I have mixed feelings about “fatphobia”.

Whenever there is a controversial topic relating to a human condition, whether physical or mental or a mix, I ask myself, “What if this condition was experienced by one of my kids or close relatives.” Then all the controversy goes away. There is only kindness, there is unconditional acceptance; there is love. And some topics are very controversial. I wrote this story about the swimmer Lia Thomas.

Fatphobia is not the term I wanted to use in this story. No one should be shamed for their weight or looks. But the irony is this: now that any discussion relating to weight and being overweight is so easily labeled “fatphobia” fatphobia becomes a real thing, in strange new ways. It feels that fatphobia is no longer about the actual negative attitudes and stereotypes but it’s about the fear (phobia!) of openly discussing the very topic of weight problems that can arise from a huge range of conditions and circumstances. Many of these conditions and circumstances are immensely complex to manage. But then surely a fraction can be managed but people choose not to. Well, it’s their life, you can say, their bodies. Maybe. But our society discusses (and often regulates!) many matters that are similar — from smoking to alcohol to nutrition (and abortion!). Why then be so sensitive about the topic of obesity? Or should I say weight management? These days so many trivial words and topics suddenly become offensive and sometimes taboo.

It’s that that I resist passionately — anything becoming a taboo subject. One should be able to…