Thin Privilege Acknowledgement

Full disclosure: I have thin privilege. I believe it’s key to have open discussions about this topic to help bring awareness of it and to also reduce the stigma around weight.

By acknowledging thin privilege, we recognize that people in smaller bodies have not had experienced or been exposed to stigmatizing events that people in larger bodies have.

What is thin privilege?  

By definition, privilege means “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.”

Thin privilege can be further defined by advantages and power systematically accorded to members identifying with thinner or smaller bodies.

By recognizing my thin privilege, I know that the size of my body has protected me from weight stigma and to some levels, also from the powerful diet culture we are all exposed to.

As a professional, it is important to me work with my clients and show them compassion, empathy and demonstrate that I am working to be inclusive for all bodies. I recognize those without thin privilege may have unequal access to health or health resources. I can try to be better and do better. By recognizing my privileges and having these important conversations I can help fight the oppressive systems of fatphobia and diet culture.

I am growing and learning about my privileges so this section will evolve as I evolve, thank you for your patience and compassion as I continue to be an ally.

See below for more resources on thin privilege.

https://christyharrison.com/blog/what-is-thin-privilege

https://www.kristinabruce.com/blog/what-exactly-is-thin-privilege

https://lindobacon.com/HAESbook/pdf_files/HAES_Thin%20Privilege.pdf