Life is easier when you are fit to do the things you want to do. People are getting bigger, especially during lockdown. It is not because they were meant to be big, but because calorie dense temptations are literally at every corner. When a person becomes too big to get what they truly want out of life, that's when they need to say no to stuff. They can either say no to the calorie dense temptation or they can say no to being able to buy clothes in their size in regular stores. I get that it is not an easy choice! But it IS a choice. Telling people that their only choice is between accepting to be oppressed or accepting to lose their soul is a depressing and hurtful message. I agree that happiness isn't about achieving thinness or high status. Happiness is about the process of overcoming the obstacles you wish to overcome, whatever that may be to you. I also agree that diets don't work. But eating a daily calorie intake of 2000-2500 will work in the long run. Eventually the body will adapt and will help in maintaining this level on its own. That is not a 'diet'. But it is a conscious life choice. As with many other things we all need to work within a budget. Money, time and space are resources that can be depleted if not held in check. Calorie intake is the same. If you spend more money than you have, you will be in dept. If you eat more than you need, you will gain weight. You could say, that people who from a young age have learned to maintain their calorie intake, have a certain privilege over those who did not learn about it. I would say, they have a different starting point. We are all adults and able to make decisions about what to eat and how much. Information is readily available to anyone wanting to make better decisions. We are a privileged nation in so far as it is OK to blame skinny people for the consequences of how the rest eat more than they need.
Hi! The research actually shows that there are ZERO safe and sustainable (ie: lasting more than 2 years) ways to lose weight for the vast majority of people, and there is a LOT of evidence-based research demonstrating how restricting calories leads to worse health and weight increases long term. So it's definitely not true that it will "work in the long run," or that this is an issue of "good decision making." I recommend the book Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison to learn more about that!
Look, I'm sorry, I'm trying to work out what thin privelige is but all I'm seeing are things like this. This is a great video and I'm happy that you're voicing your opinion and I do think there's some basis to thin privelige when it comes to treatment from healthcare professionals but apart from that this is a very flawed argument. If you're poor and you get rich that isn't just about working hard, it takes luck and skill and you have to be able to play capitalism. If you work 24/7 365 and start from nothing there's no guarantee you'll get anywhere. But that doesn't apply to weight loss because weight loss is literally just biology, it's an equation, not a gamble, it's 99.9% calories in calories out. The reason why people fail diets is because they do fad diets, or they don't set their diet out properly because they don't understand how weight loss works (the weight loss industry pushes an idea that weight loss is a magic rather than a science because then they can sell people shit they don't need). A proper diet doesn't require much willpower or motivation, it just requires an understanding of the CiCo equation and of human willpower and how it's pretty useless when it comes to high calorie foods. The idea that the 95% is genetic is literally just a lie and there's no way that you don't know that. That's really harmful information because it propogates the idea that weight loss is unachievable when it is for pretty much everyone.
I hope I haven't came off as rude, I do truly want to understand this but I'm seeing so many people who just don't understand how weight loss works at a fundamental level. It isn't magic, it isn't complicated, it's biochemistry.
Hello Jessi. I am a little confused about the use of the term “thin privilege’, and skeptical whether this term should be used by scientists and professionals in the wellness - fitness industry. I myself, don’t and would not use this term, mostly because I don’t understand it (though it might happen because English is not my native language). Can we please try to define a range of who is falling I that privileged category? Make an official definition? Since the word “thin” is crucial in the term I would reasonably assume that weight is the basic criteria for the definition, Do you or the people that use that term have a range in mind? Though I totally agree that every body is different, and BMI is very generic, for the shake of the dialog, let’s try to use it, just to define the range of “thinness” in which someone falls in the category of having a “thin privilege”. I am suspecting that we are including the categories or underweight and normal, or low ranges of normal? I am open to other suggestions. What do we mean when suggesting that it is someone’s privilege to be thin? Are we referring to the situations where genetics play a huge (the critical) role in the outcome of the number on the scale either big or small, and if so, from your expertise how often does that happen (no matter the quantity -quality of the food)? Isn’t in the most circumstances the food choices and general attitude towards feeding the most critical parameter to define someone’s weight, while genetics assist? Are we referring to the fact that some people may live in an environment that might not have ‘healthy’ options handy (like affordable grocery stores)? I thought that the word privilege can be used when someone has some characteristics or features gifted by nature or granded without much effort, that put him in a place of advantage or offer him conveniences in life. Such as, being born in a wealthy family being born in a wealthy country, being physically beautiful, smart, having good natural body structure, being born healthy, without disabilities etc. I do understand that some features that a person may accomplish by hard work may be supported by some privileges also, like “I have worked my ass off to have a great job or great education, while having the privilege of being in a family that supported me financially and emotionally to fulfill this goal”. Yes, I realize that there are a lot of times where one’s achievements come as result of a combination of privileges and hard work (even cheat sometimes, I don’t know). From your expertise do you believe that being “thin” or “lean” is something that is critically accomplished by being in a naturally privileged condition (no matter the quantity -quality of the food they put in their mouth and habits towards food)? As a woman myself, quite over forty, with the privileges; of living in a European country (the poorest though), being able to have a decent education and job, access to fresh “whole” foods (not cheap), decent body structure, I make constant effort in keeping my body in shape. I do take calories into consideration; I try to make healthy food choices and I work out. Doing so, I do restrict some foods (I mean… I do feel that sugar and chocolate taste awesome …it would a total privilege if I thought otherwise), spend more time in the kitchen to prepare and cook food (time I could invest in family, friends, sleep or even watching your videos), spend more money in groceries in whole foods than choosing ultra-processed (money I could use in investments, family, clothes etc…) I get to go more often in groceries than if I ate more ultra-processed convenient food (with costs time…etc), I go to the gym three times a week though I am not really a huge fan. I can’t describe my whole life in a small paragraph on a comment…but I guess you get the picture. Yet, I don’t feel that being thin is a privilege for me. I feel is a choice that comes with some cost (which I guess I chose to pay). Don’t I represent the mean of the thin western women of my age, or usually thinness comes more “naturally”? When we use the term “thin privilege” are we referring to a category of people more privileged than me? Are we referring to a western woman in her forties that for some genetic reasons feeds herself in pasta, pizza and ice cream, sitting on the couch everyday watching tv, having drinks with friends every night and yet being 50kg with a six pack? Is that even a thing? Do we use the term “thin privilege” meaning that “being thin makes you able to take advantage of the societies’ designs easily, than being severely obese”? Like being able to use a toilet in an airplane? Sitting without inconvenience in a chair with arm stands? Crossing over very small hotel corridors? Using a single airplane seat without inconvenience? I am sorry in advance to put in the dialog such specific examples… but most of us have definitely heard them. If that is so… well you do realize that every design has quite a huge spectrum of tolerances. Almost no one designs for “thins” but for the norm (we are not talking about Victoria’s Secret smallest and sexiest ever, underwear, are we?). My overweight husband has no problem whatsoever to use any facility. Yet, he is not thin. Is he considered “thin privileged”? In what spectrum of obesity are these inconveniences take place? Are these inconveniences a result of “thin privilege”, fat-phobic design, or a consequence of morbid obesity? Do we use the term “thin privilege” meaning that “thins” gets societies’ acceptance as a person? My overweight husband has no problem whatsoever getting accepted in the society, friends, family, strangers, jobs etc. To be clear, I don’t think that being severely obese gives reason to being bullied in the street, or playing a role in a job interview maybe (we are not talking about Victoria’s Secret catwalk position, for the smallest underwear ever collection, are we?”). But… you know how it is… jerks are everywhere, it is a matter of education. The other day I was called “old goat…MOVEEEE” by someone in a traffic light and it wasn’t nice. What can you do about it? I understand that with morbid obesity may come “unfair judgement” but that happens to every edge of any spectrum someone can find himself in. Extreme use of alcohol, extreme stylistic choices, extreme make up, extreme body tattooing, extreme bad language use, extreme plastic surgeries etc. There are also cases where one can have genetic dysmorphia, or dysmorphias that caused by accidents, and might receive inconvenient comments. Are we justifying toxic comments against anyone? HELL NO!!! But lets face it… toxic people are everywhere. Being outside the norm may cause inconveniences. But, the norm is not something I invented, statistics DO exist and is a great scientific tool. The norm, regarding weight, is not a certain number. It has great tolerance that leaves some kind of freedom to people to choose their optimum balance of food restriction-food choices-diet-workout-snack habits-eating habits in general - sleep habits-weight goal. And this spectrum of the “norms” does not include only “Kate Moss - thin figures”. I do receive some comments from time to time, regarding the food I put on my plate at a family gathering or party, like “common girl, eat a slice of pizza or cake, its not poison!! Are you still on a diet, jesus!!”, that are unnecessary for a lot of reasons. Yet, it all really comes to how I handle it, and my choices. In conclusion I feel that the term “thin privilege” is very poetically licensed, yet it seems to me that it is recently used, as…a scientific term.. as a profound truth almost. It feels like the use of the term suites activists best and I’ m not sure it should be used by the scientific community. Being thin is not a privilege, it’s (in most cases) a choice. “Thins” are not exclusively enjoy privileges regarding design in utilities, the norm does (which includes people in underweight, normal and most of the times, overweight BMI). “Thins” way indeed enjoy some “privileges” regarding society acceptance while severe underweight or morbid obese people don’t. Yet, the term “privilege” is not exactly what I feel describes the issue best. I would most likely describe it as a ’consequence of their condition”. Bulling, harassment, toxic comments are never justified. What is the crossline, from your point of view, between someone’s being in a condition of privilege or being in a condition of facing the consequences of his choices and way of living, when at the end.. it all comes to attitude towards food (genetically assisted)?
This should be required viewing for everyone living in a straight-size "average" body and those pursuing closer proximity to the thin ideal. Great explanation and nuanced understanding of thin privilege--it really is invisible to those of us who have it and it's so important to understand that in order for one group to have privilege, another group(s) must be oppressed. I will be sharing this video far and wide! Thank you Jessi!
Yes I agree with body diversity however there is a limit the for human skeleton. After a certain point health does become a critical issue. If you get winded upon waking something is severely wrong. I don't think people should be shamed or made a target. Though I also don't want to see people suffering and in pain, and not able to walk with their families and enjoy life the way a human should able to.
If you get winded you can work on improving your cardio, endurance, and/or strength, without weight ever needing to play a role! And likewise someone in pain can work to improve mobility and strength without weight needing to play a role. Some people will lose weight when they improve those things, others won’t, which is why focusing on the behaviors and the improvements is so much more useful than focusing on weight.
@@JessiKneeland but if you're 300, 400 pounds walking is painful doing anything is paiful, your joints won't feel better until a significant amount of that weight comes off.
@@JessiKneeland and I'm not saying to drop unhealthy amounts rapidly. Just enough to get you to the point were your ankles and knees don't go through murder with every step.
@@JessiKneeland I'm not interested in that. You're definitely reading it wrong. I'm hoping that more people want change their life style enough not to won't wake up and have to walk around in pain everyday.
Thank you so much for these videos, your Instagram account and everything you do. I found you through your Ted Talk a couple of days ago and I'm so moved by what you preach and stand for. I have a question, I'd be really interested to hear your answer, either by comment or in a video form. Can purposefully changing your body, if it's done in a healthy or non-harmful way, ever be done as an act of self love and self care and out of the need to improve yourself? Is any kind of intentional weight loss, weight gain, muscle building etc always inherently trying to be something you're not as you say, or can it be just working on a better version of yourself? Thanks.
This is great. You are clear and concise. I wish I'd had this level of understanding when I was working in the fitness industry. Thank you for doing this.
Brought me back to my days a sociology major! I thought it was a good discussion/defense of the term "thin privilege" and the way the interplay between genetics and training/diet.
Life is easier when you are fit to do the things you want to do. People are getting bigger, especially during lockdown. It is not because they were meant to be big, but because calorie dense temptations are literally at every corner. When a person becomes too big to get what they truly want out of life, that's when they need to say no to stuff. They can either say no to the calorie dense temptation or they can say no to being able to buy clothes in their size in regular stores. I get that it is not an easy choice! But it IS a choice. Telling people that their only choice is between accepting to be oppressed or accepting to lose their soul is a depressing and hurtful message. I agree that happiness isn't about achieving thinness or high status. Happiness is about the process of overcoming the obstacles you wish to overcome, whatever that may be to you. I also agree that diets don't work. But eating a daily calorie intake of 2000-2500 will work in the long run. Eventually the body will adapt and will help in maintaining this level on its own. That is not a 'diet'. But it is a conscious life choice. As with many other things we all need to work within a budget. Money, time and space are resources that can be depleted if not held in check. Calorie intake is the same. If you spend more money than you have, you will be in dept. If you eat more than you need, you will gain weight. You could say, that people who from a young age have learned to maintain their calorie intake, have a certain privilege over those who did not learn about it. I would say, they have a different starting point. We are all adults and able to make decisions about what to eat and how much. Information is readily available to anyone wanting to make better decisions. We are a privileged nation in so far as it is OK to blame skinny people for the consequences of how the rest eat more than they need.
Hi! The research actually shows that there are ZERO safe and sustainable (ie: lasting more than 2 years) ways to lose weight for the vast majority of people, and there is a LOT of evidence-based research demonstrating how restricting calories leads to worse health and weight increases long term. So it's definitely not true that it will "work in the long run," or that this is an issue of "good decision making." I recommend the book Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison to learn more about that!
Look, I'm sorry, I'm trying to work out what thin privelige is but all I'm seeing are things like this.
This is a great video and I'm happy that you're voicing your opinion and I do think there's some basis to thin privelige when it comes to treatment from healthcare professionals but apart from that this is a very flawed argument.
If you're poor and you get rich that isn't just about working hard, it takes luck and skill and you have to be able to play capitalism. If you work 24/7 365 and start from nothing there's no guarantee you'll get anywhere. But that doesn't apply to weight loss because weight loss is literally just biology, it's an equation, not a gamble, it's 99.9% calories in calories out.
The reason why people fail diets is because they do fad diets, or they don't set their diet out properly because they don't understand how weight loss works (the weight loss industry pushes an idea that weight loss is a magic rather than a science because then they can sell people shit they don't need).
A proper diet doesn't require much willpower or motivation, it just requires an understanding of the CiCo equation and of human willpower and how it's pretty useless when it comes to high calorie foods.
The idea that the 95% is genetic is literally just a lie and there's no way that you don't know that. That's really harmful information because it propogates the idea that weight loss is unachievable when it is for pretty much everyone.
I hope I haven't came off as rude, I do truly want to understand this but I'm seeing so many people who just don't understand how weight loss works at a fundamental level. It isn't magic, it isn't complicated, it's biochemistry.
@@Red_Schuhart Ty so much for your inquiry! I recommend the book, "Anti-Diet" and this will answer all of your questions!
Hello Jessi. I am a little confused about the use of the term “thin privilege’, and skeptical whether this term should be used by scientists and professionals in the wellness - fitness industry. I myself, don’t and would not use this term, mostly because I don’t understand it (though it might happen because English is not my native language).
Can we please try to define a range of who is falling I that privileged category? Make an official definition? Since the word “thin” is crucial in the term I would reasonably assume that weight is the basic criteria for the definition, Do you or the people that use that term have a range in mind? Though I totally agree that every body is different, and BMI is very generic, for the shake of the dialog, let’s try to use it, just to define the range of “thinness” in which someone falls in the category of having a “thin privilege”. I am suspecting that we are including the categories or underweight and normal, or low ranges of normal? I am open to other suggestions.
What do we mean when suggesting that it is someone’s privilege to be thin? Are we referring to the situations where genetics play a huge (the critical) role in the outcome of the number on the scale either big or small, and if so, from your expertise how often does that happen (no matter the quantity -quality of the food)? Isn’t in the most circumstances the food choices and general attitude towards feeding the most critical parameter to define someone’s weight, while genetics assist? Are we referring to the fact that some people may live in an environment that might not have ‘healthy’ options handy (like affordable grocery stores)?
I thought that the word privilege can be used when someone has some characteristics or features gifted by nature or granded without much effort, that put him in a place of advantage or offer him conveniences in life. Such as, being born in a wealthy family being born in a wealthy country, being physically beautiful, smart, having good natural body structure, being born healthy, without disabilities etc. I do understand that some features that a person may accomplish by hard work may be supported by some privileges also, like “I have worked my ass off to have a great job or great education, while having the privilege of being in a family that supported me financially and emotionally to fulfill this goal”. Yes, I realize that there are a lot of times where one’s achievements come as result of a combination of privileges and hard work (even cheat sometimes, I don’t know). From your expertise do you believe that being “thin” or “lean” is something that is critically accomplished by being in a naturally privileged condition (no matter the quantity -quality of the food they put in their mouth and habits towards food)?
As a woman myself, quite over forty, with the privileges; of living in a European country (the poorest though), being able to have a decent education and job, access to fresh “whole” foods (not cheap), decent body structure, I make constant effort in keeping my body in shape. I do take calories into consideration; I try to make healthy food choices and I work out. Doing so, I do restrict some foods (I mean… I do feel that sugar and chocolate taste awesome …it would a total privilege if I thought otherwise), spend more time in the kitchen to prepare and cook food (time I could invest in family, friends, sleep or even watching your videos), spend more money in groceries in whole foods than choosing ultra-processed (money I could use in investments, family, clothes etc…) I get to go more often in groceries than if I ate more ultra-processed convenient food (with costs time…etc), I go to the gym three times a week though I am not really a huge fan. I can’t describe my whole life in a small paragraph on a comment…but I guess you get the picture. Yet, I don’t feel that being thin is a privilege for me. I feel is a choice that comes with some cost (which I guess I chose to pay).
Don’t I represent the mean of the thin western women of my age, or usually thinness comes more “naturally”? When we use the term “thin privilege” are we referring to a category of people more privileged than me? Are we referring to a western woman in her forties that for some genetic reasons feeds herself in pasta, pizza and ice cream, sitting on the couch everyday watching tv, having drinks with friends every night and yet being 50kg with a six pack? Is that even a thing?
Do we use the term “thin privilege” meaning that “being thin makes you able to take advantage of the societies’ designs easily, than being severely obese”? Like being able to use a toilet in an airplane? Sitting without inconvenience in a chair with arm stands? Crossing over very small hotel corridors? Using a single airplane seat without inconvenience? I am sorry in advance to put in the dialog such specific examples… but most of us have definitely heard them.
If that is so… well you do realize that every design has quite a huge spectrum of tolerances. Almost no one designs for “thins” but for the norm (we are not talking about Victoria’s Secret smallest and sexiest ever, underwear, are we?). My overweight husband has no problem whatsoever to use any facility. Yet, he is not thin. Is he considered “thin privileged”? In what spectrum of obesity are these inconveniences take place? Are these inconveniences a result of “thin privilege”, fat-phobic design, or a consequence of morbid obesity?
Do we use the term “thin privilege” meaning that “thins” gets societies’ acceptance as a person? My overweight husband has no problem whatsoever getting accepted in the society, friends, family, strangers, jobs etc. To be clear, I don’t think that being severely obese gives reason to being bullied in the street, or playing a role in a job interview maybe (we are not talking about Victoria’s Secret catwalk position, for the smallest underwear ever collection, are we?”). But… you know how it is… jerks are everywhere, it is a matter of education. The other day I was called “old goat…MOVEEEE” by someone in a traffic light and it wasn’t nice. What can you do about it?
I understand that with morbid obesity may come “unfair judgement” but that happens to every edge of any spectrum someone can find himself in. Extreme use of alcohol, extreme stylistic choices, extreme make up, extreme body tattooing, extreme bad language use, extreme plastic surgeries etc. There are also cases where one can have genetic dysmorphia, or dysmorphias that caused by accidents, and might receive inconvenient comments. Are we justifying toxic comments against anyone? HELL NO!!! But lets face it… toxic people are everywhere.
Being outside the norm may cause inconveniences. But, the norm is not something I invented, statistics DO exist and is a great scientific tool. The norm, regarding weight, is not a certain number. It has great tolerance that leaves some kind of freedom to people to choose their optimum balance of food restriction-food choices-diet-workout-snack habits-eating habits in general - sleep habits-weight goal. And this spectrum of the “norms” does not include only “Kate Moss - thin figures”.
I do receive some comments from time to time, regarding the food I put on my plate at a family gathering or party, like “common girl, eat a slice of pizza or cake, its not poison!! Are you still on a diet, jesus!!”, that are unnecessary for a lot of reasons. Yet, it all really comes to how I handle it, and my choices.
In conclusion I feel that the term “thin privilege” is very poetically licensed, yet it seems to me that it is recently used, as…a scientific term.. as a profound truth almost. It feels like the use of the term suites activists best and I’ m not sure it should be used by the scientific community. Being thin is not a privilege, it’s (in most cases) a choice. “Thins” are not exclusively enjoy privileges regarding design in utilities, the norm does (which includes people in underweight, normal and most of the times, overweight BMI). “Thins” way indeed enjoy some “privileges” regarding society acceptance while severe underweight or morbid obese people don’t. Yet, the term “privilege” is not exactly what I feel describes the issue best. I would most likely describe it as a ’consequence of their condition”. Bulling, harassment, toxic comments are never justified.
What is the crossline, from your point of view, between someone’s being in a condition of privilege or being in a condition of facing the consequences of his choices and way of living, when at the end.. it all comes to attitude towards food (genetically assisted)?
Oh wow - that's a lot to digest. Why don't you check out my book BODY NEUTRAL for the nuance behind body neutrality! Thanks for stopping by!
This should be required viewing for everyone living in a straight-size "average" body and those pursuing closer proximity to the thin ideal. Great explanation and nuanced understanding of thin privilege--it really is invisible to those of us who have it and it's so important to understand that in order for one group to have privilege, another group(s) must be oppressed. I will be sharing this video far and wide! Thank you Jessi!
Hell yes, thank you!!
Yes I agree with body diversity however there is a limit the for human skeleton. After a certain point health does become a critical issue. If you get winded upon waking something is severely wrong. I don't think people should be shamed or made a target. Though I also don't want to see people suffering and in pain, and not able to walk with their families and enjoy life the way a human should able to.
If you get winded you can work on improving your cardio, endurance, and/or strength, without weight ever needing to play a role! And likewise someone in pain can work to improve mobility and strength without weight needing to play a role. Some people will lose weight when they improve those things, others won’t, which is why focusing on the behaviors and the improvements is so much more useful than focusing on weight.
@@JessiKneeland but if you're 300, 400 pounds walking is painful doing anything is paiful, your joints won't feel better until a significant amount of that weight comes off.
@@JessiKneeland and I'm not saying to drop unhealthy amounts rapidly. Just enough to get you to the point were your ankles and knees don't go through murder with every step.
@@stephylynnpatch You seem really interested in other peoples' body weight. Why do you think that might be?
@@JessiKneeland I'm not interested in that. You're definitely reading it wrong. I'm hoping that more people want change their life style enough not to won't wake up and have to walk around in pain everyday.
Thank you so much for these videos, your Instagram account and everything you do. I found you through your Ted Talk a couple of days ago and I'm so moved by what you preach and stand for. I have a question, I'd be really interested to hear your answer, either by comment or in a video form. Can purposefully changing your body, if it's done in a healthy or non-harmful way, ever be done as an act of self love and self care and out of the need to improve yourself? Is any kind of intentional weight loss, weight gain, muscle building etc always inherently trying to be something you're not as you say, or can it be just working on a better version of yourself? Thanks.
This is great. You are clear and concise. I wish I'd had this level of understanding when I was working in the fitness industry. Thank you for doing this.
You're so welcome!!
Brought me back to my days a sociology major! I thought it was a good discussion/defense of the term "thin privilege" and the way the interplay between genetics and training/diet.
Glad to hear it!!
🤦🏻♀️ i guess people who are starving in third world countries are privilege for not having enough food to be tempted with 🤷🏻♀️
I am so very sorry you experienced that. I appreciate you sharing, and I hope you've gotten the support you need to heal and recover.
What if what you are identifying as "thin privilege" is just the limit to so-called white supremacy.
~ Sincerely,
Thin Black Woman
Absolutely. They're all connected, and thin supremacy is rooted in white supremacy for sure.