The Fat Doctor Podcast The Logical Fallacies That Season Your Holiday Fatphobia
Dec 3, 2025
This holiday season, unravel the tangled web of weight and health misconceptions. Discover how claims equating fat to poor health often stem from logical fallacies. Learn to challenge 'everybody knows' statements and question supposed expert authority. Get insights on how vague language masks weak arguments and perpetuates discrimination. Equip yourself with evidence and nuanced thinking to counter fatphobia from relatives and the media. Prepare to debunk common justifications next time someone tries to pit health against body size!
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Question Experts And Conflicts Of Interest
- Authority claims ('the experts say') are weak without transparent evidence and can reflect bias or financial conflicts.
- Asher Larmie urges asking what evidence supports claims and who benefits if they're true.
Refute False Dichotomies With Evidence
- Use evidence when challenged and call out logical fallacies like false dilemmas.
- Asher Larmie often rebuts extremes like "lose weight or you'll die" by offering intermediate options.
Post Hoc Is Not Proof
- Post hoc reasoning (one event following another) does not prove causation and ignores confounders.
- Asher Larmie lists social determinants, biology, and bias as alternative explanations for observed improvements.