Prejudice and discrimination against
people who are considered overweight according to current societal standards. Fatism, or weightism, is frequently excused, tacitly approved, and perpetuated on the basis that it is linked to the legitimate health concern of
obesity. However, the function of fatism is not health-related. Instead, it is a means to oppress and marginalize an individual based on a perceived inadequacy in their appearance. Fatism can even be a subconscious, internalized
bias.
Fatism is also often viewed as a
feminist issue, because this form of discrimination is generally applied more heavily against women than men in most modern cultures.
When
Bill decided to promote
Gwen instead of Margaret because he felt Margaret’s
extra weight was repulsive and didn’t represent the company's values, it was a clear case of fatism.
