Taking Weight Out of the Equation: Unintended Harms of Weight-Focused Health Discourse in Schools

Abstract

Weight-neutral approaches emphasize improving individuals’ relationships with food and prioritizing emotional and physical well-being over the pursuit of a lower weight as well as support the reduction of stigma experienced by persons with larger bodies. Discourse about health in schools needs to consider students of all sizes as well as the complexities of the relationship that individuals develop with their bodies. A comprehensive school health (CSH) approach is fundamental to ensuring well-being for every body, including teachers and school staff. We offer concrete suggestions for approaching health discourse from a weight-neutral lens, thus optimizing the health of the entire school community.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Tingle

Elizabeth Tingle ([email protected]) is a research co-ordinator and sessional instructor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary in Calgary, AB, Canada.

Jessica F. Saunders

Jessica F. Saunders was a visiting assistant professor in the Hiatt School of Psychology at Clark University in Worcester, MA during the authorship of this article. She is now an assistant professor in the Psychology Convening Group at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ.

Sarah Nutter

Sarah Nutter is an assistant professor in educational psychology and leadership studies at the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Shelly Russell-Mayhew

Shelly Russell-Mayhew is a professor of counselling psychology in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.