Skinny or fat, the shaming hurts either way – but only one leads to ‘systemic exclusion and oppression’, say experts

Experts agree criticising someone for how thin they are is a legitimate problem that can lead to serious mental health consequences, including lower self esteem

But comparing it to fat shaming is a ‘dangerous’ conflation – larger people often receive fewer promotions and are more likely to face medical discrimination

Reading Time:3 minutes

Both skinny- and fat-shaming can smash self-esteem, but discrimination against overweight people is rampant in education, employment and health care. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:15pm, 10 Jun 2021Updated: 8:15pm, 10 Jun 2021

We all know what fat-shaming is. And it’s generally understood it’s inexcusable to say things like “lay off the crisps” or “you need more exercise”.

But what about the reverse? The idea of skinny-shaming is more controversial, and people disagree on whether it’s as problematic to tell a conventionally thin person “go eat a hamburger” or “you should gain weight”.

Skinny-shaming, or criticising someone for how thin they appear, shows that even those who abide by today’s beauty standards are susceptible to ridicule. Experts agree it is a legitimate problem that can lead to serious mental health consequences, including lower self esteem.

But they warn against comparing it to fat shaming, calling it a “dangerous” conflation.

Skinny-shaming shows that even those who abide by today’s beauty standards are susceptible to ridicule. Photo: Getty Images

“Tell me this: would you go up to a fat person and say: ‘Oh my God, you are so fat. Do you ever stop eating?’” asked one TikTok user, who said she is self-conscious about her small frame and has been trying to gain weight.