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Born2lbfat

My life with Lipedema & Lymphedema...destined to be fat.

My TEDx Talk: Breaking Bias

May 20, 2015 by Sarah Bramblette 4 Comments

My goal for 2014 was to have at least one speaking opportunity. I achieved that by being selected to give an Ignite at Fitbloggin’14. In addition, I presented at the Your Weight Matters National Convention, and was a Patient Panelist at the Mayo Clinic Social Media Week. The Summer of Sarah, as I deemed it, was a whirlwind of activity highlighted by my appearance on the syndicated television show The Doctors.

So how could I improve upon what I had accomplished in 2014?

A TEDx Talk of course! And thankfully the university I attended, Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosted a local TEDx event: TEDxNSU. The theme for 2015 was Perception and I immediately thought of how I could apply my story, my advocacy to the theme. With the help of a friend, whom I met at Fitbloggin, I focused my topic and my message and submitted my application.

I chose the title Breaking Bias as a hint at the popular television series Breaking Bad because perception was a key element in that plot. But overall because my message, my idea worth sharing, is that we must end the weight bias that exist in healthcare.

Filed Under: Obesity Tagged With: advocacy, healthcare, lipedema, lymphedema, obesity, TEDx Talks, TEDxNSU, weight bias

Kelly Osbourne Fashion Police Double Standard

February 28, 2015 by Sarah Bramblette 1 Comment

I’m confused, or rather disappointed, by the Kelly Osbourne Fashion Police departure. Perhaps Kelly is using this controversy as a way to exit the show that she already wanted to leave, I hope that is the case, otherwise there is a clear double standard.

In case you missed the news, Kelly announced she is leaving the show after the controversy over co-panelist’s Giuliana Rancic’s Oscar night comments about Zendaya Coleman’s hair. Quick recap, Coleman debuted her new dreadlocks on the Oscar Red Carpet, and Rancic said the Coleman looked like she smelled of “patchouli or weed”.

Rancic was quickly taken to task for her comments, for which she issued an apology to Coleman.

Coleman issued her own response to Rancic on Instagram.

So here is where I get confused…

For years Fashion Police founder and star, Joan Rivers, made inappropriate and disparaging comments about people’s weight. Specifically she made cruel comments about Adele, and when asked to apologize Rivers flatly refused saying Adele “should just calm down, or lose weight” because it’s humor. As someone who spoke up against Rivers comments, I was told I just needed to lighten up, after all that is River’s “style of comedy”.

Same situation occurred when Charles Barkley made fat shaming comments about the women of San Antonio He flat out refused to even apologize for offending people, and defended his comment as comedy, part of the nature of his show. This all took place during the time when Clippers owner, Donald Stirling, was removed for his racist comments.

Disparaging comments about race result in public outcries for people to apology and/or lose their jobs, while comments about weight are defended as entertainment?

Here are my two favorite points from Giulianna’s apology:

“I just want everyone to know that I didn’t intend to hurt anybody. But I’ve learned it is not my intent that matters; it’s the result. And the result is that people are offended, including Zendaya. That is not OK.

This really has been a learning experience for me — I’ve learned a lot today — and this incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of cliches and stereotypes, how much damage they can do, and that I am responsible, as we all are, to not perpetuate them further.” – Giuliana Rancic

Individuals affected by obesity, such as myself, are often judged based on stereotypes perpetuated in society. Jokes like those made by Rivers and Barkley only perpetuate stereotypes and assumptions like obesity is due to poor lifestyle choices, or that people affected by obesity are lesser or not worthy as their normal weight counterparts. Weight bias and stigma is not a joke, it’s not funny. It is harmful, especially in the workplace and healthcare.

Sure the intention might be one of entertainment, but when it is pointed out that those comments can be harmful, instead of issuing an apology these stars just issue even more hateful comments. And it’s accepted.

Giuliana issues an apology and yet there are still calls for her to be fired, and a co-host leaves the show? Kelly, of all people should see what a double standard this is, she has been harshly criticized for her weight, in 2010 Osbourne told US Weekly, “I took more hell for being fat than I did for being an absolute raging drug addict. I will never understand that.”

I’ll never understand how Kelly had such as close relationship with Joan, and never threatened to leave the show over Joan’s fat shaming comments or refusal to apologize, yet Giuliana’s apology is not enough?

Photo Credit: Eva Rinaldi cc

Filed Under: Obesity Tagged With: Fashion Police, fat shaming, Giuliana Rancic, Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne, weight bias, Zendaya Coleman

OAC Member of the Year

September 28, 2014 by Sarah Bramblette 1 Comment

OAC Member of the YearFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 28, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
James Zervios
Director of Communications, OAC
(800) 717-3117
jzervios@obesityaction.org

SARAH BRAMBLETTE HONORED WITH THE OBESITY ACTION COALITION’S

“OAC MEMBER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

Tampa, Fla. – Ohio resident Sarah Bramblette was honored with the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) “OAC Member of the Year” award during the 3rd Annual Your Weight MattersSM National Convention, Together We S.H.I.N.E.

As an OAC member since 2012, Sarah has dedicated herself to raising awareness of the OAC, weight bias and the disease of obesity. In 2014, Sarah was featured in the OAC’s publication, Your Weight Matters Magazine, where she provided readers with an in-depth look at living with lipedema. She was also the first-place winner of HealthCentral’s #LiveBold Anti-stigma Photo Contest. She is a lipedema, lymphedema, obesity, and health insurance advocate and blogs about her life experiences at www.born2lbfat.com. Sarah is currently working toward a master’s degree in health law.

Sarah has worked closely with the OAC leadership, other members and staff on a variety of issues in 2014. From weight bias issues to representing the OAC in the media, she has gone above and beyond for the OAC.

“I honestly cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Sarah. Since joining the OAC, she has continually raised the bar for what we look for in an OAC member. To Sarah, being an OAC member is not just simply joining the Coalition. She takes being a member in the OAC to a completely different level. The OAC is grateful for Sarah’s dedication. We congratulate her on winning the OAC’s most prestigious award,” said Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, OAC Chairman.

About the OAC

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a nearly 50,000 member-strong National non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support. To learn more about the OAC, please visit www.ObesityAction.org.

About the “OAC Member of the Year” Award

This is the highest OAC honor and is awarded to an OAC member who has gone above and beyond to help the OAC. The recipient of this award should be an exemplary OAC member and continually represent the OAC in their efforts to impact the obesity epidemic nationwide.

About the Your Weight Matters Convention

The Your Weight Matters Convention is a National convention focused on providing individuals with quality, evidence-based education on weight and its impact on health. For more information on the Convention, please visit www.YWMConvention.com.

Filed Under: Obesity Tagged With: advocacy, HealthCentral, lipedema, lymphedema, OAC Member of the Year, obesity, obesity action coalition, Your Weight Matters, YWM2014

Dear Abby, My Mom is VERY Proud of My Weight

August 11, 2014 by Sarah Bramblette 3 Comments

This morning I saw a post about Dear Abby on The Anti-Jared. Appears a young woman was told by her mother she couldn’t wear her bikini to the family pool gatherings. At first Abby suggested the woman should follow her mother’s wishes as it is her home and her rules.

But then Abby crossed the line and made assumptions related to the woman’s health and ultimately about the possibility her mother would be more proud of her if she “if you were less complacent and more willing to do something about your weight problem.”

If you have read my blog you know I have no issues with wearing a swimsuit, or about the face my mother instilled in me a sense a pride and self confidence.

So here is my quick response to Dear Abby that I left in the comments section. I plan on writing direct correspondence to her, also.

Dear Abby,

I have a medical condition called Lipedema, it’s an advance stage that includes Lymphedema. I currently weigh 400lbs and I proudly wear a swimsuit in public, on cruises, I’ve never been interested in wearing a bikini but that’s a personal preference nothing to do with how I feel about my body, because honestly I have plans on visiting a nude beach the next time I visit Florida.

And let me assure you my physician feels my HEALTH is fine, other than managing my lymphedema, all my other health statistics are in normal range. See I used to weigh over 500lbs, so while 400lbs is still morbidly obese being 100lbs less is still quite an accomplishment. As is the progress I’ve made in reducing the lymphedema in my legs. You should not be so quick to make judgmental assumption about the writer’s health based on her sharing her weight. It’s that type of stereotyping and stigma from society that keeps many people affected by obesity too ashamed to get out and enjoy life like this young woman is doing. Tell me would it better that she is so ashamed of her body that she doesn’t go swimming? Swimming is being active after all so it’s great that she is confident with her body and lives her life.

momkeywestAs for her mother, it seems the mother needs to be proud of her daughter no matter what size she is. I will tell you my mother is extremely proud of me and all my 400lbs, I have two college degrees and am working on a Masters in Health Law. Despite the challenges I have faced with my lymphedema and fighting weight stigma and bias in accessing healthcare and employment I continue to be successful and my mother, family, and friends are all very proud of me. And I am very proud of myself. Fat only describes me, it does not define me.

Sincerely,

Sarah

 

Filed Under: Obesity Tagged With: bikini, dear abby, obesity, swimsuit, weight, weight bias, weight stigma

How I #LiveBold To Fight Weight Stigma

July 8, 2014 by Sarah Bramblette 7 Comments

I entered the HealthCentral #LiveBold anti-stigma photo contest.

(voting is open until August 8th! Click on the link and VOTE for me, vote daily!)

I share my story of how I #LiveBold with Lipedema and Lymphedema and overcome weight stigma.

Picture of me in the pool

The story behind this photo fits well into the anti-stigma theme, because I experienced weight stigma just before it was taken. The photo was taken during a trip to the gym to get pictures of me doing various water exercises for my FitBloggin’ Ignite Fitness presentation. As soon as I stepped into the pool this woman motioned to me and began talking to me in Spanish, I thought perhaps she recognized me from water aerobics class but when she realized I did not speak Spanish she quickly switched to English and her intentions were made clear.

“My daughter is as big as you are and she goes to this clinic and has lost fifty pounds. They don’t make her workout, they just speed up her heart to help her lose weight.”

Well that sounds safe…
Why the hell would you tell someone EXERCISING AT THE GYM about a clinic where they don’t make you exercise?
Wait…why the HELL would you approach a stranger about their weight…at the gym no less?
 

I’m not sure why I try to be nice in response to people who are so rude to me, but I tried to explain that I have Lipedema and Lymphedema and that I have a great medical team that monitors my overall health. No, she still continued. I explained that I no longer live in the area, that I was just visiting so going to a local clinic was not even an option for me. No, she still kept talking about it….I finally just walked away and continued my exercises and photo shoot.

She caught me again at the other end of the pool, she obviously noticed I was annoyed by the conversation so she attempted to suck up.

“You’re very beautiful and have a nice shape.”

Seriously? Yes, I know.

I know that I am fat AND that I am beautiful. I don’t need to be informed of either by a stranger.

I said “thank you”, but that’s not a compliment when it comes AFTER fat shaming. Her initial reaction to seeing me was to approach me about my weight, only after she saw that I was pissed off did she compliment me.

Back to the picture, my boyfriend said he wanted to get a creative picture half in and half out of the water. Upon reviewing the pictures I gave a sarcastic “thanks babe”. I joked about how “objects under the water may appear larger than actual size”, and I soon realized how very powerful the photo was and how it really captured the moment and my story. There is more to me and my story than what appears on the surface. The people who take the time to see past my surface appearance get the benefit of knowing me and my story, and in exchange I get to know them and their story.

We all have a story.

How do you #LiveBold? Share YOUR story of how you #LiveBold despite a health condition.

Filed Under: Obesity Tagged With: awareness, bbw, fat shaming, FitBloggin'14, HealthCentral, lipedema, lymphedema, obesity, sbbw, weight stigma

Healthy Obesity Study Reveals You Will Never Be Good Enough

May 7, 2014 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

healthyobesity Another study was released attempting to debunk the idea that healthy obesity exists. I had lab work done in March and was boasting about my good health status as my normal lab results and other doctor appointments indicate all my vital statistics are well within normal range. I consider myself to be healthy, the medical test results are proof. I admit I slacked with exercise during the winter, but even after months of absence, upon my return to the gym I found my stamina and ability unchanged. However, according to these recent studies my accomplishment in achieving and maintaining good health is still not good enough. That despite normal cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, individuals affected by obesity are STILL at risk for future cardiac issues. Therefore the study recommends that doctors should emphasize healthy diet and exercise. *eyeroll* I do eat healthy and exercise, that is how I maintain my current “healthy” status. So a doctor lecturing me on diet and exercise will not help with my weight, which is due to Lipedema. Actually, the only “fault” most doctors find in my eating habits is that I drink diet soda. And the assumption is made that I might be consuming more calories by drinking diet soda, blah blah blah. Let’s be honest, 400lbs is not due to drinking diet soda. I do not understand the purpose of these studies to debunk the Healthy Obesity “myth”. Why not research the cause of the excess weight? It seems so unbelievable that people can be healthy while obese, then why attack the healthy status which are supported by medical tests, why not focus on the reason that despite having a healthy lifestyle some patients still have excess fat? Or why despite healthy diet and exercise, weight alone contributes to cardiac death? Or is the use of “cardiac event” just a scare tactic? I know many normal size, otherwise considered healthy people who died suddenly from a heart attack. Most coroners will tell you everyone dies of cardiac arrest, your hearts stops, you die. Patients affected by obesity already face weight bias in healthcare, and these studies seem like an extension of that bias into the research part of the medical world. There are known gaps in obesity research, perhaps it would be better to research the positive, the healthy so it can be replicated. Would I be better off if I weighed less? Of course I would. Is diet and exercise the answer for Lipedema? No, it’s not. We need more research of the cause of excess weight beyond the assumed poor lifestyle choices, and we need treatment options beyond those that control hunger or limit caloric consumption.

Filed Under: Advocacy, Lipedema and Lymphedema, Obesity Tagged With: healthy obesity, lipedema, weight bias in healthcare

TSA Precheck Might Reduce Fat Pat Downs

April 14, 2014 by Sarah Bramblette 7 Comments

On a recent trip I was randomly selected to use the TSA Precheck lane at the airport and it was WONDERFUL. I didn’t have to take off my shoes, or remove my laptop or liquids from my carry-on. But best of all there was no full body pat down of my fat.

Thankfully, I had already initiated my application to get a known traveler number so I will be able to use the Precheck lane for all my future travel. This specific airport I only had to go through the metal detector, I am not sure how the Precheck lanes are at other airports but my hope is Precheck will reduce the need for full body pat downs. I know I am not the only passenger of size who has been submitted to some overly intimate searches of my person, due to fat or excess skin.

“Ma’am I’m going to have to pat down your thighs.”

I once thought the worse part of flying was having to take my shoes off, then TSA began using the new body scanners and I was subjected to a full body pat down every time I passed through security. For some reason these high power technically advanced security scanners think  my fat is a possible threat to our national security? I actually do have more than 3 ounces of fluid in my legs, but it poses no elevated risk to anyone but me, as flying causes my legs to swell.

The pat down (more like quick strokes of the hands, but it is still touching) requires me to spread my legs enough so they can pat each thigh individually, front and back. They pat down both calves, and both arms. Occasionally, they pat down my chest. I come to expect it, and I step out of the scanner ready to comply. After all, the TSA agents are just doing their jobs. They have always been polite to me. I usually state that I have a medical condition that causes excess fluid in my limbs which is why the scanner alerted them to the areas, and on most occasions the agent has asked if her touching me hurts. It does not. Nor does it trigger any emotional effects. However, I completely understand that for many people such a search and pat down can create both physical and emotional pain.

So here is the chance to possibly reduce TSA pat downs, “possibly” because at any time a passenger can be subjected to additional screening by TSA. Also, as I mentioned I have so far only used the Precheck lane at one airport so I can not state with certainty that all use metal detectors verses body scanners. But I believe for now using the Precheck lane is the best hope we have to avoid a full body pat down of our fat and excess skin.

How can I access the TSA Precheck lane?

There are several ways to access TSA Precheck: randomly, via airline frequent flyer program, or having a known traveler number (KTN). The only way to guarantee use of the lane everytime you travel is having a known traveler number (KTN). In order to receive a KTN you must complete the application process for one of the Trusted Traveler Programs.

I applied for Global Entry ($100 fee)  because I have a passport and hope to fly internationally more in the future. If you do not have a passport and only fly within the US you can apply for the TSA Precheck ($85 fee). All Trusted Traveler Program memberships last five years.

I applied online for Global Entry in January. I had to provide typical background information, my citizenship information (Passport Number), and pay the $100 fee. Within 24 hours I received notification that I was approved for the program and that I needed to schedule an in person interview within 30 days. I had 30 days to schedule the interview, the actual dates available for interviews at my nearest Global Entry location were in April.

I had the interview a couple weeks ago. I simply had to show up at my scheduled time with my approval letter and passport. I was asked to confirm some questions from my online application, and asked a few additional question. My photo and fingerprints were taken. The interview took 15 minutes. Now all I have to do is make sure my KTN is listed on my airline reservations and I will be able to use the Precheck lane at the airport security check point for all my future travels.

I realize for some the fee and background check might not seem worth it to use a “fast lane”, but I also know for many of us who endure the full body pat downs, it is more than worth it, not to mention no longer having to take off our shoes!

Filed Under: Advocacy, Blog Post, Obesity Tagged With: airline security, airline travel, fat, flying tips, Global Entry, lipedema, lymphedema, obesity, passenger of size, security screening, travel, TSA pat down, TSA Precheck

Born2lbBallsy? Yes, I am Ballsy!

April 12, 2014 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

Today I was honored to have my story shared as Day 102 on the I am Ballsy Facebook page! A big thank you to my friend Liz over at WomanlyWoman for being ballsy and introducing me to the very ballsy Thomas and his page.

Post by I Am Ballsy.

 

Filed Under: Advocacy, Lipedema and Lymphedema, Obesity Tagged With: lipedema, lymphedema, obesity, weight bias

Treat the Patient, Not the Obesity

November 18, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 3 Comments

scale

As part of ObesityWeek 2013 new guidelines for the treatment of obesity were released. The media has stated the guidelines are encouraging doctors to “get tough”, “be aggressive”, “take serious action” when treating obese patients. The actual guidelines do not use such harsh language, and it is bothersome that the media puts the “let’s get tough on the fatties” spin to the stories. As a patient who is obese, I believe the guidelines leave out two very important pieces to the treatment of obesity: identifying the cause of the patients’ excess weight and ensuring healthcare offices can adequately access and monitor obese patients. 

Focus on the patient, not their weight.

I have always been frustrated by doctors who blamed my medical issues on my weight, yet never offered real options for losing weight. So the suggestions that doctors get serious about a patients weight and go beyond the obvious “you need to lose weight” and actually offer and prescribe nutritional counseling and activity for how to lose weight will be helpful to many patients. However, I believe dietary changes and exercise should be recommendations to ALL patients with heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. While excess weight can increase risk for these conditions, they are not exclusive to individuals with a high BMI.

What causes obesity?

Diagnose before offering treatment. There are many conditions and medications that can cause excess weight, doctors need to thoroughly examine the patient and address the actual cause of the obesity.

Yes, this is where I get on my Lipedema and Lymphedema soapbox. Both conditions are noticeable to the trained eye, the problem is there are not enough physicians who are trained to make a proper diagnosis. Instead, many patients, such as myself, are told to lose weight and when we do not lose weight as expected we are deemed non-compliant. And that label affects the way we are treated for all health issues. All my health vitals are normal, and should indicate that I live a somewhat healthy lifestyle, however there is still a focus my weight. For years, my weight increased while the actual cause of my weight, Lipedema, was not diagnosed and progressed to a stage further complicated by the development of Lymphedema. While the my health vitals, were normal, the Lipedema and Lymphedema was very much affecting my overall health. I developed severe cellulitis, and often required hospitalization for IV antibiotics and eventually needed a medi-port. During the hospital stays I contracted MRSA in the medi-port, that goes directly to my HEART. This greatly affected my mental and emotional health, as did the limitations on my mobility the conditions caused and the frustration of not getting any other explanation for what was happening with my legs than “it’s your weight”.

Accuracy is VITAL

As much as I was told the issues with my legs were because of my weight, the fact was my weight was unknown. The doctor’s office did not have a scale that could weigh me, nor did she attempt to locate a scale that could. On my own, I went to a local junk yard to weigh myself. No patient should have to make the effort to get their own vital health statistic. While that was ten years ago, I find today’s doctors offices are not any better equipped to care for patients with high BMIs.

In order for doctors to take obesity more seriously, they will need to have an accurate weight for patients. Currently, none of my doctors have scales to weigh me, yet, they all document the known incorrect weight. One office’s scale has a 300lbs limit, but it does at least register 328ish when I step on it. So the nurse documents that as my weight, even though I tell her that is not correct, and verbally give her my weight from my home scale. Again, this isn’t an issue in just ONE office, I encounter this problem is probably every doctors office I visit, expect for the bariatric surgeons office.

After the game of guess my weight, comes the torture of having my BP checked. Yet, another VITAL health statistic that is often not correctly taken nor monitored in obese patients. If the BP isn’t taken correctly, it is not an accurate reading, and thus monitoring inaccurate data serves no purpose. The blood pressure cuff needs to properly fit the patient’s arm. Cuffs that are too tight will give inaccurately high readings. Doctors’ offices need to have large cuffs, even thigh cuffs available, and staff need to know the where the cuffs are kept so patients can have their BP taken correctly.

Also, stop relying on BP machines, they are not accurate, especially on FAT arms. Every time my blood pressure is taken with a machine, it has to inflate twice then reads high. Again, I will let the nurse know the information is not correct, yet it gets documented in my medical record. My last employer’s wellness program was told I had high BP and I was put on a “plan” to reduce it”, which thankfully I did rather quickly by having my regular doctor submit my REAL blood pressure, which she gets by manually taking my BP using a thigh cuff. In addition, staff should be trained on how to take a blood pressure reading on the lower part of the arm, in case no cuff is available to fit the upper arm. Also, wrist blood pressure cuffs should be utilized.

Better scales and larger BP cuffs are not expensive items for doctor offices to purchase, and yet are very important tools to properly diagnosing, monitoring and treating patients.

Does your primary care doctor have a scale to weigh you? Share with me your experiences in the comments.

Filed Under: Advocacy, Blog Post, Obesity Tagged With: advocacy, lipedema, lymphedema, morbid obesity, obesity, obesity treatment, obesity week, super morbid obesity

My Story in Psychology Today

November 11, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 6 Comments

psychtoday

My story is profiled in the current issue of Psychology Today (December 2013), as part of the article Do I Make You Uncomfortable?

This is the article for which I had My Abnormal Photo Shoot. In late August, I replied to a Facebook notice shared by the Obesity Action Coalition. Being a member of the OAC has provided many opportunities to share my story, and thus spread awareness about lipedema and lymphedema.

Does my fat make you uncomfortable?

According to the article that is YOUR issue, not mine. I knew this already, but I admit I misunderstood the article concept as originally told to me: “story about the experiences of those with physical differences—and how, on both a societal and individual level, we can overcome negative or prejudiced responses.” I thought the article was going to focus on those of us on the receiving end of the negative and prejudiced responses. Through my own sessions with a psychologist, I learned I cannot change other people’s behaviors, I can only control my own reaction. To my pleasant surprise the article’s focus is on the response people have when they see a person with a physical difference. It is a refreshing change for the discussion to address why some people have such adverse reactions to ME, since it is usually just accepted that it’s normal for people to act in such ways towards people who are abnormal. And yet, it’s not normal. Not everyone who sees me has a negative or prejudiced response, if that was the case I would not have so many supportive friends. So what does prompt the negative response?

psychtodayjeff

Protective Prejudice

The theory discussed in the article is that people’s negative and prejudices reactions towards physical difference is rooted in an immune response and survival instinct protecting against disease. Interesting idea for sure! And does go along with the idea that people project their own insecurities towards me. The personal stories shared tell of instances for which we have experiences negative reactions based on our appears, mine included the now famous “check out them cankles” incident. It is inspiring that the other individual profiled in the story have the same positive attitude and outlook as I do and the hope that by sharing our stories we can help others.

Research suggesting that prejudice is a flexible trait abounds — and simply being aware that it’s not fixed can significantly reduce discriminatory behavior. Accepting that we all hold negative associates and becoming aware of the one we automatically make are also critical steps in the process of counteracting our biases. So, too, is encouraging people to talk about their negative perceptions.

My abnormal appearance is beneficial in life, it serves as a screening process. If people do not want to get to know me because of my looks, their loss. Now sure, it hurt when I experienced weight bias in the workplace but obviously that was not a company whose values align with mine.

Leave me a comment:

Have you read the full article? Share your thoughts.

Does my appearance make you uncomfortable?

Have you ever experienced a negative or prejudiced reaction to your appearance?

Filed Under: Advocacy, Blog Post, Lipedema and Lymphedema, Obesity Tagged With: advocacy, awareness, bbw, discrimination, fat, health, lipedema, lymphedema, morbid obesity, obesity, obesity action coalition, Psychology Today, self confidence, self esteem, super morbid obesity, weight bias in the workplace

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