Reducing Weight Bias

What is Weight Bias?

Weight Bias is the negative attitudes and beliefs about people based on their weight, size, shape, or appearance. There is weight bias in media, health care, schools, workplaces, and society.

Experiencing weight bias can negatively impact your health and well-being.

Bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All bodies deserve to be treated with respect and to receive care that is free of discrimination.

Reducing Weight Bias at School:

Weight-based teasing is the most common form of bullying in schools (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2018). Approximately 46% of youth in Ontario in grades 7-12 reported experiencing concerns related to food, weight, and body image (OSDUHS, 2022). Reducing weight bias in schools helps students to develop positive body image and improves student well-being and success.

Educators can create inclusive environments for all bodies by refraining from commenting negatively on bodies including their own. Keep conversations free of “diet talk” and teach students about natural body diversity which includes accepting, respecting, and celebrating our bodies. Include images of diverse bodies in books and media used and displayed in the classroom and teach students to critically assess media and cultural portrayals of bodies.

Learn more about how educators can support students’ body image and relationship with food with the following resources:

• Eating Disorders Ontario Prevention: How Schools Can Help
• Mental Health and Weight Bias in Schools (Ontario Dietitians in Public Health, 2020)
• 10 Ways to Create a Supportive Food Environment in Schools | français
• Nurturing Healthy Eaters in the Classroom (Ontario Dietitians in Public Health) | disponible en français

Reducing Weight Bias in other Settings

• Parents and Caregivers:
• Supporting your Child’s Relationship with Food and their Body
• Health Care Providers:
• Weight Bias Resources (Ontario Dietitians in Public Health)