Interested in Fat Acceptance or Health at Every Size?

The Fat Acceptance Movement, sometimes referred to as the Size Acceptance Movement along with a new paradigm around weight called Health at Every Size promote equality and justice for everyone, including fat people. There is a way to a happier life, a greater sense of worthiness, improved health and the reclaiming of yourself as a valuable, complete person no matter what you weigh! That is what this group is about. Basically the movements state that being fat is not bad and anyone, at any size can improve their health. You can be fat and healthy. You can be thin and unhealthy. You can be unhealthy and fat. You can be healthy and thin. The point is that fat does not equal bad or wrong. The science shows that the negative effects of extra weight are misrepresented to support various agendas. Yet the data is ignored and the war on obesity and all the awful things that go with it are accepted as gospel. Not anymore.

There is a prejudice and a hatred of Fat people that is just as morally reprehensible as racism during the civil rights movement or the hate crimes against the queer community. Come find out more about what this is about and stop the insanity of dieting. Dieting doesn't work!!!

There will be a day when people who actively promote fat hatred will look back on their behavior and feel the same kind of shame and regret that the folks who spit on black teenagers as they were escorted by our military into desegregated schools feel today. Yes, it is that serious!

Sadly many fat people buy into this fat hatred and retreat inside of themselves never to reach out and connect with their rite to pursue happiness. You don't have to anymore. There is a place for you. Come join us.

I want this to be more of a space than a group: a space of safety to talk about issues facing the Fat/Size Acceptance Movement and the Heath at Every Size Movement and all subjects related to these topics.
This is not a weight loss group. By selecting "Weight Loss" within the Meetup structure, I could better spread the message of this group to as many people as possible who could benefit from it. This is a group about health and well being, and it does not encourage the loss of weight as a goal in and of itself. In fact, dieting is not a topic of discussion here. Doesn't that sound good for a change?

I'd like folks that are brand new to the Size Acceptance Community to have a place to talk to others about their newfound experiences. I'd like contributions and guidance from the more experienced folks of this movement.

There is a way to a happier life, a greater sense of worthiness, and the reclaiming of yourself as a valuable, complete person no matter what you weigh! That is what this group is about.

I am not looking for controversy, I am looking to create community around these issues - issues I feel very passionate about. I am looking to create community between the different segments of the Fat/Size Acceptance and Health at Every Size communities that can sometimes be in conflict. There are numerous facets of "Fat Acceptance," and different subgroups of the movement can disagree, despite a consistent attempt at uniformity throughout the movement. It is my hope to create opportunities for the inspiring and enlightening exchange of ideas around fat acceptance, whether or not everyone considers them "just right."

I plan to host in person Chewing the Fat Salons here is New York City. I also plan to host conference calls that will function like panel discussions or small salon discussions using conference call technology.

One other thing that I'd love to see happen is to link up with other fat people here in New York to find fun things to do together that involves healthy movement. Email me and let's get moving!!

Please check out our "about' pages, our calendar of events where you will also find a tab to ideas for future Chew the Fat Salons. If you have an idea for a topic, please post it there.

The format, general guidelines and terms of membership for the group may change at any time. I welcome thoughts and suggestions on these issues.

I can be contacted via the "contact organizer link" on the left side of the homepage.

Cheers,

Ivan