The introduction of a ‘fat positivity’ class at UCLA has ignited significant controversy, raising questions about the role of higher education in shaping societal norms and health narratives. This course, part of the medical school’s curriculum on structural racism and health equity, suggests that weight loss is largely ineffective and promotes acceptance of all body types, a stance that has provoked strong reactions from various quarters.
Course Overview and Content
The mandatory class at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, titled “Health Equity: Obesity Management,” extends beyond traditional medical education. According to Modernity News and the New York Post, the course posits that weight loss efforts are generally futile and that obesity should not be viewed negatively. This perspective contrasts with long-standing medical advice about the health risks associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
All first-year medical students are required to read an essay by ‘fat liberationist’ Marquisele Mercedes (pictured). She uses terms like “fatphobia” to argue that the medical profession is biased against overweight individuals and that attempts to lose weight for health improvement are a “hopeless endeavor” because it is a disability that cannot be reversed.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics argue that this approach undermines personal responsibility for health and could potentially lead to increased healthcare costs due to preventable diseases. They emphasize the importance of treating individuals with respect regardless of their size but also stress the need to acknowledge well-documented health risks associated with obesity. The conservative viewpoint highlights individual accountability and often views such courses as shifting responsibility away from personal choices onto societal structures.
Course Themes and Broader Implications
The course content includes discussions on “weight stigma” and “fatphobia,” framing them as social justice issues. MSN reports that students are taught about “structural racism” in relation to healthcare outcomes for obese patients. While addressing discrimination in healthcare is essential, some conservatives believe conflating weight management with systemic racism dilutes attention from other critical racial disparities within the medical system.
Moreover, there is concern among conservatives about the broader implications of mandating such courses. They argue that universities should foster free thought where multiple perspectives are explored rather than enforce a singular worldview—especially one they perceive as controversial or unscientific.
NEW: UCLA medical school’s mandatory health equity class teaches students that weight loss is a “hopeless endeavor” and that “ob*sity” is a slur “used to exact violence on fat people.”
The full syllabus has shocked prominent doctors—the former dean of Harvard Medical School.????
— Aaron Sibarium (@aaronsibarium) April 24, 2024
Cultural Clash Over Educational Values
The debate over UCLA’s ‘fat positivity’ class reflects a larger cultural clash over values such as freedom of speech versus compelled speech within educational settings. Many conservatives believe higher education should prioritize critical thinking skills over ideological conformity. They fear that courses like these may represent a slippery slope toward an educational environment where dissenting opinions are not just discouraged but actively suppressed.
Fiscal Responsibility Concerns
This controversy also touches upon another conservative cornerstone: fiscal responsibility. Critics question whether tuition dollars should fund courses promoting ideas they believe lack sufficient scientific backing or practical application in improving public health outcomes.
Defending Curriculum Choices
In defense of their curriculum choices, UCLA might argue that they aim to foster a more inclusive environment by challenging traditional notions about body image and health. However, without presenting balanced viewpoints or acknowledging the complexity of obesity-related issues—including genetics, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic factors—conservatives worry these classes may oversimplify complex health issues.
UCLA med students were told in Health Equity class that weight loss is a “hopeless endeavor” & “obesity” is a slur “used to exact violence on fat people.” @JimGeraghty says the left needs to learn the difference between words and violence.
Full Episode: https://t.co/N2AuCXrHLD pic.twitter.com/h1chU8t9x7
— Greg Corombos (@Dateline_DC) April 25, 2024