Introducing a Weight-Inclusive Paradigm in Sport and Physical Education

Abstract

The increased focus on preventing obesity in physical education spaces often leads to weight-centric ideology and anti-fat attitudes that subject fat students to weight stigma and can reduce their enjoyment of and engagement in physical activity. To promote lifelong physical activity and health among students, physical educators must reexamine their beliefs regarding weight as an indicator of both health and capacity for physical activity. This article discusses common misconceptions about the relationship between weight, health, and physical activity and provides examples and resources for educators to create a more weight-inclusive physical education program.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alex Derbyshire

Alex Derbyshire ([email protected]) is a graduate student in the School of Kinesiology at California State University in Los Angeles, CA.

Saemi Lee

Saemi Lee is an associate professor in the School of Kinesiology at California State University in Los Angeles, CA.

Sierra Cordova

Sierra Cordova is an assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology at California State University in Los Angeles, CA.

George Crocker

George Crocker is an associate professor in the School of Kinesiology at California State University in Los Angeles, CA.

Luciana Zuest

Luciana Zuest is an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Towson University in Towson, MD.