Definition

Noun: - Discrimination or prejudice against people who are overweight: Fattism refers to the unfair treatment, negative stereotyping, or bias directed at individuals because they are fat or obese.

Usage

The term "fattism" is used to describe societal attitudes, institutional practices, or personal biases that marginalize people based on their body size and weight. It highlights a form of discrimination similar to racism or sexism.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The article discussed how fattism in the workplace can affect hiring and promotion decisions.
  • She campaigns against fattism in the fashion industry, advocating for more size-inclusive representation.

Advanced Usage

• Systemic Fattism: Refers to discrimination that is embedded within societal systems and institutions, such as healthcare or media.
  • The study examined systemic fattism in medical settings, where overweight patients often receive substandard care.

Variants and Related Words

• Fatphobia (noun): An irrational fear, dislike, or prejudice against fat people and obesity. Often used interchangeably with "fattism," though it can emphasize the fear or aversion aspect.
  • Her blog post addressed the pervasive fatphobia in popular culture.

Synonyms

• Sizeism: Prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's size, often encompassing both height and weight.
• Weight Bias: A partiality for or against people based on their body weight.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To face fattism": To experience weight-based discrimination.
  • Despite her qualifications, she continued to face fattism during her job search.

Noun

1. discrimination against people who are overweight