San Francisco Department of Health Hires ‘Fat Positivity Expert’

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has hired Virgie Tovar, a self-described “anti-weight-based discrimination” expert, to consult on issues related to “weight stigma” and “weight neutrality.” Tovar, an outspoken advocate for body positivity and fat acceptance, shared the news on her Instagram Monday, calling the consultancy a “dream come true” and expressing her belief that weight neutrality is the future of public health.

Tovar is a well-known figure within the fat acceptance and body positivity movements. As a plus-size lecturer and activist she has spent over a decade advocating against weight-based discrimination and promoting “fat positivity.” Tovar’s published works include the book You Have the Right to Remain Fat, and she frequently contributes to outlets such as Forbes, where she covers topics related to the “plus-size market.”

She conducts corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training and has worked with organizations like the Seattle Transit Agency and UC Berkeley. Her is focus is on “challenging the cultural norms surrounding body size” and advocating for a world where people of all sizes are treated equally, regardless of their weight.

She has spoken out against the use of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of health, arguing that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and encourages weight stigma. She has also been vocal critic of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.

The specifics of Tovar’s role within the San Francisco Department of Public Health are still unclear, as the department has not responded to requests for comment.

Tovar’s consultancy focuses on the idea of “weight neutrality,” a concept that challenges the societal preference for thinness or leanness and advocates for health interventions that don’t rely on reducing an individual’s body size. Supporters of weight neutrality argue that focusing on the size of a person’s body can lead to discrimination and mental health struggles, and that public health should prioritize overall well-being rather than weight reduction.

Tovar’s presence in a government role has led some to question the implications for public health policies, particularly those that address obesity and related health risks.

Critics argue that her opposition to classifying obesity as a medical condition could undermine efforts to tackle health risks associated with excess weight. For example, the American Medical Association recognizes obesity as a disease, which it argues requires medical intervention for management. Tovar, however, vehemently rejects this view, arguing that framing obesity as a disease perpetuates harmful biases and unfair treatment.

While some applaud her message of self-acceptance, others question whether her belief system could be detrimental to individuals who face significant health risks due to obesity, worrying that the focus on “fat positivity” could detract from the broader public health issue of obesity and its associated risks, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure — especially in a country where so much of the population is affected.