[Article uses words like “obesity” and “overweight”]

Broader issues regarding inclusion of diverse bodies can be explained by a number of systemic shortcomings. Even if youth work is very much hands-on, looking at the bigger picture is required to tackle these issues more effectively.

Among activists and feminists we often mention term oppression – prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority (1). And indeed, the injustice towards bodies that do not fit into a certain societal standard is often cruel, even if it is not officially recognized.

In the context of body shape and size we also work with particular terms like ageism, lookism, sizeism, healthism and weight bias (or fatphobia). You can learn more about each of these in the Glossary we created, but in short they all refer to interconnected forms of discrimination and prejudice based on one or other aspect of the body (age, size, looks, health, and weight).

Namely, the common variable is that certain types of bodies are considered as more worthy than others. The primary focus of the following paragraphs will be weight bias and sizeism, but when reading consider the intersectionality (2) too – body shaming and discrimination can take place in many more, similar and overlapping, contexts. 

Stereotypes and exclusion

It unfolds in the daily lives of both – those with bodies that do not fit the “norm” as well as through cultivating fear of those in “normative” bodies for a possibility of becoming marginalized for these reasons. Through widespread narratives and imagery certain bodies are more desirable, capable, or worthy, while stigmatizing others as lazy, unhealthy, or unattractive (3).

Such stereotypes, consciously or unconsciously, reinforce exclusion in education, workplace, and social life. According to WHO, school-aged children with obesity are 63% more likely to be bullied, 54% of adults with obesity say they have faced stigma from co-workers, and 69% of adults with obesity report experiencing stigma from health care professionals (4).

Meanwhile, explicit bullying and harassment is common, but oftentimes overlooked when talking about body shape and size (5). Actually, weight bias and stigma is often still viewed as a socially acceptable form of discrimination (6). 

Systemic shortcomings

Even though more and more people are talking about body shape and size discrimination, there are still very few laws or other measures that protect young people from being treated unfairly because of their size. Even though discrimination on any grounds is prohibited by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, specific mentions in national laws are scarce.

Currently only City Human Rights Policy of Reykjavik considers prejudice and discrimination based on physique a social injustice which needs to be combated (7). In some other countries discrimination based on health status, disability, and physical appearance might be included in policies, but it does not offer a universal protection for those living in bigger bodies unless their health status or weight has legally granted them a status of disability.

The discussion is still gaining momentum, and we expect that change towards size and shape inclusivity is imminent in the near future. Nonetheless, there are a row of barriers that have to be overcome to move closer to it. For example:

• Lack of awareness—many people don’t recognize weight bias as a real issue.
• Widespread acceptance of body shaming—negative stereotypes about different bodies remain common.
• Misinformation about weight and health—narratives about the “obesity epidemic” often blame individuals and reinforce stigma.
• Limited representation—larger bodies are still excluded from media, fashion, advertising, and public spaces.
• Few legal protections—there are almost no formal policies or support mechanisms to address body shape and size discrimination.

Each of these might be taken as a topic in itself, but one is clear – the road towards a world where everybody can live shame-free and joyful lives is going to be complex and long. In our work of Body Liberation Network we start with research and youth work, but in our channels you will find lots of inspiring examples from other fields too!

References:

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppression
2. interconnectedness of social categories, all of which shape an individual’s experiences and opportunities.
3. Aparicio-Martinez, P., Perea-Moreno, A. J., Martinez-Jimenez, M. P., Redel-Macías, M. D., Pagliari, C., & Vaquero-Abellan, M. (2019). Social media, thin-ideal, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes: An exploratory analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(21), 4177.
4. World Health Organization. (2017). Weight bias and obesity stigma: considerations for the WHO European Region (No. WHO/EURO: 2017-5369-45134-64401). World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe.
5. Lewis, S., Thomas, S. L., Blood, R. W., Castle, D. J., Hyde, J., & Komesaroff, P. A. (2011). How do obese individuals perceive and respond to the different types of obesity stigma that they encounter in their daily lives? A qualitative study. Social science & medicine, 73(9), 1349-1356.
6. Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D. (2003). Psychosocial origins of obesity stigma: toward changing a powerful and pervasive bias. Obesity reviews, 4(4), 213-227.
7. https://reykjavik.is/en/human-rights-policy 

This article was created within an Erasmus+ funded project Microlearning for Body Liberation, contract No. 2024-1-LV02-KA210-YOU-000247374. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or The Agency For International Programs For Youth in Latvia (JSPA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.