I'm actually with Arria on this one.

Are you just feeling self conscious about your own body because there are people out there who don't like the way you look? If you are having problems with the way you look, a hundred people saying that you look fine isn't going to make you feel any different. Perhaps you should seek support somewhere that specifically caters to people like you who look a certain way that is commonly considered as 'ugly' in todays day and age.

"The prejudice against fat seems to be deeply embedded in our society"

If you know this then why are you asking us such a question? Does our opinion really matter? We're only with you online. You have to 'live' with 'our society'. 100 people saying fat is okay doesn't hold a candle to the billions of people who says it's not. If you don't like the way you look either change it or get over it. This is a personal problem or yours and it's yours alone. I'm sorry but this kind of subject is the kind I cannot stand. It's best to keep neutral people out of it because no one likes hearing about how someone is having body image issues. You have to solve this problem on your own or with a support group. You shouldn't drag others into it.