Shouted at, spat at and even attacked, overweight people are campaigning for laws to protect them. Why is "fattism" seen by many as an acceptable prejudice?
"You big fat pig" is all Marsha Coupe heard before she was kicked in the stomach and punched in the face.
The 53-year-old businesswoman says she was sitting in an almost empty train carriage in the early evening when she was kicked, punched and shouted at for taking up two seats.
Her attacker was pulled off by another passenger and restrained, but got off at the next stop before the police arrived.
It might surprise some people that the person doing the kicking and punching was a middle-aged woman, who was also travelling alone. But it might not stun those who are already significantly overweight.
"Fat people are fair game for everyone," says Ms Coupe, who weighs 22 stone (139kg). "Yes, I've had beer cans thrown at me by youngsters, but the abuse doesn't just come from the obvious places.
"The normal rules about behaviour, respect and common courtesy don't apply to us."
The rise of what could be called "fattism" is being met with a backlash from those who are affected, triggering a nascent rights movement. Read more...
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