David Sirota recently wrote this article in Salon.com about, among other things, how the inclusion of fat men in ad campaigns for Weight Watchers is a welcome change in the sexist demand that women must be thin but men can be fat.

The response I posted to Mr. Sirota:
I agree with Sirota’s condemnation on the double standard re: men can be fat and women can’t. But, despite Mr. Sirota’s good intentions at leveling the playing field, he is still playing into the hands of the mainstream media that perpetuates a culture that creates and sustains eating disorders. When the camera lens shifts from how fat or thin we are, to whom we are and how healthy we are, only then will this issue be resolved. For anyone that doubts that fat people can be healthy and thin people can be unhealthy, please read Dr. Linda Bacon’s book, Health at Every Size. Yes I know her last name is ironic considering the topic!  Also check out the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). The focus needs to be shifted to size/self acceptance and not ridicule, shame, and who is privileged and who isn’t.
Warmly, Dr. Deah Schwartz

Dr. Deah Schwartz has more than 20 years experience using therapeutic arts, music, drama and recreation activities in a variety of clinical and educational settings with clients ranging in age from 5 to 80+. She has a Doctorate in Education, a BA in Theater, an MS in Therapeutic Recreation, and an MA in Creative Arts Education and is a Nationally Certified Recreation Therapist. This background, coupled with her fervent belief in size acceptance, has led to her passionate involvement in the “Leftovers Workbook/DVD set,” that helps people make peace with their bodies. She is also a co-author and original cast member of “Leftovers: The Ups and Downs of a Compulsive Eater,” and a co-founder of Education Through Therapeutic Arts (ETTA).

Her inspirational and thought-provoking posts are syndicated with permission on More of Me to Love from her blog, Tasty Morsels.