How To Be Fat For Dummies

Chapter 1: Assembling Your Fat Starter Pack™

Hello, reader! Welcome to How to Be Fat for Dummies!

This ongoing series teaches you how to navigate life as a fat person in a world that prefers thinness. Maybe you were sent this by a loved one who’s tired of seeing you hate your body. Perhaps you’ve recently become fat and need a guide on the dos and don’ts of living in a larger body. Or maybe you’ve realized that your fat body is not temporary, and now it’s time to learn how to care for it properly.

Whatever the reason, I’m so glad you’re here.

In this series, you will learn how to cope during the summer, accept your fatness, handle fat-shamers, and deal with “well-intentioned” comments about your appearance from family and friends.

We have much to cover, so let's get started.

Chapter 1: Assembling Your Fat Starter Pack™

In this chapter, you’ll discover all the essential items to assemble your fat survival kit. As the days grow warmer, we must prepare ourselves to face the humidity and heat that affects us all, especially those of us with folds, thighs that touch, and bodies that insist on sweating everywhere.

The Cooling Shorts ($39, ThighSociety.com)

As a survivor of thigh chafing—with the scars to prove it—I can assure you it’s not a pleasant experience. Just because your thighs rub together doesn’t mean you're condemned to a life of pain or, even worse, skipping cute dresses and skirts because of it.

I discovered Thigh Society last year, and I haven’t looked back. I love the “Cooling Shorts” because they’re made of the thinnest material, allowing your privates to breathe while preventing chafing and catching sweat.

Read my full review and experience with the Cooling Shorts [here]

Thigh Rescue Mini ($10, Megababe.com)

On days I can’t wear my Cooling Shorts because the heat is just too much to handle, I pull out my Thigh Rescue. I recommend buying the mini version, keeping it in your bag, and reapplying as needed—though one to two applications are usually more than enough.

Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment ($54, Sephora.com)

I know your instinct might be to skip this one, but hear me out: I’m a sweaty-face girly too, and the thought of wearing layers of makeup during a heatwave makes me want to rip my skin off.

However, this Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is a two-in-one! It helps eliminate redness, making your skin appear smoother and more even, and it protects you from the sun with SPF 30.

Portable Hand-Held Fan ($15, Amazon.com)

It may seem obvious to include a hand-held fan in your Fat Starter Pack™, but for some of us, it's deeper than that. For a really, really long time, I wouldn’t dare be seen using one. It made me feel like I was letting the fat shamers win. I could hear them saying, “Of course she’s hot,” and it felt like defeat.

But here’s the truth: every living thing gets hot. Some of us run a little warmer than others, and that’s okay. We all deserve comfort, no matter what anyone thinks.

SOS Rescue Spray ($12, tower28beauty.com)

Sweating is inevitable. This mist, made with hypochlorous acid, helps reduce redness, prevents oil and sweat from clogging your pores, and avoids irritation and breakouts—all while giving you a refreshing boost.

Unscented | Cream Tube Deodorant | + Sweat Control ($20,lumedeodorant.com)

Once temperatures hit the 70s, I break out my favorite deodorant. It keeps me feeling fresh and smelling good. I don’t know how they do it, but it actually helps reduce how much I sweat.

And don’t be shy—apply it between your rolls if needed. This one is a must!

O'Keeffe's For Healthy Feet Cream ($14.99, Amazon.com)

Dry feet run in my family, and sadly, I’m not exempt. This foot cream keeps my feet looking like I just had a fresh pedicure. You can thank me later.

Moco De Gorilla ($8.97, Amazon)

Summer may be my kryptonite, but I’ve learned how to work with it instead of against it. Instead of fighting the sweat, I let it activate this gel. It’s water-activated, so as I sweat, it just strengthens my hairstyle.

Take that, Superman.

Antimicrobial & Antiseptic Soap Cleanser by Hibiclens ($23, Amazon.com)

If you suffer from HS (hidradenitis suppurativa) or are dealing with the aftermath of chafing, this body cleanser is a godsend. I use it 1–2 times a week in the summer to help ensure sweat doesn’t clog my pores.

As always, check with your doctor before using it.

Please note: these items are beneficial for all body types. However, due to the ongoing stigma that fat people face—and the unsolicited commentary we’ve internalized—we often feel more self-conscious and in need of extra reassurance.

That’s why this chapter exists: not to fix your body, but to help you honor and care for it lovingly and unapologetically.

---

Today I want to share a childhood song that reminds me of Ecuador. Enjoy.

---