San Francisco's recently appointed "anti-weight-based discrimination" expert, Virgie Tovar, has ignited online discussions following a resurfaced 2022 video where she asserts that "no one has to be healthy." Tovar, a self-described body positivity advocate and author of "You Have the Right to Remain Fat," made this statement during a YouTube video interview with Ulta Beauty. She argued against the concept of a universal definition of health, emphasizing individual autonomy and rejecting the notion that anyone is obligated to conform to specific health standards.

Tovar, drawing parallels with the disability rights movement, contends that individuals, regardless of size, shouldn't be pressured to meet societal expectations of health. She highlights the idea that health is a personal matter and not something owed to others. This perspective, while resonating with some, has faced criticism, particularly concerning the comparison between obesity and disability, as well as the potential implications for public health and rising healthcare costs.

Tovar's appointment as a consultant on weight stigma and neutrality by the San Francisco Department of Public Health further fuels this debate. While the specifics of her role remain unclear, Tovar has expressed her enthusiasm for promoting weight neutrality in public health. Her stance against traditional dieting and what she terms "fatphobia," along with her criticism of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, underscores her commitment to challenging conventional approaches to weight management. She has publicly stated her refusal to take such medications, even though she acknowledges having access to them.

This controversy unfolds amidst ongoing discussions surrounding obesity, health, and societal expectations. Tovar's pronouncements contribute to a broader conversation about body image, individual rights, and the role of public health initiatives.

Original reporting contributed by Yael Halon and Taylor Penley of Fox News.