Weight bias: a call to action.
Weight-related issues (including excess weight, disordered eating and body concerns) are often considered as comprising distinct domains of 'obesity' and 'eating disorders'. In this commentary we argue that the concept of weight bias is an important variable when considering wellbeing across the spectrum of weight-related issues. We make the following six points in support of this argument: i) weight bias is common and has adverse health consequences, ii) shaming individuals for their body weight does not motivate positive behaviour change, iii) internalized weight bias is particularly problematic, iv) public health interventions, if not carefully thought out, can perpetuate weight bias, v) weight bias is a manifestation of social inequity, and vi) action on weight bias requires an upstream, population-level approach. To achieve sustainable reductions in weight bias at a population level, substantive modifications and collaborative efforts in multiple settings must be initiated. We provide several examples of population-level interventions to reduce weight bias.
Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, T2N 1N4 Calgary, AB Canada.
Angela S
AS
Alberga
Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, T2N 1N4 Calgary, AB Canada.
Shelly
S
Russell-Mayhew
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, T2N 1N4 Calgary, AB Canada.
Kristin M
KM
von Ranson
Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW Building, 3rd Floor, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, T2N 4Z6 Calgary, AB Canada.
Lindsay
L
McLaren
Eating behaviours; Overweight; Weight prejudice; Weight stigma