Take Action.
Explore our community-created action items. These materials are designed to encourage action through education. From raising awareness to becoming an advocate, collaboration is how we fuel conversations and drive change.
Awareness
Raise
Weight Stigma Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of weight bias and promote body positivity. Here are some actionable ideas to help make a difference during this week:
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Organize Workshops:
Host workshops or webinars on weight stigma, its effects, and ways to combat it. Invite experts, such as healthcare professionals, psychologists, or advocates, to share their insights.
Panel Discussions:
Arrange discussions with individuals who have experienced weight bias, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to provide a well-rounded perspective on the issue.
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Social Media Campaigns:
Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share information, personal stories, and resources about weight stigma. Create engaging content like infographics, videos, and testimonials.
Hashtags:
Promote specific hashtags related to weight stigma awareness, such as #WeightStigmaAwareness or #BodyPositivity, to help spread the message and encourage community engagement.
Download the Toolkit here.
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Support Groups:
Facilitate support group meetings for those affected by weight stigma to share their experiences and strategies for coping.
Public Talks:
Host talks or Q&A sessions in community centers, libraries, or other public spaces to educate people about the consequences of weight bias and ways to address it.
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Distribute Resources:
Provide pamphlets, brochures, and fact sheets about weight stigma to local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers.
Resource Lists:
Compile and share lists of books, articles, and websites that offer valuable information about weight stigma and body positivity. See our list of resources as an example here.
Read and share the WSAW Impact Council White Paper.
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School Activities:
Work with schools to implement anti-bullying programs that include weight-based bullying. Encourage schools to organize activities that promote body positivity and self-acceptance.
Workplace Training:
Advocate for or organize training sessions in workplaces to address weight bias and promote inclusivity. Ensure anti-harassment policies are reviewed and updated if needed.
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Petitions and Letters:
Start or support petitions advocating for anti-discrimination laws that include weight bias. Write letters to local and state legislators to encourage them to support such legislation.
Meet with Officials:
Arrange meetings with policymakers to discuss the impact of weight stigma and the need for supportive legislation.
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Press Releases:
Send press releases to local media about Weight Stigma Awareness Week and the importance of addressing weight bias. Highlight upcoming events and educational opportunities.
Media Appearances:
Participate in interviews or write guest columns for newspapers, blogs, or online magazines to raise awareness and share personal or expert perspectives on weight stigma.
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Art Exhibits:
Collaborate with artists to create exhibits that highlight the impact of weight stigma and celebrate body diversity.
Photo Challenges:
Launch photo challenges that encourage people to share images celebrating body diversity and positive self-image, using specific hashtags to increase visibility.
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Promote Positive Stories:
Share and amplify stories of individuals who are making a difference in combating weight stigma or who are embracing body positivity.
Highlight Allies:
Recognize and celebrate individuals, organizations, or businesses that are actively working to reduce weight bias and promote inclusivity.
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Encourage Reflection:
Provide opportunities for individuals to reflect on their own attitudes and biases related to weight. Offer resources or workshops on how to engage in self-reflection and personal growth.
Promote Self-Care:
Encourage practices that support mental and emotional well-being, such as mindfulness, journaling, or counseling, to help individuals navigate the challenges associated with weight stigma.
Become a Champion of Body Liberation at Your Organization
Organizations can lead the way in promoting weight stigma awareness through donations, education, training, inclusive policies, and public campaigns, fostering a more compassionate and supportive environment for all.
Educate and Advocate
Weight Stigma will only be eradicated if we take the time to make changes in the way we think and talk about larger bodied/fat people. Here are some suggestions to get started:
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When discussing individuals who are larger bodied, choose language that reflects dignity and respect. Terms like "larger bodied" or "higher weight" are often preferred. Some people may refer to themselves as “fat” as there is a movement to take back the word and end its use as a derogatory term. Ask the person to which you are speaking about their preference. Your choice of words can set a positive example and foster a more inclusive environment.
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Weight-based teasing or "fat jokes" are hurtful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. If you witness such behavior, speak up with kindness. Let those involved know that these jokes can be damaging and contribute to a culture of stigma.
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If you encounter weight bias from family or friends, express how their comments or actions affect you. Open a dialogue about the impact of their words, and emphasize the importance of respect and understanding.
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Inform those around you about the negative effects of weight bias and discrimination. Understanding the consequences of both can help change attitudes and behaviors.
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If you have school-age children, check whether their school has anti-bullying policies that include protection against weight-based bullying. If not, consider discussing this with school administrators to ensure that all students are protected from such bias.
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Examine your workplace’s anti-harassment policies. Ensure they address weight bias and protect employees from mistreatment due to their body size. Advocate for policy improvements if necessary to create a more equitable and supportive work environment.
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When interacting with healthcare professionals, clearly express your preferences regarding how weight is discussed. Share your past experiences with stigmatizing language and request that your weight be addressed respectfully and sensitively. If you do not want your weight discussed, make this clear to the provider.
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Be vigilant about weight bias in media portrayals. If you encounter negative stereotypes or biased representations, speak out against them. Use your voice to advocate for more accurate and respectful media depictions.
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Some states are considering laws to prohibit weight discrimination. Supporting these legislative efforts can make a significant difference. Consider reaching out to your local or state legislators or NAAFA.org to express your support for policies that combat weight bias and promote fairness.
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Specific findings and details of the study can be found in the following published research article:
Puhl, R.M., Himmelstein, M.S., Gorin, A.A., Suh, Y.J. (2017). Missing the target: Including perspectives of women with overweight and obesity to inform stigma-reduction strategies. Obesity Science & Practice. DOI: 10.1002/osp4.101