What is Weight Bias?
Many people have different biases, race, gender, ethnicity, etc. But most people don’t recognize that many have biases based on weight too! But what is weight bias and how does it affect you? Weight bias is defined as negatively viewing someone based on their body weight or size.
Where does it occur?
So, where does weight bias occur? It can occur in many different places, but it usually starts at home, when family members tease you as a joke. When they go to school, they are bullied and teased by kids, and the teachers are no better — instantly slapping stereotypes on them. Even at work, weight bias is present. Those with higher body weight are first of all, less likely to get the job, and if they get in, they are stereotyped by their coworkers. They are less likely to get promoted and are usually the first to go when it comes the time to lay off on workers. Then, even in hospitals, doctors and nurses have biases toward heavier patients!
Effects of Weight Bias
But how does weight bias affect its victims? It can harm people both mentally, and physically! Some of the physiological disorders it can cause include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc. It can also lead to less exercise, binge eating, further weight gain, and even worse internalizing the weight bias, which means believing the bias is true and blaming it on yourself — which can lead to more severe effects.
Preventing Weight Bias
What are some ways you can help prevent weight bias? First, you can try to identify if you yourself may potentially have a bias. Then, we can help spread the word about this issue — the more people know about, the fewer people will do it! And finally, include policies about Weight Bias in work policies and other places! Remember, “Treat others the way you want to be treated!”
In summary, today we learned about how big of a problem weight bias is, and where and how it can happen. We also learned that this is a huge problem, causing harmful side effects. Along with that, you now know about how you can help prevent it! Help stop weight bias, one person at a time!
Sources: http://www.obesityaction.org/weight-bias-and-stigma https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5100338/ http://www.scope-elearning.org/enrollments/14712338/details