As a plus-sized woman raising three kids, I often find myself feeling the need to justify their eating choices, fitness levels, and their bodies. There’s a part of me that feels obligated to clarify how they eat and move, so that no one can accuse me of instilling “bad habits” or putting them at “risk” of becoming overweight like me. This response stems from internalized fatphobia. Despite my efforts to embrace my body, persistent myths and negative societal views about fatness still influence how I perceive my family’s relationship with health.
I understand that I owe no one an explanation. I do not need to justify my children’s eating or exercise habits. They are healthy and wonderful, and even if they weren’t, I shouldn’t have to defend my parenting just because of my body size. Society’s judgment of my health comes from diet culture and fatphobia, not from any genuine understanding of my well-being—something only I truly know.
Being healthy and caring for myself allows me to promote healthy habits in my children. At home, we emphasize the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet. They learn to choose clothes that fit well and make them feel good, regardless of the size label. We discuss how different foods affect their bodies and how to choose what helps them grow strong and healthy.
What we never discuss, however, is the impact of food on appearance. The science of body size is far more intricate than mere food consumption. If one of my kids grows up to be larger, I want them to avoid the regret that can come from fixating on every bite they take. I aim to prevent the development of disordered eating habits, and my concerns are valid.
Alissa Williams, a registered dietitian, highlights that children are 242 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than Type 2 diabetes. This statistic is alarming; we hear incessantly about the “childhood obesity crisis” and the rising rates of Type 2 diabetes, treating overweight children like ticking time bombs. We should be more worried about how the societal focus on thinness and body image could lead to lifelong struggles with disordered eating.
“If you assessed a group of 100,000 children, only 12 would have Type 2 diabetes,” Williams explains. “However, 2,900 would qualify for an eating disorder.” While it’s important to address the health of those few children with diabetes, the possibility that my child becomes one of the 2,900 is far greater. As they mature, this risk increases, especially for my daughter, with studies indicating that about 75% of women in the U.S. will face disordered eating.
I want my kids to thrive physically and mentally. If I damage their relationship with food in a bid to keep them aligned with societal ideals, I would harm rather than help them. As Williams puts it, “The societal glorification of thinness and the discrimination against fatness is a major contributor to eating disorders.”
Despite my reluctance, my children will grow up in a world that mirrors my own struggles with body image. They will inevitably hear the negative commentary surrounding fatness. My responsibility as their parent is to create an environment at home that is neutral regarding body image. Here, there’s no ideal body type; every body is valid and deserving of respect.
We also maintain a neutral stance on food, offering a variety of options without assigning moral values to them. Food serves to nourish our bodies, provide pleasure, celebrate occasions, and connect us with loved ones. I want my children to appreciate the joy that food can bring rather than view it with fear.
While I remain attentive to my children’s health, regardless of their body size, I acknowledge that other factors could arise as they grow. I’m not dismissing the concerns related to Type 2 diabetes; however, I believe we should also prioritize the mental health of the many children who may develop disordered eating patterns out of fear of gaining weight.
If we cannot stop disparaging fat individuals due to its harmful effects, perhaps we can challenge negative perceptions around body size for the sake of the thousands of kids who are listening. It’s critical to foster an environment where they can enjoy food and their bodies without fear of judgment.
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Summary
This article discusses the alarming statistic that children are more likely to develop eating disorders than Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image. The author shares personal experiences as a plus-sized mother and advocates for creating a supportive home environment that prioritizes mental health and body neutrality.