Several days ago I came across a show with a woman crying during an interview. She was crying because she was talking about how people make fun of her for being over weight. I immediately stayed on the channel to learn more about this woman. What I learned in that one hour gave me confidence in myself that I desperately needed.
The television show I was watching was called, “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” on TLC. The episode that was on was a recap of the entire first season, so I was able to watch the highlights of an entire season in only one hour. The show is about a woman, Whitney Way Thore and her journey with her weight. She posted a video on YouTube of her dancing called, “A Fat Girl Dancing.” The video went viral, which lead her to get her own television show. Whitney is only 5’2 and weighs in at almost 400 pounds. She suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome which she said lead to her gain weight and makes it harder to lose weight.
In the season recap I was able to learn more about Whitney and some of her struggles and accomplishments. One of things I really admired about Whitney was her confidence. Even though she was almost at 400 pounds she didn’t let that stop her from enjoying life. Whitney has an extremely happy and positive attitude.
Before watching this episode I was having a really hard week with my body image to the point that I didn’t even want to go out because I was so embarrassed by my body. Seeing Whitney at a larger size embracing her body type was really inspiring to see. Whitney is not trying to get a communicative, ideal body type, but instead embraces her body shape. One of the scenes that really touched me was when she said; “I’m tired of changing who I am because I firmly believe there is nothing wrong with me.” So often, I have felt this pressure to change who I am and to hear Whitney say that there is nothing wrong with her, reassured me that there was nothing wrong with me.
Due to health reasons, Whitney is in the process of losing weight. I have only ever seen and experienced weight loss as being a controlling, consuming, draining, experience. She’s losing weight by loving herself and not hating herself in the process, which is so refreshing to see. Whitney reminds me that just because I’m not at the size I ideally want doesn’t mean I should be ashamed of my body. I think Whitney is a great model for loving your body for what it is now. Life is too short to spend hating yourself. Whitney is proof you can be fat and fabulous.
Life is too short… Whether skinny or fat.. When it’s time it’s time… I have struggled-still do- but I realized it’s about what I want not what the proverbial “they”..
Body image is one of the most difficult things to be comfortable with. Everyone has something that they want to change. Embracing these our insecurities is one of the most difficult things to do, especially when you are so used to either putting your self down or thinking that you need to change, constantly. I would love to see this show! I feel that if Whitney was able to inspire just one person, then she is truly making a difference in how we view ourselves.
I too struggle with body image issues. I am not overweight, but I do have a few things that I would like to change about myself. My mom started watching this show about a year ago, and I have grown very fond of it. I think what Whitney does is not only inspiring, but it is amazing. She has affected so many people in such a positive way, and I honestly do believe that everyone is beautiful, no matter what they look like.