In the pantheon of taboo subjects, none is more difficult to address (or more potently visual) than obesity. It’s at once a stark reality and a cautionary tale, associated with serious economic consequences and no shortage of health complications — yet remains, to many, pure fodder for comedic opportunism. From Fats Waller to Fatty Arbuckle, Chris Farley to John Candy to a host of self-anointed celebrities, the public at large has been groomed to laugh at fat people, many of whom claim that they can’t help being fat.

What do we talk about when we talk about fat?

(via Design Observer)

Part Two of Jessica’s series at Design Observer on obesity and anorexia.