Day 13: Weight Bias

Today’s entry was written by Ann Arbor YMCA, one of our Equity Challenge Community Group Partner Organizations. Learn more about the Ann Arbor YMCA at the bottom of this entry.

Weight bias is a prejudicial attitude toward people based on the size of their body, usually directed toward people with larger bodies. This bias can look like judgments about a person’s weight, assumptions of laziness, believing it is an issue of choice or self-control, and other negative beliefs. The National Institute of Health describes weight bias as “a socially acceptable form of prejudice today.” Research has even shown that weight bias is tied to racist beliefs. We’ll talk more about this in Day 15 focused on anti-fatness in health care. care.

Beyond personal belief and prejudice, weight bias is a systemic issue that negatively impacts the health and wellbeing of people in our community. Below are a few examples of stereotypes about health and weight:

• Larger bodies are not inherently less healthy than smaller bodies. In fact, several studies have shown that how often someone engages in movement is a better predictor of physical wellbeing than weight.

• While weight is not correlated with negative health outcomes, experiencing weight stigma is. People who have experienced weight stigma are at a higher risk of negative physical health outcomes such as chronic disease, depression, eating disorders and lower self-esteem.

• Seeing weight as a choice ignores systemic issues such as a lack of access to healthy foods, ability to access spaces and activities that promote movement, or even having the time to engage in movement.

• Experienced weight-based discrimination may lead to people to feel unsafe in fitness centers, public parks and other events and spaces focused on movement or physical activity, where unwanted comments are common.

Everyone in our community deserves to experience a sense of belonging and to have access to a variety of spaces without fear of harassment and prejudice.

The Ann Arbor YMCA is a charitable association of adults and children joined by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of children and teens, promoting healthy living, and supporting our neighbors. Each day, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the chance to learn, grow and thrive. The Ann Arbor YMCA’s mission is to put our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into action through facilities and programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Reflect And Share

1. How do you feel after today’s challenge?
2. What is something you need to learn more about?
3. In reflecting on the action item above, how has weight bias and stigma impacted you in your life? Where did it come from? How can you counter it?