Big Fat List of Myth-Defying Health Resources

This is Redefining Body Image’s go-to list of resources, articles, research, videos, etc. providing facts and information regarding health and body image, especially dedicated to debunking the everyone’s favorite myth that fat = unhealthy.

If I referred you to this page and this way of thinking about fat and fat health is new to you, I encourage you to have an open mind.

If you have something to add, please submit! The more this list grows, the more ammo we have to back us up in our fight against the body positive nay-sayers.

Let the facts come marching in.

Big Fat Facts: The truth about fat, obesity, gastric bypass, and weight loss. Focuses on many aspects of fat health that are widely accepted but never challenged, targets the claims, points out the faults, and highlights the truth.

Articles and Evidence by the Fat Nutritionist that go into some of the controversies around dieting, weight, and eating.

A massive list of resources discussing the truth behind fat health can be found over at Big Liberty Blog, titled Truth Behind Fat: References.

One of my staple resources, Kate Harding answers the ever popular question directed at fat activists: “But Don’t You Realize Fat Is Unhealthy?”

Some more from the lovely Kate Harding: “Reality vs. Relativism“ and ”Diets Don’t Work”.

A scientific study helping to prove how diets really work by, Junkfood Science - How We’ve Come to Believe that Overeating Causes Obesity

More of Me to Love discusses fat health, fitness, and health at every size.

Everyone Knows Obesity Is Hurting Us, But Is the Fight Against Obesity the Problem? - Linda Bacon, Ph.D.

The Health At Every Size® Manifesto.

Heart Surgeon Speaks Out Against What Really Causes Heart Disease - A very interesting and informative piece that details new studies on heart disease.

Weight Science: Evaluating the Evidence for a Paradigm Shift

Medicare’s search for effective obesity treatments: diets are not the answer.

The TRUE Cost of Fatties - Looking closely at how obesity impacts gas costs and health care, which is to say not at all.

More on Obesity and Healthcare Costs here.

Stereotype Management Skills by Deb Burgard, PhD. discusses how to refute fat shaming propaganda, among other helpful things.

Uncommon Knowledge About Changes in Body Weight by Lily O’Hara

Things Obesity is Not by Ragen Chastain

‘Everyone knows’ obesity kills, but is weight loss the answer? by Lydia Turner

Above-Normal Weight Alone Does Not Necessarily Increase Short-Term Risk of Death, U.S. Data Suggest - Science Daily, July 2012

Among diabetes patients, the obese outlive the trim - a study that cracks fat health stereotypes about type 2 diabetes

‘Fitness and Fatness’: Not All Obese People Have the Same Prognosis; Second Study Sheds Light On ‘Obesity Paradox’ - People can be obese but metabolically healthy and fit, with no greater risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer than normal weight people, according to the largest study ever to have investigated this seeming paradox.

This TED talk by Julie Rochefort called “Shift the Focus” discusses and displays a lot of really important data based around the fact that health is possible at EVERY size. A short 8 minute video that covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

This extensive article by Glenn Gaesser, Ph.D. called Obesity, Health, and Metabolic Fitness debunks a number of myths regarding fat health. Many important topics are covered, from “thinner is not necessarily healthier” to “emphasis on weight loss” being “misdirected and hazardous”, to challenging the link between obesity and heart disease. A very comprehensive and informative resource.

Fear Mongering for the Nation by Fat Body Politics - A critical look at the HBO documentary Weight of the Nation.

Fat Acceptance/Size Discrimination Related Resources (WIP)

Ever wanted to learn more about Fat Acceptance? Check out the Fat Acceptance FAQ over at Spilt Milk, complete with a list of links to some great health-related info.

5 Fat Acceptance Myths Debunked - Debunking myths such as “Fat acceptance demands complete confidence and self-love at all times.”

NAAFA Official Website

The Association for Size Diversity and Health // Research Articles

Body Positivity Resources (WIP)

Body Positivity 101 by The Ellipses Project

Thank you.