Using the word “fat” to describe someone can be deeply hurtful. But have you ever wondered why? What makes this word carry so much weight in society? A mother of two, Allison Kimmey, found herself in the middle of this very discussion when her young daughter called her overweight during a trip to the pool. Instead of reacting negatively, Allison turned it into a valuable life lesson, and her response quickly went viral, inspiring thousands.

Allison’s Journey to Body Positivity

Allison Kimmey’s struggle with body image started early. At just 14 years old, she began dieting, constantly trying to meet unrealistic standards of beauty. She successfully kept her weight under control throughout graduate school, but the journey was exhausting. No matter how much she managed her weight, true happiness remained out of reach.

At 27, Allison had a life-changing realization. After years of trying to control her weight, she decided to let go of her fixation on numbers and focus on self-acceptance instead. She reached a size eight but understood that her value as a person was not defined by her body size. This shift in mindset led her to embrace self-love and body positivity.

Inspiring Others Through Social Media

Determined to help others who faced similar struggles, Allison launched an Instagram account, @allisonkimmey, where she shares uplifting messages and photos about self-acceptance. Her posts have encouraged thousands of followers to challenge societal beauty norms and embrace their unique bodies. However, as powerful as her message is, not everyone immediately understands it—something she encountered firsthand during a day at the pool with her kids.

The Unexpected Conversation

One afternoon, Allison took her daughter and son to the pool. When it was time to leave, her daughter became upset and blurted out something unexpected: “Mama, I told you you were fat.” The moment could have been painful, but instead of reacting with anger or shame, Allison used it as an opportunity for growth.

She shared the interaction on Instagram, describing how she handled the situation with grace and wisdom:

Allison: “What did you say about me?”

Her daughter: “Mama, I told you you were fat. I’m sorry.”

Allison: “Let’s talk about it. Actually, I’m not fat. No one IS fat. You can’t BE fat, but you can HAVE fat. And guess what? Everyone has fat. It’s what gives us energy, keeps our bodies functioning, and protects our bones and muscles. Do you have fat?”

Her daughter: “Yes! It’s on my stomach.”

Allison: “That’s right! Your brother and I have it too.”

Her son: “I’m not fat! I have the thinnest body. I only have muscles.”

Allison: “The truth is, every single person on this planet has fat. Some have more, some have less.”

Her son: “Oh, I get it. I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than I do.”

Allison: “That’s right. Some people have a little, and some have a lot. But that doesn’t make one person better than another. Do you both understand?”

Both children: “Yes, mama.”

Allison: “Now, can you repeat what I said?”

Children: “Yes! I shouldn’t call someone fat because there’s no such thing as just fat—everyone has some, and that’s okay.”

Allison: “That’s exactly right!”

Teaching a Lesson Beyond Words

Through this heartfelt discussion, Allison did more than just correct her children—she provided them with a perspective that challenges the harmful ways society treats body image. Instead of allowing her daughter to internalize the idea that being called “fat” is shameful, she redefined the term, taking away its negative power.

Her Instagram post quickly went viral, resonating with thousands of people who have experienced similar insecurities. In a world where beauty standards are often dictated by unrealistic expectations, Allison’s approach was a breath of fresh air.

Challenging Harmful Beliefs

Allison’s powerful message reminds us that body shaming starts with the language we use. By responding with kindness and wisdom, she ensured her children would grow up understanding that everyone’s body is different—and that’s something to be celebrated, not criticized.

She later added, “If I shame my kids for using the word ‘fat,’ I’m teaching them that it’s a bad word. That being overweight is something to be disgusted by. That it’s unattractive and unworthy. But that’s not true.”

Her decision to challenge these beliefs rather than reinforce them has sparked important conversations about body acceptance, proving that words hold power—but so do the ways we choose to respond to them.

A Reminder to Support One Another

At the end of the day, what Allison demonstrated is something we can all learn from. Instead of judging each other based on appearance, we should be lifting each other up, encouraging self-love, and promoting kindness. Society has spent too long equating beauty with size, but people like Allison are paving the way for a new way of thinking—one based on respect, health, and happiness.

If this story inspires you, share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the message that everyone, regardless of size, is worthy of love, respect, and self-acceptance.