‘After losing weight I am treated way better’
Nick Dipietro opened up about a deeply personal experience, sharing that he felt profoundly ‘dehumanised’ due to his struggles with weight. “No one talks about how when you are overweight, you are ignored in the tiniest of interactions,” he lamented in his latest video. Having endured the complexities of being 245 pounds (approximately 111.1 kg), he now proudly weighs 170 pounds (approximately 77.1 kg). “It goes beyond the obvious neglect; I was literally made to feel invisible,” he asserted. He specifically recalled, “Girls would ignore me completely if I approached them, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Nick elaborated on the daily discrimination he faced, revealing how stereotyping individuals based on their weight occurs in various contexts. “I swear no one talks about how when you are overweight, you are ignored in the tiniest of interactions. Things like trying to order my Chipotle bowl, I would stand there waiting while staff would overlook me completely. Initially, I believed that general rudeness was just common, but after shedding the weight, the treatment I received drastically improved. While I wish it didn’t operate this way, it’s important to recognise how dehumanising it feels to be treated as anything less than a normal person simply because of one’s weight.”
Reactions to his post
Many Instagram users resonated with Nick’s sentiments, remarking on how being overweight often leads to diminished respect or recognition. One commenter articulated, “Literally what I’m going through right now,” echoing Nick’s feelings. Another individual supported his claim, stating, “Pretty privilege is very real,” underscoring society’s preference for certain body types.
Countless others shared their personal stories, highlighting the severe contrast in treatment they have experienced due to fluctuations in their weight. A comment read, “I gained weight recently and the treatment is like night and day,” illustrating just how stark this change can be. Another user, identifying as an overweight girl, shared, “For real, as an overweight girl I feel that.” One user empathized, “Currently, I am trying to lose weight, and I thought I was going crazy when I tried to explain this to people. Sometimes people will ignore what I say or my existence in general even if I’m loud and clear…”
What does science say?
Obesity, recognised as a complex medical condition influenced by a mix of genetic, environmental, and social factors, is prevalent across both developing and developed nations. A pivotal 2019 study featured in the journal Obesity revealed a troubling trend: individuals facing obesity not only encounter stigma but are also subject to blatant dehumanisation.
In this study, participants—with an average perception—ranked individuals with obesity as ‘less evolved’ and more animalistic than their slimmer counterparts. On average, those with obesity scored approximately 10 points lower compared to their non-obese peers. This blatant dehumanisation was most prevalent among thinner participants but was also observed among those classified as ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ themselves, highlighting a troubling societal issue that extends beyond appearance.
**Interview with Nick Dipietro: Reflections on Weight and Treatment**
**Editor:** Nick, thank you for joining us today. You’ve shared some powerful experiences regarding how weight can impact interpersonal interactions. Can you tell us more about your feelings of dehumanization before your weight loss journey?
**Nick Dipietro:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. It’s a tough subject to discuss, but I think it’s really important. When I was at my highest weight of 245 pounds, I felt invisible in many ways. People would outright ignore me in social situations or even in mundane tasks, like ordering food. It was as if my presence didn’t matter to them.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly challenging. You mentioned specific experiences, like being overlooked while trying to order at places. How did this treatment affect your self-esteem?
**Nick Dipietro:** It was really damaging. At first, I thought it was just bad customer service, but when the same thing happened repeatedly, I began to realize it was connected to my weight. It definitely chipped away at my confidence and made me feel less like a person in social settings. That feeling of being disregarded is sometimes harder to shake than the weight itself.
**Editor:** After losing weight, do you find that the way people treat you has changed?
**Nick Dipietro:** Yes, drastically. Dropping down to 170 pounds has made a significant difference in the way people interact with me. I now get acknowledged in situations where I was previously ignored. It’s frustrating to realize that the only difference is my weight, but it’s a reality many face.
**Editor:** Your story is resonating with many on social media. What reactions have you received from your followers after sharing your experiences?
**Nick Dipietro:** It’s been overwhelming. Many people shared their own stories of feeling marginalized or devalued because of their weight. It’s clear that this stigma exists in so many lives. People appreciate the discussion because it sheds light on what they’ve been through too. It’s a reminder that weight isn’t just about health; it’s about dignity and respect as well.
**Editor:** That’s a powerful message. What would you like to say to those who may not understand the stigma that individuals with obesity face?
**Nick Dipietro:** I would say—look beyond the surface. Weight is often not just a matter of personal choice; genetics, health care access, and societal attitudes play huge roles. It’s essential to treat everyone with respect, irrespective of their size. Everyone deserves to be seen and valued as a person, not judged based on their appearance.
**Editor:** Thank you, Nick, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your story is sure to encourage conversations about understanding and empathy in our society.
**Nick Dipietro:** Thank you for providing a platform for this conversation. It’s crucial for awareness, and I hope it inspires more people to share their experiences and promote kindness.