Rethinking Fat: A New Perspective on Body Acceptance
“Your Fat Friend” is a documentary by Jeanie Finlay that provides an intimate look into the life of author and activist Aubrey Gordon. Known for her candid blog posts about the ‘fat experience’ under the pseudonym “Your Fat Friend,” Gordon emerged as a powerful advocate for overweight individuals. The film showcases her journey from an anonymous blogger to a New York Times bestseller and co-creator of the podcast Maintenance Phase.
Aubrey Gordon: A Voice for Fat Acceptance
Gordon, through her writings, urges readers to embrace the term “fat” instead of euphemisms like “curvy” or “overweight.” She believes this shift in language can help society focus on tangible ways to support overweight individuals, moving beyond the stigma attached to the word. The documentary, “Your Fat Friend,” follows her as she writes and promotes her book, “What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat,” offering insights into her views on fat acceptance and the challenges of being a public figure in this domain.
Jeanie Finlay’s Documentary Approach
Finlay’s film provides a powerful platform for Gordon’s message. Finlay, a British documentarian, was drawn to Gordon’s work due to her own experiences with fatness. The documentary aims to make the word “fat” a neutral descriptor, challenging the notion of fatphobia and highlighting the societal biases against overweight individuals. The film also includes moments of vulnerability with Gordon’s family, providing a deeper understanding of her journey.
The Global Obesity Epidemic
Obesity and overweight have become significant global health concerns. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, over 1.9 billion adults were overweight, with over 650 million classified as obese. The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has also risen dramatically, indicating a growing problem worldwide.
Understanding Obesity and Overweight
Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that impairs health. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common measure used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. However, BMI is not always a precise indicator of fatness or health, as it does not consider individual variations.
The Causes of Obesity and Overweight
The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Increased intake of energy-dense foods high in fat and sugars, combined with a rise in physical inactivity due to sedentary work and urban lifestyles, contributes significantly to the obesity epidemic.
Reframing the Conversation on Fatness
Gordon’s advocacy, as showcased in Finlay’s documentary, challenges societal views on fatness. By embracing the term “fat” and rejecting the stigma attached to it, Gordon and Finlay aim to shift the focus from individual blame to a broader understanding of societal biases and structural challenges faced by overweight individuals.
Moving Forward: Empathy and Action
“Your Fat Friend” is more than a documentary; it’s a call to action. It invites viewers to rethink their attitudes towards fatness and to approach the subject with empathy and understanding. As the global obesity epidemic continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to address the societal and environmental factors contributing to it, while also providing support and acceptance to those affected.
