Feeling confident in our bodies is important. But does the endeavor justify spending public health funds, and when does it cross the line into promoting obesity? Those are questions for the San Francisco Health Department, which has hired a controversial body positivity consultant to take on weight stigma and fat-shaming in the Bay Area.
Virgie Tovar is a self-described “fat liberationist” and “plus-size Latina author, lecturer, and leading expert on weight-based discrimination.” She authored the book, You Have the Right to Remain Fat, which promotes “a world where bodies are valued equally, food is free from moral judgment, and you can jiggle through life with respect.”
Tovar announced Monday that she would be working with San Francisco’s Department of Public Health as a consultant on weight stigma and “weight neutrality.” She called it “a dream come true.”
The Instagram post sparked ridicule online. Some called it a waste of resources for a city already dealing with immense challenges. Others said San Francisco was promoting poor health. Tovar has made a name for herself by shunning physician-recommended diet and exercise. In an interview with the Ulta Beauty podcast, she explained that "no one has to be healthy... no one owes anybody that."
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the health department has hired Tovar on a temporary basis to advise its Healthy Eating and Active Living program staff. Her contract runs through June 30 and totals $12,000.