In a world obsessed with appearances, it is easy to overlook the deep-rooted biases that influence our perceptions of body image.
Thin privilege, a term gaining momentum, is a societal advantage that some individuals enjoy due to their lean physique.
This blog aims to provide education and knowledge about thin privilege while highlighting the profound impact it has on the lives of those struggling with eating disorders.
But this blog goes beyond just defining and discussing thin privilege. It extends an invitation to embrace the approach our team of dietitians takes at Anyone’s Journey to help clients on their journey to a positive relationship with food and body.
What is Thin Privilege?
Thin privilege is a term that has emerged within diet culture in discussion of body image, size and appearance.
It refers to the societal advantages and benefits that individuals who are perceived with a thin or average body size may experience at the expense of those who are considered overweight or obese.
This privilege stems from societal bias against people who do not conform to certain beauty standards, particularly related to weight and body size.
Examples
Here are some examples of how thin privilege may manifest:
- Career Opportunities: People who are perceived as thin may be more likely to be hired or promoted within certain industries such as media compared to counterparts.
- Healthcare Bias: Healthcare professionals may attribute health issues solely to a person’s weight. Thin individuals may receive more attentive or appropriate healthcare.
- Social Acceptance: Individuals who are lean may face fewer instances of teasing, bullying or discrimination. They may also receive more positive attention from peers or partners.
- Clothing Access: People who are perceived as thin often have an easier time finding clothing, whereas those with larger bodies may struggle to find fashionable and/or affordable options.
- Travel: Some public spaces like airplanes or public transportation may have more accommodating seating for thinner individuals.
The Impact of Thin Privilege
Thin privilege can have a profound impact on the lives of all individuals, regardless of body size. However, individuals struggling with an eating disorder can be especially influenced.
The constant reminder of thin privilege in everyday life through media, social interactions and even within the healthcare system, can magnify struggles for these individuals.
The belief that being thin equates to being more valuable or deserving can be a powerful obstacle on the path to recovery. Thin privilege can lead to the relentless pursuit of an idealized thin body.
From compulsive exercise, restrictive eating patterns or other extreme attempts to alter one’s body weight, many behaviors can surface as a result of thin privilege.
How Thin Privilege Can Affect Treatment
Finding treatment to develop a healthier relationship with food and body is essential for any individual struggling with an eating disorder.
However, when healthcare providers, therapists or clinicians are unconsciously influenced by societal biases that favor thinner bodies, it can result in misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Recognizing and addressing thin privilege within eating disorder treatment is imperative to ensure all individuals, regardless of their body size, receive compassionate and effective care.
At Anyone’s Journey, we work alongside our clients to help fact-check beliefs around body image that may or may not be accurate.
We provide reliable information based on research while also encouraging each client to build their own health philosophy based on facts. All of our dietitians strive to provide individualized and compassionate care.
Our team of registered dietitians is trained to help our clients recognize the impact of thin privilege then challenge the feelings and emotions related to these biases.
We hold clients accountable as they work to break down barriers and form a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
Patient Empowerment
We believe that compassionate care promotes our clients to practice kindness toward their bodies while countering the negative self-talk often associated with eating disorders.
Starting with education and understanding the concept of thin privilege is fundamental. It allows individuals to recognize biases that thinner individuals may have certain advantages before deconstructing the myths.
We also have a focus on building resilience, self-esteem and emphasizing that worthiness is not determined by body size.
We don’t believe in shaming, judging or pressuring our clients to make changes. Everyone has a unique history with food and body image. That history along with personality and lifestyle should all play a part in treatment and recovery.
Ways to Challenge Thin Privilege
In addition to finding an inclusive healthcare team, we want to leave you with a few strategies that can further dismantle thin privilege:
- Raise Awareness: Continue to educate yourself and others on the concept of thin privilege. This blog is a great resource to share with friends and family to address this issue.
- Challenge Biases: Speak up when you encounter biases related to body size. This can happen in a variety of conversations. Also, recognize your own biases around body weight.
- Promote Body Positivity: Embrace and promote body positivity by changing your own attitudes toward your body and supporting others in doing the same.
- Advocate for Inclusivity: Advocate for greater inclusivity in fashion, media or other industries that have narrow beauty standards.
- Encourage Self-Care: Encourage self-care practices that prioritize mental and emotional well-being over appearance. Encourage loved ones to engage in behaviors that do not focus solely on weight or body image.
By embracing these strategies and taking the steps to implement in daily life, you can contribute to a more compassionate society for people of all body types.
All Eating Disorders Require a Personalized Approach
The information shared in this blog is meant for educational purposes and to help you gain a better understanding on the complexity of thin privilege. It is critical to remember that every eating disorder is different and requires an individualized approach.
Anyone’s Journey specializes in eating disorders and disordered eating with the approach that short strides result in long term possibilities. Our clinicians are also experienced in helping individuals that desire lifestyle modification or are navigating chronic diseases.
It is never too early, nor too late, to seek guidance on how to help someone with an eating disorder. Contact us by calling 612-638-2778, emailing contact@anyonesjourney.com or completing our New Client Form below.