The Real F-Word — Fighting Weight Bias During the 'War on Obesity'
This talk begins with a discussion of words that are commonly used for fat people and their inherent messages. Marilyn's personal story about becoming a fat activist brings home the real-life impact of such popular terminology. Next, the audience spends a few minutes doing the Speed Anthropology exercise, a lively brainstorming session designed to map stereotypes related to fat and thin. We name this big picture and consider its impact on us and its connections to other forms of bias. Marilyn guides audiences gently through the two main options people have when faced with weight bias: a traditional focus on weight and weight-loss goals or a social justice model that celebrates weight diversity and aims for Health At Every Size®. She shares her extensive knowledge of data, research, and community resources that support a shift in attitudes about weight. Audiences learn about the hidden costs of weight-negative belief systems and consider the potential benefits to personal satisfaction, productivity, and health from rejecting such thinking. The closing is a simple interaction that shows the power of intention and the possibility of being motivated by joy rather than fear.
Participants report feeling relief that weight pressures can be addressed productively, hopefulness about adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors, and empowerment to address weight bias and discrimination that they encounter. Read their testimonials. For more information, contact Marilyn directly.
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Participants report feeling relief that weight pressures can be addressed productively, hopefulness about adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors, and empowerment to address weight bias and discrimination that they encounter. Read their testimonials. For more information, contact Marilyn directly.
Return to talks page.