Fat is not a feeling

Written by: Angelica Guadalupe, Intern

Have you said or ever heard someone say…”Ugh! I feel so fat.” Let's break down this common phrase and figure out why it’s just not possible to feel fat!

For starters, fat is not a feeling!! Fat is a description word, just like skinny is a description word. By saying you feel fat, you’re implying that fat is a bad thing.

Instead of “feeling fat,” you may actually be feeling:

• Anxious

• Insecure

• Overwhelmed

• Jealous

• Ashamed

• Depressed

• Alone

• Guilty

• Uncomfortable

It is 100% important to take a step back and acknowledge what emotion you’re really feeling. This will change the intrusive thought in your head automatically, and allow you to problem solve way faster.

For example, if you’re at the beach and you just ate the amazing chicken tenders and fries they serve, you may say…”Ugh! I feel so fat right now…” when you’re done. What are you really implying here? Maybe you feel full and uncomfortable on top of having some body image issues while everyone around you is in bathing suits.

Now, this is normal. As much as I wish this wasn’t common, it is. It has become almost a normal thought because of what society has pushed in our minds for so many years (this is what we’re trying to change!)

Everytime you are about to say “I feel so fat right now..” try to say “I feel so insecure right now..” or “I feel depressed right now..” There are always other emotions involved that take over.

Please know that you are not alone. This phrase has such a deeper meaning behind it. The body image issues and perhaps disordered eating related to this phrase can be an ongoing issue. Recovery is possible, and simple things like being more aware of your words and changing wording around can be extremely helpful with making progress with your relationship with food and your body.