I Am Fat - How to Be Confident and Love Your Body at Any Size | Victoria Welsby | TEDxStanleyPark

Last year Americans spent $66 billion dollars on trying to become thinner. What if we spent less time, money and energy on the pursuit of thinness and instead focused on the things that actually matter? What if we could learn to love our bodies exactly as they are today? Fat, thin, tall, short, mullet sporting or leopard print thong wearing; we are all worth and fabulous. Victoria is a body image activist, confidence expert and Adjunct Professor at UBC. She went from being homeless, abused with self-esteem that was achingly low into the courageous fat activist and change maker she is today. Victoria helps people fall in love with themselves and is dedicated to changing the way society views fat bodies. You can connect with her here:
Website: www.bampowlife.com
Instagram: @bampowlife
Facebook: @bampowlife
Twitter: @bampowlife
KZbin: @bampowlife
Email: [e-mail] This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@CITY_spock]

"You do not have to be thin or healthy to be a worthy human being." Absolutely fab statement.

[@mohit5709]

the only thing shes gonna be is patient if she not healthy.........no offense

[@yuehwaa]

@@mohit5709bro there is thousands of people who still have successful life but they are unhealthy you can be a patient and be successful and happy at the same time

[@yuehwaa]

@@mohit5709my best friend literally had cancer and he still was and is a very successful DJ and he is happier that 99% of healthy ppl of course he takes care of his health cuz he goes to a doctor but I hope u got what I meant

[@shawnmendrek3544]

Gotta say I agree. But if society/media stayed towards larger folk, OH the people would say OHHHHHH we love them. Followers make me sick.

[@shawnmendrek3544]

@@mohit5709 yet you can be healthy and die early. I will take my chances.

[@mandydurham3320]

The audiences reaction to her dancing was just as powerful as her dance. I am smaller than her, and could NEVER have the courage to do that in front of total strangers. Kudos to her. 💪🏻

[@HarmonicPolyphonic]

I was legit crying at the end. Mostly because I felt so happy watching and secondly because I want to feel that free

[@sweetyc031]

Same girl 💜

[@carrielockhart7]

Me too! I could never ever dance in a bikini in front of people. I wish I could be that free!

[@yuktaraj9062]

Oh my god, same, I thought I was weird for crying at this but watching this I realised I have never ever felt worthy and never felt free, constantly belittling my own self for not being the perfect size and shaming my own self. I wish I could love myself.

[@HarmonicPolyphonic]

@@yuktaraj9062 Totally relate

[@blckstarbeautypurpleprint2153]

OH MY GOD I DID TOO! A HUGE WAVE OF HAPPINESS FLOWED THROUGH ME WAS I SAW HER SMILE!

[@clairelouise335]

I've hated my body for as long as I can remember. Constantly on a diet and Constantly failing. This was amazing and has totally changed my perspective. I loved the part when she said "I don't want to lose weight". Inspirational. Thank you xx

[@coldz2526]

Then you're doing it wrong

[@ashleys7943]

Don't listen to haters love your fabulous self

[@Ray-mj5mj]

This girl said she was 23? She looks 35.

[@sydneythomas3271]

@@coldz2526 free

[@thebirdclan]

@@Ray-mj5mj You didn't listen. She was telling a story of when she was 23.

[@nathmartins3154]

Omg, the ending just made me cry, I’m building up my confidence and this helped me so much! Thank you!💖🥰

[@justcallmecommunist7697]

Thank you, I was feeling really really depressed about my weight. And this video just made my day.

[@nomadactual2484]

workout nd fix ur self up..

[@safeman1x]

@@nomadactual2484 please just learn how to spell.

[@suqma]

losing weight is easy smh, I know exactly how to

[@notwerkinginthishouse8634]

​@@suqma then do it ;)

[@suqma]

@@notwerkinginthishouse8634 already did lol

[@eveadamsdrag]

I love myself enough to acknowledge that I was unhealthy and unhappy so I have made serious changes. I’ve lost almost 70 pounds and have been working on my health. Loving yourself to me means that you are treating your body with enough respect to make healthy choices.

[@Looly2012]

true

[@kushim6813]

True

[@otissied652]

love this comment

[@lattiflim6545]

Agree

[@karync.6707]

I'm curious to see if you have kept off that weight! That's quite a lot

[@TheBondisReal]

..."Celery and DUST" I'm dying 💀

[@pixelated.peachyangel]

Saying that while vegans are on average the only group that's in a healthy BMI range

[@karatheandroid1907]

Because that is what vegans eat. If overweight people are tired of being made fun of, why pick on a group that, I can assure you, is equally tired of being a joking matter?

[@Looly2012]

@@karatheandroid1907 so true

[@justicett0]

@@karatheandroid1907 oh pls shutup

[@justicett0]

@@pixelated.peachyangel just because you're vegan don't mean you're healthy

[@camillemehta122]

I especially loved it when you said that you dont need to be healthy to be worthy. Imagine how powerfully that resonates with anyone with a health-affecting-disability or a disease as well. Beautiful speech, beautiful message. Thank you Victoria!

[@FierceFatty]

YES! Because not everyone CAN be healthy, and prioritizing health over everything else is so damaging. Big love, Camille!

[@cuteflygon]

These people need to be honest with themselves, are they really exercising enough and not shoving loads of unhealthy food down their mouth

[@goldendoors6174]

Camille Mehta Exactly! I’m a chronic meth head and people who love me keep going: oh your teeth will fall out, your brain will be damaged permanently. I’m like “yeah whatever, I’m worth it sisters.”

[@cosmickaristar8066]

Yes, adore this entire presentation. That is an extremely powerful phrase to empower so many.

[@cosmickaristar8066]

I am a chronic overeater, and the only way of relief for me is stopping the self hatred associated with the reason I must diet or exercise. The self hatred takes all the joy from taking care of your body. When I love myself without any "got to look good for everyone else's opinion of me" involved, and just love myself naturally like a child would love themselves, it is only then I have any hope of improving self-care. Self love = self care.

[@elenabattiato6929]

Am I the only one who cried at the end and was blown away by her beauty?🥳

[@suqma]

"beauty"

[@castiellagabriella6059]

Man, I really envy her confidence right now 💃💃

[@bettystallworth8853]

Bravo Victoria. I wanted to share that your sassy attitude and self confidence truly came though on this Ted Talk. You are an inspiration to many. I love that you are body positive. That is the message here. You go girl. That’s probably the first and only Ted Talk where I left smiling. Thank you.

[@Feenix102]

Im 40 years old, 6 feet tall and 250lbs. So, Im overweight. About 2 years ago I stopped drinking, and decided to have a load of tests done. I was quite surprised by the results - my cholesterol is 5, my heart, lungs, kidney, liver, EVERYTHING is working as it should I have around a 3% chance of having a stroke or a heart attack. I've been told since I was a young kid that I needed to lose weight, that it would affect my health negatively. It hasn't. Being overweight, for me, is no more or less healthy than spending 100 quid a week on booze (I had similar tests done about 5 years previously, when I was drinking, to do with anxiety issues I have). The thing is, I HATE being overweight. Why? Is it for health reasons? Seemingly not, judging by the evidence. Therefore it must be for some other reason. We live in a society where companies spend billions trying to make people into a shape that, in many cases, they can't achieve. An endomorph like myself is never going to be skinny, it simply wont happen because my body isn't designed that way, and yet I feel terrible every time I look in the mirror or find a piece of clothing that doesn't fit well. As long as there is a billion dollar industry trying to change people into what they can never be in many cases, a lot of people will feel bad for being overweight, ultimately because we can't compete with that level of manipulation. When I was in school I was bullied for being overweight, and I have never been able to let go of the negative self image that developed as a result of that. I suffer from depression and anxiety, possibly in part as a result of those experiences. So why can't I let the bad self image go? Many reasons probably, but one of them is because there is a more insidious, more sophisticated form of the bullying I endured at work in society today, and it is fuelled by the same billion dollar industry. I hope one day I can love my body or at least make peace with it.

[@Name-uc7kt]

if you suffer from anxiety and depression from it then lose weight! stop saying your body type won't allow you to be skinny because i am an endomorph and even tho it took 2 years, i got to my ideal weight, food isn't everything, i realised what i ate before was way too much, stop making up excuses

[@Feenix102]

I am not using my body type as an excuse (it can be harder for our body type to lose weight, as I'm sure you yourself have found, and being ones ideal weight is rather different in many cases to being skinny), and I did not say that my weight caused my anxiety and depression - I said it could be contributing to it, which is a very different thing and, frankly, there is some doubt about the voracity of my assertion because I have lost a lot of weight in the past and the depression and anxiety were still present. You say that you realised that you were eating too much, you stopped and you lost weight. Thats fine - I don't over eat particularly. Its true that I dont do a great deal of exercise, however I suffer from a mobility issue that could well turn out to be CMT or possibly MS (I'm waiting to see my neurologist later this month). My point is, there is no one size fits all fix - my point in the original reply I made to this video was that people should not need to feel embarrassed about their size just because society says they should. On one point however, we are in full agreement: food is not everything!

[@kt1pl2]

I'd say...don't settle for being overweight. This woman talking isn't going to live to see 50. You can do it for sure. I'm forcing myself out there (running and walking) and eating healthy and at first it was hard (the first week) but it doesn't stay hard.

[@cuteflygon]

Same here, I used to be obese, but lost 30kg in 6 months. U need to get active and learn to accept feeling hungry.

[@turloughgirl5535]

Feenix That’s a really powerful and eloquent and provocative comment. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@harbimidiyosunkanka]

As much as I applaud her simply for the fact that she tells people that they're worthy whether they're healthy or not, things such as food/cigarette/drug/alcohol addiction CAN be helped.

[@trinitylivingston1286]

If they have a physical issue like thyroid problems, genetic problems, and/or anything like that and they've been eating very healthy and trying to exercise, that's understandable. What's not really understandable is what you said about food, drug use, and other things. Though the reason they would do those things is kind of a psychological thing.

[@AJ-cq5pw]

She never said they couldn't be helped

[@FourPartFox]

Yes, they can be helped, but they don't need to wait until they're in recovery to be worthy, and perhaps understanding that would help some of them seek help.

[@chekwechgaudencia351]

Eda Nur people choose all those coz of self hate

[@sa_star3661]

My husband is classed as obese. Now that he is in his 40s, he is having a lot of health problems, mainly issues with pain all over his body. He has had all the tests in the end it was his weight putting too much strain on his body, he is also now borderline diabetic and his blood pressure is not great. You can love yourself without being delusional. Look you dont have to be skinny just a healthy weight. I also believe in food addiction, my husband has it. But when we have people with alcohol or drug addictions we are not going to tell them noo dont worry about it love yourself, keep drinking. We will tell them to quit. It should be the same for food addictions.

[@jessicazeeprice6674]

I love this, & I love you! Thank you. And to all the trolls, remember: you don't have to find someone attractive to treat them with respect. It is just not that hard to be kind & respectful.

[@FierceFatty]

Thank you so much, Jessica! If only everyone had the same grace and kindness as you :)

[@cuteflygon]

Respect people who try to make themselves healthy, and not lazy fatties finding excuses for lazing around and shoving junk food down their mouth

[@music_beauty9733]

Lmao you say trolls but tbh those "trolls" are people with common sense if you had self worth and cared about yourself than you'd put down the donut and live a healthy lifestyle...

[@ChanelGrayson]

​@@cuteflygon You should respect everyone. Maybe an individual has an illness that causes excess weight gain. Maybe he or she is dieting and trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Also, you can love yourself and still want to be healthy. Even if someone is obese, that doesn't make him or her less than a person who deserves your respect. Weight doesn't necessarily reflect values, personality, dietary habits, or self worth! I'm not a very healthy person. I'm aiming for a healthier lifestyle and eating cleaner, but I'm not going to stop loving myself if I have a cheat day. And I'd like to think people won't stop respecting me if I have a cheat day or if I do happen to "shove junk food down my mouth" sometimes. Loving yourself should be a basic innate trait because at the end of the day all you have in the world is your own body.

[@music_beauty9733]

I love how we're all called trolls for trying to make a point... But respect isn't given it's earned... Another thing though most of us are concerned about how this video can influence others to be underweight or overweight...

[@emilyjane2249]

Wow! This was just what I needed about to go to out and have done drinks and I just felt so low looking at my tummy in the mirror feeling like it would matter to me if it mattered to other people when really it doesn’t and now I’m ready for anything so thankyou really changed my mind there ❤️

[@jimisparx6953]

Cancer, diabetes, and stroke aren't going to buy into your ridiculous denial of the fact that you've ruined your body through gluttony. Good luck with that.

[@redcrest5]

It’s really true - we are so blessed just to be alive and able to experience the beauties of this world and the fascinating people around us (some of whom even give us the honor of loving us!). It’s a waste of time to self-ostracize ourselves from the world and experiences. We only get this short 70-80 years (if that) in the long scroll of human history. Might as well take a good look around and make the most of it while we can regardless of how “pretty” or skinny or perfect the bodies we’ve been gifted with.

[@DrakeBrunette]

There is so much wrong with this…. I do NOT advocate for bullying or abusing people who’re obese. However, obesity is nothing to be proud of. You severely harm both your Physical & Mental health by not respecting your body and striving to exercise and eat/drink responsibly. This is absolutely insane….

[@maraboumjolkchoklad475]

I NEED A WOMAN LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE, NOW!

[@charlee11127]

🙄

[@thalia.tenebris]

She is so positive and GORGEOUS! I want to be confident like her!

[@dylanmccann8859]

If you truly love yourself, realize that you are probably not okay if you are more than 100lbs overweight and use that love for yourself to get a therapist and a trainer who will guide you to creating habits healthier for your mind and body. Learn to do this for yourself so that you are no longer held back by your vices.

[@keeprollinmaverick]

spot on..and you sir are incredibly brave and inspirational

[@donnajulius4735]

you're amazing! It was a journey to get where you are. I'm so happy for you. I love your attitude and your confidence. Stay strong and keep going.

[@thriving_tara]

I cried so much at the end. I love you Victoria!

[@mimilion6072]

The talk was Inspirational... the ending of her talk was FABULOUSLY BRILLIANT!!!!!!! Wowwwwzzza !!!!!!!

[@FierceFatty]

Thanks so much Mimi! I so appreciate your support!

[@thelubnaumar]

Love her confidence! Confidence and self love are all you need!

[@HairstylesbyCarol]

Yes! Yes! Yes!!! I love her message and her public speaking abilities! You rock!!!!!!!!

[@RSD22.]

14:42 to 14:58... Just think about this- A woman said she is going to stay obese. A lively audience applauds for her shortsighted decision, which will inevitably impact her future for the worse. This maybe why western men say some women are coddled & turn into "grown children" Not placing any judgement here. Simply making an observation.

[@TheCmcginn]

Having had (and still do) an eating disorder, watching this is inspirational! You're worth more than you're weight! Keep going! X

[@FierceFatty]

Thank you so much! Hope you're doing ok and managing your ED.

[@mohammedleechang6025]

type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes, certain types of cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, pregnancy problems,...

[@mohammedleechang6025]

ruin your own live however you like, but don't encourage others to do so.

[@dougtaylor2803]

If we all learned to love our bodies exactly as they are today? Among other things, the average longevity would begin to decline as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and man other ailments increased.

[@MsRedinism]

Amazing Victoria! Powerful message and loved the ending! Looks fab 😍

[@thokozanimkhize7617]

I think its such a low low when you're big and healthy but its just not enough. Especially when you see the judgy looks people give you when you have a meal or a piece of cake. The experience of being healthy, brilliant, witty and dare i say, beautiful has been poisoned by disapproving remarks from people who feel like because you're big you shouldn't enjoy anything or deserve nice things/treatment.

[@KC1up]

She’s right. Diets don’t work. Life style changes do. Loving your body at any size is important and so is taking care of your body by eating healthy, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight

[@beccatank3285]

it’s funny because sure, 66 billion spent on wanting to become thinner, but 190 billion is spent on obesity every year

[@sweetnessmtui7052]

This is so inspiring,I love the way I am now and forever!People's negative thoughts will never get me😉💃💃I am my own model

[@mattyy101]

You look skinny in your pic so I don't know why you commented lol

[@jslayer159]

1. You don't know if that's them 2. This is about all body types 3. I don't have a 3rd reason

[@brielleanyez7113]

She's really not even big, looks pretty normal to be

[@merrikfenn5690]

That bit at the end, oh my god I was ckapping so hard. SHE IS A STAR

[@keeprollinmaverick]

apparently if you say something with enough conviction and confidence, even if factually wrong, you can be inspirational.. Sometimes similar happened in 1930s snd we got WW2

[@bindipus]

I cried at the end, I so love you and your beautiful everything. You gorgeous girl.

[@darynadixon8759]

I love this real talk! I used to care about peoples judgments but now I have realized that I am not living for other people. Nor am I competing with anyone else! The only person who has the right to make health suggestions is your doctor. You either love me or kick rocks and move on! 💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍😘

[@AlinaTowers]

Everyone deserves respect, and everyone is worthy! If you’re content being overweight, that’s fine, I can love and respect you no matter what! But let’s not pretend it’s healthy. And let’s not pretend that promoting health is a negative thing. For one thing, science. It shows us obesity is a risk factor for everything from cancer to coronavirus. If you don’t want to lose weight, that’s fine, but I hope you don’t criticize people who don’t want to be vaccinated. If you’re content to smoke or drink a bit too much wine or not do many things that promote health, THATS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU, I believe in personal choice regarding health! And I admire people who don’t worry about how they appear. Meanwhile, I choose health not just for me, but for others who depend on me. All the best to everyone seeking peace in this area!

[@emskeeeee]

I want to be this confident 🔥🔥🔥

[@elijahgarcia5504]

Confident?:(

[@-chinafromtheinside391]

woo wow wow wow wow!!!So inspirational! I can't even begin to imagine how much courage it takes to be so comfortable in your skin no matter what others say to you! Oh, I love your spirit beautiful!! If only we all could have a fraction of your confidence and courage darling!!!

[@paulflemming9140]

People failure to diet is because they don’t know how to diet properly. This is a very dangerous movement. If people say I’m happy being this way that’s fine, but glorifying unhealthy lifestyles are not good. I’ve been 30kg over weight and the road to losing weight wasn’t easy but I got there and I feel better for and I did it for myself.

[@pbtconsultants1761]

The ending.... tht's confidence at its best! Wow...

[@frugal10]

This video is amazing!!! Your dance was spectacular and I just so needed this great message today !!

[@lokinggoodbrowneyegirl9557]

Someone gave me that confident to be the way I am. I live you my hubby💕💋💍

[@jahvairclark1650]

I love u too❤

[@vickikerns1]

I really needed this!

[@shannonnelson7764]

Your doctor called, he said that you're dying. Your body doesn't care if you believe you're worthy or not when you're dying.

[@dereichelhaher7685]

That comment made my day. Her trying to be funny is just annoying. Everytime she acts like she likes to eat Pringles instead of having a relationship just feels that she is salty af.

[@Looly2012]

XD

[@Dirnelle]

Thank you so much for this. This are the things that make me want to keep having faith in people.

[@yogablossom100]

Oh my Goodness, I love you! I needed this message so much today! You go girl!

[@katieserra6492]

hilarious, poetic, and important. Thank you!

[@merrilynakano1047]

That dance in the end, Brilliant!

[@connorbannion5899]

It was one of the most nauseating things I've ever seen. Someone celebrating their commitment to sloth and gluttony.

[@musicdonatto]

@@connorbannion5899 A lot more nauseating to see someone so committed to hate and arrogance.

[@user-zx1yg2pu5c]

Yuri Rangel - you can’t die of hate but you can die of cake 😂

[@jansetmehlikapolat6370]

@@user-zx1yg2pu5c Ever heard of world wars? Mass shootings? Terror attacks? Kids committing suicide because of bullying? These instances of pure hate cannot be compared to the amount of lives that obesity takes each year, and although obesity can cause many health problems it's not as fatal as a bullet ripping through your organs or a bomb exploding next to you.

[@karatheandroid1907]

Why do you have to bash veganism (which most people do for ethical reasons, it's not even a weight loss diet) while claiming to spread positivity? You are relying on stereotypes as well, great job. Making fun of obesity health risks is not a great move either. YES, you are worthy and beautiful. But health is only a lesser priority as long as you have it. Many of us chronically ill folks don't have that choice.

[@Looly2012]

so true

[@magenxmajestic]

May your confidence bless us all

[@robynfinley1849]

This is so sad! If you love yourself, please be healthy. Don't diet, develop a healthy relationship with food.

[@incaseofrain8812]

WOW that ending was amazing! The only part that made me sad was the Unfollow all Vegans, the medication I have to be on ( because of a car accident that caused lasting brain damage) sharply raises my triglycerides and cholesterol so meat and dairy and eggs are not an option for me so if you u followed all vegans you would have to unfollow me :c le sad! Otherwise great talk! You are amazing!

[@rinanova1463]

I mean that’s different though. I think she was referring to those vegans who are only vegan for weight loss... not the vegans who do it for medical, spiritual, or moral purposes

[@sarafuentes9835]

@@rinanova1463 Agreed

[@Mina-jy8kd]

Wow... just wow. This video changed my perspective completely. I feel like I too can maybe be happy AND chubby. Thank you Victoria!!

[@curtisowen3233]

Hey I'm all for having a good self esteem, but does this now mean I can give a ted talk about how I'm proud to be a smoker? Just get up there, puff away, tell everyone to rid themselves of influences that dont enable them?

[@Looly2012]

so true

[@roostergallo8839]

As a man you need to have a Phd or save a life to get a Ted talk

[@sabeyafrancesca]

Well said! Love how you brought humor into it. Well done! Health does not equal worthiness.

[@FierceFatty]

Thank you, Francesca! Glad you liked the vegan jokes :) Big love to you.

[@sabeyafrancesca]

[@music_beauty9733]

No but it equals being healthier and living longer and it's obvious you don't care about yourself if your at an unhealthy weight

[@connorbannion5899]

No, but embracing gluttony doesn't make you worthy either.

[@sarafuentes9835]

@@music_beauty9733 I think that being happy with yourself is the most important thing, and the only that will bring you complete happiness. Be also aware that many people are healthy but have a high weight, and not for being skinny you are healthy either.

[@Aria-Invictus]

I agree with the lady concerning weight and self body image. Low self esteem is chronic and self-destructive. I do think that body weight should be more of an issue with health rather than love (self or others loving you).

[@trinitylivingston1286]

Exactly, love shouldn't be based on looks or weight unless it causes you other physical/mental problems that can damage the relationship later on down the road.

[@iloveguineapigs5473]

this video is great for women of all sizes, including thin women, because we all know how it feels to hate our bodies and think life would be better if we lost a few pounds.

[@pikpik4957]

she's amazing im crying

[@chrism3790]

This is what being being proud of mediocrity looks like.

[@pappysheart6710]

*gluttony

[@dropinarte]

Was really into her speech till the vegan thing. If this speech is supposed to empower everyone she shouldn't bash a group like that, just because they don't harm animals?? Lol

[@faithbranshaw6574]

Absolutely agree with you.

[@cortneyrens]

I agree too! Why would you make fun of people who are trying to be humane towards animals? Making fun of a life choice when shes trying to defend her own life choices, makes no sense

[@Looly2012]

so true. she is so contradicted

[@szelengtan1677]

🌱❤🙋‍♀️

[@cynthiafasulo3828]

You really are fabulous! I was so impressed; thank you, I feel better already.

[@kuleacounselling3376]

You are RADIANT!

[@AndreaMenardMusic]

You are a gorgeous, powerful messenger for all women and men everywhere. Its time to take our bodies and our minds back! Thanks for standing strong in who you are, Victoria!

[@FierceFatty]

Thank you, Andrea! Together we can take over the world by being badass strong women. You rock!

[@xxfireowlxx474]

Take them back to being healthy

[@trinitylivingston1286]

@@xxfireowlxx474 lol.

[@Annie261.]

Fierce Fatty you can be badass strong women but you will still be overweight and unhealthy unless you do something about it.

[@connorbannion5899]

If you were really interested in taking your bodies back, you would actually make the effort to eat healthily and be active. Instead you're a bunch of self absorbed, narcissistic hypocrites.

[@damariszuckschwert9489]

Let me go to gym right now.

[@szelengtan1677]

🤣

[@agnespitka3703]

Keep going! Ignore the haters. They'll hate you even if you were thin and had perfect skin etc etc. Loved her attitude.

[@tuffguydoe7937]

You're not respecting others when your body is pressing against others on an airplane or bus. If you body takes up more than 1 seat on a plane buy 2 tickets to respect others.

[@mikebratton1650]

Mr. Tuffguy such a waste of people's air you are

[@mikebratton1650]

S C wtf does that mean ? Must be a child......

[@Looly2012]

LOL

[@rubicunduseratiudas1264]

You're not a freedom fighter; you have just given up on a healthy diet. Too hard, isn't it?

[@Phoenix1981M]

inspiring, thankyou :) good for you....you dont have to be slim to be healthy. I am a larger lady meaning not as slim as i used to be, but you dont find a single packet of crisps or cakes in my fridge. I walk everywhere. As far a 9 miles if i am out walking in the countryside. I also dont have a bad heart or diabetes, dont smoke and rarely drink. Takeouts limited to twice a month. There is this stigma about being larger and non healthy, which isnt always true. There are larger people who are fit and people who are not fit who are slimmer. weight isnt always a sign of fitness or being healthy. Fitness is a sign of fitness nothing more. You cant always know a person health by looking at their weight or their fitness level. I also must add that people cant make assumptions about other peoples health.

[@xxfireowlxx474]

Well I smoke and I don't have lung cancer, I guess I'm healthy! Do a pushup, don't do takeouts, work out more and you're done

[@LiandaLudwig]

You are 100% correct. The Diet Industry has lobbied congress and LIES about bad health in people who are heavier. You'll actually live longer if you are 75 pounds overweight than if you are 5 pounds UNDERweight according to actuary tables! Ignore the trolls. Look for other heavier role models and practice saying nice things to yourself in the mirror. It works!

[@connorbannion5899]

Live longer if you are 75 pounds overweight? Please post the peer reviewed source for this. Peer reviewed means from a credible medical journal, not a blog post from Tumblr.

[@zhozan13]

So true. Everyone in my family is overweight. We were not allowed to eat sweets had a big gardening so we ate mostly veggies. Only had meat a couple times a month. I played every sport I could in HS and exercised a lot. I was still overweight. Got teased by my mother and others. Didn't do those diets because saw my sister going up and down. Figured that had to be worse than having the extra weight. Twenty years later add 10 more pounds. I still exercise everyday eat healthy but not as restrictive. Figure you only live once. I do have high cholesterol it did get lower took like 5 years to get it has low as it is. Every one in my family has high cholesterol and diabetes. Went to a nutritious doctor says I eat healthy. Just have terrible genes.

[@monuj6]

Omggggg!!! You are so great!!! You inspired me so much!!! Your incredible wow! 😍😍😍😍

[@lynnm4625]

This has changed my life! Go Victoria!

[@aroseinwinter05]

Sassy and beautiful! I wish you good health❤️

[@WAA-uj3ow]

She is sooo lovely, funny and brave ❤️

[@ingridwa3664]

You are beautiful!! Love your speech

[@xxfireowlxx474]

Supporting her killing herself I see

[@vage20048]

Hit the gym 🏋️‍♂️ 💪 , become better even if you are good looking, you can always be better 💯

[@lampuntomyfeet9072]

One word, Victoria: AWESOME ❤❤❤

[@reneejacobs6935]

Victoria, you are a walking inspiration of the bam power life that everyone deserves. Thank YOU for Sharing the message: End the Madness, Be A Rebel, Love Yourself! Bravo!

[@FierceFatty]

Thanks so much, Renee! You helped me craft a talk that has resonated with so many. Changing the world together!!

[@mattfitzpatrick4008]

I need to listen to this type of talk more often. Thank you intelligent beautiful lady!

[@mytmueller]

I loved this! Thanks so much for sharing your story. It really touched me.

[@FierceFatty]

That's so nice to hear, thank you for your support! Big love.

[@karenkalasy8251]

I'm crying now..... My 14 year old Daughter has Anorexia and is trying to recover over a year later. Has suicidal ideation and has been in hospital. I'm 51 and have been on the menopause for the last few years after a hysterectomy. I constantly check my tummy hips etc. I want to be as confident as this lady and accept myself?

[@FreeSpirit9687]

Best Ted Talk ever!!!🤩🥳🎉

[@beckyhaystar]

Good talk, but the jokes about vegans were a bit... uninformed? Skittles, chocolate (dark) and potatoes are vegan... It's very easy to be a non-skinny vegan.

[@Looly2012]

true

[@purnamabulanjuni]

She is soo beautiful OMG 😍

[@mixgirltalkshow7902]

I worked very hard to drop these weight but no result all that happened is I did not put on more weight. Right now I am only focusing on health not weight and that's all. I am training myself to love my body just the way it is.

[@ottoweininger8156]

Ummm.... No.

[@Tall-Cool-Drink]

Love your unhealthy body, and do nothing to get healthier? Great message.

[@MACKYBOY-41]

um what

[@vida8889]

No words! Thank you Victoria!

[@jm2725]

I loved your talk but discriminating, othering, and perpetuating stereotypes against vegans seems antithetical to your message that everyone is worthy- something to think about!

[@leddyfdz4376]

Jen Harris she’s actually a vegetarian or, as she says, an “almost vegan” because she’s a vegetarian who eats cheese. It was actually supposed to be funny, (poking fun at herself), but I see how people who don’t follow her would never know and therefore find it offensive ☺️

[@manoma7]

OMG! I love her so much, I wish I was surrounded by people like her🥺😍 God bless you, Victoria!

[@dereichelhaher7685]

You mean you would like to be in an echo chamber of people that encourage your self destroying behavior? Great.

[@bartonmoxness5676]

Victoria, you are beautiful individual both inside and out. Congratulations on an inspiring TED talk.

[@FierceFatty]

Thanks Barton, I really appreciate your kind words :)

[@BrodyMnM]

Go to the gym and you will start to love yourself more. You keep hearing it but you don’t care. Do it, and you will love your choice

[@AzariahMarinaStarcaster]

Thank you for both this wonderful speech and being an example of how to deal with internet trolls. 😆

[@music_beauty9733]

Or people not wanting to die at a young age or influence others to stay at an unhealthy weight...

[@trinitylivingston1286]

Or maybe the internet trolls don't want the obese people to die at a younger age from health problems....

[@Annie261.]

If you truly loved yourself you’d want to be a healthy weight.

[@pooooopppyyyyfarttt]

mhm, if you really loved yourself you’d work hard for your body. to be healthy

[@oliviastratton2169]

Is she really advocating for cutting off your friends because they are healthier than you? What?

[@Looly2012]

yes XD

[@MrPAULONEAL]

After you unfollow everyone who doesn't agree with you, you end up in an echo chamber...

[@Looly2012]

XD