Ever heard of fat-shaming? It's a new trend gone viral - WFSB 3 Connecticut

It's called fat-shaming. A controversial new trend that's talking social media by storm. The concept? Shame overweight people online into losing weight.

Danielle Harbula could hardly believe it when I told her about the eyebrow raising practice.

"The fact that there's even a week for fat shaming is mind blowing," she said. "I think it's really sad that we can go ahead and just judge someone right away and say that person eats too much, they're overweight. They need to change their life."

Fat-shaming has exploded on Twitter --with some even claiming this is Fat-Shaming Week.

"Obesity is a detriment to society and deserves shame. Fat people are lazy and irresponsible and it's costing all of us dearly" read one tweet.

Another tweeter fired back writing, "In response to #FatShamingWeek I declare next week #BodyConfidenceWeek."

But Dr. Preeti Matkins of Carolinas Healthcare System, who works with young people dealing with all kinds of issues including obesity, says we should call it what it really is.

"I don't even want to call it fat shaming," she said. It's bullying."

Dr. Matkins also says it's just not an effective way to motivate anyone overweight.

"One, shame doesn't always work," she pointed out. "Two, if it was easy as eat less and move more, I think a lot of people would be at a healthier place."

More fallout from fat-shaming? A picture posted by a California mom on Facebook with the headline, 'What's your excuse?' It went viral with thousands accusing her of fat-shaming.

Dr. Matkins understands the mom was trying to inspire -- but offers a different take.

"Maybe if she said, what's your priority right now," she said.

Back to Harbula, who agrees and says everyone's story is different.

"I don't think people are making excuses to not lose weight, I think everybody finds different motivations to lose their weight," she said.

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