San Francisco hires 'anti-weight-based discrimination' expert to work for Health Department

The self-described "unapologetically fat fat-positive feminist" will serve the city she has called home for nearly two decades, though specific details of her role remain unclear.

Tovar described the consultancy role as an "absolute dream come true", expressing her belief that "weight neutrality will be the future of public health".

According to her website, Tovar offers corporate training sessions focused on tackling weight-based discrimination in the workplace.

Her client list includes notable organisations such as the Seattle Transit Agency and UC Berkeley.

In July, she conducted a weight bias training course for government workers aimed at reducing "stigma around food and bodies" in workplace settings.

Her workplace guidance included recommendations that colleagues should talk "less or not at all" about exercise whilst at work.

In a video for Project Heal, Tovar spoke about her distrust of medical professionals who had pressured her to lose weight since childhood.

Tovar has spoken about her distrust of medical professionals who had pressured her to lose weight since childhood

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She revealed she had previously suffered from anorexia, saying: "I really believed that this was about my health. I really believed my doctor was right."

Tovar recently shared on social media that she declined free access to weight-loss drug Ozempic.

She posted an image of herself holding a sign reading "I don't want Ozempic", stating the drug would not "solve weight bias".

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has not clarified whether Tovar's position will be salaried or if it will be funded by taxpayers.

The department was approached for comment regarding the specifics of her appointment.

The exact nature and scope of Tovar's role within the department remains undefined.