How to Reduce Weight Bias Among Students
Educate students about the multiple causes of obesity
(Genetic, biological, environmental & behavioral factors all contribute to obesity)
Emphasize positive associations with obese people (De-bunk negative stereotypes that place blame and stigma on obese individuals)
Increase awareness of how the media perpetuates negative body image and bias (The media communicates unrealistic ideals of thinness, and stereotypes overweight individuals)
Use examples of weight bias to evoke empathy in your students (Discuss examples of weight bias among youth, and encourage students to intervene and stand up for their peers)
Be sensitive to situations of potential embarrassment for overweight students (Are the desks or chairs in your classroom large enough to accommodate your overweight students?)
Do not allow weight-based teasing in your classroom (Be a role model and promote awareness of weight bias in your classroom by enforcing this policy)
Question your own assumptions and use of language about weight
(Be aware of disparaging comments about your own or other people’s weight, such as “These pants make me look fat”. Challenge your own assumptions about body weight).
Intervene to reduce teasing of overweight students
(Be alert to both overt and subtle forms of peer harassment that occur in the classroom and on the schoolyard, and intervene when you see weight-based teasing)
Encourage overweight students to succeed in school activities
(Encourage students of all weights to participate in sports teams, student council, and extracurricular activities)
Include examples of overweight role models in your teaching
(Help your students challenge weight-based stereotypes and learn that many overweight individuals are successful and accomplish important goals)
Treat the importance of weight tolerance as you would racial or religious tolerance
Emphasize the importance of HEALTH, rather than being thin
(The goal for all children is improved health through physical activity and healthy eating, regardless of their weight.)