Weight-centrism in psychology: Implications and new directions from the field of fat studies

ABSTRACT

The authors explore the field of psychology’s adherence to a weight-centric model of health and the implications for propagating weight bias in research, education, and practice. Invoking the field of fat studies, they then suggest ways of reducing weight bias in these domains via use of alternative methods and materials. In doing so, they highlight the weight-neutral Health At Every Size® paradigm as a potential means of guiding scholarship, teaching, and applied work in psychology and related behavioral health science fields.

KEYWORDS:

• Bias
• fat studies
• Health At Every Size
• psychology
• obesity
• weight

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Patti Lou Watkins

Patti Lou Watkins has developed and teaches Fat Studies and Women, Weight, and Body Image. Her research evaluates fat studies pedagogy and examines weight bias as it relates to body image, disordered eating, and physical activity.

Madison Rae Gerber

Madison Rae Gerber is student manager of the Women, Weight, and Body Image lab, director of Wellness Affairs for student government, and vice president of the Oregon State University chapter of Active Minds.