Fat Fetishism: Gaining Weight as Sexual Turn-On

Content Verification

Written by:✓

Katie Lasson
Sex and Relationship Adviser

Medically Reviewed by:✓

Veronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor

Fact Checked by:✓

Barbara Santini
Psychologist and Sex and Relationships Advisor

Ever found yourself turned on by curves, rolls, or a body that takes up more space? You’re not alone. Fat fetishism is the sexual attraction to overweight or obese bodies—and yes, it’s a real thing. It’s one of many wild, weird, and wonderful desires covered in our complete list of 239 kinks and fetishes.

But there’s more. A variation called feederism takes it a step further—it’s not just about the fatness, but the thrill of weight gain itself. Whether you’re into being fed, doing the feeding, or just watching the transformation, it’s a whole world of kink.

Curious where attraction ends and fetish begins? Wondering how this plays out in real-life dynamics? We’ve got you. By the end, you’ll understand fat fetishism, feederism, and the psychology of the weight gain fetish. Let’s begin.

What Is Fat Fetishism?

Let’s cut straight to it—fat fetishism is the sexual attraction to overweight or obese people because of their size. It’s not about overlooking the fat; it’s about loving it, craving it, even being turned on by it.

Some people are drawn to soft bellies, thick thighs, or the sheer presence of a larger body. Others find comfort, warmth, or dominance in their partner’s size—it’s deeply physical, but emotional too.

This is where the BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) and BHM (Big Handsome Man) communities come in. These are spaces that celebrate fat bodies, not just socially but erotically.

“Fat fetishism is about more than body preference—it often reflects deeper needs like nurturance, dominance, or admiration,” says Barbara Santini, psychologist and relationship advisor from Peaches and Screams. “For some, fat becomes symbolic of abundance, power, or care.”

People with a BBW fetish may adore the way curves move, jiggle, or fill a space. For others, it’s the intimacy of embracing someone bigger, where every touch feels indulgent and intense.

“It’s a sensual celebration of softness, comfort, and fullness,” adds Tatyana Dyachenko, sexual and relationship therapist. “There’s also a strong rejection of rigid beauty standards in this kink.”

Many with a fat fetish find that larger bodies exude a kind of earthy confidence that’s both rare and magnetic. These desires aren't new—they’ve existed in art, culture, and mythology for centuries.

So, is it just about sex? Not always. Sometimes it’s a preference. Sometimes it’s a full-blown obesity fetish tied to identity, intimacy, or romantic connection.

In any case, the key thread is this: it’s the sexual attraction to overweight people, not in spite of size, but because of it.

The Psychology Behind Fat Fetishes

So, what makes someone sexually drawn to fat bodies? The answer's deeper than just liking how someone looks.

For many, it’s about fat admiration—a genuine, erotic appreciation for soft flesh, generous curves, and full-bodied presence. It’s a turn-on that goes beyond surface-level lust and taps into identity, intimacy, and emotional need.

Some find comfort in attraction to fat bodies, associating size with warmth, safety, or a sense of being nurtured. Others enjoy the contrast in physicality, the feeling of being enveloped or dominated, especially in more submissive sexual roles.

“Fat fetishes can reflect emotional cravings—feeling cared for, consumed, or even overwhelmed,” says Katie Lasson, sex and relationship advisor. “Body size becomes more than appearance—it becomes power, comfort, and intimacy.”

In a world obsessed with thinness, a body size fetish can feel like rebellion. It flips the script, challenging narrow beauty ideals and celebrating the bodies that mainstream culture ignores.

There’s also an erotic thrill in breaking taboo—finding desire where others don’t. That defiance, that reversal of what’s ‘normal’, can be incredibly arousing.

“This isn’t dysfunction,” adds Barbara Santini. “It’s a valid way of finding meaning and fulfilment through physical and emotional connection.”

Whether rooted in psychological needs, power play, or simple pleasure, fat fetishes speak to a truth: beauty, and attraction, are far from one-size-fits-all.

Feederism: When Weight Gain Becomes the Focus

If fat fetishism is about loving size, feederism is about the journey of getting there. It’s the kink that adds appetite, control, and transformation to the mix.

At its core, feederism is a sexual fetish where weight gain is the turn-on. Some people love to gain the weight themselves—others enjoy feeding a partner and watching them grow. This creates two distinct roles: the feeder (who encourages or provides food) and the feedee (who gains and embraces their changing body).

“Feederism blends physical transformation with erotic attention,” explains Tatyana Dyachenko. “It’s about change, indulgence, and power exchange in often intimate ways.”

The thrill often lies in the process. Every bite, every snack, every inch gained becomes part of a sensual performance. That’s what makes this kink a variation of the weight gain fetish—the pleasure isn’t just in the result, but in the act itself.

Some people explore feeding fetishes as nurturing play: cooking, doting, and slowly fattening up a partner. Others lean into dominant or submissive fantasies, where control over someone’s eating becomes erotic power.

But what about forced feeding? Despite the name, this kink is usually consensual role play, where the “force” is entirely agreed upon beforehand. There’s a clear line between fantasy and real-world ethics.

“The term ‘forced feeding’ can sound alarming,” says Katie Lasson, “but in most feederism dynamics, communication and consent are crucial and ongoing.”

The gaining kink can be gentle or extreme, playful or intense. What matters is that both partners are on the same page—and that everyone involved finds joy, arousal, or fulfilment in the process.

Common Dynamics in Feederism Relationships

Feederism isn’t just about food—it’s about power, trust, and the emotional charge that comes with transformation. These relationships can be playful, intense, nurturing, or deeply erotic.

In a typical feeder and feedee relationship, one partner takes on a dominant or guiding role—feeding, encouraging, or praising weight gain. The other might take a more submissive stance, revelling in their growing body and the attention that comes with it.

“Feederism taps into layered dynamics—nurturing, submission, control, indulgence,” says Barbara Santini. “It’s a kink that thrives on mutual desire and emotional closeness.”

Weight gain role play often plays out through rituals: cooking meals, setting eating goals, or even verbal encouragement during feeding. The build-up becomes just as arousing as the physical change.

But none of it works without strong consensual kink dynamics. Communication isn’t optional—it’s essential. Partners set boundaries, agree on limits, and talk openly about what feels good (or doesn’t).

“Honesty, safety, and aftercare are non-negotiable in any kink scenario, including feederism,” says Tatyana Dyachenko. “Without trust, it stops being fun and starts being risky.”

Whether it’s a casual kink or a lifestyle, the most fulfilling feederism setups are built on clear communication and shared fantasies. In this space, pleasure and power always walk hand in hand.

Is Fat Fetishism Safe, Normal, or Healthy?

Let’s face it—fat fetishism often raises eyebrows. People wonder, “Is this normal? Is it even safe?” Fair questions. But like most kinks, the answers aren’t black and white.

First, yes—fat fetishism is normal in the sense that it’s a valid sexual preference. Being aroused by larger bodies or weight gain doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human, with your own unique wiring.

“Desire is deeply personal,” says Katie Lasson. “As long as it’s consensual, this kind of fat kink deserves the same respect as any other.”

Now, about health. If the fetish involves extreme weight gain, physical wellbeing should be part of the conversation. That doesn’t mean shame—it means awareness. Kinks can be exciting and thoughtful at the same time.

Mental and emotional health matter too. Is the fetish empowering, or is it rooted in unresolved issues or pressure? Good to reflect. Great to talk about it—with your partner, or even a kink-aware therapist.

Safe kink practices mean checking in regularly, setting boundaries, and being honest about limits. That’s what separates fantasy from harm.

“Responsibility and desire aren’t opposites,” adds Tatyana Dyachenko. “They’re the foundation of healthy, informed kink.”

So, is this kink “safe”? With trust, consent, and communication—it absolutely can be. That’s what makes it not only normal, but powerful.

Fat Fetishism in Media and Online Communities

The internet’s been a game-changer for kink visibility—and fat fetishism is no exception. If you're looking, you’ll find entire spaces built around this desire.

Sites like Feabie and dedicated feederism forums on Reddit offer hubs for people to connect, share, and explore openly. These aren’t just hookup spaces—they’re full-blown communities where users swap stories, tips, fantasies, and real-life updates.

In adult content, plus-size kink content is thriving. Whether you're into BBW fetish community videos, erotic weight gain fiction, or BHM fan pages, there’s something for every preference and curiosity.

But it’s not just porn. Body-positive influencers and artists are using platforms like Instagram, Only Fans, and Tumblr to challenge beauty standards and embrace erotic fatness.

Final Thoughts on Fat Fetishism

Maybe there's a mix of curiosity, relief, or even a bit of uncertainty bubbling up right now. That’s alright—desire can be messy, beautiful, and wildly misunderstood. This guide unpacked the layers of fat fetishism and feederism, offered clarity, validation, and a space to breathe. Kinks don’t need fixing—they need understanding. Every body, every fantasy, every craving deserves its place in the light.

Curious about more unique kinks? Explore our full guide of 239 fetishes here.