I have no misconceptions about my body. From the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep, I know I am fat. Even if I forget, after a few minutes I am reminded. Every activity, every sit, every time I move; I know I am fat.

However, some of you have some misconceptions.

1) I am fat because I have a hormone disorder. Could I eat healthier? Yes. Could I be more active? Yes. But will it make it be thin? No. I am on medication and it will be a long journey until I am healthy but diet and exercise unfortunately are not my cure.

2) Being fat does not mean that I don’t care about my worth or self. Maybe there is some psychological evidence the contrary but being fat does not mean I am unintelligent or messy or whatever personality trait you want to assign me. Sure, it makes me insecure but it doesn’t mean that I can’t be a functioning adult.

3) I am not Fat Katie. I have blue eyes. I have facial piercings. When referring to me, please do not use fat as a description. Unless I am missing or found dead, my weight shouldn’t be a part of your descriptions. There are many other traits that you can use to describe me. Don’t use a negative one just because it is the easiest you can see.

4) I have been discriminated against quite a bit in my life. Whether its been race or gender, there will always be someone to keep you down. For me, the past 8 years that I have been overweight have been the most tumultuous. Fat women are demonized. We are the lowest of the low. We get zero credit. The things I hear about fat women are horrible. That we are kinkier in bed because be have to make up for being hideous. The we are *insert compliment* for a fat person. Even men who want to date us are called “chubby chasers”. I have been called a “fat bitch” so many times it is crazy.

You don’t have to find me attractive. You don’t have to tell me I am beautiful. What you can do is respect me regardless of my physical appearance.

Thank you.