The effects of body shape and size discrimination are undeniable. When people experience bias, stigma, and exclusion over time, it takes a serious toll on their well-being. Which in turns affect their mental health and participation.
A concept to learn in this context is internalization – the process of absorbing societal standards and applying them to oneself. When people are repeatedly subjected to body shaming and discrimination, they often begin to believe these harmful messages, which can damage their self-esteem, body image, and overall mental and physical health.
For example, young people who are teased or bullied about their weight are at a higher risk for mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and low self-worth. Research shows that young boys and girls who experience weight-based teasing are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts compared to those who do not.
Weight stigma can also lead to unhealthy eating habits, such as emotional eating, disordered eating behaviors, and extreme dieting. Additionally, it can discourage physical activity, making movement feel like a source of shame rather than joy. Many young people avoid gym class, sports, or other physical activities out of fear of being judged or ridiculed.
Participation
These interconnected issues shape how individuals engage with the world, often restricting their ability to fully participate in everyday life. For young people, in particular, participation is crucial for growth and empowerment. When people internalize weight stigma, they may withdraw from activities where they feel their bodies will be scrutinized, such as public speaking, creative expression, social events, and even dating.
This self-consciousness can delay emotional development and social skills, making it harder for individuals to confidently express themselves. They are being held back from opportunities that foster confidence, connection, and self-discovery, that causes serious consequences for their later lives too.
One way to address these issues is through education and awareness campaigns that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote diversity of bodies.
Currently the development in this context is still very slow, but there are opportunities that us as youth workers, educators and activists can take to create meaningful change.
Schools, workplaces, and media outlets can take part in shifting the narrative by embracing size-inclusive policies and representation. In the long run we should be aiming at implementing anti-discrimination laws and workplace protections that can help reduce weight-based bias.
On a personal level, fostering supportive communities where people can share their experiences and access mental health resources is essential in counteracting the damaging effects of body shape and size discrimination.
In our article about micro activism you can also read about other ways how anybody can contribute even without specific expertise. Only one thing is clear – the issue is too large to ignore or to solve without joining our forces.
Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash
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.
