thin. Biology largely determines a person's body size and shape. With the "right" treatment, however, a fat person can have a full, happy, and healthy life.
Most fat people in our society have undergone socially sanctioned abuse. The fatter the person, the more likely it is for that person to face abuse in daily life. The abuse may come in the form of insults from strangers, family, and acquaintances; denial of insurance or of medical treatment, or insistence by medical professionals that weight loss is required for healing any and all presenting complaints; restricted access to jobs, promotions, or advanced education; denial of opportunities to adopt a child; lack of access to adequate seating in theaters, public transportation, restaurants, and even restrooms.
As with other victims of abuse, the fat person may have internalized the abuse, with such consequences as low self-esteem, social isolation, passivity, or self hatred. These can be vital areas for therapeutic intervention.
The ideal office for a fat client includes:
Fat people have been reminded constantly that they are faulty and do
not fit in.
Please do not perpetuate these messages!
Barbara Altman Bruno, Ph.D., ACSW, BCD
© NAAFA
PO BOX 188620, Sacramento, CA 95818 Phone:(916) 558-6880 Fax:(916) 558-6881