Why Fat-Shaming Is Good
By Eric Kim

Let’s get straight to it: the topic of fat-shaming is one of the most controversial discussions in today’s cultural landscape. But before you jump to conclusions or misunderstand my intent, let me clarify something upfront. This is not about cruelty, nor is it about dehumanizing anyone based on their weight. Instead, this is about accountability, responsibility, and the necessity of tough love in a world increasingly focused on individual comfort over collective well-being. So, let’s talk about why fat-shaming—done with the right intentions—can actually be a force for good.

Health Is Not Just Personal—It’s Social

First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room: being overweight or obese is not just a personal health choice. It has social ramifications. We live in a society that foots the bill for the health crises of others. Obesity is a major contributor to a wide range of health problems, from diabetes to heart disease to certain cancers. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of preventable death. When people make lifestyle choices that lead to obesity, it places an immense strain on healthcare systems, insurance premiums, and even public spaces. We all pay for it.

When we shame behaviors that are dangerous—not just to individuals but to society—we are doing more than just expressing disapproval. We are pushing for a shift in social norms. Fat-shaming, when framed correctly, is a way of highlighting the very real consequences of unhealthy lifestyles. Just like we shame people for smoking in public, driving recklessly, or spreading misinformation, fat-shaming can be a way of holding people accountable for decisions that impact not just their lives but the broader community.

Normalizing Obesity Is Dangerous

We live in an era where body positivity has, in many ways, morphed into body complacency. It’s true that we should all embrace self-love and acceptance. But the pendulum has swung too far when we start glorifying or normalizing obesity under the guise of “acceptance.” Fat-shaming serves as a necessary counterbalance to this cultural trend. It reminds us that we cannot—and should not—ignore the health risks associated with being overweight. To pretend that obesity is “just another body type” is to engage in willful ignorance of well-established medical facts.

Shaming, in this context, becomes a tool to pierce through the layers of denial. If we don’t talk about the dangers of obesity in a blunt, straightforward manner, we risk raising a generation that believes being unhealthy is just fine. Fat-shaming, when directed at the behavior rather than the person, forces people to confront the truth. We can’t afford to sugarcoat the issue (no pun intended) when lives are at stake.

Tough Love Catalyzes Change

One of the key arguments against fat-shaming is that it can harm people’s self-esteem. But let’s consider the bigger picture. Sometimes, tough love is necessary to spark change. Fat-shaming, when done appropriately, can be that catalyst. It can push people out of their comfort zones and into a place where they begin to take control of their health.

We shame people in other areas of life—when they don’t take their education seriously, when they make poor financial decisions, or when they neglect their responsibilities as parents or partners. In each of these cases, shaming serves as a social corrective, a way of nudging people toward better decisions. Why should health be any different?

Fat-shaming doesn’t have to be about cruelty. It can be about accountability. It can be a reminder that the choices we make about our bodies have real consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. When someone is overweight, it’s not just about how they look; it’s about the increased likelihood of chronic illness, the strain on healthcare resources, and the reduced quality of life. Shaming—when done thoughtfully—can be a tool to help people confront these realities and make the changes they need for their own sake.

The Problem with the “All Bodies Are Beautiful” Narrative

The “all bodies are beautiful” movement has good intentions, but it misses a critical point: not all bodies are healthy. There’s a difference between appreciating diversity in appearance and enabling unhealthy behaviors. Fat-shaming, in contrast, cuts through the well-meaning but ultimately harmful narrative that all lifestyles are equally valid. They aren’t. A lifestyle that leads to obesity is not just a personal choice; it’s a public health issue.

Fat-shaming, again, when applied carefully, reminds us that the ideal isn’t just about beauty—it’s about health. It challenges the idea that we should all accept whatever body we have, regardless of the choices that lead to it. There is a distinction between natural body diversity and preventable conditions like obesity. By shaming obesity, we create a social expectation that people should strive for health, not simply accept avoidable conditions.

Shaming vs. Encouragement: The Balance

Some might argue that encouragement is a better motivator than shame. But the two aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they often work hand in hand. While we should encourage people to adopt healthy habits, we also need to be honest about the negative consequences of unhealthy ones. Fat-shaming can serve as a wake-up call—a stark reminder that certain behaviors are not acceptable or sustainable. It’s not about hating someone for being overweight; it’s about refusing to ignore the consequences of that condition. Encouragement without accountability is hollow.

At its core, fat-shaming done right isn’t about making someone feel worthless. It’s about creating social pressure for people to confront their unhealthy behaviors and make necessary changes. We live in a world where we praise success, hard work, and discipline in every other area of life—why should health be any different? There’s no shame in pushing people to be better, to take care of their bodies, and to live longer, fuller lives.

Conclusion: Shaming for a Better Future

In the end, fat-shaming isn’t about cruelty—it’s about accountability. It’s about ensuring that we don’t normalize behaviors that lead to devastating health outcomes. It’s about pushing people to live up to their potential and make choices that are good for them and society.

We already shame people for behaviors that harm themselves and others, whether it’s smoking, drunk driving, or engaging in hate speech. Fat-shaming, when done with the right mindset, is just another tool to create a healthier society. It’s a tough-love approach to a tough issue, but sometimes the truth is what we all need to hear.