Fat Studies in Canada: (Re)Mapping the Field re-envisions what it means to be fat in the colonial project known as Canada, exploring the unique ways that fat studies theorists, academics, artists, and activists are troubling and thickening existing fat studies literature.

Weaving together academic articles and alternative forms of narration, including visual art and poetry, this edited collection captures multi-dimensional experiences of being fat in Canada. Together, the chapters explore the subject of fat oppression as it acts upon individuals and collectives, unpacking how fat bodies at various intersections of gender, sexuality, racialization, disability, neurodivergence, and other axes of embodiment have been understood, both historically and within contemporary Canada.

Taking a critical approach to dominant framings of fatness, particularly those linked to an "obesity epidemic," Fat Studies in Canada aims to interrogate and dismantle systemic fat oppression by (re)centering and (re)valuing fat voices and epistemologies. Ultimately, the volume introduces new ways of celebrating fatness and fat life in Northern Turtle Island.

Allison Taylor, PhD, is a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at ReVision: The Centre for Art and Social Justice. Her research interests include fat studies, critical disability studies, queer theory, and critical femininities.

Allison Taylor's profile page

Kelsey Ioannoni, Ph.D., is a fat solo mom whose research focuses on the power dynamics between primary care physicians and patients (fat women), and how their conceptualizations of health – based on BMI – negatively affects the lives of fat Canadian women.

Kelsey Ioannoni's profile page

Ramanpreet Bahra's profile page

"This is an excellent and timely collection of essays and artwork exploring and (re)mapping the field of fat studies in Canada. It was an honour to engage with these critical works. The multiple points of knowledge contribution from creative to traditional academic essay complements this growing field. The weight of these various kinds of contributions make for an incredibly insightful read."
—Allyson Mitchell, Artist, Professor of Gender Studies, and Founder of Pretty Porky and Pissed Off

"These chapters weave a tapestry of theoretical, personal, and embodied responses to the provocation of what it means to be fat in Canada. Most (perhaps all) of the contributions could stand alone as articles or poems; together, they generate an intensity of thought and feeling that I?ve rarely observed in volumes of this kind. This volume stands to make a critical contribution across teaching and learning contexts, as well as to kickstart further theorizing around fatness, particularly situated, localized, and intersectional experiences of fatness. I find myself writing these general thoughts with mostly a round of applause running through my head as I meditate on the words so generously offered herein."
—Andrea LaMarre, PhD

"How wonderful to read Fat Studies in Canada that incorporates an intersectional perspective to challenge 'eurothincentricity'! I am delighted to see the editors and authors throwing their weight around—describing fat identity in Canada, reviewing fat studies scholarship in the Canadian context, and reflecting on ways to combat fat oppression in Canada. Reading it is an experience of fat joy and affirmation, fat magic and fat pleasure."
—Esther Rothblum, PhD, and Editor, Fat Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Body Weight and Society

"A brilliant and unapologetic collection that is sure to transform the field of fat studies in Canada. These skilfully curated essays expose the dynamics of fat oppression and liberation through cutting-edge research, critical theory, and the essential lived experiences of fat people. With a strong emphasis on intersectionality, this volume is a must-read for those looking to deepen their understanding of queer, feminist, crip, or critical race theory. The incorporation of art and poetry captures a full emotional range of fat embodiment, including anger, eroticism, and joy. Whether you're a seasoned fat activist or just starting out, this essential volume will enlighten you about what it means to be fat in Canada."
—Margaret Robinson, Associate Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Reconciliation, Gender, and Identity

"This powerful, path-breaking anthology brings together emerging and established leaders in the field of fat studies from across the area of Turtle Island known as 'Canada,' applying intersectional and decolonizing perspectives to fat experience, identity, and embodiment. Through accessible and engaging social and cultural analysis, innovative theoretical and methodological explorations, and compelling poetry and visual art, contributors address the structural and affective implications of fat oppression while opening and expanding possibilities for fat joy, desire, and liberation."
—Dr. Carla Rice, Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Feminist Studies and Social Practice; Founding Director, Re?Vision: The Centre for Art and Social Justice, University of Guelph; Principal Investigator & Co-Director, Bodies in Translation: Activist Art, Technology and Access to Life