Anshula Kapoor gets candid about dealing with fatphobia as a kid: ‘People would think, Sakht baatein karoge toh isko shock milega’

“They think, just because you are teasing them and calling them fat, they will be like, Oh, I have to do something about it now. Look at what the world is saying. But it doesn’t work like that,” she added.

What is fatphobia?

Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist and existential therapist at That Culture Thing, shared that fatphobia refers to a bias where society discriminates against bigger-bodied people based on their size, and this prejudice and stigma are generally rooted in the belief that fatness is inherently negative and linked to poor health, lack of moral fibre, and ugliness. “Eventually, it leads to body shaming, passing judgment or criticism, resulting in body dysmorphia, which can take a toll on a child’s mental health while growing up,” she told indianexpress.com.

Body dysmorphia is a psychological condition where a person finds flaws with their body, which makes them uncomfortable in their physical appearance or in their own skin. “Constant negativity and body shaming may lead to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating,” explained Baruah, adding that obsessive and repetitive behaviours are a central part of the disorder.

Fatphobia refers to a bias where society discriminates against bigger-bodied people based on their size (Source: Freepik)

“Individuals with the disorder develop body-focused repetitive behaviours such as mirror checking. This happens in response to the preoccupations that they have with their appearances,” she mentioned.

For such people, developing a mindset that celebrates body positivity is crucial, to say the least. Societal biases often make self-acceptance challenging. Baruah said that it is natural to feel upset in such situations, and body positivity can remind you that your body doesn’t define your worth. “It can rebuild confidence with affirmations, but only when you’re ready. Forcing positivity can feel dismissive. Ultimately, both approaches encourage self-compassion and patience, helping you gradually accept yourself without letting societal judgments define you,” she added.

Quick strategies to handle criticism surrounding body image

“For those dealing with unwanted physical changes, the first and most important step is seeking medical treatment. A doctor can provide the right guidance, recommend treatments, and suggest lifestyle adjustments to manage the condition effectively. Medical expertise is key to addressing the physical aspect,” Baruah said.

For mental well-being, Baruah believes it is important to recognise that societal beauty standards are just outside noise. “Society often judges and ridicules anything that deviates from its narrow norms, but this has nothing to do with your worth as a person. Remind yourself that you are more than your appearance, and focus on nurturing your self-esteem and inner confidence,” she said.

Surrounding yourself with supportive environments and people who see your value beyond physical traits can help make the journey easy. “Engage in self-care practices that help you feel good, and remind yourself that this journey is about managing a condition, not about fitting into society’s unrealistic ideals. Accept yourself for who you are, and don’t let external judgments define your mental well-being,” Baruah said.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine

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