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what is thin privilege

0 · Nov 6, 2020 · Leave a Comment

diving into the topic of thin privilege – from what it is, to who holds it and why we need to work to dismantle it.

what is thin privilege? // cait's plate

Continuing to share some of my favorite newsletters from this past year while I’m on maternity leave! If you want to subscribe for more content like this, sign up here!

When I first jumped into the  Intuitive Eating / Health at Every Size® world, one of the concepts that was most eye opening to me was that of thin privilege.

Despite having always held thin privilege throughout my life, it was not something I had ever heard of.  It wasn’t until I began unlearning the weight-normative approach of our cultural landscape (also the landscape in which I was trained in as an RD), that I understood just how unjust this world is for larger bodies. 

Thin privilege is, like any other privilege, an unearned cultural privilege bestowed upon someone simply due to their body size.

To be clear, thin privilege is not something you necessarily parade around and rub in people’s faces.  It comes in more subtle forms like being able to easily walk down an aisle in a grocery store, fit in a waiting room chair at a doctor’s office or the DMV, having to purchase just one airplane seat because it can accommodate you, avoiding eye rolls on a train for taking up more space than just one seat, being given the benefit of the doubt that you take care of your health by peers and healthcare professionals at just a glance because your body fits what we’ve come to deem ‘healthy.’

There is very compelling evidence to show that those in larger bodies suffer the most as a result of this construct.  It creates situations in which their larger size alone causes them to be denied equal opportunity in the job market, being treated fairly in a healthcare setting, being represented in mainstream media and in general, being provided with care, dignity, respect and compassion in many other areas of life.

This unjust treatment of individuals in larger bodies paves the way for unearned thin privilege.  Because society elevates individuals simply for living in thinner bodies, it means they automatically receive less competition in the job market, preferential treatment in a healthcare setting, increased representation in mainstream media and an enhanced sense of acceptance & entitlement – all just by being in the bodies our culture has deemed  ‘socially acceptable.’ 

That is not at all to say that a person in a smaller body can’t suffer in their own right. Body image issues and dissatisfaction with body at any size comes with its trials.  In addition, there is plenty of criticism and body-shaming for individuals in bodies deemed ‘too thin’ as well.  Holding thin privilege does not mean you don’t have your own body struggles.  It means that, by simply existing in a body that our culture has come to deem ‘acceptable’ (not necessarily one you love), you not only hold thin privilege, but you’re much more likely than a person in a larger body to reap certain benefits.

As Christy Harrison so expertly puts it, “The term “thin privilege” is meant to highlight this systemic disparity, and to call out the fact that dignity and respect and equitable treatment shouldn’t be privileges reserved for smaller-bodied folks at ALL—they should be universal rights afforded to everyone, no matter their size.”

Given all of this, it’s no wonder, living in our current society, weight gain or simply embracing our body’s natural size can feel so difficult.  However, the solution to overcoming this is not to continue to give into this ridiculous standard by trying to make your body fit some idealized size, but help fight for justice and respect for bodies of all size.  

At the end of the day, our physical body is simply what carries us through this world and has nothing to do with our worth or value.  It’s time to shift the thinking away from the idea that the way our physical body looks should determine the amount of care, compassion and respect we deserve in this world.

I hope that helps give you a better understanding (or first introduction!) to this topic!  As always, if you have questions – feel free to comment below!

References: 

  • Bacon, L. & Aphramor, L. (2014). Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand About Weight. Dallas, TX. BenBella Books, p. 8-10.
  • Harrison, C. (2019). Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating.  Great Britain.  Yellow Kite
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disclaimer: the content that I share in this space should be used for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice and does not constitute a client/practitioner relationship.

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i’m cait, a registered dietitian and mom. i believe in a realistic approach to wellness. on this site you'll find easy recipes, nutrition content, motherhood tips and more! read more →

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hear me out. I know we've been taught to celebrat
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tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili
tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili this past week to make it meatless and it was 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ here’s how I did it:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 cup diced bell peppers (I used a mixture)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 tablespoons tomato paste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 1/2 cups veggie broth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 teaspoons chili powder (+/- as desired)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 teaspoon ground cumin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 teaspoon dried oregano⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1-2 sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2 inch cubes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Salt & pepper, to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2-4 tbsp. olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups cooked quinoa⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ place everything but the quinoa into a slow cooker & place on HIGH for 4 hours. Stir in cooked quinoa & add additional salt / pepper / spices to taste. top with your favorite toppings (I love cheese, avocado, yogurt & hot sauce).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ this chili is great right away (even better after a day to marinate in the fridge) and is an easy make-ahead meal you can enjoy all week!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #chilirecipe #vegetarianrecipe #vegetrianmeal #vegetarianmealprep #slowcooker #slowercookermeals #crockpotrecipes

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just to add a little perspective around the messag
just to add a little perspective around the messaging that’s out there telling us all how to “lose the COVID 15...”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ let's reframe the fear mongering language around weight gain during this pandemic as a sign of privilege. having enough, at a time where so many have lost so much, should be looked at as nothing but a positive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ our bodies are meant to shift and change with different seasons of life. using food as one way to cope with hard emotions is completely common and part of a peaceful relationship with food.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ we are in unprecedented times. seeking self-comfort and care in whatever way works for you is OKAY. having gained weight during this pandemic is OKAY and not something you need to be jumping to 'fix' or 'correct.' and most importantly, it's okay to reframe comfort eating to something you can be grateful for, a coping skill you have the privilege and opportunity to enjoy, rather than berating yourself for it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ sending everyone a great big virtual hug today 🤍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #antidietculture #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuitiveeating #nondietdietitian #youareenough #youareworthy

another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ this veggie sushi grain bowl takes all your favorite flavors from a veggie sushi roll and deconstructs it into an easy lunch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ finished off with an Asian ginger vinaigrette, it will definitely be a meal you make time and time again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ here’s what you need: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for the grain bowl:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups cooked rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 cup steamed shelled edamame⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups carrots, peeled & cut into ribbons (you can also shredded or thinly slice them)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 avocado, sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Optional: black sesame seeds⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for the dressing (recipe from all recipes):⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled & minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3/4 cup olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/3 cup soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 tablespoons honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/3 cup rice vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/4 cup water⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ full recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/veggie-sushi-grain-bowl/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianrecipe #vegetarianeats #vegetarianlunch #huffposttaste #thefeedfeed #f52community #lunchtoday


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