‘Traveling As A Fat Person’: Woman Highlights The Problems That Skinny People Probably Never Think Of
Meet Mary Fran Donnelly, a bubbly 27-year-old teacher and body positivity advocate who won the hearts of the internet with her fun and lighthearted TikTok videos. She covers anything from dealing with toxic friends to learning to love your body the way it is, and handling fatphobic remarks, making her content all too important in a society that’s still hostile to all bodies, shapes and sizes.
Recently Mary started a video series titled “Traveling as a Fat Person” where she revealed how the hotel she stayed in during a family vacation was not meant for plus-size guests.
From super small towels that don’t cover much to the tiny toilet and even tinier chair, Mary’s humorous demonstration amassed millions of views. The videos reveal just how the hotel industry is far from ready to cater to everyone, and you wonder how we are all still okay with this.
Body positivity advocate Mary Fran has been sharing humorous videos on TikTok that amass millions of views
@itsmaryfranBecause Tik Tok thinks I’m bullying MYSELF, here’s the re-upload for the besties♬ original sound – Mary Fran
While on a family vacation, Mary posted a couple of humorous videos demonstrating just how unsuitable the hotel was for plus-size guests
While on vacation with her family, Mary realized just how absurd the layout of their hotel bathroom really was. But it was just the beginning, as she demonstrated all the flawed design and objects that were most likely chosen without plus-size people in mind.
@itsmaryfranTraveling as a Fat Person Episode 2♬ original sound – Mary Fran
Mary’s incredible sense of humor and bubbly personality made the tour video go viral with millions of views. However, as fun as it may look, it’s not always easy to cope with such uncomfortable situations, Mary said in an interview with Buzzfeed.
“I cope through humor… I was making light of a situation that is a very real stress for fat, plus-size people… my sister and I could only laugh at how absurd it was.” In reality, the sizes of things like the towels, toilet, and chairs would be way too small for most of us.
In her recent stories on Instagram, Mary made a confession to her followers: “And that’s all to say that this girl is far from being 100% confident. That while I have major moments of ‘eff the haters,’ I also have such real moments where I listen to the cruelty and believe it in a tiny way. Because my entire life and existence has been contingent on my feeling worthless in a world that doesn’t like me. That my voice doesn’t matter because I’m plus-sized.”
“So this is a reminder for me,” she continued: “You deserve the attention you’re getting. You’re worthy of the support and love that is being given. You are more than just skin and bones, you have value. Your voice and what you have to say is important.”
Image credits: itsmaryfran
Mary’s powerful statement resonated with many people struggling there in a society governed by seemingly perfect looks and unattainable beauty standards. Her voice offers a fresh breath of air reminding us that we all are worthy of love, attention, support and so much more.
Mary added that the same flaws happen in other hotels too, so she copes with a smashing sense of humor
And this is what people had to comment
I'm all for body positivity, and having been both light and heavy a few times, I know the struggle myself. However, when you're different, you can't expect the world to accommodate for you, unless specified. However, it would be better indeed, if more places catered to the ones who need it. Especially when there's many people who need these things.
Humour is a way to cope with tough feelings- that's all this lady was doing, just trying to find humour in an uncomfortable situation. I would never expect the world to change around me or accommodate me in my larger body but I expect common decency and respect. My body does not make me any less valuable as a human being. Also, not all people with larger bodies are unhealthy. I for example am in perfect health. I walk many places, I have a very active and busy job and I see my doctor regularly with zero issues. Would you know that from looking at me? Maybe not but the point is that you have no idea so keep your health commentary to yourself. This woman is allowed to feel annoyed by things just as much as a thin person is allowed to feel annoyed by things. Lets not make this an "obesity kills" witch hunt.
Consider the following: not everyone who is fat chooses to be so. There are many invisible illnesses people are fighting. I for example have Lipedema (NOT lymphodema, two totally different things). Basically my body creates fat cells at rapid rates in my legs, arms and hips and I can't stop it. The only (temporary) cure is liposuction which I am very uncomfortable with. Other people have ED's, mental illnesses, PCOS etc. And as a result of what they have, they struggle with their weight. Be a kind person and work towards extending empathy to other people. You don't know the impact one kind word or even a smile can have on another person.
Physical disabilities can also contribute to the same problems ----- due to their PAIN. They need supoprt devices these rooms won't accommodate except coming in the front door. And, wow, I am sorry you got stuck with lipedema. That one hit my cousin for no reason we know, and she can't afford the lipo, and just cries so hard. I send you supportive thoughts.
Load More Replies...
.... I'm just going to go ahead and say it. I love larger towels. I'm like a third her size (maybe) and that towel is a joke. Stupid hotels. Give us real towels!! Bath size please. K? ... I'll wait.
Yep. Even if you can wrap it around yourself, it's like a minidress. At home, I get the biggest bath sheets I can find. I like wrapping myself up in a huge, cozy towel after a shower.
Load More Replies...
Those are pretty minor issues to have when traveling, to be fair. I do find it fascinating how fatness is automatically equated with guaranteed poor health. Yes, there are health risks for many people. And some are healthy as oxes. On the other hand, there are thin people with all kinds of health problems, but nobody says, "Oh, you're unhealthy because you're thin". Size is not a guaranteed indicator of good or bad health. There are very healthy fat people. There are very unhealthy thin people. Fact.
I never understood about people thinking hotels are luxurious. I work for a company that sells linens to places like hotels and I’m always amazed by how cheap the quality is. Towels are tiny because they cost less. I’m actually surprised by how big the pool towel is.
They cost less to buy and it also cuts down on laundry costs.
Load More Replies...
Im a fat man but I'm sick of fat people trying to make our problems everyone's problem. Its my fault I'm fat the same goes for almost every other fat person. The world does not have to accommodate us because we have a food addiction or are lazy.
If you're short, would a bigger bed or a taller shower cabin be an issue for you? If you're thin would a 10cm longer towel be an issue for you? No? Then why not have them? Why NOT accommodate as many people as possible?
Load More Replies... I don't know ANYone over age 5 who finds hotel towels sufficient. I say we ALL demand bigger hotel towels. That's my message. And, oh, yeah, I'd also like more space, b/c, y'know, I just *do*. Not even overweight, just .... I agree, some of this is great if you're partially disabled, or socially anxious, or just want a decent towel!
Sometimes you don't have room if you're flying. The airlines charge way too much for luggage.
Load More Replies...
I have recently lost weight. I couldn't get a towel around me. Now I can. When I was bigger, I felt horrible all the time. Wheezing up stairs. Didn't want to walk uphill. One night as I laid in bed I was having trouble breathing. I decided right then that I was either going to die or lose this weight. I was tired of feeling like crap. I cut out all soda and sugar. All fast food too. Now I feel awesome and going to the gym every morning. The problem isn't with hotels. It's with this morbidly obese unhealthy woman. She wants the world to accommodate her fat ass. If you choose to be that huge, and you do. It's a choice, that's what you get. I am sick of the excuses and the lies. "Oh I'm so fat and I'm healthy". Thats a lie you tell yourself to avoid having to deal with the truth. To avoid having to take action. I read one user felt compelled to "Check her skinny privilege". Cut the bullshit. That is the way fatties silence regular size people about their unhealthy behavior
I will say that it isn't always choice. There are a lot of hidden illnesses ---- YOU see "chose to be obese", but hte medical chart has a list of stuff that's scare you half to death. Congrats on being ABLE to lose the weight! Not everyone is so fortunate. (FYI: I got my medical degree, and just in my life and training have seen people with lipedema, weight gain due to brain injury, metabolic disorders.... Just... don't assume it is *always* a choice. Please. That drives such patients into suicidal depression.)
Load More Replies...
Have you tried... I don't know... Maybe... To lose some weight??? You know... For healthy reasons... Or to live longer... Maybe... I'm 2 meter tall... I don't fit in most of the cheap airline seats... I just buy the seats with more leg space... They should do something about that, because... You know, I can just change my height... During this pandemic I gained like 20 kg, my clothes didn't fit me anymore... And you know... I started eating healthier and making exercise... And in 2 months I lost 4 kg... Still 16 to go...
OK, so chairs and towels, etc., don’t work for you. How well does your actual body work? Climbing stairs, running down the street to catch a bus, walking from one side of town to the other? Don’t tell me your hips, knees, and feet aren’t hurting from all the weight. What about the chafing from sweaty rolls of fat? How’s your metabolism doing? Type 2 diabetes, clogged arteries, and heart attacks are lying in wait. Look, fat is not a choice. Don’t, however, defend being overweight. Some bodies are naturally bigger than others in different ways, but nobody should be 5’7” and 300 pounds. An active body is a capable body and a healthier body.
Hotels (as well as planes, buses, restaurants, etc.) cater to the average person in the area. It’s not practicable to make everything triple the size of regular furniture in case the largest possible customer happens to take that room or seat. You’d only have 1/3 as many seats available etc. and for a lot of people it would be super uncomfortable to have an XL toilet in their room that they would fall into. Perhaps having some rooms or seats that allow for larger bodies is a good option for those who need it, but it won’t be the default.
She has a really infectious smile. That cheeky grin before checking the bathroom...
Oh, so it's a skinny person's fault this fat person has problems travelling? How thoughtless not to have her at the forefront of he mind!
Let's stop trying to normalize being overweight! It's very unhealthy and you should do everything you can to slim down!
I use a Bath Sheet which is a lot bigger than a Bath Towel. I think fat people are disgusting, but I have no choice, I don't eat much. I have trouble moving. I have no idea how or why I look like a beached whale. I am not happy in my body.
As a former fat person (from a size 24 to a size 6), I STILL think like a fat person. When I see a towel I say to myself, "well, that won't work" and yet when it does, I'm amazed. It's been 12 years since I had weight loss surgery and I still think like this.
Just because obesity is now accepet in the US as body positivity, I still think it is a toxic trend that dares to swap, like sugary coca cola, over Europe. I'm not denying that there are some diseases that won't allow you to lose weight or stopping to gain some... and I feel with those people. But honestly, it's kind of funny that there is a significantly accumulation of these people in the US (where a whole meal of fast food is cheaper as some single vegetable)! And i feel pity for this 27 year old woman...
Anyone else use these types of posts as inspo to, at the very least, maintain their current size? 😅 OP has a great humor about it all but I can't imagine dealing with that and do NOT want to!
I went to a hotel spa and they pre-stock the lockers when you check in with a size small robe. had to go back to the desk and ask for a larger size which was super fun for me. You'd think fancy spa, booking online, maybe add an option to select robe size? it wouldn't be rocket science to do. Or I would always provide a size larger than you think you need
Oooh, I can’t wait for the hostile and fatphobic comments to begin…let me get started?
If u are really happy and u chose not to do anything about your unhealthy weight, don't complain. The world should not have to go out of its way to cater to an unhealthy lifestyle. Especially for people who choose to be unhealthy.
I am glad that there are people like this who make me feel skinny. I mean, damn. How do you walk around and see sights? Run for a bus/cab/metro? How do you walk easily from hotel to beach? I see sooooooo many obese people who literally look like they spend more time watching tv than planning a meal. Ok. Downvote me to hell.
Many people who are overweight are not so by choice. There are many health issues that contribute to weight gain and make it harder to loose wieght(thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues, chronic pain, . physical disability...). It's not always a choice, so why not have some compassion?
Load More Replies...
What you "feel" like does not correspond to science. Stop being a judgemental bitch. If it was easy, diets wouldn't be a multi-billion dollar industry. Plus, do some reading about what happened to contestants on The Biggest Loser - who kept the weight off, who didn't, and how the body compensates for fat loss and slows the metabolism to guard against it. READ and LEARN and stop being nasty, FFS.
Load More Replies... I'm all for body positivity, and having been both light and heavy a few times, I know the struggle myself. However, when you're different, you can't expect the world to accommodate for you, unless specified. However, it would be better indeed, if more places catered to the ones who need it. Especially when there's many people who need these things.
Humour is a way to cope with tough feelings- that's all this lady was doing, just trying to find humour in an uncomfortable situation. I would never expect the world to change around me or accommodate me in my larger body but I expect common decency and respect. My body does not make me any less valuable as a human being. Also, not all people with larger bodies are unhealthy. I for example am in perfect health. I walk many places, I have a very active and busy job and I see my doctor regularly with zero issues. Would you know that from looking at me? Maybe not but the point is that you have no idea so keep your health commentary to yourself. This woman is allowed to feel annoyed by things just as much as a thin person is allowed to feel annoyed by things. Lets not make this an "obesity kills" witch hunt.
Consider the following: not everyone who is fat chooses to be so. There are many invisible illnesses people are fighting. I for example have Lipedema (NOT lymphodema, two totally different things). Basically my body creates fat cells at rapid rates in my legs, arms and hips and I can't stop it. The only (temporary) cure is liposuction which I am very uncomfortable with. Other people have ED's, mental illnesses, PCOS etc. And as a result of what they have, they struggle with their weight. Be a kind person and work towards extending empathy to other people. You don't know the impact one kind word or even a smile can have on another person.
Physical disabilities can also contribute to the same problems ----- due to their PAIN. They need supoprt devices these rooms won't accommodate except coming in the front door. And, wow, I am sorry you got stuck with lipedema. That one hit my cousin for no reason we know, and she can't afford the lipo, and just cries so hard. I send you supportive thoughts.
Load More Replies... .... I'm just going to go ahead and say it. I love larger towels. I'm like a third her size (maybe) and that towel is a joke. Stupid hotels. Give us real towels!! Bath size please. K? ... I'll wait.
Yep. Even if you can wrap it around yourself, it's like a minidress. At home, I get the biggest bath sheets I can find. I like wrapping myself up in a huge, cozy towel after a shower.
Load More Replies... Those are pretty minor issues to have when traveling, to be fair. I do find it fascinating how fatness is automatically equated with guaranteed poor health. Yes, there are health risks for many people. And some are healthy as oxes. On the other hand, there are thin people with all kinds of health problems, but nobody says, "Oh, you're unhealthy because you're thin". Size is not a guaranteed indicator of good or bad health. There are very healthy fat people. There are very unhealthy thin people. Fact.
I never understood about people thinking hotels are luxurious. I work for a company that sells linens to places like hotels and I’m always amazed by how cheap the quality is. Towels are tiny because they cost less. I’m actually surprised by how big the pool towel is.
They cost less to buy and it also cuts down on laundry costs.
Load More Replies... Im a fat man but I'm sick of fat people trying to make our problems everyone's problem. Its my fault I'm fat the same goes for almost every other fat person. The world does not have to accommodate us because we have a food addiction or are lazy.
If you're short, would a bigger bed or a taller shower cabin be an issue for you? If you're thin would a 10cm longer towel be an issue for you? No? Then why not have them? Why NOT accommodate as many people as possible?
Load More Replies... I don't know ANYone over age 5 who finds hotel towels sufficient. I say we ALL demand bigger hotel towels. That's my message. And, oh, yeah, I'd also like more space, b/c, y'know, I just *do*. Not even overweight, just .... I agree, some of this is great if you're partially disabled, or socially anxious, or just want a decent towel!
Sometimes you don't have room if you're flying. The airlines charge way too much for luggage.
Load More Replies... I have recently lost weight. I couldn't get a towel around me. Now I can. When I was bigger, I felt horrible all the time. Wheezing up stairs. Didn't want to walk uphill. One night as I laid in bed I was having trouble breathing. I decided right then that I was either going to die or lose this weight. I was tired of feeling like crap. I cut out all soda and sugar. All fast food too. Now I feel awesome and going to the gym every morning. The problem isn't with hotels. It's with this morbidly obese unhealthy woman. She wants the world to accommodate her fat ass. If you choose to be that huge, and you do. It's a choice, that's what you get. I am sick of the excuses and the lies. "Oh I'm so fat and I'm healthy". Thats a lie you tell yourself to avoid having to deal with the truth. To avoid having to take action. I read one user felt compelled to "Check her skinny privilege". Cut the bullshit. That is the way fatties silence regular size people about their unhealthy behavior
I will say that it isn't always choice. There are a lot of hidden illnesses ---- YOU see "chose to be obese", but hte medical chart has a list of stuff that's scare you half to death. Congrats on being ABLE to lose the weight! Not everyone is so fortunate. (FYI: I got my medical degree, and just in my life and training have seen people with lipedema, weight gain due to brain injury, metabolic disorders.... Just... don't assume it is *always* a choice. Please. That drives such patients into suicidal depression.)
Load More Replies... Have you tried... I don't know... Maybe... To lose some weight??? You know... For healthy reasons... Or to live longer... Maybe... I'm 2 meter tall... I don't fit in most of the cheap airline seats... I just buy the seats with more leg space... They should do something about that, because... You know, I can just change my height... During this pandemic I gained like 20 kg, my clothes didn't fit me anymore... And you know... I started eating healthier and making exercise... And in 2 months I lost 4 kg... Still 16 to go...
OK, so chairs and towels, etc., don’t work for you. How well does your actual body work? Climbing stairs, running down the street to catch a bus, walking from one side of town to the other? Don’t tell me your hips, knees, and feet aren’t hurting from all the weight. What about the chafing from sweaty rolls of fat? How’s your metabolism doing? Type 2 diabetes, clogged arteries, and heart attacks are lying in wait. Look, fat is not a choice. Don’t, however, defend being overweight. Some bodies are naturally bigger than others in different ways, but nobody should be 5’7” and 300 pounds. An active body is a capable body and a healthier body.
Hotels (as well as planes, buses, restaurants, etc.) cater to the average person in the area. It’s not practicable to make everything triple the size of regular furniture in case the largest possible customer happens to take that room or seat. You’d only have 1/3 as many seats available etc. and for a lot of people it would be super uncomfortable to have an XL toilet in their room that they would fall into. Perhaps having some rooms or seats that allow for larger bodies is a good option for those who need it, but it won’t be the default.
She has a really infectious smile. That cheeky grin before checking the bathroom...
Oh, so it's a skinny person's fault this fat person has problems travelling? How thoughtless not to have her at the forefront of he mind!
Let's stop trying to normalize being overweight! It's very unhealthy and you should do everything you can to slim down!
I use a Bath Sheet which is a lot bigger than a Bath Towel. I think fat people are disgusting, but I have no choice, I don't eat much. I have trouble moving. I have no idea how or why I look like a beached whale. I am not happy in my body.
As a former fat person (from a size 24 to a size 6), I STILL think like a fat person. When I see a towel I say to myself, "well, that won't work" and yet when it does, I'm amazed. It's been 12 years since I had weight loss surgery and I still think like this.
Just because obesity is now accepet in the US as body positivity, I still think it is a toxic trend that dares to swap, like sugary coca cola, over Europe. I'm not denying that there are some diseases that won't allow you to lose weight or stopping to gain some... and I feel with those people. But honestly, it's kind of funny that there is a significantly accumulation of these people in the US (where a whole meal of fast food is cheaper as some single vegetable)! And i feel pity for this 27 year old woman...
Anyone else use these types of posts as inspo to, at the very least, maintain their current size? 😅 OP has a great humor about it all but I can't imagine dealing with that and do NOT want to!
I went to a hotel spa and they pre-stock the lockers when you check in with a size small robe. had to go back to the desk and ask for a larger size which was super fun for me. You'd think fancy spa, booking online, maybe add an option to select robe size? it wouldn't be rocket science to do. Or I would always provide a size larger than you think you need
Oooh, I can’t wait for the hostile and fatphobic comments to begin…let me get started?
If u are really happy and u chose not to do anything about your unhealthy weight, don't complain. The world should not have to go out of its way to cater to an unhealthy lifestyle. Especially for people who choose to be unhealthy.
I am glad that there are people like this who make me feel skinny. I mean, damn. How do you walk around and see sights? Run for a bus/cab/metro? How do you walk easily from hotel to beach? I see sooooooo many obese people who literally look like they spend more time watching tv than planning a meal. Ok. Downvote me to hell.
Many people who are overweight are not so by choice. There are many health issues that contribute to weight gain and make it harder to loose wieght(thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues, chronic pain, . physical disability...). It's not always a choice, so why not have some compassion?
Load More Replies... What you "feel" like does not correspond to science. Stop being a judgemental bitch. If it was easy, diets wouldn't be a multi-billion dollar industry. Plus, do some reading about what happened to contestants on The Biggest Loser - who kept the weight off, who didn't, and how the body compensates for fat loss and slows the metabolism to guard against it. READ and LEARN and stop being nasty, FFS.
Load More Replies...
104
135