Breaking Down Weight Stigma: What It Is and Why It Matters
Today I want to to talk about something that impacts so many people but often flies under the radar - weight stigma. With Weight Stigma Awareness Week just around the corner, it's the perfect time to dive into this important topic.
So, what exactly is weight stigma? Simply put, it's the discrimination or negative attitudes toward people based on their body size. And it's everywhere - in healthcare, the media, workplaces, schools, even in our relationships. It can look like bias, shaming, or treating someone as "less than" just because of the size of their body. Weight stigma has been called “the last accepted form of discrimination” (though of course, this isn’t to invalidate or ignore the very real and ongoing experiences of discrimination faced by people in other marginalised groups!).
But Here’s the Thing - Weight Stigma Is NOT About Health
One of the biggest misconceptions about weight stigma is that it's somehow justified in the name of health. Spoiler alert: it's not. Research shows that shaming or discriminating against people because of their size does not lead to better health outcomes. In fact, it often does the opposite. People who experience weight stigma are subsequently more likely to avoid medical care, struggle with their mental health, and engage in behaviours that are detrimental to health.
Weight stigma is not just about hurt feelings; it's a real issue that can have serious physical and emotional consequences. And it affects people of all sizes. Even people in smaller bodies can feel the pressure of societal expectations about weight and body shape.
So, What Can We Do About It?
The good news is, we can start breaking down weight stigma in our daily lives. Here are a few ways to get started:
Challenge Your Own Biases: We all have biases, even if we don't realise it. Start by questioning the assumptions you make about people based on their appearance. Are you associating body size with health, success, or worthiness? It's time to unlearn those ideas.
Speak Up: When you hear someone make a joke or comment that's rooted in weight stigma, don’t let it slide. You don’t have to start a debate, but a simple, “Hey, that’s not cool,” can go a long way.
Be Kind to Your Own Body: The more compassion you show yourself, the more you can extend it to others. Let go of the idea that your worth is tied to your weight, and embrace the body you have today. This shift not only benefits you but can help create a more accepting environment for everyone.
Educate Yourself: There’s so much to learn about weight stigma and how it intersects with other forms of discrimination like racism, sexism, and ableism. Keep reading, keep learning, and stay open to new perspectives.
Let's Keep the Conversation Going
Weight stigma awareness isn’t just for a week - it’s a year-round conversation. As a therapist who works in the world of eating disorder treatment, I see firsthand how damaging weight stigma can be. But I also see the power of change when we start to challenge those deeply ingrained beliefs.
If you’re ready to dive into your own experiences of this topic, I’d love to connect. You can reach out through my website.
Let’s keep pushing for a world where all bodies are treated with dignity and respect, no matter their size.