Abstract:
Weight stigma refers to individuals' social devaluation and denigration due to their excess body weight, leading to negative attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. More than 40% of U.S. adults have reported experiencing a form of weight stigma. That stigma can lead to feelings of shame, depression, anxiety, unhealthy weight loss behaviours, and eating disorders. As healthcare professionals, it is up to us to create welcoming environments that are free from discrimination, and it starts with acknowledging our own biases. In this presentation, you will learn about weight stigma and how it impacts people of all sizes. You will also learn how to identify your own internalized biases and how you can overcome them to be a more inclusive medical provider and researcher.
