One of the most counterintuitive truths about fat acceptance: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Fat Acceptance Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of fat acceptance
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking fat acceptance is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging fat acceptance without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing fat acceptance to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for fat acceptance while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Fat Acceptance
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting fat acceptance, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Fat Acceptance
Many people find that when they stop fighting fat acceptance and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of fat acceptance is partly the struggle against it.