“Why Calling Someone Fat is Hurtful: A Lesson in Body Acceptance from Allison Kimmey”
Allison Kimmey, a woman in her thirties, had a powerful response when her daughter called her “fat” while leaving the pool. Her words quickly went viral online, inspiring others to embrace body acceptance.
As a teenager, Allison began dieting and struggled with her weight until she reached a size eight at age 27. To stay inspired, she created the Instagram account @allisonkimmey to promote body positivity.
During the incident at the pool, Allison explained to her daughter and son that everyone has fat, but it doesn’t define them as a person. She emphasized that people of all sizes and shapes deserve respect and kindness.
Allison’s message has resonated with millions of people online and serves as a reminder that body shaming is hurtful and unnecessary.
Allison took her kids, a son and a girl, swimming not too long ago. Allison’s daughter was upset and called her fat when it was time to leave. Allison writes on Instagram about what happened:
Me: “What did you say about me?
Her: “I said you were fat, mama. I’m sorry.”
Me: “Let’s talk about it. The truth is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It’s not something you can BE. But I do HAVE fat. We ALL have fat. It protects our muscles and our bones and keeps our bodies going by providing us energy. Do you have fat? ”
Her: “Yes! I have some here on my tummy.”
Me: “That’s right! So do I and so does your brother! ”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I just have muscles.”
Me: “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts.”
Her brother: “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.”
Me: “Yes, that’s true. Some people have a lot, and others don’t have very much. But that doesn’t mean that one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “So can you repeat what I said?
Them: “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t be just fat, but everyone HAS fat and it’s okay to have different fat.”
Me: “Exactly right!”
Allison felt it was vitally important to instill in her children the belief that people of all sizes and shapes should be treated with respect and kindness. Now her Instagram photo has been shared millions of times.
“If I shame my children for saying it then I am proving that it is an insulting word and I continue the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical and undesirable,” writes Allison.
What an inspiring woman! We need to be better at encouraging each other instead of judging each other on how we look on the outside. Share if you agree!