My Big Fat Fabulous Life: Whitney Way Thore Talks About PCOS
With her hit show My Big Fat Fabulous Life, Whitney Way Thore is an inspiration to countless people. The focus of her message is having no body shame, and Whitney talks openly about her life with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
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Whitney Way Thore PCOS
I first met Whitney Way Thore at the 2013 Body Love Conference put on by fat activist Jes Baker. This was after her Fat Girl Dancing video went viral but before TLC came knocking.
The Whitney you see on TV is the very same Whitney I met in person.
She has a big personality and an even bigger heart. I'm thrilled she agreed to answer a few questions about life as a TV reality star and having PCOS.
Whitney, What's The Story Behind My Big Fat Fabulous Life?
In March of 2013, after my “Fat Girl Dancing” video went viral, I was contacted by TLC to do a possible collaboration.
Less than a year later my story and my family has ended up on national television.
Admittedly, I was a little nervous entering into the project, as I have no control how the show would be edited or how we would be portrayed. I would like to say, however, that I'm thrilled with the episodes I have seen so far!
TLC is a network committed to telling human stories.
I'm beyond grateful to have an outlet to tell mine!
Do you have a message you'd like to share with women who have PCOS and feel alone?
PCOSย has greatly affected my life, and not just in the area of weight. It's such a common syndrome that affects so many women and affects them all differently.
CYSTERS, you are not alone! We are not hopeless or broken and we can find happiness while dealing with this frustrating and often times heartbreaking condition.
Also, I like to point out that while on the show PCOS is a highlight, I don't want to alienate women who DON'T have it. I believe that it's easier for America to swallow the story of a woman whose weight gain has a contributing health factor behind it, but let me make it clear: we do not need an excuse for our bodies – no matter what issues we are struggling with!
What do you hope is the main takeaway people have after watching My Big Fat Fabulous Life?
I hope that anyone watching can believe, TRULY believe, that they can find self-love and acceptance in their current body and circumstances.
I spent most of my life (even when I was thin and dealing with eating disorders) feeling depressed and unworthy. Shame followed me, no matter what body I was in, but now I can honestly say I love myself.
You owe it to yourself to live your dreams and pursue your passions! Your body is NOT a hindrance.
I would like to lose some weight so that I have a better quality of life – and this is a personal choice for me – so that I can dance better and longer, fit comfortably into chairs, be more active, etc. Yet, I will not love myself anymore if my weight diminishes.
I am the happiest I've ever been right here and now and you can be too!
Also, be sure to check out Whitney's book,ย I Do It with the Lights On!ย
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Where do I start? Girl u have brought me out of being depressed. Ur my inspiration. My light. I believe that you were to do this show to help others. Ur laugh make me laugh its infectious. Pls keep up what ur doing. U have helped me more than u will ever know. “I might be fat but im a bad ass”
Lynda
Ditto to everything you shared Lynda! Thanks for commenting.
Love your show your personality and outlook on life is awesome. I am a fluffy girl and I think confidence and the ability to love yourself makes you beautiful not a dress size. Keep on doing what your doing!
Agreed! Beauty isn’t a size!
Whitney, I Love your show & beyond Love your attitude & outlook on life. Watching your show tonight, I’m so disturbed & ashamed of the absolute Crap & Bull#@!! that some people say to you & message you! I’m sorry because it really did break my heart, but the way you handle EVERYTHING is a refreshing & wonderful thing to experience. I’m not a big girl but we all have our trials & tribulation’s in life & I wish I could have one 10th of your confidence & outlook on life!!! So You Go Girl โคโคโค P.s. tried messaging you Via Facebook, but for some reason it said your page was not available….
Shilo thanks for sharing this sweet message with Whitney. I’m sure it will touch her heart โค
Thank you Whitney. Because of you I just found out I have PCOS! I am so glad to know what has been my problem my entire life. I just thought I was crazy. You are an amazing woman and I love your message. Thank you for helping me to learn to love myself just the way I am. I love you for it!
Wow Melissa! I’m so glad Whitney has helped you so much.
I couldn’t be happier to have stumbled on this show. I had never been plus-sized, then had a total thyroidectomy and put on a lot of weight. I have been struggling with my self-confidence so much… and then along comes the blazing star that is Whitney Thore! I sit and watch this show and cry – happy tears. What an incredible inspiration. Whitney… you are everything. This is just the beginning for you – I know your future is so bright! Thank you for being a great role model to so many people. You are indeed a badass.
Beautifully said Marie!
I love the show and wanted to say thank you for letting the world into your life it dose help and its never easy to share with people you don’t no but thank you we all have stuff we go threw but not in front of the hole world its helped me I went from a very active to in a wheelchair and everyone treats you in ways that blow your mind thank you so much for all you do keep up the good work and just no that what your doing dose matter.
I’m so saddened that people treat you poorly because you’re in a wheelchair. I just want to shake people sometimes!!!
Hey Whitney I really love your show. I live in South Carolina 20 minutes outside of Charlotte NC. I would love to sit and talk to you about the PCOS because I think I have what you have. This has been a puzzle that I have been trying to solve for a long time. I really love your attitude about life. You have encouraged me to not be so depressed and get up and go to the gym. I am a big girl too by the way. I pray you are able to get this message. You keep your head up and don’t let the haters in life get you down. I am trying to stop crying and get and enjoy life as you have shown me how to do in your show. Please email me Whitney!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya Girl!!! Sincerely Tiffani
Hi Tiffani! Have you talked with your care provider about PCOS? I hope you’re able to connect with someone who will listen to and address your concerns. Wishing you all the best! – Jen
Whitney I love you for portraying the beauty and confidence as a plussize woman. I admire your strength and courage to open your life for everyone to watch. I feel better about myself and I have you to thank. All the best to you in the new year. I love you girl!!!
I’m so glad Whitney has touched your life in this way Shelley! She’s pretty awesome!
Whitney you are absolutely amazing! I love you! I suffer from pcos as well. Ways ashamed of my weight and got really depressed but watching your show and following you on Facebook has inspired me so much! Whitney thank you for being so inspirating to all women!! I love you so much I’ve got 3 daughter’s (ages: 11,almost 7 and 4) who look up to me and working on goals and having that inspiration really helps me so I can show my girls they can do anything In their lives!!
She inspires so many – I’m so glad that she has made a positive impact in your life.
When will you be back on t.v.
I know they just released a teaser for her new season, so soon!!
Love ya Whitney u inspire me as well
She’s pretty awesome!
I think Whitney is a wonderful person. She definitely is a powerful woman! When will she be having the baby??
Her pregnancy was just announced tonight but we don’t know any other details quite yet.
I enjoy your show, you have a great personality. I think it is wonderful you are pregnant especially with the odds against you. I wish you good luck with your pregnancy. I do not have pcos but have had several losses and my husband and I unexpectedly got pregnant. I was scared and it was a horrible 9 months, but we now have a gorgeous little boy. Sometimes what’s unexpected turns out to be the best thing. It brought me out of a deep depression and I’m very thankful for that. Congrats on your little miracle.
I’m so very sorry to hear you’ve experienced losses but I’m so very happy for your little boy. Wishing you all the best and I’m excited to watch Whitney’s journey too.
Congratulations!! Whitney on your pregnancy
We’re happy for her too!
You..rock girly…keep up the good work…you are one of the women that inspire me …to be happy of who I am..and how I look…and you also thought me not focus on negative side…but to always focus on the positive… Lots of love to you dear…and pls say hi to Buddy for me…
Hi Whitney..Just to let you know we live in Ontario Canada 40 miles from the Sarnia /Port Huron border in Michigan. We have ALL Covid shots, Visa etc to cross but Americans won’t allow us to go across However they have been allowed here in Ontario for ages So what your French man is saying could be the truth. Stay in there kiddo but remember guard up on someone you really don’t know. Good Luck. Enjoy your show. Love your bubbly attitude. In my 70’s but I like you and I like crossing the border for Christmas gifts. On line buying just isn’t my generation. Say Hi to everyone for me
I am tankful for you, I love you sharing your life