I use the f-word for several reasons. Let me clarify, this is why I use the 3-letter f-word, FAT. (why I use the 4-letter f-word is a blog for another day, if that even needs an explanation)

I refer to myself as fat because I am fat. This is how I self-identify, so it’s not for others to tell me whether I am right or wrong for referring to myself as fat. However, I realize by doing so and by having the f-word in the name of my blog people make assumptions about me and my mental and emotional health. Also, as an advocate against weight bias I am sure it can be confusing that I advocate against stigma and bias yet refer to myself as fat.

Surprisingly, or not so much, people associate the word FAT with negativity. Some might think I use the f-word to reclaim control of its connotation, to put a positive face to the otherwise negative perception. There might be a bit of truth to that as I do not think being fat is a bad thing, there are far worse things to be in life than to be fat. But the real reason is because plain and simply, or beautiful and complicated…I am fat.

Why do I refer to myself as fat instead of obese, plus-size, fluffy, juicy, pleasantly plump?

I do not believe I am a person affected by the disease obesity. I have no metabolic co-morbid health issues related to my excess weight. The disease I am affected by is Lipedema, which  is a fat disorder. My body has too much fat, that causes my BMI to fall into the morbidly obese range and I disagree with the way BMI is used as an indicator of health, so once again I opt to use fat instead of obese.

Fat is a medical term, our bodies are comprised of bones, skin, muscles, and fat among other things.

Everyone has fat, I just have more of it.

Fat describes me, it does not define me.

Fat is a physical aspect of my body it is not an indicator of my intelligence, self-worth, abilities, or character.