What is Fat?

I have several friends that are serial dieters. I am not talking about doing Adkins, South Beach, or Weight Watchers, but going to extreme means to lose a few pounds. When I say few, I really mean less than 10. They don't have any more to lose. I am a firm believer of staying healthy (hence the point of this book), but I am not sure how healthy it is to cut calories to a ridiculous low and I know that I couldn't do it. Regardless of the health effects that come along with it, or the instant weight gain that proceeds, I commend these women for the determination to stay away from fat. I mean hey, "Thin is always in" right? I am not here to criticize anyone's personal convictions, but it does bring me to the question: What is fat?

Since I can remember I have been called fat, even when I wasn't fat. I was 5' tall when I was in the 3rd grade, and by the time I was in 5th grade I was 5'6". It is easy to mistake hips, thigh, and boobs for fat when you are 9 years old, or at least my classmates did. I went to an all white school for the entirety of my education. I refuse to call it "predominately white" because everyone was white besides me was white. There is a major difference between cultures when it comes to weight. I remember in high school when my guy friends would talk about other girls. They would call them fat asses because they had fat asses. These were the types of bodies that most of us black women would die for, but they were only "fat" in the eyes of a white man. I highly suggest that these women date black men if they aren't already.

So many of my female friends (black and white) complain about their weight in ways that drives any fatty crazy. I do apologize, but I can not be supportive of women with body image issues, that have, according to societies standards, perfect bodies. There is nothing worse to me then being in the dressing room of a department store, trying to put my thighs in a pair of skinny jeans, and then hearing "Oh my God Tiffany, I am so fat". When I walk out of my room she is standing there with her size 6 jeans zipped up, I repeat zipped up! If you are not in the double digits I don't really want to hear about your weight issues, because clearly you don't have any. I get it, people gain a few pounds here and there, but its nothing that can't be easily solved. Telling a fat person that you think you are fat when you are not, then turning around and trying to convince the real fatty that they aren't fat is contradicting and most importantly insulting. I wish I had a dollar for every time this situation has happened, oh I would be one rich woman!

Being fat is more than a pant size or a number on the scale, honestly its a mind set. A bad habit that needs to be broken. There are many fatties out there that really don't even know that they are fat, and that is perfectly fine. They are probably living care free lives, and they won't know that they are fat until they have a heart attack, stroke, or are diagnosed with diabetes.

If you are questioning if you are fat are not here are a few things that can help you decide:

If you can only fit the largest size in most department stores, you are probably fat.

If you are the last girl approached in your group of friends, you are probably fat, or ugly, or maybe a known slut, no I take the slut part back.

When someone is trying to think of insults to down you with, and all they can call you is a fat ass, you are probably fat. But you should take this as a compliment, because they had nothing else to say but the obvious.

If you go to the doctor's office ( no matter what kind) and he or she reminds you of your weight, you are probably fat. My chiropractor even reminded me of this, what's next, the dentist?

If people look at the seat next to you on the bus, and half of your ass is on it so they stand instead, you are probably fat.

If you don't wear belts because you can't find any in your size, you are probably fat.


I suggest that all of my fellow fatties stand up to their skinny bitch friends, and put them in their place. Next time you hear one of them call themselves fat ask them this, "Would you rather be my size?". If that doesn't shut her up, then offer to buy her a salad and water for lunch, it might work.

Recognize your weight, if you don't like it, change it. If you can't change it, shut the hell up!

Best wishes,

Tiffany