Whitney Thore, ‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life’ Star, Talks No BS Campaign, PCOS Awareness, & Obesity Critics [Video]

Whitney Thore has become one of the hottest reality TV stars, thanks to a new reality show, My Big Fat Fabulous Life, her charming candor, and her No Body Shame (BS) campaign. Opening up about issues ranging from PCOS to diabetes to dating to dieting, Whitney has earned wows from fans of all ages.

But now, as Thore discussed with Dr. Mehmet Oz, the reality TV star is facing claims that she is promoting obesity. In addition to fat-shaming, they argue that the show encourages a lifestyle that is unhealthy.

However, as Whitney has revealed, she struggles with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Rather than promoting obesity, what Thore is encouraging is that people of all sizes stop fat-shaming and that they embrace their shapes.

And although PCOS, which is an endocrine disorder, caused her sudden weight gain of 100 pounds in college, Thore told People that she takes responsibility for what else contributed to the additional weight gain.

“My initial weight gain in college was 100 lbs. in eight months. I absolutely blame that on PCOS,” she said. “But since then, of course, I’ve continued to gain weight. What made me fat was a combination of PCOS and the shame and the stigma that you face being a fat woman in America.”

https://youtu.be/2VHjehEIqY0

Now 380 pounds, Whitney emphasizes that she’s not pro-obesity and that she recognizes the health hazards at her current weight.

“If I’m pro-anything it’s simply pro-loving yourself in this moment because it’s all we have. And I do want to lose weight,” stressed Thore.

The reality TV star, in an exclusive interview, talked about the response to her show and her No Body Shame Campaign, which she describes as “overwhelmingly positive.” Whitney has received responses from around the globe about their own battles with everything from chronic disease to eating disorders, from body image to disability and beyond.

“I figured it would resonate with fat people, and specifically fat women, but I never anticipated how many people it would affect,” she added.

And Thore hopes that those who watch her show will feel inspired to live an authentic life and find happiness, regardless of their own challenges. Describing herself as unconventional, Whitney encourages others to seek joy.

Thore’s No Body Shame Web site includes everything from T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan to shorts and bumper stickers. Part of all sales goes to the National PCOS Foundation and National Association of Eating Disorders.

As the Inquisitr reported, Thore recently challenged the “Dear Fat People” video created by comedian Nicole Arbour. While some interpreted it as a bullying diatribe that emphasized fat-shaming overweight people, Nicole claimed to have positive intentions.

Arbour insisted that she thought her video would encourage others to work out and eat right, targeting those who are overweight.

But as Whitney pointed out, many individuals have health conditions that make it particularly challenging to lose weight, whether it’s depression, PCOS, or other issues.

“I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, while PCOS is not the only reason I turned from 130-lb. 18-year-old to an over 300-lb. woman…it is a really big contributing factor. So I’m so glad you’re not talking about me, except you are talking about me because you can’t see a person’s health from looking at them,” noted the reality TV star.

Whitney seeks to raise awareness of PCOS in particular, reported Cosmopolitan.

Thore revealed that one in 10 women are diagnosed with PCOS, and that symptoms vary widely. She’s heard from many, however, who also share the condition, but noted that most individuals are not familiar with the condition. Whitney has a theory about the lack of publicity about PCOS.

“I have a theory that PCOS isn’t really sexy, so I don’t see it getting a lot of awareness. I’ve heard from thousands and thousands of women who are just so thankful that there’s someone else like them, who struggles with PCOS,” added Thore.

[Images Via No Body Shame]