The fat admirer

This paper describes a neglected social phenomenon: men who are erotically and romantically attracted to fat women in part because they are obese. Fifteen formal interviews were held with “fat admirers,” as well as numerous informal interviews with many more. In addition, the authors have been participants in a “fat” civil rights organization (the National Association to Aid Fat Americans), which serves as a site for fat admirers and obese women to meet and socialize with one another. At least three dimensions distinguish different types of fat admirers—"closet” versus “overt,” “exclusive” versus “preferential,” and “mountain men” versus “middle‐of‐the‐roaders. The authors also explore the impact of stigma emanating from conventional society on the sexual life of the fat admirer and the fat woman. Lastly, the role that exchange and social bargaining‐following some basic tenets of exchange theory—play in the sexual exploitation of some fat women is elaborated.