The supposed “comeback” of curves has been celebrated in the media by columnists and Hollywood fashion plates alike. But there’s a dark side to the plus-size party that’s been sweeping the fashion press lately.

It lives an ugly and uncensored life in the reader feedback section.

Exhibit A, a London Times article about “the Beth Ditto effect”:

“This article in a way is just making it OK for the fat girls not to lose weight. I think its [sic] horrible…”

“Are smokers and drunks trendy as well? Don’t spin unhealthy behaviour as OK. Almost all fat people eat too much and don’t exercise enough…. They aren’t cool and they aren’t funny.”

No matter how thrilled some people may be about the new plus-sized icons, others insist that big will never be beautiful. To an outspoken few (and probably a silent plenty), being fat is simply not okay.

How to explain this kind of Weight Watchers zealotry? Is it a knee-jerk repulsion? Or a “tough love” strategy to encouraging better health?

Probably more of the former. But there’s another angle on the fat acceptance counter-movement: Skinny envy is big business.

Just ask MeMe Roth.

Previously known for denouncing Girl Scout cookies and teenage American Idols, the founder and spokesperson for National Action Against Obesity has been creeping her way into the fashion world. Following her controversial profile in the January issue of Elle, the self-described health activist has been fighting for press clippings in news reports about plus-sized fashion.

Her shtick? That giving plus-sized women access to more fashion options encourages obesity.

A few weeks ago, Ms. Roth said Target and Forever 21′s decisions to offer plus-size clothing options for overweight teenagers is like being “on the Titanic and rather than forcing our children into the lifeboat, we’re telling them to join the band.”

By the way, the original Elle article is now proudly displayed under Meredith “MeMe” Roth on her LinkedIn page, which tells us that anti-fat activism is MeMe’s second career. Her first? Public relations.

Whether it’s turning tabloid photos into television time or pulling stunts such as vandalizing the free sundae table at her local YMCA (for which she was arrested), Ms. Roth is a bona fide expert at getting media attention. And she knows how to use it.

This June, she will complete her certification in Health Counseling. Could plus-sized young women be her target clientele?

If women of size get better access to fashion and felt good about wearing it, business won’t exactly be booming at MeMe Roth, CHC:  Health Counselor, Integrative Nutrition.

Ms. Roth seems to think she’s doing right by overweight women. But in reality, she’s working hard to cultivate her very own skinny-industrial complex.