Science Facts and Fallacies host Cameron English recently appeared on the Dr. Phil show to tackle an incendiary question: Has the Body Positivity Movement Gone Too Far? Activists behind this campaign assert that obesity isn't a public health issue, it's an identity that should be respected. For many years, the argument continues, society has "medicalized" obesity in order to oppress "fat" people. More recent evidence indicates that somebody's weight reveals little or nothing about their overall health, fat acceptance advocates claim.

These assertions have ignited an intense debate. As Dr. Phil summarized it,

Are we doing too much to celebrate the plus-sized? Not according to Lexi and her husband, Will, who say they’ve struggled with their body image their entire lives and have now found freedom in letting go of the need to control their weight and instead accepting themselves the way they are.

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Do this argument for so-called "fat acceptance" stand up to scrutiny? Perhaps more importantly, is this movement undermining science by pressuring society to ignore the risks of obesity? Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 190 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down the Dr. Phil debate and examine the arguments for body positivity.

 

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg