BBC World Service Online

The Why Factor

Documentaries

Factual

The Why Factor  logo

The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions

The Why Factor: Fattism

Fattism

11/03/2019 GMT

BBC World Service - The Why Factor, Fattism

Why is it OK to be anti-fat? Where do our anti fat attitudes come from and what it feels like to be on the receiving end of society’s prejudice?

We are told obesity is on the rise - globally. But if you think about it, how often do you see an obese chief executive, or tech entrepreneur, or politician even? Especially a female one. Perhaps the reason is because society discriminates against fat people.

In this Why Factor we explore why it is OK to be anti-fat, where that attitude comes from, and what it feels like to be on the receiving end of society’s prejudice.  

Producer: Gemma Newby

(Photo: A woman and a man sit together. Credit: Getty Images)

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Why Factor

Fattism

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service