This article discusses the important topic of weight bias and present a number of strategies for practitioners to avoid weight bias while promoting physical activity. Weight bias refers to discriminatory attitudes toward individuals based on their body size and weight. These attitudes influence how people with obesity are treated. The article addresses the impact of weight bias on physical activity, how weight bias experiences can create barriers, and how knowing the facts about obesity and physical activity can help overcome bias.

WellSpring article (PDF, 4 pages)

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References (PDF, 1 page)

Other WellSpring Issues

USEFUL LINKS ON THIS WELLSPRING TOPIC

• Yale Rudd Center
  Information about weight bias and stigma, from the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.
• Self-Assessment Module in the Preventing Weight Bias: Helping without Harming in Clinical Practice
  A resource on the weight bias home page at the Yale Rudd Center.
• Inactivity Does Not Explain Canada’s Obesity Epidemic
  Online article posted on Dr. Arya M. Sharma’s website.