Fitism: The Realities about Discrimination Against Fit People
Originally published September 1, 2006
Sounds like a joke doesn't it. Discrimination against fit people? Fitism it is no joke; it is the latest form of discrimination that many people suffer from. You have either been a victim or an offender and possibly both. Let me give you an example.
You decide on your own free will to try and lose 10 pounds. You are no longer to eat whatever you want, skip meals, drink socially every weekend and no exercise. Your lifestyle choices are catching up with you.
You start cleaning up your eating, choosing more fruits and vegetables, avoiding unhealthy fats and processed foods and limiting alcohol to one drink a week. You have gotten together with friends over the long weekend. We'll call you Marg Simpson. "Hey Marg, what can I get you to drink? The usual?" You respond, "No thanks, I'm good with water right now. Maybe later." That's when it begins. This is not your usual behaviour so of course your friends ask "What's up with you?" Knowing these are your friends and they will be supportive, you explain to them that you are trying to lose some weight and get healthier. Now you are swarmed by your friends and lots of questions and comments but they are not supportive at all. All weekend you are pestered about your attempt at health and fitness and pressured to come back to the "eat, drink and be lazy" side.
One of two things are likely to happen: You will break down under the peer pressure, which is not unique just to teenagers and go back to your old ways. You will feel terrible about it and try the new regime on Monday when it's a "better time". Or, you will hold your ground and feel totally isolated and abandoned by your friends. This will likely start the slow breakaway from many within your current circle of friends and over time your new friends will have lifestyles and interests more similar to yours.
This example is with friends, which many of you may have experienced. But, it is even harder when the fitism is coming from your family – teasing you about your more muscular frame, giving you a guilt trip for not eating two helpings at Sunday dinner, ridiculing you passing on desserts or trying to talk you out of the new walking program. Sounds hard to believe. But, I have observed this form of discrimination through working with hundreds of clients.
If you are a victim of fitism keep in mind that misery loves company. It makes others feel better about their lack of healthy eating and activity if their friends and family are equally sedentary. Also, your friends or family may fear change – changes that you may undergo physically and personally and the change that may come when you inspire or encourage them to make positive changes themselves. Don't let it throw you off course. Stick with it through the tough times and, in time, your friends and family will accept the new you. In fact, they will not only support you but they are likely to jump on board after seeing how much happier and healthier you are.
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Krista Schaus PICP CPT
Ontario CANADA
krista@definingedge.ca
Kate Kline PICP CFT
Arizona USA
kate@definingedge.ca
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