By: Christina Mink

Remi Bader was laughed at by an employee after being denied access to riding a horse for being over 240 pounds. The employee at a horse ranch posted a TikTok making fun of Bader, saying, “when you’re not a fat b—-, you can ride at Deep Hollow Ranch.”

According to the Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute, horses can’t comfortably bear more than 20% of their weight, resulting in the weight policy on the ranch. Remi Bader has acknowledged this, saying “I get it, some places have weight requirements.” She explained that she shared what happened not because she was not allowed to ride the horses, but because of the abhorrent treatment by the staff member.

This situation is an example of weight-based discrimination. Over 40 percent of American adults report experiences with weight-based teasing, and according to the CDC, 41.9 percent of Americans are obese.

Fat shaming is worsening health rather than encouraging people to lose weight. Fat shaming can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other health issues. It often leads to more weight gain, possibly causing a binge eating disorder. This is when individuals eat large amounts of food without being able to stop. Remi Bader has personally struggled with binge eating. Fat shaming also causes overweight people to avoid physical activity out of fear that they will be mocked at gyms or pools, causing even more weight gain.

Discussing the steps needed for a healthy lifestyle with their physician is by far the healthiest and most efficient option for people to lose weight, rather than being pressured by someone to lose weight by fat shaming.