People come in all shapes and sizes, but unfortunately, that doesn’t stop others from judging them based on their appearance. In fact, one study found that 57% of adults had experienced some form of weight-related stigma, including discrimination or teasing.
One Threads user asked fat people to share the worst microaggressions they’ve faced, and they had plenty of stories to tell. From uncomfortable encounters at work to rude remarks at the grocery store or doctor’s office, their responses show just how insensitive others can be. Find them below.
#1
I saw a doctor about a minor back injury that required a couple weeks of PT. At my PT assessment, the therapist spotted my insulin pump.
Him: Is that an insulin pump?
Me: Yes.
Him: You’re pretty young to have developed type 2 diabetes.
Me: Really?
Him: Yeah, you should-
Me: I’m gonna stop you because you’ve showed me you don’t know enough to talk to me about this.
Him: …
Me: I’m a type 1. Did you assume I was type 2 because of my weight?
Him: …
Me: Do you have a manager?
Him: Is that an insulin pump?
Me: Yes.
Him: You’re pretty young to have developed type 2 diabetes.
Me: Really?
Him: Yeah, you should-
Me: I’m gonna stop you because you’ve showed me you don’t know enough to talk to me about this.
Him: …
Me: I’m a type 1. Did you assume I was type 2 because of my weight?
Him: …
Me: Do you have a manager?
29points
#2
Being told that I should go to the gym to get fit and healthy, but seeing posts of all the fit, healthy people making fun of big people at the gym. It's given me some serious gym anxiety. I don't wanna be in anyone's reels.
27points
#3
I had cancer and quickly lost over 100 pounds. Got told that I looked fantastic and to make sure I kept it off. I was literally sick, but ok.
26points
#4
Not so micro. Was still with my ex-h at the time, went to a walk-in to refill my long time meds. The doctor on duty insisted on taking my BP & weighing me for a routine refill, then asked me who I brought with me, I said "my husband"... he said, fully shocked, "Wow you're married? Good for you. He must really love you."
I didn't even have words.
I didn't even have words.
22points
#5
I was at the office and had the gall to say "I'm starving" and a grouchy male co-worker said "you don't look like it". If you're overweight, you're not allowed to say "I'm hungry".
21points
#6
A doctor told me I couldn't have a surgery until I lost 75lbs.
So I lost the weight.
That same doctor was flabbergasted. He refused the surgery because he never wanted to actually do it, no one had "managed to lose the weight befote" and he thought it would deter me.
So I lost the weight.
That same doctor was flabbergasted. He refused the surgery because he never wanted to actually do it, no one had "managed to lose the weight befote" and he thought it would deter me.
Report
20points
#7
The looks from everyone on the plane silently praying that I didn't sit next to them.
Report
18points
#8
Every time my mom wanted to say "You look nice" what she said instead was "Oh, it looks like you've lost weight!"
17points
#9
In a pilates class where the instructor started off the terrible experience by asking if I was pregnant - "wow! You're actually really strong and have great spinal mobility" yes Lexie I do pilates 5x a week and am literally a yoga teacher.
16points
#10
As a professional baker people love to say, “I can see you enjoy your job.” I don't eat cake for lunch, Karen.
15points
#11
That time a flight attendant very sweetly and cutely offered to move my (fit and handsome) husband to a "more comfortable" seat because I guess she thought our cuddling was just me being too fat for one seat? He was so confused and was like "I'd like to stay with my wife" and she was *flummoxed.*.
15points
#12
I had a manager say I'd be skinny if I didn't eat so much at work. At the time, I was powerlifting, and I was eating because I was hungry from all the workouts I was doing.
15points
#13
I lost 160 pounds. You don't realize how different people treat you.
People would avoid eye contact. But I lost a bunch of weight (I'm still considerably plus size) and suddenly they nod and say good morning, they smile in passing, and they open doors.
People would avoid eye contact. But I lost a bunch of weight (I'm still considerably plus size) and suddenly they nod and say good morning, they smile in passing, and they open doors.
15points
#14
People for some reason get upset when I look nice without reason…?They always ask me what I’m “all dressed up for”
I left my house Barbara. Just because you have to try to look nice doesn’t mean I put that much effort in.
I left my house Barbara. Just because you have to try to look nice doesn’t mean I put that much effort in.
14points
#15
Someone who lost weight giving you the clothes they can no longer fit and then asking “are you sure that’s your size?” Well first of all I don’t want nor did I ask for your clothes!
13points
#16
The day my stepfather passed, his neighbor came up to me and told me I needed to take this tea she had and use it to lose weight because I didn't want to be a burden on my loved ones. Like THE DAY. I had never spoken to this person in my life. Maybe that's not so micro after all.
12points
#17
Whenever I take my shirt off in front of my 4.5 year old, he'll run over to grab my gut with two hands and start shaking it yelling, "I'M THE JIGGLER!!!"
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12points
#18
My OB paperwork said I had pregnancy complications due to obesity and when I asked what the complications were they said they didn’t know???
11points
#19
This was just full on aggression but I worked in the bakery at a grocery store and some old lady asked me where the pumpkin pies were so I took her and she TOUCHED ME and said “don’t worry one day you’ll be able to lose the weight”.
11points