Comebacks To Shutdown Fatphobia – Part One

By Danceswithfat @danceswithfat

Recently I asked people on social media to give me fatphobic phrases for which they'd like comebacks. And you delivered! So much so, that I'll be doing this in several parts. Please feel free to add your own responses (and phrases/situations that you'd like me to include in future posts.)

Before I start, let me be clear that these are just some suggestions. They may not work in every circumstance - especially considering things like power imbalances and privilege. Finally, I'm sure I'm not the first (or last!) person to think of these, so all the credit to those who are doing this work, especially those who came before me!

You look great. Have you lost weight?

Nope, just my usual fine fat self!

Nope, I'm the same weight. Maybe just you've overcome some of your fatphobia? Congratulations!

You have such a pretty face.

Well yeah, but have you seen my ass?

This feels like a backhanded compliment? Surely you're not suggesting that the rest of me isn't pretty?

Have you ever thought about dieting?

Yup, I got duped like so many of us have. So glad I finally did the research and left that BS behind.

Not for a long time, thankfully.

If you just lost weight you'd be so stunning.

If you lost your fatphobia, you'd know I already am stunning!

No, if I lost weight I'd just be thinner, I'm stunning either way.

You are killing yourself!

Nope! I'm caring for my body by loving and caring for it, instead of hating and starving it.

You're killing this conversation. If I want your opinion, I promise you'll be the first to know.

Wow, you're fat!

Wow, you're...observant?

Sure am! Thanks for noticing.

Medical professionals: "What are you doing about your weight."

What are you doing about the severed limb I came in here for? Let's focus on my health, please.

I actually have a whole post to help with this one!

Doctors: "Every fat person who comes into this office is sick!"

Um, it's a doctor's office so...what were you expecting?

Dr. Oz taught us this lesson!

Sorry but you can't be fat and be healthy.

Health is not an obligation, barometer of worthiness, entirely within our control, or anyone else's businesss unless we ask it to make it their business. Which I'm not doing, by the way, so no need for further conversation about this.

I'm just worried about your health

Let me relieve you of that burden, I'm not interested in your thoughts about my health so you can feel free to focus on other things.

I'm just worried about your ability to understand what is and is not your business.

Don't you care about your body?

I care for it so much that I no longer engage with bullshit body-shaming like this.

Don't you care about our friendship? If you can't respect me and my body, at any size, then it's time for me to go.

But I lost weight and now I'm healthier/happier/life is better, so your anti-diet-and-intentional-weight-loss beliefs are wrong.

Believe whatever you want, do whatever you want, it's your body. I expect you to give me, my beliefs, and my body the same respect. And if you're among the 95% of people who gains all their weight back, know that I think your body is equally wonderful at any size.

That's it for now, I'm looking forward to reading your comeback ideas in the comments!

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Published by Ragen Chastain

Hi, I'm Ragen Chastain. Speaker, Writer, Dancer, Choreographer, Marathoner, Soon to be Iron-distance triathlete, Activist, Fat Person. View all posts by Ragen Chastain