In my job as a fat activist, people like to fling links at me that they think disprove the things I am saying. 

When the planets align in just the right way and the whim strikes me, I’ll dig into their links and see if there’s anything there. I haven’t been flung a worthwhile one yet, but I’m open to new experiences. And I want to teach you how to do it too so you can have a better idea of how to sort out the good information from the bad. 

Thank you to NEDA Network member Breaking the Chains Foundation for sponsoring this blog post.

Dumplin’, a new Netflix film based on the YA novel by the fabulous Julie Murphy, was released earlier this month and has since warmed its way into our hearts and homes.

At the NEDA Annual Gala on May 16th, 2018 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, Becca McCharen Tran of CHROMAT accepted the NEDA Inspires Seal of Approval Award. Her remarks that evening were powerful and we'd like to share them with you here...

Thank you so much Emme for your kind words. I’m so honored to be here with the other honorees Bruce and Mike.

Imagine you take one of those vibrating back-massagers (the kind that look like little plastic squid creatures you might find at a CVS) and place it on the back of your head. Then, use duct tape to secure the massager to your head by wrapping the tape around your jaw - kind of like a birthday party hat. Go ahead and turn the device on.

Citing rising “childhood obesity rates,” Fitbit is set to launch the Fitbit Ace this spring, a device meant for children. The $100 device will allow kids eight and older to track their steps, along with “an occasional reminder to get off the couch.”

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is proud to announce its fifth annual Feeding Hope Fund for Clinical Research grant recipients. Aiming to close the gap in the severely underfunded field of eating disorders (ED) research & treatment, NEDA has awarded $1.3 million to date. Funding for ED research is severely lacking despite having the highest mortality rate of any mental illness but, with these grants, NEDA is making progress towards the advancement of treatment options and prevention projects. 

As a dancer, I am acutely aware of the comments that are thrown my way regarding dancers and weight. While these comments no longer faze me, as they seem to have unfortunately become a norm, they are still disheartening to hear because they are unnecessary. And that’s just it: these comments are made simply for no reason other than to make a joke at the expense of someone else, and to jump to conclusions about the generalized size and lifestyle. 

This past Saturday, the women of SNL united for “Welcome to Hell,” a catchy, candy-colored music video that serves to remind everyone that sexual harassment and abusive behavior toward women has been going on for a very, very, very, long time.

It’s no secret that advertisers are not always the most reliable when it comes to portraying realistic bodies. However, sometimes a company does get it right and launches a campaign centered on ensuring that very thing happens.