#Fatkini raises debate as oversized women share bikini pictures

This article is more than 12 months old

Aug 12, 2014 07:18 am

A hashtag encouraging oversized women everywhere to share pictures of them in their bikinis is trending on the popular social media sites and stirring up a debate about health.

The term "fatkini", according to the Sydney Morning Herald, is widely acknowledged to have been first used by Blogger Gabi Fresh back in 2012.

The Blogger who blogs mainly about health and and beauty topics wrote in the 2012 blogpost that while she does not expect everyone to be comfortable in a two piece swimwear, she does not want "body shame keep you from having a good time."

Now that that term is being used as a hashtag for plus sized woman everywhere to share their bikini clad bodies online.

Women shouldn't be categorized for being over size! So as one of them i'm here to support them. #Fatkini #Fatkini pic.twitter.com/LWw9F21SD3

— Freaky (@oficialanapinto) August 10, 2014

However, some people are criticising the hashtag for glamourising obesity.

#Fatkini is the worst hashtag ever. It's not ok to promote obesity. I am all for being confident & stuff but this is not ok.

— Bish (@BishFingers) August 11, 2014

SO #thinspiration ENDORSES UNHEALTHY & POTENTIALLY DEADLY EATING DISORDERS (anorexia,bulimia),BUT #fatkini DOESNT (overeating,binge eating)?

— Jackie From Allstate (@Nnemdilim) August 11, 2014

Not sure I'm a big fan of the #fatkini trend. It's one thing to accept your body. It's another to glorify morbid obesity.

— Roxanne O.T. (@Roxetta) August 10, 2014

Tell us what you think.

Source: Twitter, Instagram, Sydney Morning Herald

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