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Chapter 5 - Weight Stigma versus Weight Inclusivity

from Section II - The Journey Toward Positive Body Image

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2021

Nichole Wood-Barcalow ,
Tracy Tylka  and
Casey Judge
Nichole Wood-Barcalow
Affiliation:
Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center, Columbus, Ohio
Tracy Tylka
Affiliation:
Ohio State University
Casey Judge
Affiliation:
Ohio State University
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Summary

We are often evaluated and judged based on our body size and amount of body fat. We are pressured constantly by media to try to “shed that fat” and “firm up” to achieve a “healthy and attractive” body. Such media messages are fear-based and try to connect our body fat with poor health and appearance. Media want us to think, “the lower body fat we have, the better we look and feel.” After all, this mindset sells fat-loss products and exercise programs and equipment. However, research does not support the assertion that body fat causes poor health [1–4]. There are additional variables that impact the association between weight and health, such as weight stigma [5].

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Chapter
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Positive Body Image Workbook
A Clinical and Self-Improvement Guide
 , pp. 68 - 94
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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